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:
===
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
>
SERIOUSLY HOOKED.
DO YOU EVER WONDER HOW MANY LIVES WE'VE RUINED FOR THE BETTER? Do you remember the day you were ruined? I mean, a lot of people ride bikes. They even throw down serious cash on a bike they'll never race...
... yet, they aren't ruined.
Nobody is truly ruined until their first group ride. There is just nothing like it in any other sport, and there's no explaining it.
But, I'll try.
Take Ken.
A few years and a lotta pounds ago, he was a normal man leading a lovely life. Somehow he wandered into our friendly support group, aka Tuesday Morning World Championships.
Innocent and pure.
Quickly, his first and only goal was to finish with the Bs.
Fast forward to this morning's epic performance.
On the front of the galloping A ride, Ken leads at the bottom of The Wall. 20 of us are strung out. 5 of us made it over the top, all behind Ken.
What the heck were you looking at Ken, watts or h.r.?
Nothing.
Nothing? Your head was straight down, bobbing up from time to time.
Nothing... just the road, I really wanted to PR the climb.
Mission accomplished, and I shutter thinking of what's next on his list.
Or consider Michael.
He's a goner after just 3 group rides, check this text I got post ride.
My tactics were bad. Rode off the front up Aliso Creek Trail and wasn't as strong up The Wall. Plotting my revenge.
You're officially hopelessly addicted.
You're right. I'm seriously hooked. That I am waking up at 5:30a alone is overwhelming evidence. I need to get these guys next week, then I'll step up and suffer through an A group beat down.
These cats could be sleeping in and having tea and crumpets at 8a.
They'd be sharper at work the rest of the day.
Keep wearing the same size trousers.
Fit in socially when out with friends.
Plus, they'd have a few extra Benjamins to invest or lavish upon their lovers.
Speaking of ruined and hooked and smashing PRs...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
You don't have to believe me...
... and if you race against me I'd prefer you don't trust a word I share. Just ignore this...
... for the countless of you who have trusted me before and found out I actually know a thing or two about haulingass on a bike.
This is the shyte.
And, if you're into biased research... and clearly any company that puts up research that backs their claims has to be taken with a grain of Skratch. They claim...
25% INCREASE IN INTERVALS COMPLETED TO EXHAUSTION
Still with me, then you must be thinking...
... I wonder if this really works.
You keep wondering, Ken and Michael and I will keep smashing it.
Use promo code HOOKED to save and get free shipping.
The code works on everything here:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
---
166.6 lbs
20 PullUps 40 PushUps
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5279304643
I'M GOING TO MAKE IT
DIRECT QUOTE FROM TODAY'S GIRO STAGE WINNER: Five months ago I considered quitting cycling. What a nice little story to go along with his Grand Tour debut and stunning win...
... but, like Paul Harvey, I want the rest of the story.
How did he get a new pro contract? What made him think he could get one? He's 27, but at what age did he believe he could beat the best of the best? And...
... why didn't he quit?
What kept him going when it all appeared to be going against him?
You know what's super cool, though?
He's got that something that keeps people going and it was massively on display as he dropped his breakaway companions and held the charging herd at bay.
At some point, he knew I'm going to make it!
Maybe that is what's in the bottle Roger De Vlaemick picked up at the 1971 Tour.
Do you like this image?... It's a signed, limited edition litho and normally it sells for $150. Not today. Today, and only through March 12th you can save $40.
Click the link to read all the details of this very famous picture.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/roger-de-vlaeminck-1971-tour-de-france-limited-edition-of-500
How did I arrange such an offer?... Easy, Brett Horton is one of my top pals and perhaps the world's greatest collector of cycling history.
Act now.
The code is GOTHEDISTANCE
These will sell outl
Click the link to read all the details of this very famous picture.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/roger-de-vlaeminck-1971-tour-de-france-limited-edition-of-500
---
166 lbs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5273906615
THE HEART OF THE MATTER IN QUESTION
SOME SAY WE HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF HEARTBEATS ALLOTTED TO EACH OF US. Which got me thinking about a friend who was so happy his resting h.r. was now below 60. He'd put in a lot of work to get there. Which is cool...
... because that's actually pretty good.
Most readers of this blog tick a lot slower when resting.
Will we live longer?
The math is thought provoking.
70 beats a minute over year = 36.7 million beats.
50 beats a minute over year = 26.2 million beats.
If we work out 10 hours a week at ave h.r. of 130... it's 28.9 million beats/year.
For all those who don't get why we ride...
Don't criticize what you can't understand.
-B. Dylan
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
For those of us who like to encourage others...
... this is a good one.
Use promo code HOWMANYBEATSLEFT
and save 20% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
---
164.2 lbs
Hypervolt
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5269994576
THE RISE OF PETER THE GREAT AND NEAR FALL OF YOURS DIESEL
AS I HUSTLED MY WAY UP GMR TODAY I WONDERED IF THE GREAT PETER SAGAN hadn't put his stamp on the Tour of California his first year as a pro, would he have had the support to do all he's done as a pro...
... did they know what a gem they had in the young MTB Champion? That he would go on to win the ToC on this very climb a few years later, and so much more?
All I remember is here is this 20ish year old kid whacking the pros day after day for the sprint finishes... and as I recall, smashing the final climb up to Big Bear.
I mean, who decides if a young star is going to be a superstar or an incredible domestic?
What if he'd been told to haul bottles back and forth every stage?
Was he hauling bottles and still stomping it at the end?
I dunno...
... but I do know, watching Tadej and Remco gives me the same feeling.
These bright, young talents have unlimited power and recover in the shift of an e-tap.
Which explains why I had so much to mull all this over, because when the 8 of us took off together I was quickly shot out the back...
... how could I fall for the old It'll be fun, we'll just cruise it?
I shoulda known, these are my friends and this is what we do. Lie like helk just to make sure we'll all do the ride.
Quickly my list of excuses grew: end of giant week, at end of big block, riding the gravel bike with road wheels is still slower, poor sleep last night...
... oh it was a long list, and total utter bullshnyte.
All things considered, it was actually a respectable time.
But, here's where we need to take a moment and consider how things went the rest of the ride and make a few notes for next time.
First, the wind was really howling at the top. The road wheels are ENVE 5.6's and I was being pushed all over the place. Exiting a fast sweeper...
... I was blown onto the shoulder and into the gravel, at speed! Gotta be careful when it's blowing like that when running the deep dishes.
Second, right after that one of the guys yells Todd, you're wheel is spraying sealant all over. This is good and possibly bad. Good that I had plenty of sealant, coulda been bad if it didn't seal. I stopped to check. Plenty pressure, hole sealed...
... however, I noticed I was missing a chunk of tread. I'd checked the tread a few days before, it was fine. But now it was clearly not fine. In fact, potentially fatal if it blew in a turn. I ignored my cyclesense last night that was telling me to check the treads again.
I wasn't going to ignore my cyclesense anymore...
... with that shoddy tread and wind blowing me around I kept my speed in check the rest of the way.
Peter and Remco will be tearing up the Giro... and I'll be replacing my worn out after many miles Pirelli rear tire, and adding Orange Seal sealant.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro-specials
I absolutely love this tire...
Very, very fast... and weirdly quiet, with outstanding grip.
We'll keep this better than usual promo code going...
Use this promo code to save 15%, code is GIRO.
The code is good on Pirelli tires, KASK helmets and Orange Seal.
It will expire soon... I'm not telling you when because I want you - yes you - to take advantage of it before some new to what we do cat shows up.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro-specials
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch
6.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5264297912
WHY BIKE RACING TV STRUGGLES
I'M EMBARRASSED TO ADMIT IT, but not only do I subscribe to various cycling TV apps... sometimes I forget which ones I have. Even worse, I recently purchased Apple TV so I could throw the apps on the big screen only to realize my "smarTV" already had the capability...
... for the love of spoke!
Of course, none of my neighbors would do the same. They wouldn't watch cycling on TV if I paid them...
... they don't get the struggle.
They don't see the insane drama battling for position during the final klicks of a sprint finish, or the anguish and despair of a racer's failure to continue with the leaders up giant mountain...
... we get that, because we struggle.
In our own way, we'll all kit up in the morning and ride like a pro. Not as fast, not as strong...
... and certainly without all the support.
This is why we watch, and this is why we struggle...
... to see who is the most pro.
So get your lycracoveredbuns out there today and burn some Italian rubber off your mostexcellent Pirelli tires.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
I absolutely love this tire... and that's saying a lot, because I was such a Conti diehard for so long. The Conti's are still incredible... but if I had to chose, I'm Pirelli all the way... and I'm running the 26's on my ENVEs.
