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
>
YOU ARE WHAT YOU RIDE
I HAVE A OPTIONS TOMORROW... The Thug Ride, The Dirty Ol' Bastard. If it's true you are what you ride... well, I might skip those... and it is true, but it's also true attacks and climbs may break my mind but names will never hurt me...
... which ride to do this fine winter's day?
One of the more amusing conversations I have with riders who aren't quite sure of the thugness or dirty'olness on rides goes like this...
Yeah, I want to do that ride as soon as I'm in shape in the Spring.
OK, but... this is the slowest time of year for that ride, it only gets faster in the Spring.
Yeah, I'll be ready.
... no chance in helk, I think to myself. No chance at all.
Winter is the time to latch onto the fast guys while they're going slow. It's the only chance most of us have. Come Spring, those DirtyOl's will be Thugging every pedal stroke of every ride.
Now is the time to latch and do what they do... and if you're lucky ride what they ride.
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
---
163.4
Stretch/Plank/HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
No ride... Santa be bizzy.
CYCLING GENIUS LAYS OUT SIMPLE SUCCESS FORMULA
THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS RISKIN' NOT GETTING MY DAILY DOSE OF MEDICINAL PEDALING by waiting until late afternoon. Most of the time the opportunity vanishes when I take the wait and see approach, then I'm suffering some serious withdrawals.
Some days are like that.
A lof 'em, lately.
My strategy comes from my favorite cycling genius...
"If A is a success in life, then A equals X plus Y plus Z. Work is X; Y is play; and Z is keeping your mouth shut."
... Albert Einstein.
It worked for AL, seems to be working for me... is it working for you?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
Use promo code: GENIUS
To save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
---
163.6
Stretch/Plank/HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4455017395
WHAT HEALS THE FASTEST?
IT'S A DRAG TO GO DOWN, CRASH. We pop up like nothing happened, whenever possible. Ride like all is cool. Then we get home, dried blood, bruised, banged up...
... and assess the damage.
With luck, only flesh wounds that will heal quickly.
With more luck, the bike is okay.
But, there's another category that can be damaged and dernright embarassing. I was reminded of it yesterday as my pal's ripped up shoulder flapped in the wind.
I'm sure it's a favorite kit. He wears it often.
Probably because there are no more to be purchased.
If only he'd had us make it... then he could exercise our Crash Replacement Policy.
Wouldn't that be nice?... fresh new kit, same favorite design.
How's it work?... send us a pic, we'll get it made at 50% savings.
I know, we really should make it harder. At a minimum more shameful... like require a pic of the incident to be posted all over the socials.
But why, when we could just get it made and delivered about as fast as the scabs are healed?
Personally, if I purchased a jersey this beautiful and shredded it racing down a mountain I'd love to get it replaced.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/navy-pro-jersey-1?variant=36819856228513
It's hard to appreciate how awesome this blue is on a screen vs seeing it in person.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/navy-pro-jersey-1?variant=36819856228513
PEDALposse members save 25% on this.
---
164.2
PushUps and PullUps
7.5 hrs sleep
No ride today - Santa and Elves very busy.
MTB PIONEER BUYS HIS FIRST COMPLETE BIKE
FEW PEOPLE HAVE ASSEMBLED THEIR OWN BICYCLE, far fewer have ever assembled their own bicycle company. I'm lucky enough to know one of these individuals...
... here's what I've learned.
First off, we met around '92. It was a chilly morning, on a local single track that would soon become home to Olympic Champions and Pro Tour racers... along with masses of enthusiasts. Whiting Ranch.
Our bikes were heavy, and our suspension mostly awful.
Marv had scoped out a tiny company that was making lightweight full suspension bicycles that were works of art. Soon, he and Roger and I all had these anodized aluminum wonders.
Next thing I know, Marv sells his tech biz and buys a chunk of Intense Cycles.
The company was unique.
And, tiny.
I think I had frame number 8 or 9... and there may have been a 100 produced, ever, at that time.
Seemingly overnight the company is a well-known brand.
That's not what I learned. Anybody could see that from afar.
Over the years, I was able to see how he and his partners worked very hard every day patiently, diligently executing a great idea.
A great idea is worthless without great execution. But, if you do it right you can build something beautiful and one day sell it. Which he did.
Fast forward a little more and he's retired. Loving his BMC road bike and wanting a gravel bike.
He reads my blog on Strava.
Sees my BMC gravel bike.
Gives me a call.
New bike arrives in a box.
I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was.
We'll get it built tomorrow.
No need. I'll pick it up.
Of course he's going to put it together himself... some riders like to know exactly how all the pieces fit together...
... in everything they do.
I dig that.
Just like I dig riding gravel... haven't raced gravel yet, but it's kinda lookin' like that might be one of the only options next year.
So, if you thinking that could be on your calendar... give us a shout. Don't worry, we'll put it together for ya.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles
Funny thing... on his way out he asks...
Is this going to get me entries into the ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway?
Yep, sure is.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles
---
164.4
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4446682448
THIS BIKE SHALL BE KNOWN ON THE RECORDS OF STRAVA
I'M NOT EVEN SURE WHEN I STARTED NAMING MY BICYCLES. I've always done it. This morning, after one ride on a beautiful new BMC gravel slayer, I had the perfect name...
... names make a difference, you know.
Choose carefully.
Pick the right name and your ride can deliver mythical performance, exception inspiration and ward off all sorts of evil.
Often, I'll let the color have a good say in the matter.
This bike is purple. Purple frame. Purple ENVE™ stickers.
Not just any purple, but a truly righteous shade of glossy purpleness.
Of course, the proper first ride for any bike will include the kind of riding the bike is designed for. In this case it was...
Asphalt
A staircase.
A gravel road.
And some single track.
In that order, with lots of speed and magical handling.
Yep, this bike shall be known on the records of Strava as... Showtime... after the great Magic Johnson led Lakers in their purple and gold.
Did I mention it has ENVE™ Wheels? Did I mention how fast they roll? How snappy they accelerate? How tacky the tires feel with that wide rim?
Have I mentioned you could win a set of ENVE™s?
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
---
164.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4442252464
SPECIALIZED ANNOUNCES $4000 UNICYCLE
UNDER PRESSURE TO DELIVER MORE S-WORKS FRAMES TO IT'S CUSTOMERS, the Big S has released a $4000 unicycle. Known as the Tar, the first available model is the S-Works level option.
Due to the unique nature of 1-wheel bikes vs 2-wheelers, they will essentially be doubling their production capacity.
Marketers at the company claim it's a triple win.
- Quicker deliver to customers
- Significant savings
- Better prep for the circus known as the Pro Tour.
That said this is not stripped down S-Works either:
- $1500 S-Works Tar frame
- $1100 Roval Alpinist Wheel
- $450 Power MIrror Saddle
- $400 S-Works Venge Seatpost
- $400 S-Works MTB Cranks
- $180 Boomslang Platform Pedals
- $50 Pathfinder Pro Tire
The company also claims myriad benefits to one-wheel training:
- Better balance
- Increased core strength
- Smoother pedal stroke
The icing on the cake, however, is safety.
Due to the upright unicycle position and it's rarely seen in the wild nature, drivers normally riveted to their phones and coffee are keenly aware of these beautiful machines and talented riders.
2020... what a year for cycling!
For those of you who continue riding two-wheelers, there's still time to enter the ENVE™ Wheel Give Away
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
---
164.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4440002457
1ST LOSER... AGAIN!
IF YOU EVER STOP BY TO SAY HI - AND I HOPE YOU DO - YOU WILL SEE A STRING OF 2ND PLACE TROPHIES. I have earned an unusual amount, and I keep them front and center as a reminder...
... there is always somebody better, I can always work harder.
Today's 2nd place, unlike the others, was a near disaster.
So many lessons.
First off... I set my sites on the wrong goal. Again. This time it was to be close to my San Diego friends who always whack me when I race down there. When I checked the start list and saw Stenk, TimZ, JohnnyO, JeffW, LarryP were also racing my chances of eating dust increased immensely.
That said... we'd just come off getting whacked at the Cactus Cup where the course is a series of neverending ups and downs. Matt set us up a local route that was nothing but that. Constant power climbs and quick drops. In other words, we trained about as best as one could for today's course.
Ideally, really.
Concurrently... I've been leaving late for to meet the posse recently requiring me to go all out the moment I leave the house. Which is exactly what Coach Brian has been asking me to work on.
No more Old Diesel TB... time to start hard and fast.
Let me just interject here, that Coach Brian did his first mountain bike race today and the first words out of his mouth to his Padawans was...
I had no idea how violent the start would be, we need you guys a lot fresher for these racers.
The lesson here is this... a good coaching relationship is two-way. He knew I needed to work on my starts, I knew to be fresh. Per Strava my form was a whopping +24 today.
Why was today a near 2nd Place disaster?
Well, yours Diesely wasn't paying attention.
I've often said the closer we get to the finish line the dumber we get. Today was no exception.
I knew the laps were 6 miles long. The race is called the Dirty30. 5 laps right? Duh...
... so there I am, in second place on the 4th lap...
TimZ had gapped me on the first lap by wisely choosing the easy to ride climb while I chose the hideous wall option. Took me a lap to recover from that. He was gone.
... anyway, I'm in the zone, figuring I've got another lap and half to go. It's heating up and my Camelbak is nearly empty I'm picking the cleanest lines I can, conserving as much as I can.
I slide around a corner and TimZ has a flat.
Ah, crud... sorry Tim!
Go, you got this!
I got this... well, probably if I race wisely I can keep this pace up for another 45 minutes.
How fun would that be?!
I catch and pass some of my pals. Yep, feeling great. Riding within myself. Thinking, Holy cow! This could work! Letting myself get a little giddy.
The last half mile of said lap 4 this jackball keeps battling me. I'm thinking Bro, we have another lap. I've already put minutes on you, since you were in the first wave.
We roll through to do lap 5 and the great Victor Sheldon, the promoter on the mic, says Todd Brown, winner of the 55+ division!. Hellyeah I say to myself.
Matt rolls up... Nice job on the V, but I still beat you by 4 min. Folks, that is friendship. The best kind.
The posse is congradulatory. Slapping my back and all.
Sten rolls up, I'm a believer! You took off so fast I couldn't ever see you. Finished less than a minute behind you. Second place is great!
Second place, no way. Tim flatted. No one else in front.
Well... scoring says some guy named David Juarez beat you.
Tinker! That stinker!
For the record - have I said that yet? - David Tinker Juarez is a former Olympian who usually races pro... at 58 years old. Beating a lot of the Pro field is normal for him, still.
When he lined up and took off with them we all figured he's doing his thing... thankfully. We took off 2 minutes later.
Could I have beat him...
.... hahahahahhahaha, no chance in 'ell. He put 13 minutes on me.
Back to my point, I'm never dissatisfied with 2nd place as long as I know there was nothing left in the tank and I raced to the best of my ability.
