166.8
8 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5556043200
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
IS THIS HOW LEGENDARY EVENTS BEGIN?
THERE ARE LEGENDARY QUESTS that start with an individual's personal need to accomplish something big, from there a few friends get roped in...
... then all a the sudden athletes are shelling out cash and puttin in the time.
Cuz it sounds insane.
I mean think of it...
- John and Judy Collins and triathlon
- Henri Desgrange and Le Tour
- Steve Hill and his son Dan with friend Tanner Bell and Ragnar
... a handful of people capturing the imaginations of millions.
Which brings me to today.
We have now attempted the Surf N Summit 6 times...
- Failed due to 112º+ temps
- Failed due to a freak snow storm
- Late night finish, two rescued off the mountain
- Evening finish in the dark, 30% attrition
- All finishers before sunset, 30% attrition
- Failed due to tropical storm
... 50% failure, and 30% attrition when we do complete the quest.
We had a really good group today.
All were riding strong.
Had the storm not rolled in I'm convinced we all would have finished, we'd already knocked out...
- 101 miles
- 11000' of vert
- ave speed 13m/h
... we were on pace, one final 4000' climb remained.
But, getting stuck at
- 10,000'
- no cell service
- in lycra
- powerful winds
- driving rain
- mud
- plummeting temps
- in the dark
... just didn't seem all that appealing.
shouldawouldacoulda
Some firsts for this year...
- two outta staters
- power outage at the VRBO
- lotsa friends rolling out for first 30 miles
... made it a lot of run.
Let me expand on my review of the Silca tires...
- a ton of downhill PRs
- great speed across the valley
- a few PRs uphill
... they're reallyreally fast.
Oh, back to the question...
- difficult to finish
- battling the elements
- demanding the best equipment
... is this how legendary events begin?
Maybe we'll see ya next year.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
730ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
92/115/-24 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE LAST SUPPER, AGAIN...
FOR SOME OF US, the night before the big quest can be rough. Tossin' and turnin' and bathroomin'. Will we ever get to sleep, followed by...
... oh crud, what is that annoying sound.
The alarm,
ya dummy.
But, just before that all goes down...
... is the last supper.
Let that sink in ya (me) religious weirdos.
Frankly, some dinners are better than others...
- good food
- geeking out on the prep
- filling in the gaps for the uninitiated.
... and tonight is one of my all time faves.
When faced with the biggest ride of the year...
- 123 miles
- 15000' of vert
- 12 hours to beat the sunset
... there' really nothing like.
A convo stuffed...
... with passion and angst.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
8ish hours sleep620 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
84/73/11 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: HIdden Order, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FOR THE LOVE OF IT
THE BIGGEST, CRAZIEST CHALLENGES we go after are generally fueled by our truest passion. The accomplishment happens...
... because it calls to our souls.
We've gotta do it.
Which is how the Surf N Summit came about.
For years, I'd dreamed and schemed of how to ride from Dana Point to Big Bearlll
- gravel bikes happened
- discovery of a 40 mile bike trail
- connecting an abandoned logging road to a gravel route
... while keeping to a minimum using public roads.
It's the same thing with our super fun business...
- Italian fabrics
- Patterns we designed - printed, cut and sewn here
- On demand with no minimums.
... making the apparel and gear I always wanted.
Because that allows us - you and me - to get our create juices flowing and create special designs that mean something to us...
... and inspire and memorialize our adventures.
Take this year's Surf N Summit kit in pic above...
- hi viz camo jersey because it's literally hunting season in the mountains
- dark green bibs to compliment the forest environment
- hi viz accessories to complete the look
... which is honestly one of my all time favorite designs.
If you've got a hankering to make something special for your upcoming quest,
let's make it happen.
Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
Katie wanted a suit to train for Ironman
Kurt wanted a kit for Good Dirt
Kimberly wanted a bag to match her kit.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
8ish hours sleep620 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
87/87/0 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: HIdden Order, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
AFTER READING THE REVIEWS and listening to the infoolencers, we pull the trigger on a new gizmo...
... hoping it's all it's cracked up to be.
Making us better.
Faster.
Which is exactly what I did with the new Silca Protocol gravel tires.
I went with the RCG-1 50mm, which is about as knobby as my Conti Terra Speed 45mm on the center...
... with much bigger knobs on the sides.
Here are my initial impressions...
- super lightweight
- very thin casing
- easy to mount
- aired up to my usual 20lbs, very smooth and fast
- noticeably better grip turning in the loose stuff
... after one ride.
Tomorrow, I'm going to test the Silca recommended pressure...
- Rear 25.5 lbs
- Front 24.5 lbs
... per their online calculator.
Distilling it down the tires...
- feel very fast
- need to explore their limits cornering
- a little nervous about durability over nasty rocks
... could be a significant improvement over the Terra Speeds.
It's always a little nerve-racking to leave behind a tested, proven product that has led to much success...
... which is what makes searching for our limits constantly fascinating.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
87/87/0 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BUT, THE WEATHER...
WE'RE ALL ALWAYS LOOKING at the predicted weather for our upcoming event. Some us of with angst...
... some of us with lust.
Where do you land?
Asking because Chicago Marathon just announced less than ideal conditions for raceday.
Now, for those looking to...
- to finish their first marathon
- complete Chicago
- PR
... that means something.
For those looking to:
- win
- podium
- beat their friends
... it might mean something altogether different.
Depends on what where made of,
what we know about ourselves,
more importantly...
... what stories we tell ourselves.
Me personally, tell me it's gonna be awful and...
... I think of what the great Jocko Willink would say.
Good.
Gonna be hot, good.
Others will wilt.
Gonna be cold, good.
Others will freeze.
Gonna be muddy, good.
Others will bog down.
Why is that my goto response?
Probably because at this point I've faced it all,
plowed through the truly sucky.
Attitude counts, for sure.
But, experience,
that's like building an asset.
Still looking to be heinously hot for the SurfNSummit on Saturday...
- 123 miles
- 15,000'
- 12 hrs
... Good.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
570 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
88/92/-5 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
REFRAMING EASY DAYS
WHEN THE EASY DAY is on the schedule, we kit up, check ourselves out in the mirror and wink...
... time to go easy.
Most of us,
most of the time,
utterly fail to hit the mark.
We go way beyond.
Why?
Because we are endure-ance athletes,
and if we ain't enduring,
we aren't satisfied.
Some of us could use a reframe, and as the great Scott Adams taught...
... a reframe does not need to be logical or fully true. It only needs to work.
Here's one that works for me.
Usual frame: Easy days are a waste of valuable time, so...
... Imma gunna go sorta kinda easy.
Reframe: Easy days done properly set up the hard days for maximum execution and benefit, so...
... Imma gonna go super easy.
===
163.4 lbs/12.3%
8ish hours sleep
570 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
86/82/3 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BEWARE THE SELF-COACHED ATHLETE
WHEN SOMEONE "comes outta nowhere" we interested in where they came from, for sure. But, what we're really dying to know...
... is how the heck they did it.
Take Vinny Mauri.
Never heard of him?
Of course not, no one in the marathon world had either...
... until he recently put down a 2:05 marathon.
His first crack it...
... fourth fastest time by an American, ever.
How?
Well, he's self-coached...
- most of his training is on a Planet Fitness treadmill
- clipping along at a 5 min/mile pace
- for hours at a time
... with a very unique approach.
Like, insanely unique.
That 2:05 was at a small time event,
no competition,
no pacers.
What does the future hold for him?
Better yet...
... where are we delivering sub-par performances because our training and thinking is stuck in tradition?
Get the details here: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2026/10/after-one-of-the-most-insane-marathon-buildups-ever-how-fast-can-strava-legend-vinny-mauri-run-at-the-chicago-marathon/
===
163.4 lbs/12.3%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
90/103/-14 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
HOT IN, SO HOT IN...
WHEN WE KNOW SOMETHING WORKS, it's hard to imagine a completely different pathway yielding the same results...
... even when we see them in real life.
Take altitude training.
Athletes from all kinds of sports go to camps high in the mountains to gain the benefits of training high in the mountains...
... mainly, more red blood cells delivered to working muscles.
Today, I was deep into suffering through the heat wave plaguing us right now...
... miles from home.
Dying.
Not dying...
... wilting a slow, agonizing demise.
Why?
Cuz I'm an idiot, and cuz...
... the heatwave is gunna last all week.
Potentially, into our epic SurfNSummit...
- 123 miles
- 15000 of vert
- 12ish hours of adventure
... next Saturday.
I wanna try and heatproof myself.
The other reason is purely inspired by our current World Road Champion Brandon McNulty...
- expand blood plasma
- lower HR and core temps at a given pace
- with a rise in hemoglobin mass similar to short camps
... who shuns the altitude days in favor of the blistering Arizona summer heat.
===
I wasn't a total idiot...
... stopped twice for a popsicle and ice in my bottles.
Still smoked when I arrived to our airconditionless casa.
===
161.8 lbs/12.3%
7.5ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 1 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
90/103/-14 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW'S EVERYTHING GOING?
WE QUESTION SO MUCH when focusing on getting the most out of our efforts to improve. The infoolencers on the socials, the clickbait ads...
... the local hero dropping hints of how it's done.
But, here's the real question.
And, I bring that up because I was inspired to reach out to a number of friends with a simple text...
... How's it going?
It's a heart felt question,
and it solicited answers like...
- Let's chat, it'll be good to talk
- All good, working through challenges with aging parents
- Howdy! Everything is good... just taking a break after a busy summer of racing
... to Dude just calling me right back and yakityyaking for 20 minutes.
I posted this on X...
... Is logging time on social media essentially infidelity in my marriage?
'Cuz honestly...
... are we (me) paying attention to what's going on in the lives of those we profess to love?
Before you reply How's it going Old Diesel?...
- connecting with God often
- family is amazing and growing
- biz is up 18% on the year, but I gotta up my value delivery to hit the annual goal I set
- I'm still a ways off from: sub-160 lbs, 10 pullup and 50 pushups in a row, but I'll get there
... consider this your invitation to let me know how things are going for you,
and check in on a few friends.
Sometimes we get to ask in person, like today when I ran into...
... "young" Kevin Vermaerke in his UAE kit on the road.
How's it going?
Great, just got back from Canada.
Which reminds me, a lot of are feeling extra patriotic after Brandon's killer V.
... this kit is rad in person, and when you purchase Jersey and Bibs you save 15%.
WE QUESTION SO MUCH when focusing on getting the most out of our efforts to improve. The infoolencers on the socials, the clickbait ads...
... the local hero dropping hints of how it's done.
But, here's the real question.
And, I bring that up because I was inspired to reach out to a number of friends with a simple text...
... How's it going?
It's a heart felt question,
and it solicited answers like...
- Let's chat, it'll be good to talk
- All good, working through challenges with aging parents
- Howdy! Everything is good... just taking a break after a busy summer of racing
... to Dude just calling me right back and yakityyaking for 20 minutes.
I posted this on X...
... Is logging time on social media essentially infidelity in my marriage?
'Cuz honestly...
... are we (me) paying attention to what's going on in the lives of those we profess to love?
Before you reply How's it going Old Diesel?...
- connecting with God often
- family is amazing and growing
- biz is up 18% on the year, but I gotta up my value delivery to hit the annual goal I set
- I'm still a ways off from: sub-160 lbs, 10 pullup and 50 pushups in a row, but I'll get there
... consider this your invitation to let me know how things are going for you,
and check in on your top 3 friends.
Sometimes we get to ask in person, like today when I ran into...
... "young" Kevin Vermaerke in his UAE kit on the road.
How's it going?
Great, just got back from Canada.
Which reminds me, a lot of are feeling extra patriotic after Brandon's killer V.
... this kit is rad in person, and when you purchase Jersey and Bibs you save 15%.
===
162 lbs/12.4%
7.5ish hours sleep
600 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
87/92/-5 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
CLARITY AND DISCIPLINE
WHEN WE ARE NEW to endurance sports we start off with a lot of enthusiasm. Learning all kinds of new skills and tricks, wanting to...
... go as far and fast as possible.
Our commitment shocks the onlookers.
We aren't just new to the sport...
... we are new.
Comments like, You sure have a lot of discipline are common.
Flattering.
But, do we?
Have a lot of discipline?
Discipline is for children...
... we have clarity.
We don't say No to cake...
... we say Yes to ripping on raceday.
===
163.2 lbs/12.5%
8sh hours sleep
640ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 96 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
88/98/-10 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
NOW THIS IS BEAUTIFUL
THE BEAUTY OF THE UCI WORLD CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS is a combination of things which I really appreciate and enjoy, and...
... one thing stands out among all that is different.
Communication.
No race radios.
It makes for way better racing, and we can understand the challenges because...
... it's exactly how we race on the amateur level.
Be it the local group ride or pinning number on.
We have our heads on a swivel, and we're paying attention to everything that's happening and...
- no update from the car
- no teammate telling us they are otb
- no braintrust analyzing all the data points for us
... we are making decisions based on intuition and experience.
Which makes the USA's win...
- Simmons setting it all up early on going in a long range break
- Jorgensen sucking the life from all contenders
- McNulty soloing in for the win at 32k to go
... a truly beautiful thing.
Oh that all pro racing was that way.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8sh hours sleep
640ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
89/101/-13 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE WE EATING TOO MUCH?
IN THE MAD DASH to fuel for, and the recovery from, the next heavy training session, is it possible we might overdoing it...
... to our detriment?
I mean, look around.
For a herd of endurance athletes...
... are we gazelles or elephants, or somewhere in between?
The reason I'm asking is today, after a fairly rigorous start...
- 5:30 am start, as always underslept, normal rise is around 6am.
- 60 miles, 5000' of vert, 225w Normalized (good for me)
- over an hour at threshold or above
... I felt unusually awesome.
What I did was...
- Ate light dinner vs a bunch of extra carbs
- Pre-ride skipped the oatmeal in favor of 3 Trader Joe's peanut butter cups.
- Got home, pounded a Fair Life chocolate milk vs. a pile of Kodiak cakes and a smoothie.
... not on purpose or as a test.
Just life.
Hanging out with one of the grands all evening before.