Very, very fast... and weirdly quiet, with outstanding grip.
For gravel, it's Pirelli again.
Very fast on the road, and in a straight line.
They corner really well once they are on edge, but... if you're not comfortable with a little sliding as you lean it over, the run it on the rear only and get a Conti Terra Speed on the front.
We'll keep this better than usual promo code going...
Use this promo code to save 15%, code is GIRO.
The code will expire soon... I'm not telling you when because I want you - yes you - to take advantage of it before some new to what we do cat shows up.
Now get out and struggle so you can get back to the couch, eat some ice cream, and take a nap.
---
164.2 lbs
morning paddle
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5254546746
THE GREATEST RECOVERY SONG EVER
WE ALL HAVE OUR PUMP UP JAM. The music that sets the tone, a song we want playing loud and strong as we slay the course. But few have a recovery song...
... one that gets us through the dark days of rebuilding our awesomeness.
Mine, the one I go to and share often, is old and forgotten.
Like all good songs it's a story with a lot of drama packed into a few powerful words. The imagery is unmistakeable. From broken dreams to a showdown to near death...
... our hero is unbreakable.
Now the doctor came in, stinking of gin
And proceeded to lie on the table
He said, "Rocky, you met your match"
And Rocky said, "Doc, it's only a scratch
And I'll be better, I'll be better, Doc, as soon as I am able"
One of my pals took a digger last night, and I'm 100% sure he'll be back as soon as he is able. He's that kinda guy.
I guess this is as good a time as any to remind ya how much I love the fit and feel of KASK helmets.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Not only that but with them being made in Italy and the Giro starting this weekend...
... welp, might as well do something special.
Use this promo code to save 15%, code is GIRO.
---
164.2 lbs
morning paddle
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5254546746
IT'S RISKY.
THE SAFER YOU RACE, the riskier it actually is. Nobody ever won playing it safe. But, that's not the issue. I mean it is, but not how you think. The real risks, and they are real...
... take place well in front of the Start line.
Winners aren't taking risks between the Start and Finish. It's the losers that do that...
... losers lose time when racing, lots of it, by making mistakes or playing it so gawldern safe they never see the action.
Do you think Julian Alaphilippe had never practiced his incredible winning move to be World Champion in 2020?
Of course he had, we'd seen it in numerous A, B and C races... and no doubt countless efforts he'd made on training rides.
He was there to win.
To the viewers it looks risky, to the winner it looks like the surest path to victory.
Train risky, race confident.
For those of you who took the risk of answering the question in the previous post... the winner is Margie D, and giving the Exceptional Effort to Crazy Mike for his very specific and incorrect guess that it was Cody (the young buck I chased all the way to the finish).
The answer was Shattered by The Rolling Stones - best RnR band ever according to John T.
For the rest of ya use promo code TRAINRISKY to save 25% off on this limited production shirt - limited to first 50 who use the code.
Thanks for playing
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-wolf-logo-shirts
This shirt will get softer the more you wear it.
Fabrics • 100% combed ringspun cotton fine jersey, pre-laundered for reduced shrinkage
Features: • 1x1 baby rib-knit set in collar
Special Inks: • you cannot feel the ink, it will not crack or fade
$20 ($15 with promo code)... is all it takes to have it delivered to your mailbox and reminding you what a badarse you are on the bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-wolf-logo-shirts
---
166.2 lbs
pull and push ups
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5249276341
DON'T YOU KNOW THE HEART RATES... GOING UP, UP, UP, UP!
TO RIDE IN THIS GROUP YOU MUST TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH! Riders dressed in sporty kits. Battling traffic. Some kind of fashion. Laughter, joy and getting dropped. And sprint and sprint and sprint and sprint...
... and look at me.
I'm in tatters. I'm just shattered.
Work and work for climbs and sprints.
Ain't you hungry for success? Success, success, success, success.
Does it matter?
First person to guess who inspired the preceding I'm sending our new tshirt. Send your size with your guess.
But does it matter? All the hard riding we do? The battling?
Yes, it does. Because every now and again we get a little win of some sort and it powers us onward to a kickarse the rest of the day.
Like today.
My goal was personal. It was measurable. And I got 'er done. Had me fired up all day while cranking at our intercontinental headquarters.
Were you fired up from your last ride?
Hungry like a wolf, flying like an eagle?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-wolf-logo-shirts
This shirt will get softer the more you wear it.
Fabrics • 100% combed ringspun cotton fine jersey, pre-laundered for reduced shrinkage
Features: • 1x1 baby rib-knit set in collar
Special Inks: • you cannot feel the ink, it will not crack or fade
$20... is all it takes to have it delivered to your mailbox and reminding you what a badarse you are on the bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-wolf-logo-shirts
---
165.2 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
6.75 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5241333318
WEAPONIZED TRAINING FOR DUMMIES
IN A WORLD WHERE EVERYTHING IS WEAPONIZED, why not jump on the train with weaponized training? How could I weaponize my training you ask. Why would I weaponize my training...
... because it's obviously awesome to have a freaking arsenal of enemy-destroying weapons when racing.
Therefore, we must weaponize our training.
To do this, you must develop and deploy your spycraft.
Does your sprint suck? Find a sprinter. Stalk that cat in the Stravaverse. Look at how they structure their week. Do it. Find out where they do their training rides. Ride with them.
Wish you could climb a helluvalot better? Find the best climber in town, repeat the above.
Build your arsenal. Racing is war. Chasing PRs is war against yourself - the best kind.
Showing up on their training turf takes some guts. You might be shunned, mocked or worse. Hopefully you'll be beaten to within an inch of your life (on the bike). These are the battles where we lose and learn...
... to win the war on race day.
Ever wonder where I come up with this stuff?
I just keep my ears and eyes open to the convos going on around me... things like wishing for better performance while avoiding the better performer's and their training tactics...
... passing along the good stuff.
Which brings up two emails I got today. One from Mark thanking me for the post to pre-ride the race course... he took second and his pal won; another from Robert thanking me for a gravel route I suggested...
... which makes me want to ask you this question: Would you be interested in joining a group - on FB or Strava - for deeper conversations? If so, please let me know where would be your preference.
Speaking of preference, it turns out that most people prefer not to see our hineys when changing in public.
Hence, our world famous changing poncho available in 4 awesome colorways or in your team's custom colors.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
Use promo code: NUKETHECOMPETITION
For savings and free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
---
165.3 lbs
20 pull ups, 40 push ups
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5236219496
TRANSFORMATIVE TRAINING.
I OVERHEARD A CONVERSATION WITH THE WINNER OF A RECENT EPIC RACE. To my surprise, he gave away the secret to his transformation from contender to winner...
... it was very specific.
It was also very simple. And, that's the problem with this type of revelation. It's so simple most of us won't do it, preferring instead to look beyond or search elsewhere.
I started training 30 hours a week, and it's been transformative.
Whether or not we have the time, stamina or commitment to do 30 hours a week on the bike is not the question.
The question is...
... what can we do today?
And, it probably starts with what am I going to give up...
... to accomplish X?
Like giving up a few minutes of TV time to have a clean and pristine drivetrain.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
These are the lubes we love, use and trust.
Personally, I always use the Wend Wax. For most riders, Chris recommends T-9.
Use promo code TRANSFORMATIVE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5233467807
A SWEET DISCOVERY YOU'LL WANT TO TRY
THERE IT WAS, THE DREADED BLANK SCREEN ON MY COMPUTER. OMG!, would the ride make it to the Stravaverse? At that exact moment, with my HR bouncing off the rev limiter, we hit a red light and I quickly started the app...
... which was sweet, only losing about 2 minutes of allimportant data.
But, that's not the truly sweet discovery.
Crud... I really hesitate to share this.
So many the hearty souls I battle on a regular basis scan this blog and stalk me on the socials for my seeeecrits. Alas, it is such a simple solution to a problem I'm sure they'll skip it...
... they are so smart.
Here's what I did.
To start, this is the second hard effort using this solution and I really like it. First on HOT LAPS WDNSDY's 80 minutes of torture and today's spirited hundy.
It's quick energy...
... runny enough to easily chug,
... dense enough that 600 calories fit in a small flask,
... and tastes great.
I'm trying to think of hints to give you, but they are all so obvious...
... the first time person I met that used this was Ted King.
... it comes from trees
... it's great on pancakes.
Yep. 100% organic maple syrup.
Apparently, it's a lot more than just sugar. Read here.