However, I would have been extremely ticked if the pack of gray wolves behind me had caught and passed me at the end of lap 4 while I was secretly setting them up for an all out onslaught on lap 5.
Lastly, so far I'm the only actual grandpappy on that podium... and I'm most happy about that.
2 More Critical Race Notes:
- JimmyC came up to me, probably when Victor was explaining how many laps we were going race and said I was trying to decide Camelbak or bottles last night and you came to me in a vision... Camelbak, totally dorky but infinitely better on a course as relentless and technical as this.
- 3 things helped me go faster than last Dirty30: first, I'm about 5 lbs lighter than last year; second, via a lot of saddle time I'm one with my new BMC 4 Stroke and is legit much faster than any XC bike I've ridden before; third, the HyperVolt is a recovery game changer.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dirty30
Don't you deserve this for Christmas? Your competitors certainly don't :D
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dirty30
THE GREAT RONNIE COLEMAN
THE STORY OF THE GREAT RONNIE COLEMAN IS ON NETFLIX. I'm struck by the persistence, humility, and greatness of this man and athlete. You might be too...
... it reminded of what makes binge watching great (it's a 90 min documentary).
It's the arc of our own story that takes us from hacks and weekenders to consistently improving beasts.
That's why we binge watch, to find out what's going to happen to our heroes and villains.
Perched on my saddle, it appears to me that the dabblers - hacks is too harsh - are the riders who never really get better. The ones who get excited, buy a bike, ride it a few times and turn into place to dry out wet clothes.
That's not us.
We register for events and we race.
The more official and epic the race, the more dramatic and awesome our story. Wherever your racing is on the scale...
Beating Your PR <-- Racing to the City Limits sign --> Winning Nationals
It's our own heroes journey and battling of real and made up villains that keeps us going, and coming back for more. The endless fasciation with improving our performance.
Non-racers mostly miss out on all that drama. Which I contest is why they lose interest. There is no story arc for them.
For example, we'll sign up for an event that is 6 months out.
We start paying more attention to what we are eating, how far we are riding, how fast we are going, getting a bike fit... all things we can do to increase efficiencies. We measure them. See what works, what doesn't. Test ourselves against friends or less important races, etc.
That is our story arc.
Watch Ronnie's story and you'll get the sweet flavor of this post.
Kinda like the sweet flavor of Honey Stinger Waffles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/stinger
I just love these... perfect for long rides when you want something solid that goes down deliciuosly.
These also make great stocking stuffers, plus get you entered into the ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/stinger
---
161.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4429179393
(finally got that KOM - now that's drama)
LIKE A FINE TUNED MACHINE
IT'S BUSY HERE AT THE SHOP. It makes me happy. With a local race on Saturday and us being a racy bunch the bikes are flowing in and out. These are the people that take no chances. They've busted their buns to get fit and they've learned from sweaty experience to make sure their machines...
... are as finely tuned as they are.
But, ya know what's weird?
The racy peeps who are finely tuned on poorly tuned machines.
I see them every race. I've been one.
RaceDay morning they'll be all kitted up, ready to rip. Drivetrain will be filthy, shifting poorly. Tires lacking tread.
Or worse.
They will have put on new parts the day before and woken up to flat tires because the sealant didn't seal. Chain skipping because new chains skipping on old, worn cassettes.
It's a long list.
We all recognize it.
With some luck things will go well and they'll finish with big smiles.
But, who wants to risk that? Who wants to waste the emotional energy involved with either the mishaps or just having that Hope this don't break nagging feeling?
One thing that's always fun is to sport a new kit on RaceDay.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/grayghost
Like a gray over gray... haunting your prey...
Did I see a ghost? Is that the rider I'm chasing? Do I even have a chance?
The light is picking up the color a little oddly in the these pics. I'll post some more in the daylight soon.
In the meantime, here's the dealio...
Buy the kit, get the gloves and socks free.
Promo code is GRAYGHOST
It will actually apply a discount across all 4 items equalling $40 - price of gloves and socks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/grayghost
---
161.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4425596286
Found this inside my tire while prepping... nice little staple clean through and Stan's all dried out.
Thought my brake was rubbing... nope. Checked the rotor... nope. Wheel was spinning great but strange sound... turned out to be dust under dust cap... the kinda sound that can drive ya crazy when you're racing.
THAT NEW BIKE SMELL
DON'T TELL MY HUSBAND I BOUGHT THIS , OKAY? The smile on her face was unerasable. For this first time in her adult life this friend o' mine purchased a bicycle for herself. It's a day we all remember...
... and we remember 'splaining to our family and friends.
I bought a new bike.
Really?
Yeah, it's awesome.
What kind?
A gravel bike (using today's example)
What's that?
Oh, it's like a road bike but it can go anywhere. On pavement, but I will mainly ride it on the dirt roads and trails... more adventure, probably safer.
... so far so good, everything going according to plan ...
Let's see it... Wow!... how much was it?
... here is where our super stoked out of her mind new bike owner says ...
I got a really good deal.
... now, I'm not saying that's the wrong answer. Lord knows I've used it plenty of times myself ...
Oh, really... how good?
Oh that new bike smell!!!
Our friend/family/lover can smell that bike, can see bird feather hanging out of our cat mouth.
There's no going back. Because...
Ain't nowayinhell I'm going another day of my life without the joy of carbon between my legs and wind in my face.
It might be the smell of burning cash to outsiders...
... but, it's the smell of countless heckfire good times ahead to us.
Now, whether you're heading out on a new bike or your trusty stead this time of year the weather can be challenging.
That's I developed the KOM jacket.
You've never seen, touched, worn or smelled anything like this.
It's made of a very fine, stretchy membrane fabric that we import from a special factory nestled near the Dolomites of Italy. They're the only people in the world that produce this material which is wind and water resistant... and so light and feather you can roll it up and tuck it in your back jersey pocket.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers
We keep selling them as fast as we can make them, but there are a few in stock as of tonight.
It's called the KOM jacket because it's perfect for this local 12 mile MTB climb I'm trying to PR all the time.
Most mornings when we're getting after it we are plenty warm on the way up. But, in the winter it can be very cold up there and it can get covered in clouds pretty quickly.
This jacket is perfect for whipping out at the top before bombing back down... if it's really cold, arm warmers underneath.
You can save $35 on this incredible layer when you join the PEDALposse -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription
Or you can save a few bucks with this promo code: KOM
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers
---
162.6
Stretch HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4421202074
STEVE JOBS... WE'RE A LOT LIKE HIM
ONE OF MY BUSINESS HEROES IS THE GREAT STEVE JOBS. And, while I'm not Steve Jobs, and you might not be either, we have a secret super power in common...
... Oh, do tell Diesel!
Steve was famous for taking long walks when he wanted to get his point across or really get to know somebody. Very long walks. He would sucker them in saying Let's walk around the block... and then be gone for hours.
I am the same way... I'm guessin' you are too.
But, on bikes.
Most of my most meaningful conversations with my close friends and mentors have taken place on bike rides. Racing for sure has been covered in great detail... and so has solving life's many riddles.
I remember early on cornering, creeping on?, every fast rider I could find. Listening to everything they said to me or whoever they were talking to. And, I've siddled up to many a new rider to share tips, stories and ideas. Riding side by side is such a great way to impart and consume knowledge.
Fact is... the best conversations in my life have happened outdoors, at an easy pace: long rides, hikes, walks, ski lifts, waiting for waves, sailing etc...
... as well as some of my best product ideas.
What's your favorite Diesel Creation?
- RaceDay Bag™
- Superlight Race Gloves
- Race Socks with EZ Breathe Yarns and FastMax Compression
- Pro Jersey and Pro Bibs with Italian fabrics and a top secret chamois
- The KOM Jacket
- The Changing Poncho
- ...
Well, if it's the Changing Poncho...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
When you purchase the changing poncho, not only are you getting a great tool for changing in public but we are getting you 3 X the entries into the ENVE Wheel Giveaway.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
---
163.8
PushUps and PullUps HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4416860544
IS EVERY DAY REALLY RACEDAY™?
EVERY DAY IS RACEDAY
To my friends who find joy on bicycles and want to dramatically improve their skills and ability.
INTRODUCTION
I’m Todd, aka The Old Diesel.
I’ll be your guide, and maybe one day we can race together. Until then, I hope this little book will help you be confident in your abilities to line up and win.
Because credibility creates believability, you should know I have won 2 National Championships in my age group. These were racing an event called SuperD, what is now referred to as Enduro. I have also one many other races on road and mountain bikes.
That said, some of my greatest victories had nothing to do with standing atop the podium.
Setting my PR at Leadville in 2019 and snagging 2nd place at LoToJa in 2017 are just as exhilarating to look back on. We’ll cover these and other stories to put winning and racing into what I believe is a proper perspective.
If you’re looking for a tactic to win a sprint, you might find a few. However, the purpose of this book is to present a strategy for approaching bicycle racing that is fun and rewarding, leading to a lifetime of growth and improvement.
By the time you finish reading you’ll have a good idea of what it takes to be a racer, and clear understanding of why you need to start racing now.
Let’s get started.
CHAPTER 1 - WHAT IS WINNING?
Get this right, and you’ll win every time you pin on a number.
---
I've written a lot more of the book... but, that's all you get to see for now. I like to keep the good stuff undercover.
Maybe that's why the Changing Poncho is getting a plug tonight.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
When you purchase the changing poncho, not only are you getting a great tool for changing in public but we are getting you 3 X the entries into the ENVE Wheel Giveaway.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
---
164
PushUps and PullUps HyperVolt
7.7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248/posts
DIVERSITY = SPEED
THIS MIGHT SOUND OBVIOUS, and might be something for you to consider... it's something I'm intentional about. My riding and exercise is highly varied... and I was reflecting on that while looking for a book I'd previously read, here's a sample books I've read this year...
... Major Taylor's biography - America's richest and most successful athlete and cyclist circa 1900, Rise of the Dungeon Master - Biography of Gary Gygax and the creation of Dungeons and Dragons, Blue Moon - a Jack Reacher novel, Subscribed - Tien Tzuo, Creativity - John Cleese...
... and that's just the first 5 books of probably 30 I've read this year...
... i vary my reading to be a better writer,
I vary my riding to be a better racer.
Yeah, I know yesterday's post Specificity = Speed might seem like a contradiction, but bear with me.
By doing a lot of different riding and racing I gather skills that can be applied elsewhere.
For example, mountain bikers very rarely will be in a road paceline and get into trouble.
Why?
Because mountain bikers also form pacelines offroad and inherently know to never trust the rider in front to pick the best line, let alone point things out.
Road riders, particularly the racers, develop tremendous 1, 3, and 5 minute power.
Why?
Because they know if they can just hang on to those violent accelerations things will calm down and be manageable again... while those without the power have been jettisoned.
Yes, I do a lot of different types of riding: road, gravel and mountain. And, I also do a fair amount of walking and surfing and paddling. Walking is just good. The surfing and paddling are great for upper body strength and core... and balance. Cycling, especially road, is all about straight forward... offroad uses some side to side balance, but nothing like standing on a surfboard on the ocean.