Getting home to a work crew taking over the downstairs and clearing out amidst the chaos so I could get some work done.
Results are in...
- slept amazing
- had awesome energy all morning
- and cranked out a buncha work before noon
... and I'm asking a legit question.
Am I eating too much?
===
163.8lbs/12.5%
7sh hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
89/109/-20 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT IS AN EVENT SO GOOD WE WOULD PAY TO HOST?
THE BEST EVENTS OFTEN START WITH NEED AND PASSION, or both. They grow organically from there until...
... they are famous and selling out.
What would be one so good we'd be willing to bankroll it ourselves?
Free entry.
That was the question on a recent Founders podcast.
It got me thinking the...
- lots of people I'd want to hang out with
- and be challenged and stimulated by
- share the experience with
- add in some killer eats
- outrageous awards
- swarm of vendors
... things that would be worth it.
That's the kind of event I'd be interested in putting together.
In the meantime...
- parting with our cash to help finance it
... isn't that what we are basically doing when we register for any event?
===
163.8lbs/12.5%
8sh hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
86/90/-5 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TWO NOTEBOOKS
DOCUMENTING OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS is something many of us do. Whether it's a framed race photo, or race numbers with medals on the mantle...
... if it matters, keep it memorable.
What about the future?
Do we document that?
Each morning I bust out two notebooks...
- just after reading something uplifting
- meditating on it
- before all else
... one for imaging the future, one for the todos.
The dumb ideas get axed,
the good ones have a shot at life.
The tasks get completed and crossed out,
the survivors either get done or killed.
What does that have to do with racing, life?
Everything.
===
Deeper Dive
To image the future is to deliberately build a picture of what has not happened yet so that picture can shape what you do now.
It is not fortune-telling and it is not daydreaming. It is the constructive work of taking pieces of memory, observation, values, and desire and assembling them into a scene, a feeling, or a story of a possible tomorrow.
How the mind actually does it
Your brain uses the same machinery for remembering the past and picturing the future. It pulls familiar people, places, objects, and emotions out of storage and rearranges them into events that have never occurred. Neuroscientists call this constructive episodic simulation. People who lose the ability to recall personal memories often also lose the ability to vividly imagine their own future.
There are at least four related modes:
- Simulation — constructing a specific scene (“I see myself finishing the climb, breathing steadily”).
- Prediction — estimating likelihood.
- Intention — deciding what you want.
- Planning — laying out the steps.
They usually operate together.
Why the pictures matter
Sociologist Fred Polak argued that the images a person or a culture holds of the future are a driving force of history. A living, attractive image of a better world pulls people forward; a decaying or purely catastrophic image produces paralysis or decline. The pictures are not just reflections of reality—they help create it by directing attention, effort, and courage.
That is why practices such as writing a “best possible self” letter, running scenario workshops, or simply sitting still and seeing a concrete good outcome in detail can change mood and behavior. The image becomes a reference point you can steer toward.
Two common mistakes
- Treating the image as a rigid prediction instead of a working sketch that can be revised.
- Only imaging disaster. A mind that rehearses only collapse has less material with which to invent alternatives.
Imaging the future, then, is the act of making the not-yet visible enough that you can start living toward it today.
===
162.6 lbs/12.4%
9ish hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
87/98/-12 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SOMETIMES PRE-VIEWING IS JUST A HECKUVA A GOOD REMINDER
THE FIRST WE EVER RACE A COURSE, taking the time to recon from parking to finish, even if it's just the first 5 miles...
... can pay oodles and oodles.
If we have the time,
pay the dime.
Pre-view it all.
But, what if we've already raced it?
Trust me on this...
- the turns
- the sunlight angles
- how the herd responds over undulations
... we'll never have the course as dialed as the locals.
I was reminded of this today
- 36 miles
- 4500' of vert
- most of it off road
... pre-riding the first 33ish miles of our upcoming epic SurfNSummit.
The reminder wasn't the route so much as these specific issues...
- check your batteries - the one day I don't check the shifter batteries the night before and my casual spin to the start turns into sprinting home to replace a 2032 and then pin it to meet the crew - we don't wait, ever.
- respect the pre-ride like we'd expect the race day - I went low on my calories/bottle and extra gels in the pocket and really suffered for it on the way back
- if at all possible - have the cold/icy water if it's going to be hot vs the "room temperature" free water that was as warm as the outside air of 100º. this made eating the NutttrButtrs during the last 90 minutes impossible because my stomach wasn't loving the hot water
- have the bike in the finest working order - that fouled rear 2-speed unable to access my 3 lowest gears made the 50 minute climb unnecessarily challenging
- pace to race - in this case, while grateful to have 4 of the posse join us, they weren't doing the whole thing and rather than high zone 2, we were bouncing between tempo and threshold for the first 90 minutes, which is not the plan for the epic adventure
... that said, it was great to push the pace and be reminded of such idiocy.
Interestingly, while the big climb was a definite grind, and with the superlow cadence I couldn't put out as much power...
... my time was only 7 seconds slower than during the event last year.
Go figure.
No.
Go preview,
as much as possible.
And if we can't in person,
we try and dig up some YouTube intel.
===
165.4 lbs/12.4%
7ish hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
89/113/-24 per Strava Power &Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SHARPENING THE EDGES WITH ANGER
HAVING CONTROL OF OUR EMOTIONS on race day doesn't mean just playing it cool. Some emotions are better than others...
... for those who know how to harness them.
Like anger.
I'm not ashamed to admit, below that happy go lucky, come what may demeanor...
... is one hacked off dude.
If I have to/I've been known to...
... conjure up the most heinous reasons to crush the least deserving, most innocent competitors on the line.
Don't worry,
they never know.
Anger works for me.
I had a business partner say...
... you're so mellow
and
... dude, you have authority issues
... during the same meeting!
lol
Here's the real dill.
When I was younger it was uncontrollable and cost me a lot of points on the tennis court and life in general.
These days, if I'm rejected, disrespected, doubted, stomped on...
... that rocket flame of anger is powerful stuff.
Suddenly, I have this amazing laser focus combined with get outta my way energy.
I love that.
- heck no I don't want cookies
- heck yes I'm doing that work out
- heck no I'm not staying out late
- heck yes I need that upgrade
It's way better if I can get it going months, sometimes years in advance, but...
... making it up on the start line is a great way to lock in and race.
You might be askin' What the heck is wrong with you Diesel?...
... let's just say getting rejected on a home we were trying to buy has me pouring jet fuel on PEDAL industries.
Yeah,
harnessed anger is lit.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
155/138/17 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
REAL VISION
ALONG THE WAY to a glorious A race we face a lot of decisions. Some are micro, others macro. How we handle them...
... depends on our vision of how it will end.
What are we seeing?
I've long been fascinated with visualization techniques.
Once I learned of the concept via the great Denis Waitley's Psychology of Winning...
... the pieces began to fall into place.
Things I was underconciously aware of suddenly made sense.
The question that remained was...
... Could it be mastered and controlled?
From a practical standpoint, I can confirm that having a clear vision of how I want to cross the finish line...
- good food choices
- commitment to excellent sleep
- making time for and executing the critical workouts when desire is flat
... has given me the strength to accomplish the steps necessary along the way.
Which lends immense and undeniable confidence as the A race approaches…
… because we approach all the prep as if the finish has already happened.
We literally see everything with new eyes.
But, what if it works in all areas of life, not just racing?
What would that be worth,
what does it tell us about our present circumstances...
... what are we going to do about it?
===
162.8 lbs/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
158/156/2 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SPRINTING FOR THE WIN
UNLESS WE ARE ACTUALLY sprinters, racing events on the track or crits, it's unlikely we'll ever sprint for the win. We might race our pals to the city limits sign or...
... bang bars with other pack fodder.
So, why practice sprinting?
Here are my top reasons...
- to maintain, increase strength
- as a supplement to weight training
- to cement in neuromuscular connections so I can harness said power
... I have one dedicated sprint day per week.
This is not an interval session,
with efforts lasting minutes.
Yuck!
This is all out getting after it,
in bursts of 5-15 seconds,
spaced with full recovery.
I like to do 'em offroad.
Tonights was particularly fun.
Yes fun!
On the downhill sections, any time I had a chance to get on the pedals hard and keep my speed up, I went for it.
Not only was I recruiting the sprint muscles...
- legs
- butt
- core
- back
- arms
- shoulders
... I was reinforcing how it all works together over rapidly changing terrain.
Which is, in a sense, sprinting for the win.
The win being staying strong and coordinated.
===
163.4 lbs/12.6%
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 60 push ups, 14 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 20 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
161/170/-10 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE F-WORD NOBODY WANTS TO USE
IT'S JUST INCREDIBLE the amount of reasons we can come up with when we find ourselves OTB (off the back)...
... whether it's dropping anchor or slipsliding away.
Bring on the excuses.
Like today's TMWC stacked with visiting hitters...
... we were pinning it something vicious, all the way..
Until I started spinning the slowslide of shame,
with five miles to go.
Giving me plenty of time to think of all the reasons...
- haven't shaved legs since July
- got to bed to late
- creatine made me put on 5 lbs
- my Classified hub is dying and dragging
- upped my box jumps and other leg stuff Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday
- walked 3 miles in the sand Sunday (normally just 2)
- left a little late and had to hustle to meet group
- gravel pedals and shoes vs road
- unaero gravel frame
- somewhat shallow road wheels
- less than aero helmet
- extra weight from lights now that it's dark
... while gimping to the finish.
But.
We all know the truth...
... and it starts with F.
FATIGUE.
It's offseason fur cryin outloud!...
... what the heck am I doing?
Well, just the most lifechanging, epic adventure on SoCal...
- 120 miles
- 15k of vert
- around 12 hours (including stops)
... the SurfNSummit on 10.10.26
Sooooooooo... 1 more extralarge Saturday,
then two weeks to taper,
and feel fresh.
Might have to skip the legwork the week of,
or sooner?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
7 hours sleep
630ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
162/179/-18 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I SPY
WE LIKE TO SAY this is my escape, to ride/run/swim for an hour or few per day. Our happy place isn't a pain cave as much as it is...
... a world without staring at glass.
Is it novel?
There was a pithy post on X this week...
... I'm inviting a bunch of people over this weekend to doomscroll together.
My other non-scrolling/glass moments are reading.
Ingesting something uplifting in the wee morning hours has been a goto for years.
But, then this happened.
The wind down used to be watching "just a few minutes" of TV,
then onto binge watching...
... now it's a full-on addiction to reading spy novels.
They're all basically the same character...
- ex-special ops dude with skills his government needs
- always going off the range to get the job done
- while mixing in some lady-drama
... and I can't seem to get enough.
It started after my TBI,
as therapy.
Who knew staring and scrolling glass was bad juju for brain function and ocular wellness?
In about 30 months, I've read...
- all of Jack Carr (10)
- all of the Gray Man series (15)
- all of the Pike Logan series (20)
- and I'm on book 11 of 25 in the Scot Harvath (series)
... with no end in sight.
From a therapeutic standpoint, my ability to rip downhill on my MTB has returned to about 90% of where I was.
From Oh crap! every ride,
to Heckyeah! this is fun!
Is there any connection between being a spy and racing?
Well, yeah.
If being resourceful, able to adjust on the fly, and see the mission through to completion is how you like to rip on raceday...
... this is your genre.
===
166.2 lbs/12.6%
8 hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
156/144/12 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOW FOR THE REST OF OUR SHOW
WE'RE WRAPPING UP THE 3RD QUARTER, heading into the final three months of the year...
... but not the end of the racing the calendar.
Am I right?
We aren't going to...
- hang it up for 2 months
- watch games
- eat chips
... because we know the truth.
Now is the time to...
- bank strength
- build base
- hone diet
... for springtime cometh.
That's what I'm doing.
Shoot, tonight I passed on cake an icecream.
It wasn't hard, once I gave up sugar, the cravings were gone.
In years past, I'd say Bring it on, it's offseason...
... to the point of friends saying It's good to see fatTodd is back.
Imagine that.
Actually, don't.
Imagine ripping it up next spring, right on through the summer.
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8 hours sleep
620 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 80 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 20 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
159/163/-4 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TORQUE TRAINING... STILL?
SOME OF US ARE WILLING to take chance with our equipment. Opting to go with the yet to be tried and true...
... can lead to great advantages.
And, big challenges.
As I struggled mightily up a rather steep pitch today...
- 52/42 chainrings
- 13/26 6 speed cassette
... I remembered how tall the gearing was back in the day.
It was brutal.
But, one of the benefits we didn't realize back then was forced torque training...
- high power
- low cadence
- in place of gym time
... something coaches preach in today's era of super wide gearing.
So, why was I doing it today?
Because my super niche 2-speed rear hub from Classified, which replaced the front derailleur dual chain rings...
... has been acting up for the last 2 weeks.
And died today.
Leaving me with the lowest gear of a 46 in front x40 in back.
Manageable on most road climbs...
... swear-inducing on the dirt steeps I faced throughout today's epic URBN GRVL ride.
I've had the system for just over 2 years,
and it has been great.
Superior, I think, to traditional 1x most cats are running offroad.
Because the Surf N Summit is fast approaching...
... I'm in a real pickle.
Classified is based in the Netherlands...
... which is much father away than the hinterlands.
They have few dealers in the states.
Hopefully, they'll get back to me in time to get the system functioning like the racewinning force it has been.
It was a risk when I purchased it,
and I don't regret it at all.
It's that good.
===
166.2 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
630ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
163/186/-24 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS CHAING HURTS
STAYING ON TOP of the maintenance game never seems like it's gonna pay off. It's a constant steady drip on our time and wallets...
... until it's not.
Then, it's chunky.
I was reminded of this today by reader Roberto (not his real name).
Here's the chat transcript:
Are wax chains supposed yo make any noise when shifting? When i freshly wax it shifting into the lighter gears, sounds smooth, but sometimes when I shift to the harder gears a little bit of a clink
hmmm usually it's the opposite. noisier in the larger rings. generally, they are super quiet until they need more wax. I prefer Ceramic Speed UFO. Is your chain new and the cassette old?