In addition to the 3/4 cup flask, I had 2 bottles with 2 scoops of Skratch and one RX Bar. My energy was great. The last hour or so my stomach felt pretty empty. I think a Honey Stinger Waffle would have been a nice addition to bring me home.
I'm gonna keep testing... and rider Phil deserves a shout on this as it was a chat last week that reminded me of my convo with Ted.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
I wonder if my super endurance buddies, the 200-300 miles a day guys, would just fill an entire water bottle with syrup?
It goes down so quick, you barely taste it.
If so, they might want to stock up on this awesome bottle that goes for as little as $2. Not because it's cheap, because I scored thousands from my friend's business before he shut it down.
No promo code on this one... it's too good of a deal.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
---
164.4 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
6.8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5226132136
https://www.strava.com/activities/5226110331
PRERIDING BWR CEDAR CITY
I'D LIKE TO SHARE THE SECRETS I LEARNED TODAY PRE-RIDING BWR CEDAR CITY. Three of my best pals met on course and had a helluva ride. Lots of gravel, lots of vert...
... lots to learn.
Which is why we pre-ride courses.
Whether it's a flat, four-corner crit or a 100+ mile jaunt through the country side...
... pre-riding, in every single instance, means we go faster on race day.
There is no getting around that simple fact.
Locals always have the advantage on their home course. Always. In fact, this might be the one, solitary, unique instance when Strava's silly Local Legend might be of use...
... if you're the Local Legend, or you're going up against that cat, you've got a big chainring up on the rest of us.
Like I said, I'd like to share the secrets I learned today. Just one problem. I missed the trip.
Secret #1 - put the Pre-Ride on the RaceDay Calendar and treat it accordingly, rather than just winging it like I did this weekend.
That's all I've got fer now.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
Do you have a RaceDay Calendar yet? Everybody in the PEDALposse has one.
Check 'em out:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
Free Shipping this weekend.
---
164.5 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
7hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5218935041
ARE WE FASTER YET?
I'M GOING WAY OUT ON A LIMB HERE, but we are getting slower. And I'd say we are getting a lot slower. It's sad, even depressing, because it's so obviously tragic...
... and I'm here to tell you why it doesn't matter.
You know societally "we" are slower, and I think you are aware of the reasons.
However, we/us/me/you, we are actually a lot faster.
But, do you know why?
Of course part of it is that everything is better: bikes, training, nutrition, recovery. That all helps a lot. However, I think there is something hidden that is allowing us to be faster...
... social media, that evil beast, is allowing us - me and you - to connect.
It's so much easier to plan a meet up, monitor each - more about that, and get feedback on how we're doing.
Pretty cool, right?
So, while society is hell bent on ruining, abusing and taken for granted these beautiful bodies we've been given...
... we are connecting with each other and tightening our bonds.
Admittedly, it can be creepy when someone rides up and comments on a recent activity and gets really specific about it. Or, when we get a cringeworthy comment. But on the whole I think it's awesome to get to know so many of likeminded athletes I would otherwise never connect with...
... I know it's made me a better rider, and a better person.
There are a ton of readers I hope to meet up with in person one day and shake their glove covered hands.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
In fact it was two readers, Chris and Jorge, that begged me to make white gloves. I was hesitant, but they've done really well.
I think it's because they are perceived to be a little cooler, and for sure the are oddly more visible to other moving vehicles.
Use promo code: WE-R-FASTER
And when you order the gloves and matching socks you'll get the socks free at check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.5 lbs
Early Paddle
7hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5216054664
PERCEIVED EXERTION AND OTHER SILLYNESS
UNDER MY GLOVE WAS A HAND COVERED IT GRIME. My sock had a nice bloody red circle. Just under 90 minutes of lung hucking effort. Yet, as we gathered for a post ride pic all we could do was smile...
... we'd all perceived having a good time.
Even though I'd crashed twice and had the grime and bloodshed to prove different.
But even weirder was looking at my times.
I was sure each lap was slower, while catching up to the leaders on the last lap. I'd definitely felt I'd backed things off the last 2 laps. It was at the midway point where I settled in, loosed up a bit and tried flowing more than pushing hard.
My perceived exertion was much easier than the first two laps.
Yet Strava Almighty revealed the opposite.
My lap times had actually improved.
Things that make ya go hmmm
I have to hand it to Strava though... for coming up with the silliest perceived effort of all. I "earned" no fewer than 7 Local Legend wreaths tonight and the idea the Strava perceives anybody cares is just plain silly.
I perceive you're enjoying Spring doing it's thing, and that you just might want a new tshirt.
One that is soft, and gets softer the more you wash it.
One that is cut for an athlete.
If that's you, use promo code: PERCEPTION
You'll save 20% and get free shipping...
... in other $16 bucks, delivered.
Oh, and it has our Stamp logo... one of my faves.
---
165.3 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt.
8hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5210945328
ON AND OFF... THE MORBID WAY TO REALLY LIVE
PEOPLE MAKE FUN OF ME FOR THE WAY I DRIVE. Can't blame 'em. I'm easy on the throttle, smooth on the brakes. I could quip, You haven't seen race! which would be true for most of my mockers...
... but, it got me thinking that's not correct either.
There's a reason I drive that way.
It's a racing habit.
I'm either all the freak in or I'm doing as little as possible
In the car.
On the bike.
Building our empire.
You wanna the know the morbid part?
I plan to die this way.
No flickering candle for me...
... I want to burn on at 100%, like a powerful search light. Which is why I eat, sleep and train as an athlete.
Then, poof... I'll be gone.
Speaking of poof... I poofed the promo yesterday for lights. If you tried and didn't get free shipping it's fixed now.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
Stay lit my friends - front and rear.
They come in 3 sizes.
Save 10% with promo code: FIRSTLIGHT
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
---
166 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt.
6.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5202300691
LIGHTS OUT!
BETWEEN THE MOONRISE AND THE SUNRISE, I'll be prepping, resting and sleeping for the first ride this year. I always look forward to this day. It might be a week or two early...
... but I'm gonna risk it.
I'm rolling out for the first time on a Tuesday in 2022 without a 1000 lumen superbeam on my bike.
Sunrise is at 605am.
The sky will be light at 545am.
My 538am departure should be just right.
Ya know, it's nice to ditch the extra weight and the accompanying excuse of how it slows me down. It just is.
I'll still have my blinkies on the front and rear. Gotta be seen.
Just going a bit lighter.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
Not only are these bright and lightweight, but the provide 300 degrees of blinkiness.
Prett cool, right?
They come in 3 sizes.
Use promo code: FIRSTLIGHT
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
---
166.6 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt.
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5199145220
THE TRUTH ABOUT PUTTING IN THE WORK.
PUTTING IN THE WORK. That's what really matters. When it comes down to it, my favorite people to ride with are the ones with whom I've worked the hardest...
... the cats I have suffered with the most.
It could be those 12 and 24 hour relay races,
Ripping the White Rim Trail in a day
Or long breakaways that stuck,
Those are good ones.
But, if I had to pick it would be the nonglorious days. The ones where we trained for a specific goal.
Like prepping for Santa Barbara Road Race
Or PRing Leadville
The myriad hard days when no one else is looking except a committed few.
Working together keeps us together.
Work is a blessing.
Lately when working hard on the road I prefer the amazing and sexy Pirelli P-Zero SL tires.
They are really fast, supple and weirdly quiet.
I run them tubeless.
They seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant, even the SL's that I'm running.
Use promo code WORK
To save 15%.
---
165.3
Stretch and Hypervolt.
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5192575707
JUST A SPOONFUL OF PAIN...
WHAT CHANGED? We smashed the SHoP ride today. Well under an hour. Only 8 of us, we've had more. My second fastest time ever...
... on my gravel bike.
Yes, I'd mounted the deep dish road wheels and tires.
But, still.
That's whack. In fact, it's whack anytime we break an hour.
My unscientific assessment links this performance gain to one eversoslight tweak.
I'm taking Tuesdays a little easier, because Wednesdays are a lot harder.
Now, instead of going out for a big MTB ride on Wednesday, we are racing our bibs off for one hour on dirt. No drafting, simply chasing and being chased up down and around. It's brutal...
... but, that's it.
Nothing else.
Just a spoonful of pain.
How did I deduce this?
Just by looking at the Fitness & Freshness tab on Strava. It's pretty easy to see when the improvements started.
You know what else I've deduced?
Racers and riders really like the Mini RaceDay™ bag. I haven't promoted them for quite awhile and they aren't even easy to find on the site - doh! - but the orders keep flowing in.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
Like everything we make, this started off as me wanting to solve the ol' crap clanging around in my saddle bag problem.
We make it out of inner tube so everything is held tight.