All that said... if you can swing another bike, get it. It doesn't need to be "pro", it just needs to function properly. If you can swing another sport, do it.
And, it's not just the additional skills you'll bring back to cycling but also the freshness you'll bring to the new riding and from the new riding to the one you really want to excel at.
Of course, if you're doing a lot of riding it can be nice to have a good chamois cream. I've been testing out Dave Zabriskie's product DZ Nutz...
... I'm guessing the name can be a bit repellant, but don't let it fool ya. This product lasts a long time, and I find I'm using less of it than Chamois Butt'r - a product I think is great.
By that I mean, a smaller amount of cream is needed. One, the cream itself seems to hold up longer; and two, because I need less per application the bottle lasts a good long time.
THIS MIGHT SOUND OBVIOUS, and might be something for you to consider... it's something I'm intentional about. My riding and exercise is highly varied... and I was reflecting on that while looking for a book I'd previously read, here's a sample books I've read this year...
... Major Taylor's biography - America's richest and most successful athlete and cyclist circa 1900, Rise of the Dungeon Master - Biography of Gary Gygax and the creation of Dungeons and Dragons, Blue Moon - a Jack Reacher novel, Subscribed - Tien Tzuo, Creativity - John Cleese...
... and that's just the first 5 books of probably 30 I've read this year...
... i vary my reading to be a better writer,
I vary my riding to be a better racer.
Yeah, I know yesterday's post Specificity = Speed might seem like a contradiction, but bear with me.
By doing a lot of different riding and racing I gather skills that can be applied elsewhere.
For example, mountain bikers very rarely will be in a road paceline and get into trouble.
Why?
Because mountain bikers also form pacelines offroad and inherently know to never trust the rider in front to pick the best line, let alone point things out.
Road riders, particularly the racers, develop tremendous 1, 3, and 5 minute power.
Why?
Because they know if they can just hang on to those violent accelerations things will calm down and be manageable again... while those without the power have been jettisoned.
Yes, I do a lot of different types of riding: road, gravel and mountain. And, I also do a fair amount of walking and surfing and paddling. Walking is just good. The surfing and paddling are great for upper body strength and core... and balance. Cycling, especially road, is all about straight forward... offroad uses some side to side balance, but nothing like standing on a surfboard on the ocean.
All that said... if you can swing another bike, get it. It doesn't need to be "pro", it just needs to function properly. If you can swing another sport, do it.
And, it's not just the additional skills you'll bring back to cycling but also the freshness you'll bring to the new riding and from the new riding to the one you really want to excel at.
Of course, if you're doing a lot of riding it can be nice to have a good chamois cream. I've been testing out Dave Zabriskie's product DZ Nutz...
... I'm guessing the name can be a bit repellant, but don't let it fool ya. This product lasts a long time, and I find I'm using less of it than Chamois Butt'r - a product I think is great.
By that I mean, a smaller amount of cream is needed. One, the cream itself seems to hold up longer; and two, because I need less per application the bottle lasts a good long time.
If you're looking for something new to protect your special purpose, check this out.
Use promo code: VARIETY
---
164.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4409777483
SPECIFICITY = SPEED
THIS MIGHT SOUND OBVIOUS, it might not even be a thing for you... but for me, this is something I have to dial in. Ya see I like a lot of variety in my riding... and I was reflecting on that while listening to my top song's of 2020, according to Apple music. You could say there's some variety, here's a sample...
Paranoid - Black Sabbath, Put Your Lights On - Everlast, Bleed It Out - Linkin Park, Super Bad - James Brown, Landslide - Dixie Chicks, Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth.
... that's just the first 5 songs, much like the 5 days I ride...
Gravel Monday, Road Tuesday, Gravel or MTB Wednesday, Rest Thursday, Gravel Friday, Road or MTB Saturday.
That's no way to get prepped for a race... which is exactly what I'm hoping to do Saturday. Race the Dirty 30.
To that aim, I've upped my MTB a lot.
And it's showing results.
Lots of PRs on the downhill sections today.
One simple reason.
When you get really specific on your riding, getting as close as what you expect to be racing. Bike. Terrain. Weather. Time of day. etc.... you get a lot faster because you become one with your machine.
My mountain bike is my most complex machine by far.
Sure, there's only 1 shifter on the right hand. But there's a dropper post and 3 different suspension settings to work on the left hand.
Plus the brakes.
But, on an MTB locking up the rear wheel to line up a turn is a thing... as is getting on the binders so hard that the front wheel wants to give way. Neither of which is even a thought on the road.
Which is the point... specificity = speed.
You know what else equals speed? Being able to pack up efficiently and find all your gear when you get to the race.... which is why we created the RaceDay Bag™
Right you can get a loaded bag and save a load of cash.
$308 in product for $200.
PRO bag, changing poncho, Purist water bottles, PR Lotion, DZ Nutz, gloves, socks, and a tshirt.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ultimate-raceday-bag%E2%84%A2
We never discount the RaceDay Bag™, ever. Offer ends Sunday 11/29.
Use promo code: IGIVEGOODGIFTS
You'll need to email help@customerservice with the colors and sizes of the items you want in your bag.
Y'all are awesome!
---
164
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4403752592
SKILLS AND THRILLS... A LAUGHING MATTER
ONE OF THE MOST OVERLOOKED INGREDIENTS TO MASTERING MOUNTAIN BIKING IS LAUGHING. In my early years, my pal Garrett and I would scope out the hidden single tracks and dial them in...
... then take the rest of the fellas out, pretending like it was our first time.
To be sure, there were a lot of Oh shyte moments... but, it was all fun n games and the trickery was paid back many times.
The riding back then was a lot more adventurous.
We'd wander down cow paths wondering where they led. We'd drop off steep ledges wondering of the rickety equipment would hold up.
Bending a seat post isn't even a thing any more. Neither is carrying spokes and spoke tools.
Amidst all that breaking of parts and trespassing was a lot of laughter.
We weren't in a hurry, weren't rushing, weren't racing. We were learning, playfully approaching a new and exciting sport.
The last few weeks I've been taking out a young padawan, Rocky, on our local trails.
Today I was reminded of those old times. We dropped in on some truly steep stuff - 36% according to the Strava file - which I'd previously been down more than a few times.
There was a lot of stopping, a lot of hootin' and hollerin' and a lot of laughing... because it was so dern fun. Taking our time allowed the kid to recover and get ready to charge the next section.
Come to think of it... most of the teaching of sporty things that I've done in my life has involved a lot of laughter and time taking. It just works better...
... and the steep, technical MTBing works a lot better with a really solid connection to the handle bars. The kind of connection you get with our superlight race gloves.
These gloves are very light. Perforated 100% leather palms, perforated lycra tops. The form to your hand and give you great feedback.
For many, especially your very biased developer of said gloves, these are the only way to go... road, gravel or mountain.
And right now, buy 'em and get a pair of socks free...
... our race socks made with EZ Breathe yarns and FastMax compression technologies.
The gloves are $25 (I know we should charge $35) and the socks are $15 normally...
use promo code BuyGlovesGetSocks at check out and get them delivered for $25 bones.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
This code will stop working Saturday night.
---
163.6
Paddle
8.25 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4398985947
BATTLE OF THE 3 COURSE MEALS
IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD PLAN. It usually does, but I've never seen it work. Ever. No matter what I do... it's always a fail on Friday morning.
Today's strategy was simple.
Rise with the sun and ride with the fellas, on an empty stomach.
Like all plans, the first part was easy to execute. Met 'em. Rode with 'em. Came home.
Next, get my ladies and go paddle boarding, on an empty stomach.
Like all plans, a hiccup occurred. I walked in to...
Guess what Tom brought over!
Tom is our neighbor who never brings anything over.
I dunno.
But, I could smell it. Homemade sourdough bread.
I'd built up a massive resistance to what I was sure she was going to tempt me with... a bear claw donut. I was ready to look that glazed goodness and walk on by...
... and that's why the sourdough and butter and honey was so deadly. I wasn't ready to say NO to that... am I ever?
Eventually we waddled across the sand and paddled.
I was kind of back on track because we came home cleaned up and headed down to our son's inlaws for a special occasion.
This is where I thought I could recover from the sourdough... and yes that dern bear claw.
Steve, my son's fatherinlaw, had expressed interest in getting a gravel bike so I brought down a loaner. We changed and took him out for his first ride in years. The running trails behind his home are a great place to gravel... and gravel we did.
He commutes by moto to work, so his handling skills were great... and he was suprised at how the bikes could climb and get across the sandy sections.
If I was a betting dude, I'd bet he'll be a lifer... but, I'd also bet on my having restraint with the appetizers...
... I was so close. I'd only slightly cheated. The fabulous turkey feast was a scant 30 minutes in the future...
... never bet on a starving rider to have restraint when the calories are so empty and plentiful.
At dinner, people were considering going for seconds... I'd already been.
At dessert, I didn't go for seconds... because it ain't seconds if you haven't had that flavor of pie yet.
So yeah... an absolutely successful and wonderful day: lots of riding, lots of time with my favorite peoples, lots a time to consider our good fortune.
Like many new riders, Steve didn't have gloves or socks... and I neglected to bring any extras...
... which is why we are brining back the BuyGlovesGetSocks promo code.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
We have lots of new colors in stock.
These are amazing superlight fullfinger race gloves and our race socks made with EZ Breathe yarns and FastMax compression technologies.
The gloves are $25 (I know we should charge $35) and the socks are $15 normally...
use promo code BuyGlovesGetSocks at check out and get them delivered for $25 bones.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
This code will stop working Saturday night.
---
163.6
Paddle
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4394010600
https://www.strava.com/activities/4394600434
https://www.strava.com/activities/4395551729
THE TECH I'M GRATEFUL FOR
I'M GRATEFUL FOR THREE PIECES OF TECH, the digital and electronic gizmos. Two are new to me and one is an old friend... I share them all liberally... errrr, I preach them all regularly.... mmmmmm, I love this stuff and you might too.
The old friend is Strava, for sure. If social media is of the devil, the I guess I'm going to helk... because I love Strava. Let me count the ways:
- At any time, I can look back over the years and see what I was doing and the effect it was having.
- Tracking my PRs and monitoring my progress.
- Encouraging my friends and receiving their encouragement.
- Searching out new routes and studying upcoming rides.
Those are my top 4.
Electric shifting on my MTB. While I've had it on my road bike and loved it, the new 12 speed, 1x drivetrains with with electronic shifting are amazing. For example:
- It's much faster and
- More precise than mechanical shifting
- and, kind to my old joints.
It took me a while to get used to. It's very sensitive and I would accidentally shift it in the beginning, but it's second nature now. Truly awesome.
Last is the HyperVolt. I've had it for about a month now and it's the only variable in my training that is new... meanwhile I feel incredibly recovered after some blistering workouts.