Yes chain is newish first rewax cassette is year old got a new tri bike last year
that's probably the problem. old chain was probably stretched and the old cassette is so worn it doesn't play nice with new chain. get a chain wear tool so you can stay on top of the changes in the future and extend the life of the cassette and front rings, too.
Ok will do. Im sure there is videos on how to use one
it's super easy. this is a good reminder for me to change my gravel bike chain... blog post inspo received.
Getting a new roadie soon so im gonna order a kit to match look out for order here soone
You might see a good match here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/insiders ... haven't released these just yet.
Did you notice how I slyly worked in a shameless promotion to the convo?
There's like a million color options.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
153/128/24 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
SHIFT I HATE
DO YOU KNOW WHY WE SAY If it was easy everyone would do it? It's not just because it's true, it's also because for those of us who are doing the hard stuff...
... we need to know there's a reason.
We do things we hate to do.
Here's a few of mine..
- pullups
- pushups
- box jumps
- stretching
- going to work after a glorious morning riding
- hanging on the back of the group until I literally see stars
- skipping the cookies and cake and ice cream
... and I could go on.
If we are doing things like the above so much,
if it really is that hard to be consistent...
... what is driving us?
A couple of things.
One, it gets easier once we get started.
Two, it becomes habitual, part of operating system.
Three, the really big one...
... we know.
We know this is the path to mastery...
... and few are we, the willing and committed.
To arrive at our stated destiny.
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 55 push ups, 11 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 20 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
157/148/8 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
THIS ONE CHANGE MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE
WE ALL HAVE THAT FRIEND who we train with, who is about the speed, or even a little slower. Then, all of the sudden, seemingly out of the blue...
... they are a lot faster.
Leaving us in the dust.
What gives?
Just yesterday I was on the war path with one of these cats.
We'd opted to take a gravel route of the usual group ride, and if we reallyreally got after it...
... we'd meet/beat the group at the finish.
And romp we did.
I knew we had a shot because of his newly found powers.
And, I knew how he got them.
Because I asked.
Bro, your a lot faster and leaner.
It's my wife's fault.
Howso?
Well, she changed up her diet and she does most of the cooking and we're eating a lot cleaner.
If it's that easy then...
... why aren't we all doing it?
Maybe we don't know what eating clean is?
Here's my super simple rule...
... If I can identify the ingredients it's clean.
Steak,
easy.
Mr. Bachan's Japanese Teriyaki Sauce Surfergirl wants to smother it with,
not so much - probs not clean.
Corn on the cob,
easy.
Dorito's corn chips,
impossible - def not clean.
What is the one change we can make today that would make a huge difference in our performance?
Do it.
Then, stack it...
... with the next change.
Yes, it's that easy.
It just takes a bit of time for the results to show...
... fortunately, most of our competitors don't have time for that.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8 hours sleep
790 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 105 push ups, 21 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 40 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
160/168/-8 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE ARE SOME DOOZIES OUT THERE
THERE ARE SO MANY INFOOLENCERS yaking for our attention on myriad platforms. It creates all kinds of noise and...
... makes discerning the truth challenging.
Impossible even.
I was reminded of the dangers of expert opinions today listening to The Marketing School podcast titled...
... How McKinsey Helped Nike Lose $223 Billion.
With a B.
TLDL: they hired a guy who didn't understand the business, and he leaned into all the new fangled, cool kid ideas, in the process destroying the brand.
Some were so stupid it was stunning.
Which reminded me of the Time-Crunched Cyclist podcast I'd listened to the day before...
... The Five Self=Coached Cycling Mistakes That Keep You Stuck.
TLDL: he states we're too unenlightened to coach ourselves, hire his firm.
Along the way apologizing for being so harsh. Except I didn't find it as harsh as it was condescending and self-serving.
I shared the above, so I could share this...
- we need to expose ourselves to new ideas
- test them out well before it matters
- implement the best
... using our common sense, listening to our inner voice, for the win.
Are there good coaches and consultants.
Absolutely.
As the great Charlie Munger said...
... Show me the incentive, and I'll show you the outcome.
===
166.4 lbs/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
540ish 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, nordic curls, 0 box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/172/-12 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMILY FIRST. REALLY?
LOOKING AROUND AMONGST OUR FRIENDS we often see what really drives them. It's not at the races or the slaying rides where this shows up...
... it's at the events they miss.
Huh?
Yeah.
You know, we have this epic ride coming up.
It's not race, it's a social adventure.
From the beach to the mountains...
... the kind of thing you wanna do for the pure challenge.
And.
To blow your friends' minds...
... Yeah, I rode from Dana Point to Big Bear last Saturday.
WHAT?!
Yep, really fun.
No way!
Here's the dill.
A few have shared...
- planning Xterra with daughter
- family half marathon with most of family in Long Beach
- flying to Chicago to support daughter at Chicago marathon
... their reasons for missing this year.
Here's what I can tell ya about each one of these cats...
... they have grown awesome, loving families.
Nothing better.
In case weekend of 10.10 is open for you...
... it's an open invite: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/surf-n-summit-collection
===
166.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 105 push ups, 21 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 50 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/168/-8 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ANY SYSTEMS READY TO GO?
WE ALL WANNA BE BETTER, at least that's what we tell ourselves. Anybody listening to us drone on about the initiatives we're gonna take...
... might possibly be convinced we really want the prize.
But, do we?
Could our actions convict us?
Better question.
What's it gonna take?
Not the big crazy actions,
that's for sure.
We'll never get those done,
because they are big and crazy.
The real secret...
... having a system to be a little better every day.
And, sticking to it.
One of my systems is to weigh myself each morning. I get instant feedback on the previous day(s) nutrition choices. It's a simple way to stay in tune with any changes I may have/have not made...
... like I'm thinking my adding 5lbs in the last month is a direct result of the predicted 2-3% gain predicted by consistent creatine intake.
Worth it?
===
166.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 105 push ups, 21 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 50 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/168/-8 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SIRMIXALOTS GRAND MASTER GRAVEL
DEPENDING ON THE LOCALE, there can be a lot of ways to get out and cover some ground. Some areas are all paved, others all single track, others lots of gravel...
... they're all a blast.
Which is best?
I dunno.
But, I can tell you this, where we are, mixing it up on a gravel bike is a great way to get out...
... and skip most of the lights, and traffic.
Like today.
The first 90 minutes were mostly dirt...
... with nearly 30 minutes at threshold or above.
Meeting up with a slaying group ride on the road...
... pushed me to my limits and stacked on the intensity.
From there it was a JRA road, gravel and single track.
I love rides that...
- mix up the surfaces
- skip most high traffic areas
- and traverse lots of interesting terrain
... for the pure adventure.
The biggest and best one of the year is just 4 weeks away...
- Sunrise to sunset
- from Dana Point
- to Big Bear
... and you're invited.
All the details are here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/surf-n-summit-collection 
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/surf-n-summit-collection
===
166.8 lbs/12.8%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish 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, nordic curls, 0 box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/192/-29 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
JRA
BEING THE DEDICATED ADDICTS that we are, we eventually learn the jargon that sets us apart from the commoners who consider themselves in the know, but...
... are actually far from it.
Neophytes.
Anybody who's worked in a bike shop, particularly the service area has heard the phrase...
... I was just riding along.
And, said to themselves under muffled breath, while inconspicuously rolling their eyes...
... JRA.
What follows JRA...
- my X broke
- my Y stopped working
- my Z fell off and disappeared
... is always entertaining.
Not that it hasn't been heard before,
but the way it is camouflaged...
... as if it is somehow the shop's/mechanic's fault.
Yet, I digress.
Because what I really wanted to point out is how much fun it is to move about the country...
- breathtaking sunrises
- quiet, forgotten roads and trails
- daylight giving way to a moonless, star-filled sky
... and see so many amazing sites.
While we are...
... JRA.
===
167.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish 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, nordic curls, 0 box jumps, heel and toe raises
155/144/11 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostle, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT FEELING
SOMETIMES when we're out riding, the feeling is just right. Like we could just keep going forever...
... and never stop.
Why is that?
I honestly don't know.
It just happens.
And, when it does it's magical.
Like this evening.
There I was, about an hour in.
On my gravel bike, connecting the...
- trails
- roads
- single tracks
... and missing all the traffic stops and lights.
Slipping into the zone...
- HR 130ish
- PWR 220ish
... slicing through town with nary a stop.
And loving it.
===
166.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 30 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/175/-16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IF I HAD A DOLLAR FOR EVERY TIME THINGS LOOKED HOPELESS...
FOR BETTER OR WORSE, as athletes we are really, really good at enduring. When things look absolutely hopeless...
... we press on.
Is that a good thing?
That's an honest question...
... with an unknowable answer.
Because choices stack.
Accumulate.
Tangent: when I had my pager business, my landlord, an old sage and jeweler by trade, told me the worst thing he ever did was keep switching careers. That it was best to lock in, and go in search of mastery.
Welp, I could see the writing on the wall and sold the pager business.
After that, I took his advice,
and can honestly say:
If I had a dollar for every time things looked hopeless and gave up...
... I'd be broke.
In sports...
... we be _____?
In relationships...
... we be _____?
As students...
... we be _____?
There is, of course, a point where things are hopeless, and we gotta/outta sell, but, if there's anything most of us can bank on it's that...
... there is such a thing as a second wind.
Reaching the finish/the goal usually just takes a little more than we initially thought we could give.
And, so, we endure.
===
166.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 30 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/175/-16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT PERSONAL, IT'S...
SOMEHOW WE FEEL IT'S OKAY to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means clobbering our friends. Ok, not all of us, but...
... definitely some of us.
We might feel, think, say...
... It's not personal, it's racing.
Shoot, one of my frenemies said this to me after a recent race post sucking my wheel for miles...
... Sorry about doing you dirty back there.
All that to say, It's okay to make things personal.
Not all things.
But, I'm definitely making The Wall personal.
It's the next to last climb...
- .88 miles
- 7.1% average grade
- my PR is 4:16, Kevin Vermaerke (yeah, the UAE one) owns the KOM, 3:06
... on our Tuesday Morning World Championships.
While I'm not sure I'll ever best my current PR, set 8 years ago on a perfect day...
- weight down in the 150s
- great pace set by Zach Lloyd
- amazing road bike I shouldn't have sold
... I do wanna get back to regularly hitting 4:40ish vs the 5:24 I did today.
When we set personal challenges like this,
it's motivating only to ourselves,
but pays off everywhere else.
It's fitness and mental fortitude we can tap into on demand.
===
166.6 lbs/12.6%
6ish hours sleep
540ish 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, nordic curls, 00 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/176/-16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S TOO HARD TO EXPLAIN
DO WE KNOW WHY we do really hard stuff? I mean, really? We keep doing them. Like a young mother who, during the midst of labor, swears she'll never go through childbirth another time...
... and choosing to do it again.
There's something we know,
but can't put our fingers on.
As the great Carl Jung put it...
... Man needs difficulties. They are necessary for health.
It's not the difficulty that repeatedly pulls us back...
... it's the joy we experience on the other side.
Like the insanity of starting a gravel ride at Dana Point, in predawn hours...
- pavement
- to gravel
- to singletrack
- to gravel
- to pavement
- to single track
- to gravel
... and clearing the final summit above Big Bear, as the sun drifts away.
If we did alone, it would be courageous...
... if we did it with friends, it would be the memory of a lifetime.
As the great Terry from Mesa told me today...
- it's your 6th year
- I'm feeling fit
- I'm coming
... I'm always busy.
I'm in.
Are you?
===
Do you know any of these cats?
Previous Finishers
Henri Kavaja (1)
Michael Gould (1)
Richard Brown (3)
Mike Maderos (1)
Richard Ramsey (3) <12 (1)
Josh Wolff (2)
Chris Hill (1) <12 (1)
Spencer Roundy (3)
Michael Foster (4)
Ron Barrett (1)
Todd Brown (4) <12 (1)
Terry Butler (1)
Brennan Sizemore (1)
(times finished)
<12 - completions under 12 hours elapsed time.
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 80 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 00 box jumps, heel and toe raises
154/139/15 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
AN ADVENTUROUS PACE
A TRUE ADVENTURE requires a pace that is fast enough to get to the destination, yet slow enough that all can...
... make it to the finish.
It's a fine line.
Shackleton had is crew on a boat.
Pacing wasn't the issue...
- hazardous journey
- low wages
- bitter cold
- long hours of complete darkness
- honor and recognition in event of succeess
... so much as outright danger.
In this case,
all the men needed was the hope of success.
Which is what a proper pace should be...
... given an adventure of epic proportions.
The Surf N Summit may not be a novel exploration of the Antarctic, but it does require...
- manageable heart rate, low power
- lots of food and drink
- solid equipment
... because, it's a legit journey from the sands of Dana Point to the peaks of the San Bernardino mountains above Big Bear.
If you're in, go here now: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-california-10-10-26
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 80 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 30 box jumps, heel and toe raises
156/153/3 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SELLING ADVENTURE
WE SHOULDN'T NEED TO BE SOLD on adventure. It's in our DNA. Yet, often we are distracted and timechallenged and thinking...
... we are way too busy.
But,
life is short.
And,
as the great Ferris Bueller said...
... it comes at you fast.
Adventures, however...
- can be daunting
- involve the unknown
- create lasting memories
... which is why we go for them.
Especially, if we are/have...
... enlisted our posse.
On October 10th, we'll be riding the Surf N Summit for the sixth time this year.
The first two times...
- massive heatwave
- crazy early snowstorm
... we failed.
Last year, for the first time, everyone made the summit before sunset.
it's not for the timid,
those afraid to fail,
the unprepared...
... it's for the adventurous souls who dare what others fear to dream.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16111728104
===
165.2 lbs
7.8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
1560175/-15 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RING LEADER
EVERY COMMUNITY has a ringleader. The cat who's constantly inviting to do some ride or run or adventure or race. They're usually mostly fun...
... and sometimes absolute slayers.
Even that's fun.
Why does the ringleader lead?
Because, literally, the more the merrier.
Who appoints the ringleader?
Nobody, it's more of an inner calling.