These days I only use the road version and only carry 2 canisters a nozzle and some bacon strips, plus a multitool and tire levers.
You'd think I'd raise the price, demand being like it is. But, I feel like I'm doing a public service getting all those nasty sounding saddle bags off the roads and trails of our country.
$20. Delivered.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
---
166 lbs (this is what happens with the kids visit and we eat at 9pm)
Stretch and Hypervolt.
6 hrs sleep (so is this... maybe this was the reason I flew today?)
https://www.strava.com/activities/5186182750
RIDING SLOW IS FOR FOOLS... AND THE OTHER F WORD.
RIDING SLOW IS FOR FOOLS. It's just that simple. Riding slow has no purpose and no place for most riders. In fact, I'd say it's a total and complete waste of time...
... unless you ride fast.
Now, if you're foolish enough to ride really fast or race...
... or push yourself to the point of literally seeing stars
... or to hacking like a smoker the rest of your day
... or limping up and down stairs
... or needing a nap
... then, I hope you are mixing in plenty of slow, easy, restorative rides. The kind where you barely touch the pedals and your heart rate is ticking so low you think the HRM might be busted are the best...
... yes, the pace that looks foolish to all those wise riders constantly pushing 7/10ths of their max...
.. because if you have anything as foolishly fast our Saturday Hour of Power planned you're gonna need some blessed supereasy miles.
Stay foolish...
... and you'll stay foolishly FAST!
Even though we call it the S.H.o.P., it's really about 3 hours with the warm up and cool down.
Which means we'll be needing some sugar and electrolytes.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Lots of options are there, I am digging this one and the others on the page the link will lead you too.
Use promo code: FASTFOOL
To get free shipping and save 10%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
163.4 lbs
30 Pullups 60 Pushups
7.5hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5178510205
THE FAMOUS RULE NUMBER 4.
THIS IS GONNA BE HARD TO BELIEVE, but I had a customer... shoot a member of the PEDALposse!... ping me over the weekend. He'd never done something we do, love, and live for...
... he'd never done a group ride!
Hey Todd, what's the best way to learn how to do a group ride?
Ride with me.
I get inquiries like this often and always respond with Ride with me.
Nobody, well very few, take me up on it. I don't know why.
But this cat did.
I gave him the basics as we rode to meet the group.
- Stay at the back.
- To be smooth, never stop pedaling even when braking (beginners only)
- Never overlap your front wheel with the back wheel in front of you.
I wanted to keep is simple. As you know, when things heat up there's a lot going on.
He did so well that on the way back to the shop he broke Rule #4.
How could I forget that one?!
Bad teacher.
4. Never lead a group ride if you don't know the route.
He'd wound his way to the front, went straight... and we all turned left. The locals chuckled.
Classic rookie move.
You know what else is a rookie move?
Not refueling after a big ride.
You know what's great for refueling?
A recovery drink.
You know what I've been loving because it's filling and effective?
A good recovery drink right away does 2 things:
- Feeds your muscles what they need
- Satiates so we (me for sure) don't need to gorge the moment we get home.
Use promo code RULE#4
To save 10% and get free shipping.
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
7.5hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5175553453
JACK OF ALL TRAILS, MASTER OF NONE
WHAT HAPPENED TONIGHT WAS EYEOPENING. I had scouted out a course that took just over 19 minutes on my gravel bike. It's mostly fast, lumpy single track...
... easy to ride on a gravel bike.
I had no idea how much faster it would be on my mountain bike.
Nearly 3 minutes.
That's 15% faster.
Look, I absolutely L-O-V-E to ride my gravel bike for the many options it provides. But, when it comes to haulingass...
... nothing beats a specialty bike.
MTB on trails. Roadbike on pavement. Gravel bike on smooth dirt.
As far as race prep goes, the closer our A race gets the more we need to spend time on the bike we'll be racing. Bonus points if we can set up a similar course. Triple Bonus points if we can pre-ride the racecourse, a lot.
Here's a specialty product you may not not about, yet.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
The thing I like about this chamois cream is it doesn't break down over time.
Some creams do, this doesn't.
Which means I end up using a lot less per application and I can ride a lot longer.
Don't let the name fool you ladies... think of the Secret deodorant commercial.
Plus, the DZ stands for the awesome Dave Zabriskie - look him up. Very cool cat.
Use promo code: DZNUTS
Save 10% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
---
165.3 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
7.7hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5170035210
PAINESIA - IT'S REAL, AND I HAVE PROOF
I SAW A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF PAINESIA TODAY. For no reason other than Why not? we went back to an A and a B ride this morning. After a year of being all together I guess it was time...
... but that's not painesia.
The painesia happened at the end of the ride.
Two the the main protagonists were flummoxed over their performance on The Wall.
Man, I had no legs on the wall today.
I know, and we weren't even charging into the climb.
That's painesia.
How could they have forgotten the searing efforts on the first part of the ride, up the long 2-3% grade? For the first time in a year, some of us were really charging. Attacks. Vicious pulls...
... these two were hitting it hard.
I'll tell ya this. I remembered it.
After my own feeble attempt to stir the pot, I found myself all the way in the back. Next thing I know, I'm hustling trying to close gaps as things are falling to pieces in front me.
Maybe it's because I was lathered up with PR Lotion and not feeling the pain they were feeling that I wasn't suffering painesia?
Could be... it's that good.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
If you haven't used it yet... what are ya waitin' for?
If you have... wouldn't it be a great gift?
Use promo code: PAINESIA
And save 10% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
---
165.3 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
6.7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5161124003
HE DIDN'T JUST SURVIVE.
HE DIDN'T JUST SURVIVE. He kept working harder and stayed focused. The ability to stay focused in the midst of crisis is one of his main advantages. No matter what we're up to, the preceding words are ones we'd love to own...
... even when simply racing bikes.
I think that's why I'm loving the Elon Musk biography so much. Because it's written 6 years ago, and we know how much more has been accomplished by working hard and staying focused.
In fact, one of my riding buddies' company is now a vendor for Tesla. He says the pace is insane. The deadlines beyond demanding.
They are accomplishing the impossible.
Simply because the leader has otherworldly goals and knows there is no time to waste.
I received 2 texts today with the same message.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
The giant calendar is awesome.
This one belongs to a World Champion Jet Skier and National MTB and CX racer.
Maybe there's something putting your goals to paper and having them front and center?
... and yes, we can make these calendars with your team graphics, sponsors and important dates highlighted.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
---
165.1 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5158166321
GET READY FOR BIKECOIN
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE NEW CRYPTOCURRENCY, BIKECOIN? It's ingenious. Each Bikecoin is backed by one bicycle. As we all know, bicycles and their components are in extremely limited supply. Demand is high...
... and the price of Bikecoin is sure to rise.
Get Bikecoin now and ride your way to riches.
Haha... there's no such thing as Bikecoin, yet.
But, there is such a thing as people meeting each other riding and finding out that they have a common business interest or one can provide a solution to a problem for the other.
All it takes is genuine conversation.
The only motive is friendship.
The result is true wealth.
Another way to get rich is saving money... and boy do I have an offer for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/urban-1000-commuter-combo
This is my go to for early morning and late afternoon rides. Super powerful, easy to use, and lasts a longlong time.
Use this promo code and save $40.
The code is RICH
Trust me... this is a steal.
The code will expire on 4/23/21 or when we sell it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/urban-1000-commuter-combo
---
165.9 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5152385312
THE PRICE OF ADMISSION
YOU DON'T WANT TO RIDE WITH FASTER RIDERS? What's wrong with you? Really, I mean that sincerely. Riding with faster riders, getting destroyed by them, is like going to Harvard or Stanford for free...
... it's the best education we'll ever get.
The trick is finding the faster riders, because if we can find the right cats to ride with they will...
- Make us suffer
- Serve us humble pie
- Leave us for dead
... but the best ones, if we keep coming back, will see our tenacity and desire to improve. They will teach us the inner secrets. Trust me, they want to teach us...
... once we prove we're ready to learn.
For example, years ago I was riding with the great Nelson Vails.
I was in full fanboy mode. Drooling all over myself, stuttering, dumbstruck and awestruck all at once.
Hi Nelson, I'm Todd.
Todd...
Yeah.
Hold onto your bars like this. Always have your fingers looped. Riding with your hands lazy on the bars is risky. You hit a bump, hands slip... and then you lose control, and maybe take us all out.
Yep, there I was acting cool... and a real pro and Olympian took the time to teach me something simple. I've never forgotten it.
At a minimum, I make sure I have good control on the bars. Always.
We may not be racing every day, but we should be practicing our racing every ride.