I've used rollers, I've had massages. There's plenty of discomfort with each and it never goes away while going through the treatment.
The HyperVolt is different.
I use it on my legs, feet, back, arms. Everywhere.
Here's the difference.
The only place I have real, true soreness is my legs. Mainly above the knee. Quads and hammies.
With the setting on 3, the strongest, and with the absorber attachment, I'll go over my legs and find a sore spot. I'll then spend some time there... and here's makes the HyperVolt so much better... I'll stay on that sore spot until the pain goes away.
That's a big difference.
Imagine your legs feel terrible, certain spots are sore to the touch and you have this gizmo that you can work your legs over with and the pain goes away. Such that, when you go upstairs they are remarkably recovered.
Could I live without Strava, E-shifting and they HyperVolt? Of course. Would I want to? Not for a minute.
If you're looking for just the right thing to give yourself...
... because let's be honest, the family/friends ain't gonna get it - just like all they didn't get you the aero helmet or fancyshmancy shoes...
... get they HyperVolt, put it under the tree with a note from Santa.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
I spent some time on the phone today with the manufacturer so I could understand the difference between this model and the new cheaper/lighter version.
You could get it, but I wouldn't.
It doesn't have level 3, only goes up to the equivalent of level 2. Also missing is the absorber attachment I love.
Use promocode: TECHILOVE to save $70... offer endsThursday 11/26/2020 11:59pm.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
PS... yes, the HyperVolt will get you 700 entries into the ENVE Wheel Giveaway
---
164.2 (so much backsliding)
Stretch and HyperVolt
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4391447910
I'M GRATEFUL FOR MY MVP SKILLS
IN BUSINESS THERE IS A CONCEPT CALLED THE MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT. The idea is a company should create the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to go to market, and build from there as quickly as possible. We practice that here...
... yawn!
You don't care about that... but, you should care about Minimum Viable Power!
We also practice that.
It's the crafty move of going to the front at the bottom of a climb and drifting back but not getting dropped.
It's the wily cat who takes pulls like everyone else but is glued to the wheel in front, and rather than tapping brakes will slide to the side... both move save tons of watts.
It's learning how to corner, carrying speed in so you don't need to sprint out.
It's having a pristine drivetrain.
Where can you conserve energy? Carry speed? Stay off the brakes? Accelerate wisely?
There are myriad ways to use the Minimum Viable Power...
... and here's the kicker with MVP, as you figure 'em out...
... you'll have significantly more finishing energy..
... and when you unleash your mighty fury...
...and all the other competitors will see is your vanishing silhouette.
Speaking of unleashing, yesterday in my exuberance to unleash a killer promo to you my faithful readers I shared the code that the commoners will get on Friday... assuming any product is left.
My bad, but the offer is still insanely good.
$308 in product for $200.
The Ultimate RaceDay Bag™, loaded with the goods: PRO bag, changing poncho, Purist water bottles, PR Lotion, DZ Nutz, gloves, socks, and a tshirt.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ultimate-raceday-bag%E2%84%A2
We never discount the RaceDay Bag™, ever. There are only 100 of these packages available. Only readers of the blog know about it... until Friday, then we'll promote it - if any remain.
Use promo code: IGIVEGOODGIFTS
You'll need to email help@customerservice with the colors and sizes of the items you want in your bag.
Y'all are awesome!
---
163.4
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hrs sleep (too excited for toosday)
https://www.strava.com/activities/4385225942
I'M THANKFUL FOR BEING MOCKED
I CAN COUNT ON MY HANDS AND FEET AND WITH THE HELP OF A SUPERCOMPUTER THE NUMBER OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO MOCKED my love of cycling over the years and who now see the light. The runners who can no longer run, the moto riders who want to ride better and longer, the surfers who want a daily stoke, and my favorites the sedentary who realize there's an athlete inside each of us.
That mocking made me rock solid in my truth: riding bikes is a lifelong sport.
I was lucky enough to grab hold of that truth in my 20s. Over the years my commitment never waned, though my time and focus changed with the responsibilities of life. Still, even in my slouthest era I got out a couple of times a week.
We share truth with our friends and family because we know it's good.
Of course our kids all got bikes and can ride, one even raced for a while. Surfergirl and I still ride together. I rounded up bikes for my dad and brothers and all kinds of friends. Invited and encouraged. At one point my dad was riding his bike back to the office at night to stay in shape and put in a few more hours of lawyering.
Still there's that mocking.
I ain't wearing spandex!
Wouldn't a motor be more fun?
Don't your privates hurt?
You rode how far?
... you know 'em all
But, we stick with it... witnessing our health staying steady and often improving, while so many others are in decline.
And one day... if we're lucky... we live in a time when bicycle riding is more popular than it has been in decades.
What if they hadn't mocked us and we hadn't stuck with it? Would they be riding and improving their health today?
I dunno.
But, I do know those that ride would be thrilled to the moon to receive the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™, loaded with the goods: PRO bag, changing poncho, Purist water bottles, PR Lotion, DZ Nutz, gloves, socks, and a tshirt.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ultimate-raceday-bag%E2%84%A2
We never discount the RaceDay Bag™, ever. There are only 100 of these packages available. Only readers of the blog know about it... until Friday, then we'll promote it - if any remain.
Use promo code: IGIVEGOODGIFTS
You'll need to email help@customerservice with the colors and sizes of the items you want in your bag.
Y'all are awesome!
---
164.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
8.1 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4382302022
I'M THANKFUL FOR SCARS
DO CHICKS REALLY DIG SCARS? I was thinking about this while watching BLEED FOR THIS... the Vinnie Pazienza story, which is absolutely awesome if you're into comeback stories...
... I don't know if chicks dig 'em as much as dudes claim, but I do know I have more than a few.
There are the external scars: split eyebrow, knees ground to the bone, 3rd degree burns, wrist sanded down, simultaneously split shins, divot in my calf, countless flesh wounds...
The less visible: busted off end of collar bone, cracked radial head, permanent strawberry on hip (you can't see it, but I do every morning)...
These are all from doing things the things I love: bikes, motos, surfing, etc
Then there's the invisible internal shiz we get a helping of at some point along the way, the ones that hurt different...
In most instances, I've learned and improved... upgrading my skills, avoiding similar situations.
My scars are part of my journey...
... and I sure don't dig 'em in the moment, but...
... I'm grateful for each one, they have made me who I am.
A good way to avoid new scars is riding with great lights... and I'd like to help you any way I can to avoid the mistakes I've made.
Perhaps the biggest mistake I ever made while MTB night riding was going with only a headlight.
I had no idea what I was doing, and I figured a headlight would be better than a light on the bike.
Makes sense.
But, it's a terrible idea.
At night, it's the shadows that give you depth perception. A light mounted on your bars is lower than your eyes, so you see the shadow it casts and get an idea of the size of the obstacles in your way. A helmet light is not going to cast shadows because it's beam is on the same line as our eyeballs.
So there I was zipping over this large, round and flat rock... only it wasn't flat.
But it was large and round.
Next thing I know my hands are on the bars and me feet are over my head and I'm thinking This is gonna leave a mark!
Yes, you want a helmet light but you want it to be much weaker than the beam on your bike. The helmet light mainly helps you look into the bushes hoping you don't a pair of nocturnal hunting eyes staring back at ya.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
Use promo code: LIT
And remember to enter the $3000 ENVE Wheel Giveaway while your at it.
---
164.2
Stretch and HyperVolt
7;5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4365411286
I'M THANKFUL FOR FRIENDS OLD AND NEW
WE HAD A COUPLE OF NEW GUYS JOIN US TODAY... now there are two ways to handle new guys: one, roll out easy and get to know them; two, punch their ticket and see if they have any game...
... can ya guess what we always opt for, and why?
It's not personal, it's for their own good.
The sooner we can get rid of them or not get rid of them the better.
If we get rid of them, we've saved them hours of torture and potentially getting lost and/or hurt. If we can't get rid of them, then we know we've got some gamers that are gonna push us.
We didn't get rid of them, which was awesome.
Eventually we settled into a fast, challenging pace but one were we could still chat and get to know each other. Turns out one of them, Brian, grew up near me and we have a few friends in common.
Whether or not this bromance will flourish is uncertain.
What is certain is the extreme gratitude I felt all ride to have made really great friends over the years. Each of these dudes inspires me in the way they live their lives, honor their commitments and cherish their families.
The ladies, bless their hearts, think it's just a bunch of guys being kids on a Saturday. But, we know better... it's this wheel time that helps us be the kinda dudes they want to keep around.
Just because I'm also grateful Surfergirl totally understands the meaning of this t-shirt... let's make it a buy 1 get 1 promo
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
The code is: THANKFULFORFRIENDS
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
---
163.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4371323805
IT'S OUR FOR THE TAKING
I HAD THIS EMAIL ALL CHARTED OUT ON MY RIDE THIS MORNING, while I was shredding single track on my kick@$$ BMC URS. I was soooo fired up. But now all I can recall is the title...
... it happens when your HR is tickling the clouds it's so high.
It went something like this...
We are the take charge types... not waiting for anyone to tell us what to do... we get things done.
We take risks... not RedBull Rampage risks... but going for things well beyond our current capabilities.
We take responsibility... when our plans fail, when our risks don't pay off... we look at the person in the mirror.
... and that's why it ours for the taking, so few live this way.
I'll be saddling up early tomorrow, heading out with a bunch of stallions who could be my kids and sticking it to 'em as hard as I can until they leave me for dead... and I'm totally cool with that. It's my plan, my risk and my responsibility to keep The Old Diesel in tiptop shape.
Speaking of the URS, fondly known as The Highlighter as it's generally the highlight of my day and often my week, the time has come for it to find a new home.
This is without a doubt the funnest bike I've ever owned and the only reason I'm letting it go is because a new model is arriving in my size.
It is in Excellent Condition.
You're probably wondering if it's fast... helk yeah! I've been keeping up no prob on the local flat group rides, keeping up slight problem on the hilly A version of the TMWC - fastest weekday ride around.
Is it comfortable?... Totally! There's a little micro bumper in the rear triangle that affords 20mm of travel, which is super sweet on the fast washboardy stuff.
Is it light?... pretty dern light for an entry level gravel slayer.
Does it handle well?... well? Try amazing. If you want a bike that can jump and slay singletrack this is the one.
The very first day I had it I picked off, without even tryin', a bunch of PRs on the local steep fire roads.
That's the kind of confidence this bike delivers.
If I had to chose one bike, this is the one... only thing I'd add is a second set of wheels for road.
The retail on this bike is $4k. I'll take $3k... and yes, you'll get 3000 entries into our killer ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
PS... if you want a new version of this bike LMK
---
162.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4365411286
HOW GOOD IS YOUR CROSSTRAINING?
I THINK I HAVE THE PERFECT CROSSTRAINING SPORT:
__ It's fun
__ Strengthens my core, a lot
__ Sharpens my balance
___ and, I can get bonus points by taking Surfergirl along
So, I strapped on the Wahoo and fired up Strava to get some data.