Who supports the ringleader?
Those looking for a good time.
Who pays the ringleader?
Everyone,
just by showing up.
Somecommunities don't have a ringleader...
... they're waiting for us to show up.
And lead.
===
164.8 lbs
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
151/122/28 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
WHEN IT GETS ROUGH
IT DOESN'T TAKE A GENIUS to know we can go faster over a smooth surface than we can over rough terrain. That's why the most powerful sprinters...
... race on the track.
Indoors at the highest levels.
The rest of us get it done over...
- new tarmac
- gravel roads
- rowdy single track
... whatever we get served up.
Where we still need to put down the power,
whether sprinting or just plain ol' racing.
Here's the dill.
If we only ever train our sprinting on the most perfectist of surfaces...
... we're probably gonna stink it up, when it gets rough.
Practicing stomping on the pedals when it's...
- chunky
- slippery
- torn to pieces
... is a skill worth honing.
We've got to be able to perform excellently over all conditions.
When it gets challenging lower pressure in the tires is better...
- roll faster
- better grip
- faster cornering
... just like is in our souls when life gets topsy turvy.
Lower the pressure.
Which reminds me of a dear friend, the great Fritz Tomasello. who insisted we add backpack straps to the RaceDay bag...
... so he could carry his bike from the car to the track.
That's how pristine the indoor tracks are.
===
164.8 lbs
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 55 push ups, 11 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
155/138/16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHALLENGES CALL
THAT MONUMENTAL CHALLENGE calls to us, challenging us to prepare and be ready and we answer the call with all we've got. Not just going through the motions...
... this time.
Willing to do the impossible.
We've tried before.
Many times.
Only to fail.
Shattered.
We reconstitute.
To vanquish.
Yet again.
Not trying, doing...
.. the impossible.
===
165.6 lbs
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 80 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
157/151/5 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN
MIND CONTROL is a thing. Especially on the start line when the energy is sky high due to...
... a cocktail of tapering and caffeine.
It
takes
real focus.
Just look at your "resting heart rate"...
... pumping like an outta shape donut eater on an outta control treadmill.
We aren't even moving,
because we are thinking about everything.
How do we calm that down,
achieve serenity?
This is important because if we don't get control our emotions we're going to be leaking all kinds of energy we're going to need later on.
Here are my top 5...
5. breathe deep, breathe slow
4. take in the craziness in the competitors' faces and just laugh - cuz it is funny
3. sit on the top tube, rest on the bars
2. close your eyes and trust your training
... and drumroll
... 1. race more so these feelings are welcomed
Oh, one more.
For hecksakes...
... get to the venue early.
Like 2 hours early so we can go through our launch sequence calmly.
Which brings up the ohso obvious.
Have your raceday bag loaded the night before, with everything you (could) possibly need.
Ok.
There's a lot more,
but those are the basics...
... before we unleash our mighty fury.
===
165.6 lbs
7ish hours sleep
540ish 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, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
158/157/0 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS THERE REALLY AN OFFSEASON?
HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO MAINTAIN FITNESS if there are offseaons? It's a fair question and one that deserves...
... a fair answer.
I have my theory.
And it goes like this...
- get after it 2x/week
- keep stacking the base
- never get out of our routine
... there is no offseason.
But, there is an onseason.
What's the difference?
Look, we have to have a baseline of fitness.
For me, that means being somewhat respectable on the group rides.
If I let my fitness drop the point where I'm getting dropped quick,
that's dialed back too much.
When it's onseason, that means...
- I'll be charging the group rides
- stacking more endurance miles
- perfecting the every aspect of the routine
... everything gets dialed up.
Yeah, I thought of this as I yanked the gravel wheels off,
and mounted the road wheels.
Sticking with my commitment to hit the Tuesday Morning World Championships tomorrow...
... and shoot for a respectable sub-5 minute up The Wall.
===
166.2 lbs
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 20 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
153/123/29 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT'S NEXT?
THE KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL. Things haven't changed much. Some sit in back semicheckedout...
... others up front and eager.
Just like a new race season.
As we head into fall...
- there's still a mess of events calling out to us
- bombarding our inboxes
- popping in the socials
... we still have choices.
Before we choose what's next...
- goals accomplished
- unforgettable memories
- regrets of missed or untaken opportunites
... reflecting/celebrating/acknowledging might be the best next event.
===
165.2 lbs
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 60 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
156/142/14 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MORE AI SLOP?
UNDERSTANDING AI QUERIES, for most of us, is like understanding pig latin. If we don't have the key...
... it's meaningless.
Want proof?
Ok.
Rider X is a fast,
and uncoached.
Prepping for an upcoming, highly competitive gravel race...
... he had a sit down with Coach ChatGPT.
The recommended protocol?
Mostly endurance, but per ChatGPT I should as some higher zone work at the end of the ride to simulate race conditions.
Am I the only one who sees a problem with that?
Other than the fact that every romping gravel race I've ever done has started out like an XC race...
- completely pinned until the selections are made
- threatening to settle in before hitting it hard, again
- to the eventual war of attrition where riders finish mostly alone
... I'd say it's spot on.
lol.
So, yeah, as long as everyone agrees to save it to the last 30 mins then Coach Chat has it nailed.
In training...
- most of roll out,
- then, gradually warm up
- finally put in some good efforts
... which is probably why things unfold as they do.
Look, there are certain people I ping for their opinion knowing that whatever they suggest...
... the opposite is the best course of action.
With Coach Chat, it's not Be careful what you ask for as much as its...
... Be careful how you ask.
===
164.6 lbs
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish 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, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/163/-3 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GETTING DESTROYED FOR THE WIN
SINCE IT'S SO TEMPTING to sandbag, we should never be surprised that it goes on. At all competitive levels...
... it's a thing.
But,
why?
To get an easy V.
Where's the victory in that?
For the day to day group rides and non-A races...
... we should be lining up the monsters.
Who are going to push to our very limits...
... destroy us.
That's winning.
Ya know what else it is?...
... putting ourselves in position to win the ones that matter.
===
164 lbs
8 hours sleep
540ish 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, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
153/120/33 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
WHY DO BODY WEIGHT EXERCISES
THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS to get stronger on the bike. Whether we want to climb better, fly on the flats or lay down obscene sprints...
... we need more power.
How do we get it?
Akshully go to a gym,
lift heavy at home,
body weight.
They all work.
Lately, I've been in love with the body weight stuff.
Not just the pullup an pushup stuff...
... but, high rep leg work.
Till.
It.
Burns.
Yeah, it produces the same I can barely walk feeling...
... after rattling 'em off.
And, I'm rightly winded to prove it.
The reason I'm really digging these is...
- plain ol' grinding up a long climb
- pushing hard the final minute to the top
- poking my nose in the wind for way longer than normal
... the fatigue resistance it seems to be building.
I feel the fatigue building,
and I seem to be able to deal with it better than high weight, low rep.
It feels so good,
I love it.
===
163.8 lbs
8 hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 50 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
155/128/27 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MOVING
MOST OF US, all of us, learned to run, swim and ride a bike at an early age. It came naturally to run, the bike a little coaxing, swimming a few pointers...
... and we were off.
Am I missing something?
Oh, yes.
Faith.
It took faith to put the coaxing and pointers into play and...
... realize we weren't gonna drown or fall over.
If, we'd just keep moving.
===
Designed this t-shirt, and realized why I love it so much.
Every successful racer begins with...
- 0 Starts
- 0 Wins
- 0 Fans
... the only difference between them and everyone else is they keep showing up.
Moving.
===
164.6 lbs
8 hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 30 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
158/138/19 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DOORS BLOWN OFF?
OCASSIONALLY, after an A race we might back it down for a few days. Then, think to ourselves...
... we really outta do something with this fitness and rest.
But, usually there's a problem.
Most of us, especially me, think we are resting and therefore recovered and hence ready to slay it.
I mean, if the metric are indicating it like mine were this morning...
... by golly let's get after it.
Welllllll, a funny thing happened on the final seven mile stretch.
Rather than romping like a renegade,
I limped like a lost loner.
It hurt,
I pulled the plug.
How could I have so misjudged my freshness...
- 81 mi
- 11 hrs
- 9,665'
... because last week 4 rides were far from restful.
I should been spinning the flats rather than grinding the climbs.
When I finally managed to make it home,
I thought might as well upload and see how badly my doors were blown off...
... Your highest power output for 30 seconds in 2026!
Oh...
... now what if we actually rested?
===
164.6 lbs
7 hours sleep
540ish 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
152/97/54 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CAUSING EFFECT
MAKING PLANS for the upcoming event can be nerve-racking because there is so much unknown. There are really only...
... two paths forward.
It's gonna tricky,
it's gonna be awesome.
I was thinking about this, watching the highlights of Leadville.
There was our PEDALindustries flag,
right on the course,
where I imagined it.
Not just any part of the course, but a part of the course which was only open to racers who qualified much faster than me.
But, I really wanted to be there, too.
At Lost Canyon.
In my mind, it was a superior location for my feed zone.
So, made the 12' flags weeks prior to traveling.
Figuring it was gonna happen,
seeing them on course in my mind.
How'd we get the flag there?
First, I applied for a lottery to gain access.
Next, a blog reader and customer reached out and invited me to use his access to the area.
Then, I was informed I'd lotteried in to the zone myself.
That my friends is a magical way to live called...
... causing effect.
===
164.8 lbs
8 hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 50 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/97/54 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ONE REASON EATING HEALTHY MATTERS
SOMETIMES WE'RE ON POINT with our food choices, other times, for a variety of reasos...
... we fall off the wagon.
What's the damage?
Over the course of a lifetime,
probably nothing.
If it's occasional.
As the great Tim Ferriss advocated in The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman...
... having a cheat day once a week won't kill us.
Might be helpful.
Honestly, I'm not 100% sure about that.
Here's what I do know.
If my cheat day is Sunday, and I go all in on the cheating...
... I'm likely to wake up a few pounds heavier on Monday, than I was on Friday.
Which is not really the point I wanted to share.
When I whipped up a salad today, with fresh veggies and Safe Catch tuna...
... all I could think about was how good this was going to be for my body.
That kind of thinking matters,
more than some might think.
===
165ish lbs
9sh hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 50 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
155/108/46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE IMPORTANT THINGS
RETURNING HOME after a weekend or week(s) away on an adventure is usually awesome. The trip may have been amazing...
... but, not as much as what we left behind.
I was reminded of this today.
On a sweltering summer day,
we pushed through LA traffic...
... in time for a little family get together.
There really is nothing that compares.
===
164ish lbs
7ish hours sleep
540ish 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
159/125/34 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The First Commandment, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW GENERATION PEACH FUZZ KEPT THE YELLOW JERSEY
Jun 30, 2021
by TODD BROWN
GENERATION PEACH FUZZ HAVE TAKEN OVER THE PELOTON AT THE TDF. Tade, 22. Jonas, 25. Mathieu, 26. All killed the TT today. These guys look like babies. And, the way Matieu kept the yellow jersey...
... was pure child's play.
Up until the last two turns it was a dead heat. In fact, I think most thought Tade was going to take over the yellow.
But, go back and watch those final turns.
Matieu railed 'em.
Nobody looked as fast, powerful and confident.
How'd he do it?
He's a great bike handler. Great!
Over and over the commentators will say Oh rider X came up mountain biking, he's a great bike handler. And it's true. Mountain bikers are great bike handlers. I think it's because they play around with things more.
For example, MTBrs will go over and over different ways to enter corners...
lay it over?
heavy on the front end?
lock up the rear and slide in?
lower PSI?
brake through turn or brake before and coast through?
... a million options and the mountain bikers are playing with them all the time.
I'm going off on a tangent here, but...
... MTB riders never point stuff out and consequently don't expect things to be pointed out. They look after themselves.
I guess my point is this...
... if you're not feeling superconfident with your skills play around a little more.
Road or dirt, go find a corner and take it over and over again. Different angles of entry, different braking points, different air pressures, etc.
It's worth it.
You'll be faster and have more fun...
... like a child.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
This pressure checker is easy to chuck in your back pocket.
Pump those tires up to what you consider the high side and go take some turns. Then drop a few pounds and do it again.
Figure out what works.
Record your results.
Use promo code: PEACHFUZZ
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
---
---
CRYING WITH CAV'
Jun 29, 2021
by TODD BROWN
A COUPLE OF WINTERS BACK THE GREAT MARK CAVENDISH WAS ON A LOCAL TRAINING RIDE. Like a fool, I thought surely I could climb with this biggish sprinter who was considered past his prime...
... how wrong I was.
The whole world has been wrong about Cav and there are 2 reasons he took the V today at TdF.
Consider this and you may consider shedding some tears yourself, I certainly did - but I'm a softy.
You see, Cav' had been written off.
Tossed on the heap of discarded human engines deemed no longer worthy to be powering carbon super bikes. Few thought he'd even be riding professionally this year, or ever.
But, things aren't always as they seem.
First, Patrick Lefevere who runs the best sprinting team in the sport, gave him a chance. Patrick believed in Cav'. This wasn't a charity hire or promotional stunt, as many believed...
... If I thought Mark Cavendish was done, I would not have taken him back.
Second, with the faith of Lefevere, the best leadout train in the business cued up and delivered Mark to the point where he could prove he still has what it takes to win.
At one time or another, if we've lived any kind of life going for any kind of greatness, we've all been doubted. Even discarded. We've wanted to crawl in a hole and disappear.
So, yeah, I get those tears Mark...
... To have someone say I believe in you, to earn the respect of a great team, to deliver once again when all said Impossible...
... that, brother, is worthy of a flood of emotion.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
The question, of course, is are you going to treat yourself to a massage after a big day in the saddle like Mark?
I am, almost every night these days.
Because it's easy and convenient.
Use promo code CAV to save $30.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
---
---
167.8
6.7 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5548589841
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
I'VE GOT SOME BAD NEWS, IF YOU'RE OF A CERTAIN AGE
Jun 28, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I HAD LUNCH WITH JOE FRIEL JUST AFTER HE FINISHED HIS BOOK, FAST AFTER 50. He was excited about the results of his year long quest to learn what it takes to be fast after 50...