Yes, you can have this mostexcellent trucker hat delivered for less than the cost of a new BMC.
$24.95
Shipping is included.
---
166.9 lbs
Beach walk
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5144174641
I SWORE I'D NEVER HUNKR AGAIN
PEOPLE KEEP ASKING, When is the next HUNKR? HUNKR broke a lot of rules at the time. It was a road race, but it was mass start. There was a huge purse, with equal payout for Men and Women. Every course was exactly 100k, so there were lots of ways to win...
... overall, age group, and the most glorious -> getting a PR.
We had a lot of fun, including singing the National Anthem a cappella winding through hundreds of racers on a live mic.
Why did we stop?
It's really hard to put on a first class race.
Will we do it again?
Yeah, I'm thinking we can, we should and we must.
Will it be better?
It'll be different, and probably better. You know me.
When you show up for a HUNKR the prime directive is to snag a PR, then beat your best friend, then win your age group, then win the overall.
To do that, you're going to need your drivetrain to be as free of friction as possible.
My go to is WEND.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wend-wax
Start with a clean, non greasy chain.
It's a liquid wax and it goes on like this, one drop at a time.
Then I massage it in with my fingers so it looks like this.
Then, and only then, do get on my bike and get haulin' boodwah!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wend-wax
Use this promo code and save 10% and get free shipping... code is HUNKR.
---
164.9 lbs
30 Pull ups 60 Push ups
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5137454711
OUR NORTH STAR
WHAT IS OUR NORTH STAR? What is it that gets us out riding each day? Eating like athletes? Getting proper sleep? Doing what many consider insane and impossible...
... of our own free will?
Do you know what yours is?
I know what mine is.
It's racing.
Always has been.
And, not a lot of racing.
Just a few big ones a year.
Often just one.
It's scarier that way. To think you'd spend a bunch of time and effort, an entire season going for it on only one race. Yikes!
Here's what it doesn't take:
- Hedging
- Extra effort on inconsequential races
- Riding a prescribed, focused routine year-round
- ...
Having that one or two big races sets the direction and keeps me on track and gives me hope I can pull it off.
That's it.
What does that have to do with clear water bottles that are easy to squeeze and gulp down liquid when you really need it?
Well, sometimes these big events are actually really long. If I play my cards right Surfergirl will come crew for me. In those cases, I've been known to mix up 8, even 10, bottles the night before.
I'll put numbers on them so she knows which ones to give me at which stop.
That's one reason to have clear bottles. Plenty of space to sharpie on important info.
Another is sometimes it's nice to look down and easily see how much liquid is left. There are times we need to drink faster, and times we are drinking too fast. Having a good visual can be helpful.
You maybe asking yourself... How the heck is he selling these bottles for such a low price if they are so great?
Which is a great question, How can I sell these bottles for as low as $2?
Just click the link and watch the highly entertaining video.
---
164.5 lbs
Paddleboard in the morning
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5134471558
IS THAT YOUR ELBOW OR ARE YOU JUST HAPPY TO SEE ME?
YES, I JUST DID THE ULTIMATE NASTY MOVE. It was a punishing battle to the top and the wide road was about to turn into a narrow, twisty single track. With zero chance to pass for miles, there was only one thing to do...
... ride full speed for the entrance.
I was confident the extra effort was worth it for two reasons:
- one, if I was faster downhill there's no reason to be stuck and unable to pass;
- two, if he was faster why let him go first and put time on me?...
... that's racethink.
How'd it work out?
Well, it was the right thing to do. Even though he caught me half way down, the last portion of the single track was an awful steep climb. I had a good gap the rest of the race.
But, I've seen the same thing go really wrong when the downhill skills aren't even close to being equal. Where the battle is won by a much slower descender and said descender will not move over, then is when things get ugly.
What's the protocol?
It comes down to confidence and class.
Confident descenders will always push to be first into the single track. Less confident descenders will back off knowing they'll make it back as soon as the climbing starts again.
Classy racers move over if they're going to be causing a bottle neck for anything more than a minute or so.
Tonight, it was just a practice race amongst friends.
All good.
You know what else is good?
Having all your gear at the start of the practice race. Which we all did, because we all have RaceDay Bags™.
In fact, we all had custom RaceDay Bags™ with team graphics.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
We made some sweet bags for local races. They use the bags for VIPs and raffles.
Did you know 9 out of 10 racers love custom RaceDay Bags™? (it's really higher, but you wouldn't believe me if I put the real number).
Did you know our minimum order is 1 bag?
Do you have a friend who you want to blow away with a custom bag?
Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
It'll be the most fun you've had in years.
---
165.5 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5129032607
THEY JUST AREN'T AS GOOD
THE RAIN WAS DRIFTING DOWN AS I ROLLED ONTO THE DARK STREET. It was not supposed to be raining. I checked the app again. Cloudy, it said. Cloudy my Chamois Butt'r covered...
... I kept going anyway.
Because it rains on RaceDay. And when it does, I love it! I know a good chunk of the cats will DNS, and another chunk will DNF...
... because they don't ride in the rain.
The harder things are, the easier it is to get a win or top result. Since a lot of cats just won't ride...
... rain,
... heat,
... dark,
... ice,
... you name it...
... they won't do it and we will, therefore we have a HUGE advantage.
Do hard things.
Get results easier.
That's why they aren't as good...
... when it gets hard.
Sometimes it's hard to get someone's attention, which is why I like to use this fancy bell.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
It's beautiful, so is the sound it makes... so much so that people turn around with a smile and bow graciously to let me by.
Use Promo Code: BELL
To save 10% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
---
166.5 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
6.75 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5120221218
YEAH, I'M TOTALLY IN2 THAT.
ONE OF MY FAVORITE TWEETERS DISCOVERED PELOTAUNT. He thinks he's a bike racer now. I'll let that slide for the moment for the simple reason that he was going off on Zone 2 training today...
... and how it burns fat better than anything else.
Further, he shared a very deep dive into Zone 2 by Dr. Peter Attia, also notabikeracer, who has done exceptional research in this area...
... but, that's not why I ride Zone 2.
At least not the fat burning part...
... I ride Zone 2 for the mitochondrial part.
That's the part that builds our aerobic capacity. Our engine. Our big, throaty V-8s that carry us on our own personal victories.
Just do a search on Zone 2 if this is new,
If it's old hat, consider this...
... could more Zone 2 be helpful?
Speaking of helpful, you might appreciate this recommendation regarding tubeless 28s for road.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pirelli
I started riding them instead of Continentals about 6 months ago. I love 'em. They are quieter, ride smoother and seem to hold up really well.
Plus... drumroll... they are in stock.
After that I started riding the Pirelli gravel tire. In my opinion, there's nothing faster on the road or dirt.
I know it's not the deepest tread, but I'm only running 28-30 lbs in 'em. The hook up plenty good. Their only fault, and I'd say it's only a fault if you're really on the slicing edge of corning is you really have to lean them over to get the edge to grab. But, if you've got the skills they hold plenty fine.
If you're down to try them out...
... I'm down to share this code with you: ZONE2
Use it and you'll save 20%, just because I really want you to try 'em out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pirelli
---
166.2 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5114477365
THE UNSLAYABLE DEMON: FIGHT AT YOUR OWN PERIL
IT'S THE DAY AFTER. Our bodies are healing, but it feels like things are getting worse. Yesterday's hint of physical and psychological pain is now an exclamation point and we are left wondering...
... what if I'd...
... specifically trained and tapered?
... made repairs a week before rather than the day before?
... left earlier, arriving relaxed and rested?
Losers dwell on the What Ifs.
Winners learn and move on.
I can't tell you the number of OhCrap moments I've had riding looking backwards...
... which is just like dwelling on the What Ifs.
What if the price of a Hypervolt dropped to $299?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
Would you get one?
Or, would you keep wondering if you're aching muscles really would recover if you had one?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
---
163.8 lbs
Hypervolt
9 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5110691303
EVERYBODY IS SO NICE, WHEN THEY HAVE A HATCHET IN HAND
YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY A GRAVEL BIKE TO APPRECIATE WHY GRAVEL EVENTS ARE GROWING SO FAST. And, brining a mountain bike to race is not like bringing a knife to a gun fight...
... in fact Brian Scarbrough took 3rd today on an MTB.
To be honest, you don't event need to do a gravel even to get it.
You just need to show up and check it out.
The vibe is friendly, comradic, even collaboratory.
People are antsy at the start, but that's because these are always an adventure. A wide skillset is required: good road skills, good dirt skills, good repair skills.
There is always some pileup you just can't believe,
Like today.