It's not good.
Or, is it?
Today's effort vs last night's MTB effort
Max h. r. 107 vs 176
Average h.r. 96 vs 144
Relative Effort 6 vs 193
It's a lot easier on The Old Diesel's ol' ticker. Honestly, that's probably a good thing and it's still a great workout. When I'm done I have a similar feeling to a good swim workout... my upper body is pumped up and feels strong.
Plus, what other activity is going ticks the boxes of fun, core, balance and bonus points?
Not many.
I think the key for crosstraining is that it is fun and works on other parts of your body that you'll also need to be a strong bike rider. The fun part, so we are consistent. Strengthening other parts of our body, like our core, can make a huge difference in bike handling.
When I finally pick a date for next year to do a training camp here in San Clemente, we are for sure including time on the water...
... 'cause paddleboarding is a lotta fun.
Maybe that's what inspired this new jersey design?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/navy-pro-jersey-1
Didja know we make all our apparel here in CA? That we import the finest fabrics from Italy? It's true. Then we print the fabrics, cut them with a laser beam, and sew them one at a time. Custom. Just for you... and me.
These jerseys will be ready to ship in about 2 weeks. You can order now...
... and earn 100 entries into the $3000 ENVE Wheel Giveaway.
Click here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/navy-pro-jersey-1
---
163.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
8.2 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4360937653
THE GREAT EDDIE B
THE GODFATHER OF MODERN AMERICAN BICYCLE RACING AND COACHING HAS PASSED AWAY. Eddie B. I read two tributes today, and will add my own.
Velonews, the boring and uncreative steward of US Cycling reportage, simply stated he was a coach who headed the '84 Olympic team and somehow wound up the history of this man with a banal dump in the doping gutter.
Chris Carmichael, who legitimized the cycling coaching profession for thousands of coaches, reminisced on his time under Eddie's tutelage and the advice he received when he chose the same profession: Keep the good of the athlete central at all times.
To which I will add my own comment.
Somewhere, buried under the countless books I've read is a little section with Cycling Training. There's Joe Friel's book, and Lemond's and Armstrong's and Ned's... but, Eddie's was the first and only book I could find in the late 80's.
Imagine that.
Only one person in the US was putting any effort into finding and developing bicycle racers in any meaningful way such that a dork like me could learn a thing or two.
I tried buddying up to the local legends, but it was fruitless. And the bike shops were worse. The prevailing arrogance of those in the know was disgusting and turned many a would be lifer into a why bother move on'r.
But, somehow I found the book... in fact, it might have been in the printed - and, at the time very cool - pages of Velonews.
There is no one thing gleaned from Eddie that I can point to today which made a difference in my attempts to move from a lowly 4 to a 3. No technique per se.
However, there was hope...
... and that's all most of us needed. The simple concept that we could get better if we'd put together a plan and stick to it was revolutionary. Because up that point the only plan was ride a lot.
I never knew or met Eddie, but if I'd run into him here's what I would have said...
Thanks for giving me hope and a plan, man.
Which is exactly the same thing I get from my current Coach Brian McCulloch. I'm a less than ideal student. Headstrong... and woefully dependent on racing vs structured workouts. He patiently listens, instinctively knows what I need, and forcefully puts for the plan he is certain I will stick to, that will stretch me but not burn me out... which is a long way of saying he gives me hope and a plan.
If you'll indulge me a little... that thinking is pretty much all we instill on anybody we are tasked with helping along life's paths. It's all we can do as parents... as a wise man once said, I teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves.
Which is pretty much all I try and accomplish in these daily missives. Pass along what I've learnt.
One thing I've learnt - such a fun word! - is of all the upgrades you can do to your bike the one that will make the biggest difference and give you the most bang for your buck is wheels...
Which is why I'm so excited about our $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway... somebody, maybe you, is gonna get a serioso upgrade.
... but, the other thing I've found is giving your body an upgrade is even more important which is why I preach so much about PR Lotion and the HyperVolt. PR Lotion removes the burn I feel when getting after it on the bike and the HyperVolt gets into my damaged muscles every evening after said getting after it has been gotten after.
Get entered.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
Every dollar purchase you make between now and 12/31 gets you an additional entry into the drawing... but you have to enter.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
---
163.4
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4358429438
RELEASE YOUR KRAKEN!
i'M TRYING TO PUT INTO WORDS WHAT IT FELT LIKE TODAY... we were charging up this undulating climb. I was struggling to hang... going from the front to the back of the group, then off the back, then back on... and as the top got closer I started to feel better.
I moved up a bit.
Finally, we could see the top... and I just thought to myself...
Screw it, I'm going for it.
And why not? Even though the ride was far from over, even though I'd pay for it for miles to come... I had to do it, had to unleash my Kraken, come what may.
It felt so good to go all out, to win that tiny hill top.
Later in the ride, at a crucial moment, I was dropped. I never caught back on. And, I didn't care one bit.
That little win powered me all day.
#worthit.
You know what win might power you all day, all week, all month, all year?
The $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway
Have you entered?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
It won't hurt, I promise.
Just click the link and check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Stretch N Hypervolt
6 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4351617761
ONLY KEEP THE JERSEYS THAT TALK.
THE FACT IS WE'VE ALL GOT A DRAWER FULL OF OLD RACE JERSEYS... that any normal person would toss. But we won't, ever. We might pare it down from time to time, but they'll always be a few keepers.
We keep the ones that talk... that remind of that day when... that ride.. that win... that team...
... those are the only ones of value.
They're also the ones my friend Brett collects, the ones that belong to his world famous Horton Collection.
Not yours... but the jerseys of the truly great racers from the last 100 years.
And not just the jerseys, but the photos and posters and trophies... and we're lucky enough to use some of the images for our products.
Check these images we're using for a new RaceDay Bag™ called The Tour... all from epic Tour de France battles.
We're already in production on the first batch and will be shipping them in a few weeks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/horton-collection/products/the-tour-raceday-bag
We have other Horton Collection products in the pipeline... and the excellent news is any purchase of these products will get you in the...
Have you entered yet? It's so easy.
Just click here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
---
163.4
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4346807518
TOP SECRET TRAINING REPORT - DIRTY 30 PREP
HEY THERE RACERS... it's The Old Diesel's helmet checking in. I can accurately report that he's been working his fanny off since getting shelled last month at the Cactus Cup...
... remember that pathetic video he posted?
Oh, he was completely shattered.
Not surprising.
He was overconfident... thought he could handle the heat, thought his legs were ready for that unrelenting desert terrain, thought he'd show the yokels his CA style...
... oh, he had that beating coming.
But, good news!
Yesterday he casually mentioned posting a good time on a famous climb. He PRd it. Yeah, broke a 7 year old record by 10 seconds. I know, it's not much on a 54 minute effort, but give him a break. His carbon is a bit dated.
Anyway, it would be a good sign, except...
... in a celebratory moment of weakness he pounded a pint of McConnell's.
What a dummy!
Today wasn't much better, sure he fasted until Noon, ate a light lunch...
... but, then Surfergirl busted out the chips and the kids all came over for barbecue and pie and more ice cream.
He's going to wake up fat and ticked off tomorrow.
I like it when he's like that, because we ride fast. Probably too fast for a Monday, meaning his legs are going to be heavy for the Tuesday Morning World Championships... and even worse for DRTY WDNSDY.
Oh it's gonna be a helluva week... him wanting to undue his bad deeds.
Personally, I'm not sure the old guy has it in him to post a fast time in 3 weeks at the Dirty 30. Especially not if he keeps falling off the wagon.
The only hope is something he keeps in the house. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but he says it's made his legs feel like magic. Maybe that explains the PR Saturday... and being able to pound it hard last Tuesday and Wednesday?
I think it's this thing he's raving about, the HyperVolt...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
If it is... don't share his results with others. Just get the dern thing for yourself and keep it on the downlow.
Promo code: REKUVR
PS... apparently the HyperVolt will get you 700 Entries into the $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway.
---
164.2
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4344250934
I BLEED IT OUT
IT'S CHILDS PLAY TO BLEED SPEEDING DOWNHILL, it's helluva lot harder to do it charging up a technical single track. Amiright? I mean it was 10 miles, 3451' of vert, and no I didn't crash...
... we were just hauling gas.
We stopped at the top.
I looked down and my arms were covered in blood.
It didn't hurt. Nothing hurt. That's the kind of day we had today.
Determined to break my old bad habit of slowly building speed on this type of climb, I raced to the trailhead first with 2 of my mostfastest friends glued to my perfectly aired up knobbies.
Knowing they'd be eversoslightly peeved that I'd snuck ahead, I just went for it. Charging hard. So unlike The Old Diesel. Their gasps of What the! only urged me on... making me pedal even harder. Something I'd never do if I were going for a PR.
It's good to break habits.
Normally, I'd let my pals go first and gap me and then do my derndest to reel them back in.
Never again.
Why... well, I've got a few MTB races on my radar and those races can be won or lost by being at the front or back of the pack at the first single track.
I did a few other things besides slay it right from the start:
- I'm lighter than I have been in years.
- All week I've hit my legs with the HyperVolt.
- I woke up early and warmed up my legs in a hot bath.
- Liberally applied PR Lotion.
- The intermittent fasting seems to have altered the way my body consumes and needs calories. I'm consuming less on the rides and feeling better.
- Cranked up Linkin Park's Bleed It Out to get pumped.
- The new BMC 4 Stroke is by far the best XC bike I've ever ridden.
Interestingly I didn't:
- Eat a big breakfast, just a handful of nuts.
- Warm up at all on the bike, just drove over and got after it.
And that blood on my arms?...
... well it wasn't from fighting a mountain lion as I hinted on the Instagram post, which a few folks believed... hahahahaha
This climb is called the San Juan Trail and it's lined with a very hearty and thorny scrub brush... cut the corners and it snags and slices your skin.
Doesn't hurt at all, just looks awesome when it mixes with the sweat on your arms.
After the ride Jimmy came over and said...
I really hope I win those ENVE™ wheels so I can keep up with you.
He might.
You might.
Someone will.
Do you know why we love ENVE™ wheels... it ain't just their sexy name, or because their lighter or more aero or faster... and those are all dern good reasons, but not good enough.
We love ENVE™ wheels because when it's on the line, they give peace of mind.
Have you entered?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
It won't hurt, I promise.
Just click the link and check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
---
163.3 lbs
Stretch N Hypervolt
7.3 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4338266395
THAT WE MIGHT HAVE JOY
THE FIRST TIME I WAS INITIATED INTO THE HARDING TRUCK TRAIL WAS TRAUMATIC. Four of us went - Eric, Jeff, Brad and Young Diesel. Two summited. Two walked...
... I got blisters.
It was supposed to be Off Season Cross Training. The two guys that actually raced a lot, Eric and Jeff, invited us along. Probably just for the entertainment factor.