... and why not, he was fast and turning 70!
But here's the really terrible awful news from Joe.
The main reason people slow down after 50,
Reason numero uno,
#1,
Is they get lazy,
the fire goes out.
If you're there. Don't fret. It happens.
Get your buns back on the bike, pick an event and get registered.
And if you want to turbocharge that, click here, yes here.
---
167.2
8 hrs
Pullups Pushups Shoulders Core
https://www.strava.com/activities/5543541087
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
.
BALANCE. NONSENSE.
Jun 27, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YOU KNOW BALANCE IS JUST A LOAD OF DOODOO. We don't need more balance. In fact, the more balanced we are the slower we go. That's right...
... out of balance is the key to speed.
Want proof?
Here's my story.
I've been riding my MTB more and more getting ready for the Leadville Stage Race. Every time I ride, I get a little more in tune with that bike. The harder I push, the more I know the bike's limitations.
If I was more in balance, riding other bikes more or crosstraining more or et al ...
... my performance would be worse if I was more in balance.
For example, I've been experimenting a ton with the dropper post and finding when it's steep it's faster to drop the saddle and tuck instead of pedaling whenever possible.. Cornering, even nontechnical terrain, is faster dropped, less of a need to pedal out of the corners because I'm exiting faster.
The is compounded with the much lower tire pressures I've been testing. Significantly increased traction climbing and cornering.
None of this would be learned or incorporated if I was more in balance.
There's a time for balance for sure...
... just not when we're striving for exceptional results.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
Some of the sacrifices we make when out of balance is riding during the early and late hours of day.
Always good to run some lights for that.
I run the commuter combo when it's truly dark and the wrap-arounds on all road rides all the time.
Use promo code: NOBALANCE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
---
---
165.8
9 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5540133053
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
OUT OF SIGHT, NOT OUT OF TIME - LEADVILLE PREP
Jun 26, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WATCHING THE LEAD RIDERS ESCAPE UP THE ROAD WAS PAINFUL. This should not be happening 15 minutes into the first climb. But it was and it was all my fault...
... because I'd done something I'd never intentionally do the day before a huge race.
The result was about 4 hours of sleep, and I was paying for it early.
What I actually did is unimportant. What is important is to remember not to adjust the settings on anything in life the day/week before a big race.
Everything should be on autopilot by that point.
Nothing new.
That said, if you're prepped properly autopilot should still kick in on raceday even if the routine is jumbled...
... which is what eventually happened.
First, I marked the time gap.
As the group wound across the mountain above, I noted how long it took me to get to the last place I saw them. After about 30 minutes, the gap steadied. I was still behind, but I had hope.
Second, I stayed on top of my hydration and nutrition.
It so easy to panic and skip fueling our bodies in an effort to make up time. Instead, I made a concerted effort to stay ahead of any caloric or liquid needs.
Third, I relaxed.
There was nothing to do but stay the course and settling in permitted my mind to stay clear and fresh.
When I finally got to the terrain that suits me best, I was able to make up some lost time and finish closer than I'd ever hoped when that early gap opened 4 hours earlier.
Shizz always gonna happen, and sometimes the night before a big race. So when it does, get it handled and get up and stick to the training plan...
... which is the point of having a plan.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriot-gloves-and-socks
I hope you're planning a big ride for the 4th...
... if you're looking for something snappy, here it is.
These are in stock, and amazing.
Superlight gloves, and socks with FastMax Compression and EZ Breathe yarns.
Order Gloves, Get Socks and Free Shipping
Use promo code: BuyGlovesGetSocks
---
166.9
4.2 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5533751569
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
YOU SHOULD RIDE WITH MY FRIEND
Jun 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE FUNNIEST THINGS I HEAR THESE DAYS IS You should ride with my friend. I also like to watch college football, but nobody is saying You should watch with my friend. You know the difference right?...
... they think we're weird.
Of course, we know I'm much more likely to enjoy watching a game with their friend than I am doing for a ride. You know why right?...
... I'm dedicated to excellence on the bike,
and I'm a casual fan of football.
Tomorrow I'll wake up at 5ish. Drive to meet some of the PEDALposse for what most would consider an insane ride - 50 miles. 7000' of vert, under 5 hours...
... and do it like it's nothing.
It's not weird to be dedicated,
but it sure separates the casual
from those who will stop at nothing.
Those are my kinda friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such
I've never met a passionate athlete that didn't have a dedicated calendar with their...
A races,
B races,
Training blocks,
and vacations
.... clearly marked.
The year is half over, the deal below is awesome.
Here's the dealio, racing is back on the calendar and the year is half over.
So use this promo code to save 50% - DEDICATED
While supplies last
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such
---
167.1
7.1 hrs
Pullups and Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5527685867
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
WIND ME OR AGAINST ME
Jun 24, 2021
by TODD BROWN
NEAR THE END OF A RIDE ON A DAY NEAR THE END OF THE WEEK, I got the near the feeling of what it might feel like to be a pro. This came after definitely not feeling pro because the wind had been in my face for over an hour...
... I was exhausted.
Now the steady West wind joined me from behind.
It felt good.
Effortless.
I leaned over, resting my forearms on the top of my bars forming a virtual aero bar. My cadence was metronome-like.
25 mph, 110 bpm.
I thought,
This must be how the pros feel all the time, at least it's how they look. Easy, graceful and fast...
... sometimes a change in direction is all we need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriot-gloves-and-socks
Isn't that what our country was founded on?
Isn't that why people immigrate here?
Isn't the freedom to change course awesome?
These are in stock, and amazing.
Superlight gloves, and socks with FastMax Compression and EZ Breathe yarns.
Order Gloves, Get Socks and Free Shipping
Use promo code: BuyGlovesGetSocks
---
166.3
6.5 hrs
Paddle Surf
https://www.strava.com/activities/5524936001
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
BEGINNING IS EASY, CONTINUING...
Jun 23, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS NEVER MORE EVIDENT THAN THIS EVENING'S HOT LAPS. The rotating cast of speedsters that showed up tonight hit the first lap hard. PR and KOM hard. My advantage of knowing the trail was soon erased. I was reminded of the Japanese proverb...
... beginning is easy, continuing is hard.
None of us finished within a minute of each other. But, we kept charging all four laps. All finished huffing, puffing and blown.
That's hard.
But, we keep charging because some cats will...
get discouraged and ease up,
have a mechanical and quit,
forget to eat and bonk
crash and lose time...
... we know continuing is hard, and that's why we do it because it works.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
You know what else works for recovery is this mix from Skratch... but, what I love about is how filling and satiating it is post ride.
I mix it before, so all I have to do is grab the bottle and chug...
... and bam, I'm full and not wanting to devour a pizza.
Use promo code: CONTINUE
It works on all products on this link
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
---
Have you checked out our mission? Click Here.
---
167.3
7.2 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5519777626
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
FAST TO SEE YOU
Jun 22, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS A FAST MORNING. I left 8 minutes late to get to the start of the ride. The fellas were frisky, catching the B's and their 5 minute head start, within 22 minutes. After all that, we smashed it coming home....
... which reminded me of the great Greg LeMond's statement.
It never gets easy, we just go faster.
Which is mostly true. Not totally true, because when we put in the work...
What was once hard is easy...
... what was once fast is slow.
Put in the work.
Avoid some of the pain with PR Lotion. Trust me, it's magic.
Use promo code: EASIER
---
---
169.6
7 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5511686967
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
BAR MONEY
Jun 21, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YOU'RE IN PRETTY DERN GOOD SHAPE ON ANY RIDE AS LONG AS YOU'VE GOT A $20 ON YA. Could be in your wallet, or you saddle bag. That's the problem...
... it could be there.
But, what if you forget the wallet? What if you forget to load your saddle bag?
No Jackson, no snackin'.
No bueno.
What's the solution?
I'll tell ya, as long as ya promise not to tell another soul.
Deal?
Pop off your bar end, slide in a crisp one...
... just be sure part of it is pressed under the cap.
There ya go.
Handlebar Money.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
Of course, most people skip the wallet because it's way too big which is why we make the amazing RaceDay Wallet.
- It's light
- Thin
- And the innertube it's made from is so grippy on your jersey it's impossible to fall out... really.
Use promo code: HANDLEBARMONEY
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
---
---
169.6
7 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5506423686
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
REMOTE VIEWING
Jun 20, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ON A LAZY SUNDAY MORNING I saw giants taking powerful swings at each other. Not out the window, but on a piece of glass I held in my hand. Not within 100 miles, but on another continent. Not actual giants...
... but the best racers in Spain.
I don't know how anybody could possibly be riveted to this like I am...
... without personally having felt debilitating effects of the wind increasing as you get dropped from a winning break.
That's drama.
And pain.
Shame.
We get it because most days we aren't on the sidelines...
... we're in the saddle.
We are doers,
not viewers only.
It's a new week, let's get after it.
Even on the longest day of the year, long after the sun has risen, I'll mount up with my blinkies making me extra visible.
I love the Knogs because the offer 330 degrees of visibility when used in tandem.
And their lightweight.
And aero.
The code is DOERS
---
---
167.6
8.25 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5503751639
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THIS TIME IT'S SOCIAL
Jun 19, 2021
by TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES YA GOTTA RIDE TWICE. An early one to get it done, and a later one just for fun. Like today. First, a quicky, hitting it hard on the local gravel climbs for 90 min. Then the kids arrived for a visit...
... and gave me a gift money will never buy.
A social ride.
A real one.
Honest.
Here are the signs of an actual social ride vs the usual hooliganistic hijinks of It's just a social ride.
Finally get out the door around 10, after searching through the kit basket to get the new son-in-law something matchymatchy...
... vs the planned roll at 8, don't be late.
Load up mostly borrowed bikes so everyone can ride...
... vs each rider having their own raceready steed with whom they are one.
1/2 mile into the ride the first of many stops for catching up and laughter...
... vs our usual don't get dropped or you'll be alone policy.
After 67 minutes of playing around on the same fun loop with berms and jumps and other fun stuff we hit In-N-Out for burgers, fries and drinks...
... vs 4-5 hours attacking and coughing up lungs and limping home to collapse into a coma.
Being social is always fun on bikes...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
... because even on the fake ones where we're killing each other there is always time to talk and catch up.
Either on the warm up or cool down.
Many a lifelong friendship has sprouted from such rides.
Kinda makes ya wonder what the world would be like if we all rode alongside each other for a few miles.
Yes, this is one of our original designs and comes with matching sticker to put on your bumper or trailer or your bathroom mirror.
Let's get the message out!
Purchase 2 of these shirts and second one is free.
Use promo code: RYB
Code expires Monday.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
---
---
166.7
6.5 hrs
Stretch n Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5497250064
https://www.strava.com/activities/5496309975
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
HANG ON LOOSE
Jun 18, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE HARDEST SKILLS TO TEACH IS HOW TO HOLD THE BARS. Some new riders are gripping like they're on a roller coaster that might launch off the rails at any moment. Others, lazy and loose. One will prematurely tucker ya out...
... the other?... can end very badly.
I once heard it explained as like riding a galloping horse, the reigns are flying and flapping yet they are also tight and firm in one's grasp.
That's a good visual.
If you're on the road it's not quite as obvious until a direct hit with a pothole or something like it. The more dirt gets the equation the more imperative it is to practice good bar gripping.
You know what else helps?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Our superlight full-finger gloves.
I ride 'em road or dirt.
Always.
Supple leather palm, very ventilated top,
Without too much effort you could poke around on the site and find this whopper of an offer.
Place an order for Gloves and Socks and use promo code: BuyGlovesGetSocks
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
167.6
7.7 hrs
Evening Surf
https://www.strava.com/activities/5490686594
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
DON'T JUDGE ME
Jun 17, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MAYBE THAT'S THE APPEAL OF GRAVEL RIDING? It's just totally wrong in so many ways. It's a road bike that is much slower than a mountain bike on real trails. And, a mountain bike that is pig on smooth dirt and pavement...
... a true jack of all trades and master of none.
The notsoobvious thing about such a bike is that by riding one there is a lot of mastery to be gained.
Riding with the group on a gravel bike with fattish tires will only improve our power.
Likewise letting it rip on fast and loose dirt roads increase our bike handing ability.
Looking to uncover the lost art of picking a clean line over rough terrain there's nothing better than skinny knobbies and zero suspension to sharpen the skills.
So, when the Stravaverse questioned...
... Single track on a gravel bike?
I could only reply...
... Yes. Don't judge me.
As I get closer to the the feared and terrible Crusher in the Tuschar, I'm starting to ride the gravel bike more and more...
... trying to master the jack of all bikes.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
One thing that will make that trip a lot easier is packing all my gear like a pro with a RaceDay Bag™.
When I see people still using dome duffle bags and rifling through all their shtuff...
... I just have to laugh. Such a waste of energy and time.
The bags are never on sale... we make them right here in CA for racers just like you.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
---
---
168
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5488259821
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
YOU'VE GOT LEGS, USE 'EM.
Jun 16, 2021
by TODD BROWN
BP ASKED THIS POIGNANT QUESTION ON LAP 2 OF 4 THIS EVENINGS HOT LAPS. Why are we doing to more laps? TBH, sometimes I think of my extended family who are disabled for various reasons. The assortment of canes and walkers assisting their courageous efforts...
... some have had these challenges since childhood.
My answer to my young padawan? I could have quipped a sassy retort if I wasn't breathing so dern hard. It went like this...
Why are we doing 2 more laps?
Because... we... can.
Upon return I uploaded and entered the Stravaverse and what did I discover to my surprise and delight? A PR on the 4th lap, actually a bigboy #2 cup, which reminded me of the earlier conversation and what I should have said...
Why are we doing 2 more laps?
Because... we... can... get faster!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
Which is why once we've taken care of our responsibilities we gotta ride.
If you've never tried one of our t's I promise you they are soft and get softer the more you wear them.
This design in nearly sold out and I'd like to make room for a new design so here's the dealio...
Use promo code: GOTTARIDE
... and when you buy 1 Gotta Ride shirt, the 2nd Gotta Ride shirt is free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
---
167.9
8 hrs
Gym work in the morning
https://www.strava.com/activities/5483157854
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!