I'm jamming along in a sweet, ripping pack and I see this gal nearly go down. I'm talking bounce off her seat, land on the top tube, vector off course and save it.
But, she wasn't done.
You'd think...
Unbelievably I see her do it a few miles later. This time she doesn't save it and goes flying off a hill. Total yard sale.
I stop.
She's giggling. Trapped in her crumpled bike.
We try and get it working, Stem recentered. Front brake fixed. But, then I saw the twisted derailler.
Bummer.
Anyway, these are the kinds of things you see... and maybe experience.
Which is why there is a party at the end...
... with people hanging out...
... and rehashing it all...
... which is also why you might want to check out the gravel scene.
Our finisher's award?
A hatchet.
Personally, I thought that was risky. There were a number of heinous climbs where I was mentally cussing Sam, the promoter. The cramps were hitting me hard.
Fortunately, they were rewarded with some very fun and twisty slot canyons.
At that point I was hitting my supply of Salt Stick tablets hard.
Cramps came on.
Tablets chewed.
Cramps gone.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews
The nifty thing about what we do is we included a little plastic container with a pop top. It's perfect for keeping in your jersey pocket and popping as needed,
Trust me on this... for less than $19, you just might save your next race.
Ships free, too.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews
---
? lbs
Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5104539643
THE LAST SUPPER OF SORTS
A SMALL GROUP OF US GATHERED OUTSIDE OUR CAMPSITES FOR BBQ TONIGHT. Only one guy knew everybody, but it didn’t matter. In the morning at 8:15am, we will all sing the National Anthem and then Sam Ames will explain the many ways he has concocted to destroy us over 80 or so miles of the Rock Cobbler gravel race...
... it feels more like a reunion or revival than a race.
In fact, the thing I like about the Rock Cobbler... besides the whacky courses with things like riding through residential homes - yes through the living room... is that it's not a race.
I mean there's numbers. There's timing.
But don't be fooled.
The numbers are there because Sam wants a headcount on all the destroyed riders who didn't make it in.
Same thing for the timing, it's so that one of his hired hands can look you in the eyes and say...
I'm sorry son, your race is done.
Which is probably why the last supper tonight was so enjoyable. A final chance to bond with other crazy cats.
Speaking of crazy, can you believe it's April?
Can you believe we are actually back to doing events?
Isn't cool that the race calendars are starting to solidify?
Yeah, you probably are wanting one of these now, right? So you can plan out your mighty A races.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
They're giant. 50" tall x 24" wide. The weeks start on Monday, end on Sunday.
Use promo code ROCKCOBBLER to save 10% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
---
164.8
Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5099185474
HOW TO DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR RACE WATCHING EXPERIENCE
WANT TO MAKE YOUR TV BIKE RACE WATCHING A WHOLE LOT MORE EXCITING? The best way, the way that is the most fun, is actually about to start happening again. If you do it right, it's like planting a seed...
... and seeing a giant tree burst forth.
For example, while standing on the side of the road at the San Dimas Stage Race a few years ago I watched a kid flying off the front of the Cat 3 race.
It didn't look like he was really trying.
Everybody chasing was in tatters.
He was 15.
Brandon McNulty solos in for the win. Remember that name folks. We're going to be seeing more from him.
What you want to do, whenever you can, is go to the big amateur races nearby. Of course, you'll want to do some racing yourself.
Just remember to stick around and watch the 15-18 year olds.
Because when one of those kids goes off to Europe, and they will, and lead a European stage race it makes the watching a million times better.
Right now McNulty is doing just that at the Itzulia Basque Country.
I've also seen Chris Horner killing it at Sea Otter, and he's now killing it with race analysis on his The Butterfly Effect. https://youtu.be/6L9MXywRCZg
If you plan on doing some racing, now's a good time to plan getting a new bike... if you're in the market.
As you know, it's hard to get a new bike. We are putting together our season order for 2022 BMC's. Bikes ordered now will be available between now and September.
Check out their site https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/ . It's not showing 2022 models, but will give you an idea of what's coming. Let me know what you want and I'll get you the details.
---
164.8
Morning Paddle Surfing
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5093955578
THIS (THIS RIGHT HERE) IS HOW WE DO IT
IF I COULD OVEREMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF RIDING WITH OTHERS, believe me I would. I can't. It's impossible. I've tried. But, there are still riders who insist they'll get better and improve by Doing my intervals man! They're wrong...
... and I think they know it.
There's nothing better than rolling out with a group of riders with the goal of whooping up on each other, because nothing pushes us like chasing a rabbit and not being caught if we are the rabbit.
The challenge, of course, is getting the ride going if you can't find one.
There are 5 keys:
- Start on time.
- Leave from the same place.
- Do NOT wait for anybody, ever, as a group.
- Keep inviting.
- Keep doing it.
The last two are the secret sauce. It's not gonna happen over night. It will take commitment and promotion. Keep inviting everyone you meet and keep doing it.
We've started this new MTB Hot Laps on Wednesday nights. It's still small, and we don't want it to get too big. Max 20. Tonight we had 8.
I know we'll get it where we want it.
I wonder how many other movements and traditions are started like this?
I bet you can name a few.
Just like I'll bet you'll go a lot faster if you lather up with PR Lotion.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
And, I'll even wager you'll want to get in on this deal... which includes FREE Shipping
Purchase AMP PR Lotion by 4/9, and we'll include 2 of the Clearly Awesome water bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
---
164.7
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5088257980
THE SNEAKY ART OF HEADSET ADJUSTMENTS
FOR SURE YOU DON'T WANT A TIGHT HEADSET. It makes steering difficult and riding with no hands dangerous if not impossible. But it doesn't stop there, because if you're a coy rider...
... it's really fun to mess with someone's head.
Would I ever do that?
In a race?
Well, yeah. For sure. Sometimes ya gotta dig deep...
... inside your opponent's helmetcovered head.
I think it was in some LeMond book where I read about faking tired when feeling good and it's equally sneaky twin faking good when feeling terrible.
Then there's faking like you don't know what you're doing so racers steer clear and don't pay you any attention.
It's endless really, however we were talking about some of our favorites last weekend and I shared one that can be really devastating.
Will I share it with you?
Sure... why not.
We're friends.
It's this one, and it only works on a really long and miserable day. The kind of day I might have this weekend.
Just imagine you're 80% into the race. Conditions are very challenging. Wind. Dust. Heat.
It's just you and one other cat.
Trust me this works better than you'd think.
Hey, how are you feeling?
That's it.
Just leave it hanging.
No need to follow up.
That cat heard you and is thinking...
It's not like popping their tire. It's more like a pin hole, and the air slowly starts to seep out.
Which is one reason I've switched completely to tubeless tires. Because with tubeless tires and sealant no pin hole is gonna slow us down. Glass and grit and rocks. I laugh at them now. Well, not totally... I just don't fear them like I did.
On the road, I'm loving the Pirelli P Zero SLs.
Gravel, the Pirelli Cinturato.
MTB, Continental Cross King up front and Race King on the rear.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
We have a whole slew of tires in stock.
Use promo code TODDSTIRES
To save 20%... the code expires 4/8/21.
---
166.7
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.4 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5080277077
3 THINGS YOU DON'T WANNA BE DOING: BURPING, PINCHING AND ROLLING
I PLAY WITH MY AIR PRESSURE CONSTANTLY. I test low pressure vs high pressure, to try and figure out the optimum for the kinds of conditions I'll be racing on. There's no easy answer...
... though the trend towards lower and lower pressure is winning me over.
But, you can go too low. Even with the tubeless setups I'm riding, there's a point of negative returns.
The problem is there's only one way to find out if you've gone too low...
... and that is going to failure.
What kind of failure?
It ranges from burping to pinching to rolling.
Burping is landing so hard some of the air in your tire escapes.
Pinching is hitting a sharp object so hard the tire gets pinched against the rim and tears.
Rolling is the worst. That's where you land or corner so hard the tire rolls off the rim and a terrible crash ensues.
One friend burped his tire after overjumping a landing, missing the gentle slope and hitting the side of the berm that followed.
I pinched ripping over a section of mini tombstones.
My was able to keep riding. You can do that on a burp, but it slows you down until you put in more air.
I had to stop and jam a plug into the tear before filling the tire back up with CO2.
I'm not sure what pressure my friend was running, but I was down to 18lbs in the rear tire. For me, over that harsh terrain, that was too low in my 2.2 MTB tires.
When doing this kind of testing we have to be very precise.
Can't go on feel.
Can't be using different pumps.
That's why I use a digital gauge. And why that gauge is either by my floor pump or in my RaceDay Bag™.