The 9 mile climb on mountain bikes was about 8 miles further than either Brad or I had ever ridden uphill. It became slog, a death march.
We stopped multiple times. Checked the time. Wondered if we'd made a wrong turn, even though there were no turns to make.
We were cursing their names for leaving us, and cursing ourselves for being so dumb to be caught on this giant mountain without a clue of what to expect.
Finally, they came ripping around a corner... huge grins on their faces... they were having a blast.
I've since rounded that same corner hundreds of times. Sometimes just cruising, others pushing hard trying to set a PR. Each time I've wondered why I pressed on with cycling and others like Brad quit.
Maybe some of us like to suffer more than others... or maybe we see the connection between work and joy?
Today was Rocky's first ride in years. He's our head of design, and he just got a super sweet BMC Trail Fox. After a 40 minute ride on the local trails...
... he said, I think I might puke...
... that's a pretty dern good sign he'll be a lifer.
Speaking of life, did you know ENVE™ warrants their wheels for life... which is exactly why I hope you win...
... our $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway
All ya gotta do is click that there link below.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
It won't hurt, I promise.
Just click the link and check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
---
163 lbs
Stretch N Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4332715729
THE WISHLIST FOR WINNERS
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF WISHLISTS: 1 is for winners, 1 is for winers. And no Sparky, I ain't talking about that shiny red two-wheeler you hope is under the tree for the 20th year in a row. That would be wishing for something different, which is exactly what winers do. You are not a winer...
... you are a winner.
Which is why you probably subconsciously know this truth to be self-evident.
We don't wish things were different, things like:
- Our competition was slower
- The wind was at our backs
- The course was easier
- The entry fee lower
- Blah
- Blah
- Blah
We wish for one thing only:
- We wish we were better.
Why?
Because we're the only variable we can control. When we get better, everything else gets easier.
Check this comment from JC, this is what it's all about:
This year, by the way, was my most consistent year of training -- 12 straight months of five days/week, mostly on the indoor trainer -- and the race I did last weekend (Austin Rattler) was so much more enjoyable than races I'd done in years' past. Flying by people going up climbs, carving through loose corners, etc. I don't know when I will ever reach the "mastery" you describe, but I feel a whole lot closer.
The question is of course... how much better would he be with a set of $3000 ENVE™ Wheels?
You know, the ones you can win when you purchase a bottle of magical PR Lotion...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
... yep, purchase 1 bottle of AMP PR Lotion and you'll get 175 entries into the drawing.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway
---
162 lbs
Stretch N Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
PaddleSurf
SHE MADE ME WORK SO HARD, THEN SAID GOOD NIGHT
IT'S MY DERN FAULT. I pick the time to start the ride. Everybody meets. I'm late. They usually wait. But, not t'night. Was it something I said...
... could it have been Keep up or know your way home?
As usual, I'd lost track of time and found myself full throttle trying to do a 20 minute ride in 12 minutes. I got there 6 minutes late. When I came a round the bend I could see their silhouettes high on the ridge above. It would take me 5 minutes to get there.
I wouldn't see them for another 42 minutes.
I was smoked when I finally caught them.
We had to cross a street, to keep ripping the singletrack.
The light was red.
It turned green way too soon.
They took off like they were shot from a cannon.
All 3 of 'em, full gas... and the girl, that dern newgirl, who I'd warned to know her way home was sticking it to The Old Diesel...
... $%^&!
Of course I wasn't really saying $%^&!... I was thinking $%^&girl, look at you go!
One thing is for $%^& sure... I hope she doesn't win our
$3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway
Actually, I do hope she wins... but you know who hopes she doesn't win... all those ladies who are gonna line up with her when she finally does her first race.
The only question I have is who is going to text me first when she drops me for good asking I found my home... her or her hubsand who already drops me at will.
Do me a favor and check out the $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway... I really want to lower her odds of winning. Yes, I'm that shallow and Yes, I'm that kind of a friend.
---
163.4
Stretch N Hypervolt
6.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4318267015
THE 4 LETTER WORD NO RIDER WANTS TO HEAR
THERE'S A LOT OF SALTY LANGUAGE IN THE OL' PELOTON. Some from the couthless. Some from the dropped. Some from the flatted. But, none of it comes close to the 4 letter word bike riders don't want to hear...
... and, yes, I do mean to shame them.
Don't get me wrong, bike riding is a wonderful thing to do. It's just that, there's a whoppingbig difference between riding and racing.
Riding is fine.
Racing is refined.
Riding is fun.
Racing is damnfun.
Have you guessed the 4 letter word? Trust me, riders don't want to hear it... and e-riders, bless their lowbeating hearts, disdane it.
WORK.
There.
I said it.
There is no other way to master the bike without racing. It doesn't have to be formal, and 99% of the time it's not. So don't fret your germfearingself with visions of failure. There's plenty of racing to do all by your lonesome.
When we really work at getting better, 'cause that what racing does, we have the potential to maximize our... uh, potential. Ya follow?
Hobbying around is dandy, and if you're on an electric motorcycle with pedals at least you're outside - and I don't mean the elderly and those battling disease, I mean the young and lazy.
I was reminded of this when Rocky shared the video that inspired him to ride MTB as a wee highschooleree. The riders aren't pinned up, the bikes aren't plated, but they are going all out... on the jagged edge of megadanger. Watching those cats inspired him to build jumps and let it all hang out.
That's racing.
It takes work. Lots of it.
Work. Work. Work... your lycracovered hiney off.
There's no substitute for the results of cycling mastery...
... I mean, if you're into that sort of thing...
... if you're not, mediocrity is coo'
Nah... we're into mastery over here. We're also into riding and racing the very best.
So, we created the great and amazing ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway.
If you're into getting SUPERAWESOME free stuff that will help you demolish your old PRs, then click here now:
What are you waiting for? You know you want a new set of ENVEs!
---
163.4
Stretch N Hypervolt
6.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4318267015
RIP THE SCAB OFF!
SOMETIMES, LIKE RIGHT THIS SECOND, I JUST GOTTA OWN MY SHIZ. While I'd really, really, really, really like to lie about something. Not even gonna sugar coat it. Because we all know...
... it's best to rip the scab off.
I reckon you're like me, prefer to just talk about the good stuff, the wins, the PRs... and very heavily gloss over the bad stuff, the losses, the major steps backwards.
But, if there's one thing I learned from the great David Goggins... until we own our shiz, we're gonna be stuck.
And who wants to be stuck?... like when you get caught out by a deluge and the mud turns to cement, sucking your shoes off... or you get to the top of the climb 12 miles from civilization and get a flat, and you don't have the necessarys to fix it... or when you've bonked in the middle of nowhere and your energy has vamoosed on ya, and you forgot your wallet...
... who wants that?
Nobody.
But, bike riders like us, as good as we are, can still really screw things up.
What don't I want to own up to right now? Oh, just packing on 5 lbs in the last 10 days by simply cheating a little teencyweency bit every day.
It happens.
I know.
Too often I've "forgotten" to record my weight on those days. Been eversotempted to fudge the numbers on the blog.
But, here's el problemo.
Next week or month or year... I'll want to review where I was today and if I don't record anything, it's not that it didn't happen, it's that I can't learn from what happened... can't make adjustments... can't recognize further failure nor marked improvement.
Yeah, I'm into recording shtuff. I'm into owning my shiz. I'm into improving...
... and I'm really into this Hypervolt for recovery.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
It's so very, very good and working out all the damage we do on the really hard days... the ones where we just might be taking out our foulups on the roads, trails and hearts we hammer.
I'm going to need it tomorrow night, for sure.
Promo code: FIRSTTHINGSFIRST expires Sunday.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
---
164.4
30 PullUps/100 PushUps
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4314622794
TIME. TRIALS.
FIXING FLATS WAS A SKILL THAT MATTERED when racing mountain bikes in the early years. We even carried a few links of chain, because busting the chain was a regular thing. Our lights weighed pounds and barely lit the trail...
... but that's nothing.
Imagine the early racers from the 1890's on the "safety bicycles", what we'd consider a beach cruiser. Super heavy, no gears. Still clocking over 30mph.
Or, the PennyFarthing... a front wheel up to 5' tall, with a tiny wheel behind.
I remember my friend's vintage Italian racer with a front derailleur that was shifted by reaching down with his hand to grab a lever and move it over.
Today's bicycles are so good, so easy to use, so incredibly reliable... well, it kinda makes ya wonder if we'd even be bike riders were we to face the trials of the early bikes...
... not really!
Of course, we'd still be riding. We'd just be a lot more skilled at fixing things and probably a tad more banged up from breaking things... like bones.
These days, we pretty much have 2 concerns:
Did I pump up my tires?
Charge my batteries - computer, shifters, lights?
Well did ya?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
If you like tshirts that get softer the more you wear them, with ink you can't even feel... then you'll love our t's.
Use promo code: TIME
Yes, they ship for free... and cost less than twenty smackers if you act quickly.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
---
?
Stretch
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4310865487
ESCAPE IS ALWAYS A POSSIBLITY
AT THE TOP OF A LOCAL CLIMB TODAY I could see far across the ocean. There's a sense of freedom sailors have knowing the can pull up the anchors and escape in the big blue. We have it too, at least I think we do.
Most of us live outside of the dense metropolitan areas. Without much effort we can pedal beyond the concrete jungles.
Having done it many times, we become like the sailors. Knowing that if we had to, we cold quickly put piles of miles between ourselves and any potential problems.
We add to that confidence on days like today, rainy/snowy/blistering heat...
... which is exactly why I rolled out knowing I would quickly get caught in the storm.
To build that sense of confidence. To feel what nature can do. These are the reasons to ride when it's less than ideal.
The foul weather riders are the ones who are best able to get away... even if it's just to escape for a few hours to clear our heads.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves
These gloves won't save ya in the snow, but they are right toasty on the cold and wet days.
Use promo code ESCAPE to save.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves
---
162
Stretch
6 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4305407777
FIRST THINGS LAST
IT'S A LOT HARDER SAID THAN DONE. First things first. Sounds so commonsensical. Should be easy as pie. But, it's not. Much more difficult than...
... coasting down a gentle grade.
It's can be impossible, and I was reminded of it today.
I'd planned, planned!, to keep the momentum of waking up early that I'd started the week off with - due to the time change.
Get up, do my reading, go for a spin, head on in.
Buttttttt... I got derailed. Overslept a teeence - like 10 minutes - which put me in the crosshairs of the almighty Honey, can you help me with something which lead to the Remember to do the...
... not to fear though, because the workday was slated to be very productive in the morning, with an easy afternoon. Just had to stay the course and Rocky and I'd be out in time to take his new BMC MTB for some dirtripping.
Next thing I know... we've nailed a new promotional video - you're gonna love it, done a bunch a work, and met with CHill for his team's 10th Anniversary kits - we LOVVVE designing in person...
... and the sun has set.
My first thing, getting out for a spin...
... has become no thing.
And that's the hard part about putting first things first... we must actually put them first.