Jun 15, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME, kind of. Youthful energy is percolating on every ride. Cats are pumped to stretch their legs. Weight is down, miles are up, and bikes tuned...
... and the spirt of giving abounds!
Yep, every boy and girl is ready to give their crew the gift of pain!
Ain't it great?
Why just today The Old Diesel heard...
Todd, I'm down 7 pounds.
Wow... I can tell.
Yeah, I'm gonna drop 7 more.
Well... better get your buns on the A loop next week so we can see what ya got for us!
I mean bro can't just tease us with pretty wrapping and a bow...
... that ain't right.
Am I right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
So, if you're feeling the giving spirit this summer make sure you recover... because everybody knows giving is better than receiving.
The Hypervolt is pure magic as far as I'm concerned. Plug it in and massage the pain away. Legit.
Yes, PR Lotion has 2 uses... TWO! Great for giving the gift of pain and excellent for post giving.
And yeah, what's better giving a bunch presents than a strong drink... for recovery?! Skratch is that.
This code will save you $50 when your purchase all 3.
The code is REKUVRY
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
---
---
165.9
8 hrs
HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5464438489#kudos
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
SHINY SHOES SAVE LIVES
Jun 14, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHEREVER YOU STAND, you have to consider this observation by General Schwarzkopf.. Shiny shoes save lives... because shiny shoes are indicative of discipline. But, we don't have drill sergeants nor do most of have coaches. We have something much better...
... Passion.
Nobody is telling us to get up at the crack o'dawn and ride.
Ha!
Usually just the opposite.
They don't get us.
Don't get the magical elixir that is a crisp morning breeze.
Our shoes may be occasionally dusty...
... but our minds are always clear, our lungs strong.
Bring it!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/mandible-bike-cage
Speaking of elixirs and shiny stuff... is there anything worse than having your full water bottle launch out its cage?
Yes, but losing a bottle can be really bad in a race situation.
I've 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.
Use promo code: SHINY
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/mandible-bike-cage
---
---
165.9
8 hrs
HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5464438489#kudos
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE COUNTDOWN
Jun 13, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHETHER WE ARE 6 MONTHS OUT OR 6 WEEKS 0R 6 DAYS OR 6 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE START OF OUR BIG RACE MATTERS. Given enough time we can get incredibly fit and ready...
... and that can be a problem.
It's easy to imagine arriving at our ideal weight, with a bike in tip top shape when we have 6 months.
With six weeks, even if things needed some refinement, we can get a lot done.
Six days, we'll be lucky to get the bike perfected if it's not already there.
Six minutes, it's just hope and pray, and that probably will fail...
... if we haven't put in the work.
Steven Covey encouraged us to...
... Begin with the end in mind.
Have you begun?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
If you have parts you think you'll need, now is the time to source them. There are still a lot of supply chain issues.
Which means you might need to pull out the credit card.
Personally, I'm a fan of the RaceDay Wallet™.
Made from innertube, it's big enough for what I need on a ride or about town.
The bonus is that the material is so grippy it will never fall out of your jersey pocket.
Use promo code: COUNTDOWN
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
---
Save even more with PEDALposse.
---
165.9
8 hrs
HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5464438489#kudos
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
JOURNEYMEN RACERS DOMINATE
Jun 12, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE RACER? Is it today's flavor of the month or is it the cat that's been around forever? The superstar or the journeyman? One is entertaining at the highest level, the other is...
... reliable but not outstanding.
For me, there is a certain romance with the journeyman.
They are not children any more.
They have come to terms with their limitations and continued to hone their craft to what might be the greatest level of all...
... reliability.
Sure, I love the unexpected explosiveness of new face. Of course, I thoroughly enjoy a brutal and dramatic fight for the finish line among the favored titans.
But, in the end, when I gear up to race I'll take reliability over flash ever time...
... and that's what comes to all of us who set out on the quest to be our best.
A few will stand atop the podium for the the rest of us...
... it's about the journey, man.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews
One area of performance that can be unreliable this time of year is our muscles.
It's hot.
We get depleted.
The cramps set in and our day is ruined.
When I head out for a long day, I always through these in my back pocket.
Because they are chewable you can gobble if needed, or just let melt in mouth.
Use promo code: JOURNEY
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews
---
Save even more with PEDALposse.
---
165.8
7.5 hrs
HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5459606241
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
IS THAT A BANANA IN YOUR BIBS OR ARE YOU JUST HAPPY TO SEE ME?
Jun 11, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FOR SURE, for sure, for sure... the second most awkward thing I had to explain to my friends was shaving my legs. But, the first... the first, quite frankly, I had to explain to myself...
... thin lycra cycling shorts in public.
For some of you this may have come naturally. Not for me. At all.
But, there's a really important lesson there that I've applied so often at this point it's second nature...
... I don't care what others think...
... If somethings spins my wheels, I'm doing it to the best of my ability.
Got it?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
Maybe that's what inspired the changing poncho?
Not entirely... I also use it to wipe down my body post ride, and then wipe down the bike if it's going inside.
Most of the ponchos we make are for teams.
Use promo code: BANANA
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
---
Save even more with PEDALposse.
---
164.9
7.2 hrs
Gym Work
https://www.strava.com/activities/5452085817
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
FEAR LESS MIND CONTROL
Jun 10, 2021
by TODD BROWN
PADDLING A FEW MILES OFF THE COAST THIS MORNING I THOUGHT I SAW A SHARK. I didn't. But, if the light is reflecting just right the caps of the waves get a little sharkfinny...
... mind control is a serious skill for us.
Think crit racing is dangerous, it will be.
Contemplate the cliff side of a trail, enjoy the fall.
Will that rock you're staring it cause a flat, probably.
The great Napoleon Hill stated, What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve...
... so we focus only on the good stuff, where we want to go...
... the clean lines through the turn,
the solid part of the trail,
the smooth section of gravel,
... because our lives literally depend on it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Speaking of our minds, these are my favorite brain buckets. Super comfortable, and very stylish.
We have a few containers coming in this month.
This is the Protone, my go to everyday helmet.
There are other colors and models available, just click the link below.
Use promo code FEARLESS to save $45 on the Protone (15%)
The code expires Friday night at midnight.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
Save even more with PEDALposse.
---
165.8
7 hrs
HyperVolt and Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5446959158 (paddle)
https://www.strava.com/activities/5449672751 (ride)
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
LUCKY ENOUGH
Jun 09, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE'D JUST FINISHED HOT LAPS WDNSDY. For most, it is the hardest ride of the week. Roughly an hour. No let up. No draft. Technical. Max HRs are hit with high, high, high average HRs...
... one by one we trickled in after the final lap.
Dusty shins. Sweat pouring. Tongues hanging. Sloppy fist bumps.
A few minutes pass.
Normal breathing is restored.
Slack jaws slowly turn to cat-ate-the-canaray smiles.
It's a truly remarkable experience.
Occasionally, I wonder why all the energy to get rides like this going... and then I get a message like this.
Hot Laps hurt to so good. I love it.
If you don't have a killer, weekly ride, put one on. It's easy, just start on time and keep inviting.
If you do have such a ride, invite a some new cat to join...
... and watch 'em smile afterward.
After that it's a cinch to entice them to do an actual race... yes, this is a truly diabolical plan to get people to explore their maximum potential.
Are you in?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
Kinda like my diabolical plan to finish this book.
Which you can pre-order now.
I've given myself 45 days to get it completed.
No doubt, you'll get something extra if you order now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
PEDALposse will get the book automatically.
---
170 (oh my!)
7.2 hrs
HyperVolt and Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5444185909/analysis/2841/6393
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
YOU CANNOT GET TESTED BUT YOU CAN GRADUATE
Jun 08, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE NO TESTING CENTERS PER SE. No multiple choice answers. No fill in the blank questions. No essays to write. It's just impossible to know if we've mastered the necessary skills...
... yet, we do graduate.
It's impossible to watch it, read about it, listen to the stories...
... and grasp the final meters of a sprint,
the elbow to elbow fight to be first to the single track,
what it takes to fuel your body to endure for hours...
... the only way to advance from Cat 5 to Cat 4 to Cat 3 is to race.
That is where the lessons are learned...
... and when we're good enough we advance because really know the material.
Speaking of fuel!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
This is flying off the shelves.
Lots of flavors to chose from.
Use promo code: LESSONLEARNED
---
Save even more with PEDALposse.
---
169
6.7 hrs
HyperVolt and Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5435466106
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
STOP SETTING STUPID EXPECTATIONS
Jun 07, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THIS IS TRUE OF EVERYTHING. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. It's the downfall of newbie racers, the secret power of wizened witches and warlocks in every race. It looks like magic, or alchemy. New racers please stop...
... overestimating what you could do in 1 year,
and underestimating what you can accomplished in 3 years.
When I was a newb, sure I was on my way to France, I was fortunate to meet a crusty old cat who clued me in...
... it takes 3 years to figure out what kind of racer you are.
He was mostly right.
After 3 years it was clear I my sweet spot was crits and circuit races.
But, new forms of racing came around. MTB XC and SuperD, crazy endurance distances, and now we have gravel.
If there's one thing I've learned, it takes 3 years to get really good... and... we can get really good, better than we think, if we'll put in the work AND FOCUS.
We need time to figure out the deets...
- Specific training
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Bike and fit
- Tires and set up
- Suspension set up
- ...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
... and a giant calendar is key to see how your year lays out.
Good news!... the year is half over, and most of the events have yet to happen.
I'm closing out the rest of 2021 calendars with this 50% off promo code.
The giant calendar is the bomb for getting an honest view of what we can do with the time we have.
Trust me, we don't have enough... this will help.
The code you need to enter at check out is: 3YEARS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
---
168.4 (oh boy!)
7.5 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5430044002
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
YOU'VE GOT DATA
Jun 06, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YOUR RIDE IS READY TO VIEW. These six words, they should have been three. Nevertheless, they are a signal to our brains that there is a feast of data waiting to be devoured. Which begs the question...
... should I get out of my sweaty clothes first?
Yes, ya dummy!... but sometimes I'm just too curious to see how my perception of things stacks up with the Stravaverse.
Yesterday was a perfect example of feeling like it wasn't outrageously hard then looking at the data and realizing we were actually clicking right along.
Which begs the Why questions...
- What was different?
- Tire pressure?
- Sleep?
- Weight?
- Food?
- Fluids?
- Weather?
- Faster riders?
Ask the right questions. Get the correct answers. Go faster.
This sport...
... it has me endlessly fascinated.
Take fluids.
How much should we drink? How often? After reading Waterlogged I started drinking according to my thirst vs forcing a certain amount of ounces per hour.
Whatever your strategy, ain't it nice to have new bottles?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
Use promo code: DATA
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
---
Save even more with PEDALposse.
---
167.8
8 hrs
HyperVolt and Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5427415381
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
JUDGE A MAN BY THE SIZE OF HIS TIRES?
Jun 05, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AS SOON AS HE SAID IT HE KNEW HE'D REGRET IT. The thought that goes into tire choice when ripping off road is staggering. Add to it tire pressure, and you'll see limitless combinations on every ride. So, when I asked...
... Those tires look huge, what size are they?
Ugh, 2.somethings. I'm not sure.
He left it hanging there, knowing I wanted an answer as I watched the massive knobbies whiz around. I prodded.
How do they ride?
Look, the size of a man's tires are inversely proportional to his ability to handle his bike.
Oh, that'll make the blog.
Damnit!
Just kidding.
Tires aren't akin to shoes.
They are more like shields for battle, and everybody has their preference.
Some cats like 'em big and heavy and grippy and impervious to whatever the mountain is gonna throw our way.
Others, light with low, fast rolling treads.
I'm in the second camp, and I gotta admit when both tires broke loose in a swopping left hander at over 30mph today I was wondering...
... Are they gonna hook back up?
They did. They nearly always do. But, it's a helluvan unsettling feeling that takes a lot of getting use to.
Getting the pressure right is part art and part science... I'm down to 17 in the front and 18 in the rear. Fastashell, and allkinda grippy for low profile tread.
Speaking of shields...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/easy-rider
How do you like this new one?
It's what inspired this new kit.
Here's the deal on this...
If you order prior by end of day on Sunday, June 6th 2021, we will ship in time for the 4th. After that date isn't guaranteed.
Use promo code: RUGGEDCOLIN
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/easy-rider
---
Save even more with PEDALposse.
---
167.5
7 hrs
HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5419766474
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
FOR SURE, I WANT TO WIN.
Jun 04, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FOR SURE, I WANT TO WIN.... those are the final words from a Quinn Simmons interview regarding the famously ominous Unbound Gravel race. Balance that with the words of previous winner Colin Strickland...
... Equally important to winning a big gravel race is HOW you win the race.
Quinn is riding with a pro teammate, Colin is adamant that gravel racing is NOT a team sport.
Who's right?
I'm going to go with Colin on this one. But, that's probably because I prefer to race alone anyway. I get what he's saying, that the history of gravel racing is one of individuals battling just as much with themselves over challenging terrain and obscene distances.
Yes... the essence of gravel is Rugged Individualism...
: the practice or advocacy of individualism in social and economic relations emphasizing personal liberty and independence, self-reliance, resourcefulness, self-direction of the individual, and free competition in enterprise.
... I love the romance of that approach, no matter how much it denies the need for society as a whole to work, I just love that freakin' ideal.
Yeah, Colin definitely gets the nod on this one from The Old Diesel.
So much so that I we whipped up this design.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/easy-rider
Here's the deal on this...
If you order prior by end of day on Sunday, June 6th 2021, we will ship in time for the 4th.
After that date this outstanding design will still be available but not might arrive prior to 7/4/21
Use promo code: RUGGEDCOLIN
PEDALposse will save even more.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/easy-rider
---
168 (time for my wedding weight to be shed)
7 hrs
HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5414888063
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
FOUND WANTING
Jun 03, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE RACING LIFE HAS NOT BEEN TRIED AND FOUND WANTING...
... it has been found difficult and left untried.
And that is what separates us from them.