It makes a difference.
This is the one we trust.
It's compact, and very reliable.
Use Promo Code: AIRCHECK
---
166.9
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5074751057
JUMPING THE BIGGEST GAP
THERE IS THIS HUGE GAP WE ARE TRYING TO JUMP. To get across we've got to be moving fast enough, with the correct attitude and enough altitude, to land it safely...
... and keep shredding what lies ahead.
But the biggest gap we'll ever jump is the one from our nature to our potential.
It takes real guts.
Deep commitment.
Patience and practice.
Jumping anything is one of the best feelings ever because of the fear and danger and giant reward when we land it.
My nature is ice cream and tv.
My potential...
... that's the only path I want to ride.
Every day,
every single day,
really is raceday.
I just love these hats.
- They are light, and cool on my sweaty, post ride helmet head.
- Motivational to me and all those who see it.
- A secret code only we understand.
Not a hat cat?... then maybe this hat isn't for you, but for a friend who is.
---
166.9 (definitely been letting my nature rule my diet this week, ugh!)
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5071162285
TAKING TURNS.
OUR LITTLE RACE CREW HAS BEEN KEEN TO CORNER BETTER ON MTBs. Enter better, carve better, exit faster. Playing with braking evenly between front and rear, and just going heavy on the rear brakes to whip the bike around turns...
... to no brakes at all.
A wrong turn can be corrected. A missed turn can be catastrophic.
An unnamed rider (gotta protect the innocent) and I were quickly slicing and dicing a narrow, twisty path. I took the sweeping left berm high, he shot inside and low to slip by me...
... no brakes for either of us...
... the trail wound sharply back to the right, my tire compressed and the nobs gripped as I leaned over...
... dust was flying up from his skidding rear tire as he went off trail, down the slope, and over the bars.
It was a soft landing.
This ain't basketball, where a miss is just a chance to shoot again.
This is what we do to get better. We play, we take chances.
But you know what blows me away? It's how we learn to rely so completely on our equipment. I mean the brakes, I'm modulating them with one finger. Those tires, they're 2" wide with 20lbs of air...
... and then there are the gloves, a very thin layer of perforated leather covered with much, much thinner lycra.
That's it: brakes, tires, gloves.
Which is exactly why I never skimp on my equipment. There are too many variables to assess and address when on the edge, and no bandwidth to contemplate product failure.
Of course all this was discussed over tacos and Cokes...
... because if we're not reviewing the wrong and missed turns we'll just keep making and missing them...
... and some landings are harder than others.
In case you missed it, we're supporting jeremy's effort to raise Autism Awareness through the weekend.
We'll make an additional contribution to Jeremy's effort by donating 30% of the sales on any glove and sock purchases.
To make it extra sweet for you use this code to get matching socks for free. This is a worthy cause... be sure to order the gloves and the socks and use this code:
BuyGlovesGetSocks
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166.9 (too much cake)
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5063581918
ROUND AND ROUND
I KNEW RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING, right from the start, this was gonna be a great day. Weather perfect, check. Apple fritter waiting for me in the kitchen, check. MTBs ready to rip, check. Jeremy doing 54 1.5 mile laps for Autism Awareness...
... on a super fun loop, CHECK!
When we dig into the secret sauce of a successful charity event, there are a key ingredients but only one that really matters.
Is it the course? Well, yeah it's good to have a course that is fun and interesting.
Is it the awards and recognition? For sure, a lot energy gets put behind being the top fundraiser or finisher or whatev'.
Is it the after party? Always important.
What truly matters is that the person doing the fund raising is the type of person others want to get behind. Kind, generous, friendly...
... and heart in the right place.
I'm fortunate to see a lot of people doing rides as fundraisers, either as participants or organizers. In every case, the most successful ones are the coolest people you'll ever meet.
Through the weekend, we'll make an additional contribution to Jeremy's effort by donating 30% on any glove and sock purchases.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.8
Quick PullUps and PushUps
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5057715675
THAT ANNUAL EXCUSE TO DO WHATEVER THE WE WANT
ONCE A YEAR WE GET ASKED THAT QUESTION: What are you going to do on your birthday? I mean, really? C'mon. Is it even a question?..
... those that know me best ask different questions.
Who are you riding with?
What time are you riding?
Where are your riding?
When will you be back?
... but nobody asks Why are you riding?
If they did, it's Because I can.
Learning to ride a bike is like a right of passage. It was hard to take those training wheels off and go...
... and then it wasn't.
Suddenly we were free to go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted, with whoever wanted...
... kinda like a birthday every day.
So, yeah, I'll be riding my bike tomorrow.
With my friend Jeremy, who is riding for Autism Awareness. He's riding 54 1.5 mile laps because 1 in 54 children develop autism. That's the kind of guy I want to ride with. Total stud.
In celebration, I'll make an additional donation 30% of any glove and sock purchases through the weekend.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.8
Stretch and Plank
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/505293047
THE FASTEST WAY TO IMPROVE
DID YOU EVER NOTICE HOW DIFFERENT WE ARE? Not you and me, us and them. The pros. There's the Godgiven differences, can't do anything about that...
... but what about the things we can do something about?
Let's leave buying speedier equipment aside for the moment. Too obvious.
Instead, take this insane workout from Nino Schurter. He's a multi-time MTB World Champion and he's showing all the world, even us verymortals, how to be strong. It's a 27 minute workout. Who doesn't have 27 minutes? Watch here.
Here's another. Chris Froome's shedding of 20 lbs and going from zero to hero. We can get a glimpse of how he did that. Cutting the carbs, upping the protein. It's very straight forward. Who couldn't drop a few lbs by skipping a few carbs? Details here.
Do they tell us everything? No.
Should we do all they do? Doubtful.
Could we get better by studying what makes us different? Hellyeah.
Which brings me to my point. My pal Bart, in the 5 years of I've known him, has gone from a sub-9 hour Leadville guy to a card-carrying professional body builder to a champion calf roper. He's nuts...
... but he has a method we could all use more.
When he sets his mind on something he seeks out the very best people that he can find and studies everything they do. He hires the best mentors he can find. This singlemindedness and alignment with the top pros allows him to do in a couple of years what most people never accomplish in a life time.
Wanna get better?...
... that right there is a very solid formula.
But, don't it all go to your head or you might not be to fit that expanded cranium inside one of these amazing helmets.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
If I had to pick one, it would be the Protone for sure. Light, aero, super comfy.
Use this promo code to save 10% and get free shipping.
MENTORS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
165.3
Lots of pullups, pushups, squats and shoulder presses today - Nino style
7.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5047341440
I DID THIS BECAUSE I WAS HUNGRY, RIDING IN A FARAWAY LAND
THIS IS JUST ONE OF THOSE FREE ADVICE THINGIES about a little hack I came up with last week while riding ill prepared. Starving. Near bonking. I had a couple of bucks. There was a store...
... but I was missing the mandatory you know what.
Rats!
The sign was quite large indicating it was definitely required, and the crowd of people enjoying savory snacks had plenty of willing witnesses.
I had to comply...
... but how?
Surveying my my gear I did the obvious. Grabbed a glove, stuck it on my nose, draped the opening over my mouth, and held it in place with my Oakleys.
Just like that, I marched in and got my fix.
Hopefully you won't find yourself in a similar situation.
You're smarter, I'm sure. Better prepared, for sure.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
You probably roll out with a few waffles just in case... which I did, just needed more.
Use promo code FARAWAY
To save 10% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
166.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5038178322
THE NOT SO EASY ANSWER OF WHEN TO RIDE WITH A GROUP
THERE ARE REALLY TWO OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING A RIDE IN. If I want to go for a quick spin or if I'm trying to cover a lot of ground who is in my peloton makes a huge difference. In fact, the quick spin...
... is best done alone.
However, getting someplace far away fast can be lot easier in a group. But, not just any group.
If I'm the strongest, it's likely to take even longer to get where I want to go than if I were by myself.
If I'm the slowest, I risk getting left behind.
The fastest way is with the right mix of riders.
Who we ride with matters.
Which is why we created the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription
---
165.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5034768100
LIMITS = GREATNESS
A BICYCLE RACE IS LIKE A REALLY GOOD STORY because it take place within a limited knowable world. We know the course, the day, the weather, the duration, the bike we'll ride, clothes we'll wear, food we'll need etc. The variables are all constrained. Compared to the freedom of just heading out for a ride...
... we are really go for it.
For example, one time in a race I found myself off the front with a lap to go. Adrenalin levels were sky high. I felt no pain...
... my heart rate was 207.