If there's one thing I've learned, there's always more work to do... and if I put taking care of my health off to the end of day, it's soon the end of the entire day...
... and I want to have a lot more healthy days.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
Which is why tonight I'll be digging deep with my Hypervolt.
You're probably wondering what that is... think of a thousand trained hands working out all the kinks in your overworked muscles.
How good would that feel?
How much better would your legs perform?
Promo code: FIRSTTHINGSFIRST expires Sunday.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
---
163.2
30 PullUps/100 PushUps
8 hrs sleep
no ride :(
LET'S GO CRAZY
MOST OF US. All of us? Ride the same rides, the same dern way. We have our little move, the thing we can do mostly better than all others. It works. We do it. Let's go crazy next ride...
... ride it totally diffferent.
Wheelsuckers, attack!
Attackers, suckwheel!
Climbers, roll those flats!
Flatlubbers, hit those climbs hard!
Change it thehell up.
If ya have a gravel bike or MTB, take it to the fast road ride.
Take the roadbike offroading.
Are we gonna let the elevator bring us down?
Oh no. Let's go...
Endurance feinds, nothing but hard short rides.
Power freaks, drop some LongSlowDistance.
We've got nothing to lose, nothing to prove, and ev' ree thang to gain should we chance upon a superpower we never knew we had.
Only one way to find out.
... Crazy!
Which might require getting up errrrleee or stayin' our L8.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/urban-1000-commuter-combo
If yer a roadie, this is a mighty fine set up. 1000 lumens on the front, and eye searing red on the back.
Use promo code CRAZY to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/urban-1000-commuter-combo
---
162
Stretch n Roll
7ish hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4290309626
AN OLD ADAGE AND A SOLID TRUTH
SOME SAY IT'S NOT THE SIZE OF YOUR PEN THAT MATTERS, but the quality of your penmanship. This may be true about getting down things on paper, but certainly doesn't translate to getting down or going up...
... on a mountain bike, at night.
Nope, at night on a mountain bike a bigger light makes up for all kinds of deficiencies. And, if you're really pro about it you'll have two lights.
One on your head.
One on your bike.
Now, a lot of folks get this all bassakwards, so let me 'splain it to ya.
Shadows are everything with night riding. It's the shadows that give you depth perception. No shadows and that big rock is going to look flat... and you'll soon be flat on your back if you're not careful.
Here's the set up you want.
A very, very powerful flood light on your bike.
The beam should be aimed far down the trail. Done correctly, you'll get a ton of shadows. You need those to give your brain a chance to register the terrain ahead.
A low power spot light on your head.
This low power light will help you see ahead of you handlebars. Unless you're going straight ahead your bars are trailing your vision. Examples would be turns and dropoffs. In daylight you're eyes are scanning far ahead of where your bars actually pointed. At night, this low power light will be lighting up where you're planning to go but not be so bright as to wash out the shadows created by the much more powerful flood light on your bike.
If you have to choose one light, get the powerful floodlight on your bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
This combo is the only reason I was even close to MSmith tonight. The flood light is so amazingly powerful, even on the low setting you'll get lots of shadows.
This little feller is light as a feather, and the perfect spot light for peaking around corners or over dropoffs.
If you're secret Santa needs a big fat hint, share this post...
... and share this promo code: GOTTALIGHT
It's a buy 1, save 25% on the 2nd light... and free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
---
163.6
Pull Ups/Push Ups
7ish hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4287859853
IT PAYS TO LOSE
SOMETIMES LOSING IS BETTER THAN WINNING. Like today. When I got crushed on the local group ride. My head was hanging pretty low...
... staring down at the ground.
Where lay a crisp $20.
It's like that sometimes.
One of the things I liked back in the good ol' days of categorized racing with huge fields was we lost a lot. And, with every loss we'd limp home boundanddetermined to do better next time.
With a little luck, and a helluva lot of hard work, we'd score some points... maybe get a win... and advance to the next level of racing.
Rinse and repeat.
I've seen my fair share of athletes who come in, get an easy win and move on rather than moving up.
The money is in the losing, that's where we become better. Where we learn to win at whatever we put our minds to.
While you can't always win... you can still score...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/water-bottles
Yes, you can have two of these excellent water bottles delivered for less than $20.
Use promo code: CRISP
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/water-bottles
---
1643.6
Stretch n Roll
6.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4281217764
MAKE IT COUNT
ON THE LONG LIST OF THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK is something I don't feel like doing. It could be the time change. The turn to cold weather. Maybe just burnout...
... nevertheless, I'm gonna do it.
Get up earlier than most. Put on less clothes than most. Go my bike faster than most. Eat better than most. Do more than most...
... because I'm committed to be healthier than most.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/face-masks
These are our fleece face masks. Made here in our factory.
Use promo code - MAKEITCOUNT - it's a buy 3, get 3 promo code.
So, when you purchase 6 half of them will be free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/face-masks
---
164.8 lbs (fell off the wagon last weekend)
Stretch n Roll
8.2 hrs
no ride
TOURIST INFO - NEXT EXIT - ON A WINTER'S DAY
I TOOK MY BIKE WIDOW, aka Surfergirl, vanping up the coast. Some of us, me, Have a tough time riding with our betters. But, this was a hit...
... camping at Emma Wood's State Beach.
We rolled out for a lovely morning pedal north along the water's edge. A stunning winter's day. Pancake flat. Eversoslight headwind.
Pardon the hashtag, but... #browniepoints.
An hourish in, and we were set to turn back. It was at the bottom of a famous climb. She caught me looking forlornly as my people, chiseled and svelte, were heading up.
Where does that go?
Oh, I think (I knew dernwell) it might go inland and circle back to where we started.
You should go that way?
Up there?
Yeah, I'll be fine.
Magic words.
Going up was wonderful. It's a great climb, on a typical CA country road. No options to turn for miles. Just go up, and down, and twist around.
But, here's the thing. I wasn't 100% sure which way to go after an hour of bliss, and TBH... me hates stopping and looking at giggle maps.
Instead, I did something truly radical...
... I stopped a couple of times and talked to humans.
I said things like Good morning, do you know if this goes...
... and they responded with, Hi there... yes it does just go...
Bold, I know... as the great Nacho Libre says, Sometimes when you are a man you wear stretchy pants and ask for help.
You also wear stretchy socks, made in these United States of ours with FastMax Compression Technology and EZ Breathe yars.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks
I know I said this was ending on 10/31, but my bike widow is begging to go window shopping on State Street in Santa Barbara... and, well, I got a lot more good deeds to do before next race season.
Buy 2 get 1 free.
Use promo code: INTERMITTENT
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks
---
? lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4268332692
I KNOW YOU, AND YOU ARE...
I LEARNED SOMETHING THIS MONTH, and I think it applies athletes like us. To who we are. I put out a job opening ad, just like the one I posted in June. Word for word. Only this time I added...
... if you're awesome, we want you.
In June I received about 20 resumes.
In October I received 2, one said I'm awesome.
At the core of every endurance athlete I've ever met, and I've met a lot, is an inner knowledge that they are awesome.
Skill level has nothing to do with.
Nor do published results.
It's just a feeling that come what may... I got this.
And, I love that.
Guys like MK who found us somehow and stopped in today.
That's an incredible bike, man!
Yeah, I just raced it 350 miles across Arizona with no support... not even water.
That's who we are... we may never sign up for an event like that, but we know we could do it if we had to.
Have an awesome weekend...
... and buy some awesome socks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks
Act quick, because I'm only going to do until the end of the month.
Buy 2 get 1 free.
Use promo code: INTERMITTENT
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks
---
161
Stretch n Roll
8.2 hrs
no ride today
3 THINGS I'VE LEARNED WHILE INTERMITTENT FASTING
THIS IS GONNA BE QUICK, because I just ate a late and huge dinner with our friends The Gentleman and Lady Luck. No big deal...
... 'cause I've been intermittent fasting.
For the uninitiated that means I've compressed my food intake window from 16 hours to 8ish. Some people compress it down to 6 or even 4 hours when they'll be eating, and the rest of the time they're not.
K.
Here are the 3 things I've learned:
- It's not that hard, once you go a few days and establish a new routine. For me, that means not eating until around 1pm.
- You will lose weight, for sure.
- You will realize how much less food you need, and be surprised at how much you've been overeating.
That third one is really a mind blower. It took me until today to realize I'm spending a lot less at the grocery store.
Bonus section:
- I feel really good. There's that 9am when I think, oh I should eat... then I don't, instead I get a ton of things done and kazaam it's 1pmish and I'm thinking I guess I should eat.
- I seem to be sleeping better... but, honestly, that could be it's just finally cooled off (we don't have a/c) and the sun is rising later.
- It seems like it will be easy to maintain.
That third one is a game changer. If you've haven't dropped 5lbs lately, it's a big deal... and you'll go a lot faster on your bike.
Those lost pounds of course have their intrinsic weight, but they also suck up resources - like oxygen to stay alive. So, if you think about it, losing some ballast is like sleeping at altitude.
And, when you sleep at altitude your feeties can get cold... so you might wear socks, which means you might need a few extra pair of socks...
... isn't it great that we just received some new spiffy colors?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks
Yes it is great, because I'm only going to do until the end of the month.
Buy 2 get 1 free.
Use promo code: INTERMITTENT
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks
---
161.4
Stretch n Roll
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4260726648
THE NCAA OF GRAND TOURS
FOR ME, THE BEST GRAND TOUR IS LA VUELTA. The courses are more interesting, the outcome less predictable, the competitors more emotional and more willing to take risks to win it all...
... a lot like our NCAA vs NBA/NFL...
... just a helluvalot more fun to watch and follow.
If you get a chance to watch Stage 7 you'll see what I'm talking about. It was won by a former runner... a man who once ran a sub-4 minute mile.
Now, the thing I like about that is it's one of the only ways for us regular athletes to put in perspective who special these men are. We've all run a mile. We all know our best time... and it's nowhere near sub-4.
And that's kinda like the NCAA football teams that have receivers who are also running world class 100 meter times.
The Vuelta also seems to have dramatic lead changes. Roglic was leading, now he's trailing. Carapez is leading, but I'll bet he'll lose that lead.
Which is a lot like an NCAA basketball game, where we see huge lead swings.
Speaking of lead swings...
... Matt took us out for his powerloop today. One power climb after another. He was hammering us the entire way except for the last climb where I finally got him good.
Of course he blamed it on forgetting his superlight race gloves.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
There are lots of colors to chose from... and in Matt's honor this promo code is good for a buy 2, get 1 free.
The code is: LAVUELTA
It expires Friday.
---
162.4 2
PushUps/PullUps
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4256822751
CROSS TRAINING FOR DUMMIES
I'VE SAID IT BEFORE AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN, I may not be as smart as I look but I'm still pretty dern smart. How smart? Well, take crosstraining for example...
... you know what crosstraining is?
Crosstraining is anything you do that is different from your normal training. Lots of sports use cycling as crosstraining... in fact, nearly all injured athletes use "the bike" for recovery and returning to normal functions.