We savor the difficult journey racing offers.
From prep
to racing
to exhaustion
to elation,
knowing we did our absolute best is the ultimate satisfaction.
Find a race.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
Me, I'm racing to finish this book.
Which you can pre-order now.
I've given myself 45 days to get it completed.
No doubt, you'll get something extra if you order now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
PEDALposse will get the book automatically.
---
166.7 lbs
7 hrs
Isokenetic/Plyometric
https://www.strava.com/activities/5409954691
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE ONE INGREDIENT EVERY GREAT RIDE NEEDS
Jun 02, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT OF GREAT ROUTES. Every locale has something epic to offer. Whether we are planning to ride nearby or traveling afar, there is one thing we've got to be sure to get right...
... or not bring it at all.
It won't fit in your RaceDay Bag™, but you could check it on a plane.
For me, having the right people along for the ride is much more crucial than where we are riding.
I have nothing to add to that...
... get the people right and the ride is always awesome.
That's a basic truth for any successful operation.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/basic-colors?variant=40053265989793
Speaking of basic...
... this is a new color, part of our basic series.
If you want to give the best gift ever this Father's Day or graduation or maybe a birthday...
... and your "right person" likes elegant design.
Use promo code SAVE10
https://pedalindustries.com/products/basic-colors?variant=40053265989793
---
166 lbs
7.5 hrs
Hypervolt and Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5404188801
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
MULLIGAN FLATS
Jun 01, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MULLIGAN FLATS, it sounds like a desolate area up in the mountains. Maybe there are scattered pines and dusty roads. A rustic old cabin perhaps? But, no... this is about our version of what golfers refer to as a Mulligan...
... which I'm pretty sure is what a certain rider pulled on our giant MTB jaunt last Saturday.
You may be thinking, But Diesel, golf isn't a sport. Frankly, gawd rest my inlaws souls, I agree. Golf is a wonderful game of pool played on a massive table. A game that 50 year old Phil Mickelson, with debilitating arthritis, just won 2 million bucks playing...
... that would never, ever, ever, ever happen in cycling.
If there's one thing I remember from my ventures on the greens it is a Mulligan is where you hit a terrible shot and yell Mulligan! then take another crack at it.
Back to Saturday.
We're slogging up this hour long climb, it's sunny and hot and our group is spread all over the mountain.
3 of us are off the front...
... when this certain rider says I think I have a slow leak.
Which brings up his Mulligan.
What else would you call it?
One minute he's with us...
... the next he's nowhere in site.
When, eventually, minutes and minutes later, this certain rider shows up I have to quiz...
Wow, that musta been a helluva flat to fix.
Oh, uh, it was fine.
Lost some air then?
No, ummmm, just felt like it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging, just pointing out that we can take Mulligan's all ride long, which this certain rider did...
... only to destroy and humiliate me on the next, shorter climb...
... but, try that in a race and...
... game over.
Speaking of air... we're really digging this digital air checker. I even through it my RaceDay Bag™ in case I have to borrow somebody's pump at an event.
It's compact, and very reliable.
Use Promo Code: AIRCHECK
---
166.9 lbs
6 hrs (no wonder I sucked so bad this morning)
Hypervolt and Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5395185073
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
RIDE THIS TOWN
May 31, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE'RE GONNA RIDE THIS TOWN, RIDE IT INSIDE OUT. Meet y'all at 6, back to work by 9. And that's what makes 'em scream and shout. We're on two wheels. Skinnies, knobbies and fatties...
... ripping this place apart.
Nobody knows this town like us. We know it. They know it.
Even today, after years living here, I followed my nose and found an unknowntome cut-through.
Life is a lot different at 15 or 20 in a world going 50, 60 and 80.
There are alleys and trails. Sunrises, leaves, weeds. Coyotes and cats. The speeders will never know these parts...
... and that's hellafine by me.
You know what else is hellafine by me? Our new website.
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/
Of course I'm always working it, poke around it's a cinch you'll find something unknowntoyou.
Like this.
Look close... there's a promo code there.
Let me know what you think of the update... might just surprise ya with something.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166.8 lbs
8.3 hrs
Pullups and Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5391782100
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
FREEDOM
May 30, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WINNING A FIGHT OR A COMPETITION FURTHER BOOSTS TESTOSTERONE LEVELS...
Motivation is the one thing underdogs must have more than anybody else...
A few times in your life you arrive at a place where your future has been waiting for you all along.
The preceding are a few quotes from Sebastian Junger's new book, Freedom.
Here are few others:
It's not that they are against excellence... but they know how badly pride and ego can destabilize a group.
Leaders who aren't willing to make sacrifices aren't leaders...
I should have fought until I was the last man left alive.
Whatever you're up to this Memorial Day, I hope you get a nice ride in... maybe even a long one like the setting for this book...
We walked around four hundred miles and most nights we were the only people in the world who knew where we were. There are many definitions of freedom but surely that is one of them.
... it is, after all, a free country.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Of course, if it's really long you might need some electrolytes for the road and a recovery drink when you get back.
I have turned a lot of people onto these, and I think we gained a few more believers today.
Use promo code FREEDOM
The code works on everything in this link and saves you 15%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Save even more if you're part of the PEDALposse.
---
166 lbs
8.2 hrs
Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5386258500
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
FIVE DIGIT DAYS
May 29, 2021
by TODD BROWN
JOHN BAILED BECAUSE THE RIDE WAS TOUTED AS ZONE 2 and too easy, which is exactly why I committed to go. You'd think by now we'd each know that when the boys are together Zone 2 is not Zone 2. It's Zone...
... too freakin' fast!
I mean what were we thinking?
How could it be Zone 2?
We climbed over 10,000', in 60 miles, under 6 hours.
On dirt.
Yeah, a true 5 digit day - 10000'+
5 digit days are magic.
In advance, they seem insane. While riding, it can be overwhelming to think about. But as you bring it home and climb those few remaining feet a wonderful thing happens...
... not only didn't it kill ya, but ya feel damn fine.
Of course, the bonus is that your climbing ability takes a big leap forward.
A bunch of us are preparing to do the Leadville 100 and this was a perfect ride to start getting our bodies and minds ready.
Thankfully Chris was passing these out like candy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
I have turned a lot of people onto these, and I think we gained a few more believers today.
Take as soon a hint of a cramp is coming on. I like to let them melt in my mouth.
Use promo code 5DIGITS
The code works on everything in this link.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
166.4 lbs
7 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5379819415
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
COOKING AND CRANKING
May 28, 2021
by TODD BROWN
NOBODY IS, SHOULD EVER, JUST BE HANGING OUT IN THEIR BIBS. The lifestyle of our sport is unlike our local surf culture. We wear our sport on our glowing faces, which radiate health, because we regularly raise our heart rates...
... that's not the only place our lifestyle beams.
Just look at our legs! They are almost ageless. Muscles rippling and taught, ready to unleash our might fury.
It's not just our skin.
I don't know any proper cyclist who wears anything but cycling socks. Dress socks, boring. Tube socks, terrible.
We have an endless supply of race t-shirts. Some are real keepers, worn well beyond their Use By date.
Leadville does something cool, they give you a track jacket with your name and finishing time printed on it. That jacket serves as a reminder of what I've done, and what I can do...
... and I'll be thinking about it tomorrow as I ride the mountains with the posse members who are doing Leadville this summer.
After, I'll be donning a piece of cycling apparel you may not have in your vast collection of treasures.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-apron-for-cooking-and-cranking
Yes... an apron, because I'll be working the backyard BBQ like a boss.
It's the same apron I use when cranking on my bike.
With handy pockets for my most common tools, and parts I need to briefly store, it's extra efficient and keeps me clean.
I whipped up a bunch for the PEDALposse. If you're part of the posse, then it's on it's way.
If you're not...
... there are a few extras you can order here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-apron-for-cooking-and-cranking
... or you can join the posse and get the apron as your first PEDALposse gift here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription
But, you should only join the PEDALposse if you're into receiving cool surprises every month, saving an obscene amount on gear, and being part of what we're all about.
Have an awesome 3 day weekend with your 2 wheeled lover.
---
166 lbs
8.2 hours -
Pull Ups and Push UPs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5374688433
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
SOMEDAY ISLE RIDE TO KICKINGASSVILLE
May 27, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND CRAZY MIKE TEXTED ME FROM BUELTON, about 200 miles up the coast. He left yesterday, rode around the mountains up there today and plans to return tomorrow. He rode his bike there, he'll ride it back...
... someday I'll do that.
At least that's what I keep telling myself.
Friend after friend has been riding off and not returning for days, some for months. Each time I learn of it, I pepper them with questions...
How do you do it?
What do you take?
Where do you stay?
... the truth is, these are bullshyte questions.
They represent the kind of thinking that keep me trapped on Someday Isle instead of living in Kickingassville.
Too harsh?
I dunno.
If the sock fits, wear it.
A lot of what I accomplish originates in Kickingassville, but the ride off and return in a few days is definitely on Someday Isle.
Speaking of socks...
... I took this shot because it demonstrates all the effort we've put into making foot protection.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
These have been worn many times.
The inside out one is fresh out of the dryer. You can see all the different construction elements that go into FastMax compression.
The sock on the left is also fresh out of the dryer, but I've given it a few hard tugs lengthwise. I do this because the EZBreathe Yarns contract in the dryer's heat.
If you're into goodness for your feet, before you head out from Kickingassville, you really ought to try these out.
They come in lots of colors.
Use promo code: CRAZYMIKE
And get 2 pair for the price of one - order 2 pair and enter the promo code at check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
165.4 lbs
7.2 hours -
Stand Up Paddle in the morning
https://www.strava.com/activities/5369827435
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
SATISFACTION CAME IN A CHAIN REACTION
May 26, 2021
by TODD BROWN
EVERYBODY GOING STRONG! Up above on the climb, there was racing in the air. I couldn't get enough. I had to self destruct...
The first lap hurt so bad.
Wanted to quit.
The second lap was worse.
Kept pedaling.
The third was burning.
No stopping.
The fourth...
... I'm on fire!
... I just can't stop, when my heart gets hot.
Fastest lap of the night, #4.
Why's that?
I dunno.
It just is.
Sometimes, the workout seems to ask too much. Seems too hard. Seems impossible.
Then we start.
And it gets easier.
Unstoppable.
Until we are burning.
I'll pay for it tomorrow. But, who cares.
Not me.
Just gonna curl up in bed after I hit my legs with the Hypervolt.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
5-10 minutes, each leg.
Better than any massage.
No appointment needed.
Save $30 with promo code CANTSTOP
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
PEDALposse saves even more
Yes, this post was inspired The Trammps.
---
167.7 lbs
7.8 hours -
Burpees - Pullups - Kettlebell
https://www.strava.com/activities/5364457936
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
I HOPE I'M AS FAST AS YOU... UGH!
May 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
CAN I BE REAL ABOUT SOMETHING? Let you know my inner, evil thoughts? Because that's where this is going all from an innocent attempt at a compliment. It starts with Jorge rolling up and saying...
... Toddy... Cody, he is what I imagine you were like a long time ago.
Really?
Yes. He is fast and spunky and handsome. You must have been like that.
And I'm thinking That's a helluva thing to say.
But it gets harsh with this guileless praise from Cody...
... Yeah, I hope I'm as fast as you are when old.
And there it is... in all it's glory.
The plain and simple truth has been presented, in glaring and bright lights. I have all the symptoms of the early onset O.L.D...
... and these young punks, clueless in every blameless way, think they are doing me good.
So many things come to mind...
- You have no idea how
- You should hope to
- You're gonna pay for
... I bite my helmet strap, and smile...
... because I'm damn lucky to ride with these younger, spunkier and handsomer cats I call friends.
The reason I'm even in the conversation is because I'm tapping into my inner winged wolf... every dern day.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/pedal-wolf-logo-shirts
I hope you are, too...
... in one of these, softest dang shirt ever, t-shirts.
Available in 4 different colors.
Use promo code JORGE!
And when you add a 2nd shirt to your order - any design - it'll be FREE... which is a concept that never gets OLD.
---
167.6 lbs
6.5 hours - not enouth
10 Pullups 20 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5356080628
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
HAVE I EVER TOLD YOU THAT YOU (DON'T HAVE TO BE) MY HERO?
May 24, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS LIKE SCALES FALLING FROM HIS OAKLEY'S. Finally, he could see his heroic pulls on the front of our group rides were great for everybody but him. It only took about 2 years...
... and tomorrow might christen a new era.
I say might because the pull to pull hard and long is intoxicating.
I predict this cat is going to need all 12 steps to ween him off this bad adrenaline drip aka Hey, look at me pulling all the big train.
We're all out there for our daily dose, our racer's high. The only question this cat needs to answer is this...
... Do I want to pull hard early and get dropped or be smart and punish these cats when it counts?
There really isn't a right answer. Both are exhilarating... neither includes any Wheelsuckery.
But, I've experienced this particular cat dropping me on the way to meet the group and making me hurt after the real racing is done and we're headed back home.
Let me just posit, if he uses his power judiciously and truly experiences the real rush of finishing with the lead group he'll never, ever go back to his backward ways.
We'll see manana.
Want to know something funny... the 50 or so who regularly do this ride will be wondering...
... Is he writing about me?
To which I say...
... I don't know, am I?
One person I'm not writing about is my pal Chuck, who scored a new pair of Fizik MTB shoes.
How did he score them? Like this...
... Hey, can you get these?
Yep. Size?
43.
Done.
That's the easy part... the sweet part is saving 25% because he's part of the PEDALposse.
Maybe you should check it out?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription
---
166.9 lbs
7.5 hours
20 Pullups 40 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5352888896
DESGRANGE, HITCHCOCK, OR YOU... WHO'S BETTER?
May 23, 2021
by TODD BROWN
TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM, I found myself watching and laughing and having a good time with an old Nora Ephron movie. Like all great directors, with Nora you know what you were going to get...
... it's the same way with all great race directors.
The best put on a great show from beginning to end.
They fill the house.
For me, it's all about the suspense. Whether I'm racing or watching, it's figuring out who has the goods to win that I find so mesmerizing.