I never produced an effort like that before or after. It was a glorious ride I'll never forget. The only time I ever soloed in.
You probably have similar experiences where you performed high above what you'd expected. The constraints of racing do that to us.
We don't have forever.
Make today count.
Speaking of counting, have you counted how many of these awesome clear bottles you can get for $48?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.
All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.
$19 for 4 bottles
$ 48 for 12 bottles
$ 75 for 24 bottles
$100 for 48 bottles <- this option is going away Monday
https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
---
163.5
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5029214631
BENJAMIN BUTTON VS USE IT OR LOSE IT
WE ALL KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE: If we eat right, regularly ride our bikes, get plenty of rest, then we age differently than many of our peers. We're a little like Benjamin Button, who aged in reverse...
... which is a dern fine thing.
I think use it or lose it is real. And, I think it's pretty obvious once you take note and look around a little.
I also think abuse it and lose it is real. Duh.
But, what about...
... use it and boost it?
Yep, that's real too... unless we are already at our max, and who really is?
However, I have to admit after a largish ride this afternoon I was feeling a lot more like baby Benjamin. A little creeky after 4ish hours, 60ish miles, 5000ish feet of vert mostly on dirt roads and single track.
... definitely used it today.
... data will tell if I boosted it.
For sure I was properly hydrated. Drinking like a boss from these fantastic Made in USA bottles I scored for us.
Picked up a few thousand, and they are going fast.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
I really like the easy to squeeze plastic.
But don't take my word for it, watch the video
Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.
All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.
$7 for 1 bottle
$19 for 4 bottles
$ 48 for 12 bottles
$ 75 for 24 bottles
$100 for 48 bottles <- this option is going away Monday
https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
---
165
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5005814748
33 YRS OF TRYING TO GET THIS PR
THE MORE CHALLENGING THE TERRAIN, the easier it is to snag a PR the second time around. And the third. And fourth. Right up until the time we are really on the sliding edge...
... where things get a bit dicey.
It could be the final turn before a sprint finish. The first time through we are scrubbing speed, exiting and getting on the pedals. Each subsequent effort less braking, more momentum, faster finish.
Or a steep gravely descent. The first brush feels loose and skiddish. We overtense, overbrake which leads to undercontrol. But, we get the feel of looseness and where to have our weight, we drop down with speed and ease.
You get the idea.
PRs are there for the taking. Every go, and we go faster. Our bodies memorize the course.
What was difficult becomes unconsciously effortless.
Commitment to getting it right by doing it over and over again brings about our very best effort.
There are crashes along the way.
Pushing too hard, missing the blind turn, improperly tuned suspension, incorrectly inflated tires. The list of where we can improve is nearly endless.
Which brings me to today's anniversary...
... 33 years together, a lot of missed turns, poorly approached jumps, scrapes and bruises along the way...
... but Surfergirl and I are still at it, snagging the occasional PR that really matters.
If there's one thing I've learned from racing, it's to improve from my failures and make them strengths.
Like this failure from a bottle manufacturer. The business actually started in the late 80's. Was sold to a company out in Texas. Sold again to a local company who couldn't master imprinting the bottles.
We win!
I scored the remaining inventory. The were going to throw it away. But, we don't toss our failures aside do we?
I mean these are wonderful bottles. Made in USA. Just unprintable by current owner of a very large and diversified business.
So, I purchased all 5000.
They are going fast.
Which is typical of things around here. Ride Fast is a motto of ours.
Check 'em out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
But don't take my word for it, watch the video
Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.
All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.
$7 for 1 bottle
$19 for 4 bottles
$ 48 for 12 bottles
$ 75 for 24 bottles
$100 for 48 bottles <- this option is going away soon.
PS. They wanted to do custom imprints on the bottles and couldn’t get the ink to stick. That’s the reason for closing out them out... these bottles will be blank.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
---
165
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5005814748
I MAY BE A CON MAN
ONE OF MY PALS HAS JOINED US ON 3 MTB RIDES, The first two ended with spilt blood and broken parts. It was my fault. In my exuberance to share my love of dirt I failed to assess his ability. For at least 6 months he's blown me off...
... undeterred, I kept inviting.
At our practice MTB race last night, he showed up. It made me so happy just to see him there.
We first did a parade lap around the course so everybody knew where to go. I kept looking back expecting the worse. This wasn't a baby course...
... we like challenges.
Clearly he'd been riding dirt on his own. He'd upped his skills a ton...
... after the last lap, he was all smiles.
I may be a con man when it comes to inviting on rides, but it ain't malicious. It's because I know it's the only way to be a confident cat.
Do the rides.
Like our wounds.
Learn what worked.
Repeat.
It's a pretty simple formula, and it works for anything because over time our confidence improves. The overwhelming obstacles become easy. It's a virtuous cycle.
Talking about improvement...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
One of my suppliers is closing out their water bottle business. I picked up the remaining inventory of bottles. They are Made in USA, and they are a really awesome bottle.
But don't take my word for it, watch the video
Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.
All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.
$7 for 1 bottle
$19 for 4 bottles
$50 for 12 bottles
$75 for 25 bottles
$100 for 50 bottles <- that's what I'd do if I was a starving student. #fundraiser
PS. They wanted to do custom imprints on the bottles and couldn’t get the ink to stick. That’s the reason for closing out them out... these bottles will be blank.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
---
164.5
50 PullUps 40 SuperBurpees 20 PushUps 40 Goblet squats
7 hrs sleep - not enough
https://www.strava.com/activities/5008869835
HE'S NEVER TIRED, HE'S NEVER MISERABLE
THERE JUST AREN'T ENOUGH GOOD MOVIES. Not when it comes to trying to explain our culture. I'll bet any true fan says that about their sport. It seems to be a lost art, capturing what we are really all about.
But, there are a few that nail it.
Some aren't even about cycling, but are so relatable we understand what others are doing simply because we are so into what we are doing. We feel their souls.
On Any Sunday - Motocross
Big Wednesday - Surfing
Free Solo - Climbing
For cycling, for me anyway, there is only one.
Breaking Away
Maybe because the first time I saw it I was the same age as Dave, the hero. Just as in love with bike racing and the ladies.
With one lines like this...
Give me something American dammit, gimme french fries!
All I want is a refund.
REFUND?!!
I sure miss playing basketball. I got depressed when my athlete's foot and jock itch went away.
What's the matter?
He's shaving.
Well... so what?
His legs.
... At the time of my life I was eating PB&J and Mac&Cheese, drinking water.
If I'd found a deal like this I would have picked up 50 bottles and sold to all my friends for some extra funds.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
Here's the skinny...
One of my suppliers is closing out their water bottle business. I picked up the remaining inventory of bottles. They are Made in USA, and they are a really awesome bottle.
But don't take my word for it, watch the video
Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.
All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.
$7 for 1 bottle
$19 for 4 bottles
$100 for 50 bottles <- that's what I'd do if I was a starving student. #fundraiser
PS. They wanted to do custom imprints on the bottles and couldn’t get the ink to stick. That’s the reason for closing out them out... these bottles will be blank.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
---
165
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5005814748
IT'S A NUMBERS GAME
HOW MANY RACE NUMBER PLATES DO YOU HAVE STORED AWAY? I have an overflowing shoe box of them. Kind of like a little history book, or school album. But how to use them?...
... well, here's one way.
Wednesday nights we have this little practice MTB race on our local trails.
I'd say it's chill, but nothing with the word race is chill. It is little, a 3ish miles loop. And it is practice, with a Start or Go or something predictable to launch us.
Then the unpredictable will happen.
Someone will ride way over their head. Another will blow a turn. I'll probably just blow up.
Thinking about it, should I pull a rando from the pile or pull the Leadville plate since it's my A race for the summer?
Now, if I'm having a great little practice race Leadville would properly burn in the success feeling. But what if it's no bueno? What if I'm suckering suffertash? The mental association could be mucho negativo.
And that's where the numbers part of racing comes in...
.. the more you can race, the better you get...
... at everything.
At packing for the race, warming up, starting, staying focused, keeping fueled.
It's been said that practice makes permanent. Who doesn't want to be permanently good at all aspects of racing?
I know Tina does because she called up today and told me about all the races she's doing... she's a charger. From crits to 6 hour MTB races.
She's from the south, and I'm a huge sucker for the drawl...
Darlin, does that PR Lotion really work?
Oh yeah!
You promise?
Yep, just put in on 30 minutes before you race.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
For the long races I'm a big proponent of chamois cream as well.
Use promo code NUMBERS
To save 10% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
PS Join the PEDAL industries Strava Club for deets on the MTB races. https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
---
164
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4993789009