Which begs the question... why do we riders of the two wheels do any other sports at all?
Because all the smart people say we should crosstrain. Fact is cycling is very repetitive and very limited in range of motion. There is a long list of crosstraining that we can bring into our world.
Myself, being a dummy, I'll keep it simple. All noncycling activity is good. Side to side activities are better. Upper body and core work a huuuuuuge bonus.
Have at it.
Another benefit is to bring newness and freshness back into a potentially stale regimen...
... which is what I did tonight, even though it was stupid hard.
But, since this is for dummies and because it is simple I'll share it. Extra credit because it highlights my low IQ.
I raced home to get on my road bike for the last Market Ride of the year.
Kitted up.
Prepped bike.
Filled bottles.
Grabbed shoes...
... realized new road shoe cleats where in van, which is at dealer for service...
... never one to bail, slipped on the mtb shoes, pumped up the tires on the gravel bike to a million and off I went.
To make it extra silly, I chased Matt up a local, heinous climb... which sounds a lot like heinous crime, which is what it was.
Sur, that was it and we would barely make the start I suggested we head on over, but noooooo he wanted to bag one more of these beauts.
Yes, that is a very notsosmart warm up to one of the snappiest road rides in town: bagging climbs, showing up on gravel bike.
But, that's crosstraining for dummies like me... just grab an inappropriate bike and pedal like helk...
... and I definitely pedaled like helk, so much so...
... that I snagged some PRs on those climbs...
... which proves to this dummy, even though that gravel bike is 5lbs heavier, with giant tires...
- getting proper sleep - I've had a ton lately
- losing some LBs
- taking some time off
- having a dern nice gravel bike
... can make crosstraing the dummy way really fun.
And, it really is all about fun.
Fun facts:
- 9 out of 10 cyclists will drive to a ride or race at least once a month.
- Less than 10% of those 9 have a good strategy for changing clothes
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
This is the very best way to change your clothes, wipe off your body, and quickclean your bike - in that order - after a thrilling outing with your posse.
The good news is, we have some in stock and they make great gifts for those friends who really should keep certain body parts out of public view.
Use promo code: XTRAIN
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
162.4
stretch
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4252620339
KNOW SWEAT.
WHEN I PULLED MY GLASSES FROM THE CLUNKY OAKLEY CASE I WAS QUITE SURPRISED. I expected them to be covered in dust and have the usual sweat streaks...
... why's that?
Well, it was a gravel ride.
Seems like I rode pretty hard.
Rarely, if ever, do I clean my glasses after a ride.
... but, there wasn't any dust or dried sweat drops covering parts of the lens.
It was then that my vision faded to black and white and things began to spin while I was transported back 48 hours.
There was a young and innocent, plucky Diesel floating through the countryside. Smiling and wishing all well. Birds were singing. Fall leaves floating. Heart rate was a steady thump.
The flashback ended... was I losing my mind?
I looked again at the glasses. Held them up to the light to be sure... clean as can be.
Maybe I'd cleaned them after all? I'd know soon enough.
There are two ways to leave my neighborhood. Up and then up. Down and then up. There is no flat option.
Choosing down and then up I was certain I'd feel some painful residue from the 5 hour ride where I ran out of energy.
Nope.
Following it up with an 8 minute climb, certainly there'd be a tinge or twinge?
Nada.
Taking advantage of prevailing winds and going for a PR on 2 mile segment was the final test.
Zilch.
I should have gone with my original assessment... no sweat on the lens, means no pain in the legs.
Pailful admission here... I felt a moment of pride as I snagged a KOM, even though I knew it was wind aided. Sometimes ya just gotta break you're own rules every now and again.
Don't fret... I still believe this to my core... PRs, going for our personal best, is by far the better race to win than a KOM.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-ts
So much so that today and tomorrow, or while supplies last, you can get 2 of these shirts for the price of 1 when you use...
promo code: KNOWSWEAT
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-ts
---
163.4
push ups/pull ups
8.3 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4246450542
HAHAHA... I MADE IT TO THE TOP
HE'S PROBABLY THE BEST ATHLETE I'VE EVER COMPETED AGAINST. He taught me to play tennis, and a lot about winning and losing. More than once he claimed I'd never beat him until he was a hundred years old. He's getting very close...
... and I'd give anything to hit the ball with him again.
At lunch today, I asked him what would be the first thing he does when he gets to heaven.
I'll look at them all and say Ha Ha Ha, I made to the top!
Who?
All the guys who told me to go to hell.
Why?
'Cause I beat 'em all the time.
We all laughed, and I felt for those guys.
I was one of them.
Even though I was pretty good at one point on the court and he had to be 50ish, I could barely get a game off him. Never a set.
Once I asked him why he took up tennis. He wasn't super tall. He was blue collar all the way. He'd come to this country as a boy..
... and struggled and fought to fit in, to make something of his life, to persist and work really, really hard...
Because I was so gawdawful the first time... I'd always been a good athlete and here was this sport where I was terrible... and I wanted to practice and beat those guys. And I knew I could out work and out hustle all of them.
Of all the lessons he taught me it was that one. Hustle and hardwork can make up for a lot of deficiencies.
Sitting here after a nice day visiting, I realize his impact is maybe greater than I imagine.
After all, I am now 50ish myself, and though it's not tennis, I am still doing my best to out hustle and out work my young friends.
I hope we each make it to the top.
Speaking of making it to the top, the best to get to the top a long climb is to be properly fueled by a drink like this.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base
One of the key ingredients is BCAA - branch chain amino acids. Those little guys are the proteins that take care of our muskulls when we're abusing them.
This is truly an amazing product, much more than simple electrolytes and sugar.
And we ship it fer free.
And if you're a member of the PEDALposse you can save big.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription
---
161.4
stretch
8 hrs
no ride
THERAPEUTICS AND OTHER OFFSEASON SHTUFF
IF YOU'RE COMPETITIVE, AND WE ARE!, IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TAKE TIME OFF. Which is why you should see Dr. Diesel for a Therapeutic Use Exemption. It's really the only way...
... he handed me the scribbled Rx.
I tried to read it, squinting.
What's the matter?
Can't read it.
You need glasses?
Nope.
Give it to me... uh, oh...
- Do nothing.
- If you have to do something, make it different.
- If you must ride, have no plan.
Do nothing?
Nada.
Make it different?
Yes. Walk. Hike. Run, if you must. Swim. Surf. Lift some weight... your arms are disgusting!
Have no plan... what about my friends, we all ride together.
Friends!... I thought you were serious. You shouldn't have friends if you're a committed athlete. Dump your friends. Find some nerds, play D&D. It'll give you something other than gear rations to bore you family with. Got it?!
I guess.
Good. Take this. Pay your bill on the way out. Go to the drugstore and buy some ice cream. You need it.
He came highly recommended, so I tried it this week.
No ride Wednesday.
Paddleboard Thursday.
Stupideasy ride to the lookout for navel contemplation Friday.
Slept in until 9 this morning. A miracle. Rolled out for a noplan ride, just water in my bottles.
30 minutes in, on my way to nowhere.
90 minutes later, I had a popcicle in one hand and a Coke in the other.
2 hours later, I completely bonked... had to pull over a mile from home and get a drink and a chocolate chip croissant.
I think the doc would approve of all except the bonking. Very rookie. He has warned me before about bonking. How it can take weeks to recover from that... which is why he prescribes GQ6.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base
One of the key ingredients is BCAA - branch chain amino acids. Those little guys are the proteins that take care of our muskulls when we're abusing them.
This is truly an amazing product, much more than simple electrolytes and sugar.
And we ship it fer free.
And if you're a member of the PEDALposse you can save big.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription
---
162.4 too much cake last night
stretch
8.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4239117492
YOU CAN STAND ME UP AT THE GATES OF HELL
AS THE GREAT TOM PETTY TOLD IT, I won't back down... You can stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won't back down. Yep, that song makes The Old Diesel's race pump mix...
... never was it more hellacious than last Saturday's Cactus Cup.
The Ol' Wahoo read 107.
That was only part of the reason we got whacked as a collective group. Not even the main reason. It might have been inevitable, but the following reasons did not help.
- Course knowledge. The course wasn't technical, but there were hundreds of turns where seconds could be lost. 300 turns X 2 seconds = 10 minutes. That's extremely hard to make up.
- Terrain prep. There are no big climbs, and, therefore, no long descents to rest. We aren't used to that... races around here have 5,10, 20+ minutes climbs. It's a different kind of effort and it hurt in an unaccustomed way.
- Kitty litter on concrete is how the locals describe the surface of sand and decomposed granite. We are use to dry, slippery conditions out here... if you're coming from afar, beware.
Yeah, we are looking forward to returning in March better prepared.
But, the big, big, big question is...
... would you, my finefastfriend, dig it if I put together a video on how to attack this race or any other race?
Course and terrain insights, bike set up, lines to take, food strategies, crew tips, etc.
I put this way down here at the bottom because I really want to hear from the true racers.
That's you right?
If it is then at some point you'll be looking for a truly fine racing machine. I can tell you right now, my BMC 4 Stroke is by far that best XC bike I've ever ridden or raced... but, why when you probably already know that same bike took 1st and 3rd at World's a few days back.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles
Sure it looks tame here... because you can't see the proprietary hiddendropper post, can't appreciate the perfect head angle, can't feel the whippiness of the stiff and light frame.
Which is why I included this pic.
I'm going about 20 miles per hour, totally confident, not caring at all about that babyhead my front tire is squashing, 1 finger on each brake lever, saddle dropped, just lettin' it blast right through the gates of hell.
You may be asking yourself...
Damn that bike looks awesome I wonder if PEDALindustries is carrying all the BMC bikes?
And the answer is Hellyeah!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles
Let me know what you're looking for and I'll let you know price and availability.
PS... ya really oughta join the PEDALposse first: https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription
---
160.8 lbs
PushUps and PullUps
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4233275312
... still reading? It's Saturday, get out and ride! : )
WHEN EVENING FALLS SO HARD
WE TURNED AROUND EARLY TONIGHT. We're running outta daylight. And it's gonna get worse. There are 2 strategies I have employed over the years.
One, move all the rides to sunrise.
Two, get some serious lights going.
But, maybe it's time for a 3rd gear?...
... and it goes right along with the 5 hour work day...
Get my sprinter buns to work early... burn like a fiend for 5 hours. Take a two-wheeled break.
The other advantage to gear number 3 is I can skip the chill of riding sans sun. No rolling out into a dense, 40 degree fog. No riding into night as it gets colder and colder.
On 3rd thought...
... it's harsher conditions that make me feel most alive. It takes serious drive and desire to ride with rising and setting suns. Plus, it's electrifying knowing all the little Whos in Whoville are peacefully, comfortable asnooze and will soon be wondering Howtheheck did you and I get so much faster and fitter.
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161.2 lbs
Paddleboard
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4231075069