The greatest suspense director?
Is it Desgrange, creator of the three week Tour de France, or Hitchcock, creator of Psycho...
... or is it you, going after that big race or ride this summer?
My money is on you.
If you've got something planned and you think there's the slightest chance you might get cramps...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews
... this is my goto fix...
... they're chewable, but I like to let them melt in my mouth the moment a feel cramps could be coming on.
If I feel a twitch I pop open my container and down one.
They're amazing,
effective,
and inexpensive.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews
---
165.3 lbs
8 hours
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5348158468
THERE'S NEVER TOO MUCH TWO
May 22, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S WEIRD HOW SOMETHING SO WRITTEN ABOUT, TALKED ABOUT AND THOUGHT ABOUT is so easily overlooked, discarded and forgotten. But, it's also good. Good if you're doing it...
... because few do.
It's exactly what I did today. After a hard block Tues-Thurs, I spun yesterday and went out for a long day of Zone 2.
Which meant I passed on the various invitations to go pound it with the posse.
I find it nearly impossible to do a proper zone 2 ride with others. Inevitably, someone - probably me - will squirt ahead and then it all goes to bell on a handlebar.
There are a few things I like to focus on when doing these rides.
- make them event specific, like your next race or ride
- make them long
- make them count
For example, my next big event is a mountain bike race. Obviously, I rode the MTB. Less obvious, I worked on climbing with as low of a heart rate as possible. This forces me to be very efficient on the pedals and keep my upper body as quiet as possible. Inefficiency is readily apparent by a rising h.r..
I probably over did the time today, shoulda kept it under 4 hours. But, perfect weather.
Making them count, means not screwing them up by hitting it hard for even a tiny bit of time. It also means, not coasting it in with a bunch of zone 1.
All the downhill sections should be as smooth and fast as possible.
That's it.
Zone 2.
Eventhough Starva ways Tough Relative Effort, I should feel really good next week...
... and I should also have some new capillaries from the Zone 2 work...
... which is why there's never too much two.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery/products/lactigo
Sometimes after a big day like this I'll apply this special menthol mixture.
Posse member John told me about it a few months ago. And I have to admit, it does make the ol' musckels feel mucho better
Use Promo Code TOOTWO
It'll save you 20%, this weekend only - while supplies last.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery/products/lactigo
---
165.4 lbs
6.7 hours sleep (not nearly enough, had to watch the Giro!)
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5341160820
CREEPING ON YOU
May 21, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I AM A FAN OF BIG GOALS. The more outlandish the better. Part of that is perfecting the art of being a real creep. Not a peeping Tom...
... this takes real detective work.
If you're a nut, and I am, then you want to do as much sleuthing as you can. i.e. creep on your competition.
A lot of races put up their past results. Others go further and put up the start list.
There's gold in that data. Dive in and you'll get and good idea of who your competition is and what they've done in the near and distant past.
One thing I noticed tonight when looking at a particular long range goal I have is that the cats I'm creeping on have 4-digit racing license numbers. Mine, by comparison, is 48675. Current numbers are 6+ digits.
What does that mean?
These cats are gonna be wily, grizzled, and hardashell to beat because they've been licensed racers for decades.
Now to put a face, or bike and helmet, with their name and number so I know who's who when we line up.
The goal I'm working on might take me years to accomplish. But, I'm starting on it this year... and as soon as the date is announced it will be marked in red on my RaceDay Calendar™.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
While our calendars have been a little sparse, there are lots of events starting to firm up.
For me, there is no better way than having a giant wall calendar to plan and plot the big goals I'm chasing.
Use promo code: OUTLANDISH
To save 20%, while quantities last.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
---
165.4 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5336047216
GRASS PODIUM STANDARDS
May 20, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S THE PODIUM FOR 1ST, 2ND AND THIRD... then there's the grass podium for fourth and fifth. Where you stand on the grass. I know of one team that prohibits posting grass podium pictures...
... they only focus on the top three finishes.
That's the bar the team have set for themselves, and a high bar it is.
Frankly, I'm totally down with that. It's not grass podium shaming, it's letting it be known to their racers...
... get on top or don't get up at all.
Standards matter.
High standards inspire...
... and they keep us from slacking, keep us focused, keep us from doing stupid stuff.
What are your standards?
One of mine is to share with you what I'm testing, and what's working.
Well, I'm more convinced than ever in the power of maple syrup.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-hammer-gel-flask-clear-5oz
Just filling one of these up with 100% organic goodness.
Give it try. Tell me what you think.
I'm curious.
The flask is only a couple of bucks... if you order today, I'll throw in one of our Clearly Awesome Bottles
https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-hammer-gel-flask-clear-5oz
---
166.9 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
15 Pull Ups 30 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5329535737
https://www.strava.com/activities/5332078438
THE AMAZING MR. HUGH JASS ON MOTIVATION
May 19, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I WAS TALKING WITH MY FRIEND HUGH JASS ABOUT WHAT MOTIVATES HIM. He's one of those guys that constantly amazes me. No goal too big, no foe to mighty...
... he has Hugh Jass motivation.
When I ask him how he does it, he just looks at me and quotes Nietzsche:
He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.
Ya know, I think he's right.
Having a Why is the greatest tool any competitor can have.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tools/products/bikeshop-crank-brothers-f15-multi-tool
Which is why a lot of racers learn how to use and carry fancy tool.
If you're into useful art,
use promo code: HUGHJASS
and save 15% on our tools.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tools/products/bikeshop-crank-brothers-f15-multi-tool
---
167.1 lbs
8 hours sleep
Weighted Burpries, Squats and Pull Ups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5326721901
SHIFTING JUST TO KEEP UP
May 18, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE A REAL PROBLEM WITH MY CREW AND I BET YOU DO TOO. They keep getting faster. Faster bikes, better training, improved diet and weight. There is absolutely no way on God's hard asphalt I can keep up...
... unless I shift.
Because the sport keeps changing all the time, I have to keep shifting my own strategies.
I think back to the early days...
... 8 hours was a big week,
21s were wide,
donuts and diet coke for breakfast the norm,
a big Saturday had me home by 9am...
... and all rides were hard, no recovery, nothing easy.
Keep shifting my friends, it only gets faster from here.
One thing I've switched to is wax for my chains vs oil.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
Wax has the lowest drag coefficients. It's also dry, and doesn't pick up any dirt or grime.
My go to is Wend, the WaxOn and WaxOff products.
Apply a drop to each link and massage it in. Let dry overnight. Ride for miles on or off road.
Use promo code KEEPSHIFTING
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
---
167 lbs
7 hours sleep
10 Pullups 20 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5318241534
I'D RATHER BE EXCLUDED THAN INCLUDED
May 17, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE POWER OF THE BEST RIDES AND RACES lies not with inclusion, but exclusion. Sure we're invited. But, they do not suffer the slow, the weak, the unprepared.
And isn't that great?
To know there are still places on earth where we won't be given a participation trophy or a finisher's medal. To know that there are people who demand Keep up or get dropped.
And aren't those riders and racers we want to hang with?
Unique.
Rugged.
Courageos
Wanting and pushing to find out how good they really are.
These are my people.
Us.
Not getting invited, not deemed worthy, getting dropped... that stuff can get me seeing red...
... and wanting to wear these red gloves and socks.
Here's the deal... and it's a very special one: buy any pair gloves and the socks FREE!
Use promo code: SEERED
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166.6 lbs
8 hours sleep
25 Pullups 50 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5312495980
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ALWAYS EAT WHEN YOU CAN
May 16, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I FIND INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE. But, there's something about the Jack Reacher series I just love. The books resonate with the way I like to race, alone...
... no team needed.
As a bonus, Jack, the hero, lays down fictional knowledge hits like this:
Always eat when you can. Then you won't have to when you can't.
That is solid advice doing any kind of endurance race, the rougher the terrain the more I practice it..
If it's 3,4,5 hour race, I gotta eat, and I never miss an opportunity to do so when the terrain is smooth or the pace is chill. Especially if I don't know the course or the cats I'm competing against. Things can change quickly, and might not calm down for many miles.
Or,
When your instinct tells you something's wrong, somethings wrong. Always trust your gut.
This is, of course, our cyclesense.
Always trust your cyclesense when it's warning you to check your equipment or stay away from certain riders or off specific roads.
These tips for surviving fictional peril are totally legit. And our hero, being a lone wolf, must adhere to them to dominate the danger laden world where he operates.
We have plenty of potential hazards, all of which we want to avoid or dominate. There is plenty to learn, even from a made-up world.
If I ever write fiction, you know I'll work this in...
... the more we ride, the less risky it all becomes.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
Yes, these are the best fitting and softest tshirts you'll ever, ever wear.
Use promo code: REACHER
To save 25%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
---
167 lbs
Stretch
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5309927793
ABOUT THAT NEW TANDEM
May 15, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MY STOKER IS MOVING ON. Apparently, she has found a better captain and has jumped on his tandem. Ordinarily, I'd be one ticked off hombre. Who in their right mind wants to break up a successful team...
... after nearly 24 years of donut dates?
I'm so shattered I couldn't even get in a proper ride.
Instead, I spent the day creeping around snapping photos like this one, just to document the apparent happiness with her choice.
He is younger, smarter, handsomer, harder working, and by all counts a total stud...
... worse, and a whole lot worse, I actually really like this cat.
So, I reckon I'll drown my self in Skratch and go for a ride tomorrow.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
You can join my pity ride...
Use promo code: DADPITY
It'll save ya 20% as long as you spend over $50, which is too easy to do with products this awesome.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
166 lbs
Dance, dance, dance
8.5 hrs
no ride today
SOMEWHERE FAR ALONG THIS ROAD
May 14, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AT THE END OF MY ROAD THE ASPHALT TURNS TO GRAVEL, THEN DIRT. There's a low white metal barricade with a few reflectors. Beyond that it drops straight off. This wouldn't be too bad if it was at the top of a hill...
... but it's at the bottom.
Just the other night I was bombing that hill with abandon, when I started to ease on the brakes.
I kept accelerating.
I pulled harder.
Nothing.
The white gravel, dirt and white barricade were fast approaching.
Just before impact, I unclipped my pedals...
... only to find myself laying in bed, breathing hard.
I never crash.
Well, rarely.
It's not that Dreaming Diesel's skills leak into reality. But, it did get me thinking about the best way to explain how to go fast.
The great Phil Jackson coached Michael Jordan with these words, Let the game come to you.
I think it's the same way with going fast on a bike. Whether it's a fast, flowy single track or a long straight sprint, we have to learn to let it come to us.
Gravity is going to bring that turn.
The bunch is going to bring the finish line.
When we stop chasing the trail or the sprint everything slows down. It's weird, but true. For me, my heart rate is lower. Confidence is higher. Everything is better...
... and a lot more fun.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves/products/hiviz-pink-knitted-sock
Fun like this bright pink socks.
Let's make 'em double the fun.
Use promo code BOGOPINK and when purchase 2 pair of these socks one will be free.
Yes, you could buy 4 and 2 of the pair would be free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves/products/hiviz-pink-knitted-sock
---
167.6 lbs
Stretch
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5295909545
I CAN NEITHER CONFIRM NOR DENY
May 13, 2021
by TODD BROWN
HOW CAN I EXPLAIN THIS WEEK'S PERFORMANCE... and no, it was not a case of premature acceleration - get your mind out of the sprint. HOT LAPS WDNSDY were truly some hot laps. The problem is...
... I can't confirm nor deny what made it seem effortless.
But, that's the problem with being an Ol' Diesel... or any kind of Ol'... ya never, ever know when you're going to relapse into being young.
Let me list the few things I can put my sweaty glove on:
- 8 1/2 hours of sleep the night before
- Put on a few pounds
- Dropped my tire pressure - running 17 and 18, front and rear
- Cooler temp
It's not the PR Lotion or the lightening quick BMC 4stroke nor the new KASK Valegro helmet with lots of vents
... those are constants going back months...
... there is one more thing, and I think this could be it.
I've increased my training volume the last three weeks, putting into practice the transformative training post. According to Starva, my fitness is tip top. Higher than I've ever seen...
... these aren't hours of extra stupidhard efforts...
... just a lot more Zone 2.
Unfortunately, because I don't believe in science and training with a power meter, I just have to guess at these things. I go with my gut, and my slightly bigger gut (bullet point 2) says...
... it's the volume, the increased training volume and decreased air in my tires.
Now for an easy rest of the week.
Speaking of easy...
... this digital pressure checker makes accurate tire pressure super easy.
Which is important when going from mostly accurate floor pump to kinda accurate floor pump.
This is a winner.
So are you if you use promo code CONFIRM and save 10%
---
167 lbs
Paddle Surf
7.7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5290780876
DOES BRAD PITT REALLY RACE BICYCLES?
May 12, 2021
by TODD BROWN
LOOK, I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER FOR SURE TO IF BRAD PITT RACES BICYCLES, but do you ever notice how actors seem in public like their most recently played character? We aren't any different...
... at least I'm not.
In the height of the Froome era, I saw a lot more cats climbing seated with underfed and underdeveloped arms stabbing out.
It doesn't have to be TV, could be the local race scene. When I first started, the fastest cat rode with knees pointing straight out. So, that's what I did.
The personality most dominating our view casts a huge net into how we see ourselves on the bike, and how we handle our ponies.
And, it's not just their racing style.
The team kits too.
Pre-Sky, there were very few teams kitted in mostly black.
These days, the pro peloton is filled with white shoes and white socks. Guess what's the rage 'round these parts.
I'm not passing judgement, just making an observation.
What we consume matters.
Whether we admit it or not, we take on the characteristics and habits of those we lionize.
As the racing scene is opening back up it's time to think about hanging out again.
There's nothing better than a team canopy to send a signal of who you are and what you represent... as well as where y'all are congregating.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags
If you're needing a complete canopy or a new top...
... or want to dress up your bike rack...
... give me a shout. This month you can save up big dollars on canopies and banners.
Who knows, maybe we'll pro up your hang out and some superstar will hang out with you and your posse.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags
---
166.2 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
8.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5287606319
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