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
>
IT WAS FUN WHILE IT LASTED
ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORIES IS WHEN MY PAL KH CAME TO VISIT FOR A FEW WEEKS. At the time, he was in very fine shape. He was looking forward to unleashing his hard earned awesomeness on the locals...
... little did he know...
It's an overcast, balmy spring morning.
Which means California racing has been in full gallop for months... naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready.
We join the awesome and feared Coffee Crew.
At the time, this was the place where dragon slayers regularly hacked off the legs of all who dared take the front... naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready.
A maddening pace is set through town.
Some are shed, some are spared, all know the worst is yet to come... naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready.
We hit the base of Newport Coast.
The regulars know the pace will continue to increase all the way to the top until all the unworthy are skewered...
...naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready
AND HE TAKES OFF!
I'm stunned.
Impressed at his acceleration.
A decent gap is opened, and no one responds.
The gap holds for a minute or so.
Then starts to shrink.
We gain speed.
As he rockets by in reverse one of the greatest lines ever heckled cuts KH to the core...
It was fun while it lasted.
Delivered by any other person and blows might have been thrown. But, it was the loud, opinionated, lovable, old mother hen of the ride... the legendary Todd Schooler.
Todd may be gone, but that line lives on... many a time KH and I have laughed over that very moment and certainly dropped it on each other plenty.
And maybe that's why the group rides live on... because of the characters who dish it out not only with their legs but their unfiltered mouths as well.
Either way, I gotta do the rides to keep my sanity.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
And right now you can get this shirt 2 for 1.
Use promo code: WHILEITLASTED
Before Sunday.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
---
163.2 lbs
rest
7.7 hrs
no ride
AND I TOOK THE TRAILFORK
IT HAD BEEN 7 YEARS SINCE MY FIRST WHISKY 50. Trevor, my oldest, and I had rented Wenger's Sprinter and camped in this same spot - White Spar Campground. I woke up ready to explore vs race...
... Prescott AZ has miles and miles and miles and miles of pristine single track.
Whisky covers some good terrain, but at pace ya just never appreciate the beauty of a place.
Ranger Angelica chatted me up and then pointed in her favorite direction.
I had to ride 100 yards on pavement... then 5 amazing miles up, just me and my BMC. It kinda looked familiar but I couldn't be sure.
I stopped to take in the views. Nature in every direction. No landmarks. Not a soul.
This was a good time to reacquaint myself with the TrailForks app. What a terrific tool to have. I quickly oriented myself. Realized I was on the recently completed Prescott Circle - a 50 single track around the community.
But here's the thing...
Would I have been better off just adventuring with no local knowledge and limited supplies like olden days or playing it safe with the app?
Is it really exploring if we have an app or map?
... I think my pioneer ancestors would laugh at our manufactured adventures and challenges...
... at the same time, I think our adventures give us a glimpse of what their lives were like when reading, learning and hearing their stories.
One thing is for sure, we're all still wearing hats when the sun is on us.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/hats
Use promo code SAVE10
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/hats
---
? lbs
rest
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4221815656
CRASHING THE HARDTAIL PARTY, CHARGING MY CHRYSTALS AND ALIGNING MY CHAKRAS
AS MY FRIEND HARDTAIL PUTS IT, Friends take advantage of friends.. And with that, we set out on a fantastical ride through some of Sedona's very choice 200 miles of single track...
... which is unlike nearly all other singletrack.
After 'bout 2 hours we'd gone a whopping 13ish miles and 1300ish feet of vert. We were smoked.
Why?
Wellllll...
The trails are tight and twisty and technical.
Rarely coasting, rarely relaxing.
Attention demanding...
... you'd think exhausting, but that's not really it.
Mentally, this kind of riding if very refreshing, Like racing, there's no chance of daydreaming. But, it's not racing. It's challenging and playful.
While my fully was soaking up the rough stuff, Hardtail was ripping some hard trails... jumping on, over and down everything... I knew not to follow too closely when he said he purposely takes the hard line.
Now... if you're into the stoke of riding a hardtail, if you're thinking of purchasing a hardtail... ya gotta check out his YouTube channel for the hardcore hardtail downlow.
https://www.youtube.com/c/hardtailparty/videos
We're just building out a product line for him... hardtail specific RaceDay Bags™, ponchos, jerseys, gloves, socks, etc.
Use promo code: HARDTAILPARTY
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hardtail-party
---
no scale lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4218063594
EVEN RACE PROMOTERS NEED HUGS
IT WASN'T UNTIL I PROMOTED A FEW RACES MYSELF until I really understood all the behind the scenes effort that goes into a race. Here's how to tell if a race promoter is making any money...
... if you come away with a bad taste, and a million ways to improve it...
... the promoter is probably making out like a bandit.
But, if you come away thinking...
Shucks, I had a blast and anybody could do that and make a fat living...
... well, that is exactly the promoter who is working night and day to make sure you and me have a blast on said day. There are sleepless nights, countless hours of prep and worry and concern. Umpteen fruitless sponsor meetings. Spouses and friends that are tapped to pitch in with major - and I mean major - volunteer hours.
If by some miracle these saints who dedicate so much of their time, talents and energy manage to get some momentum and actually make a nickel or two...
... well, bygolly, give 'em hug and a hallelujah because they sure as heaven deserve it.
Such were my feelings after a wonder outing at the Cactus Cup, because I sureashelk had a wonderful time.
Can ya imagine doing all that then having Covid cut your registration by 75%?
So, if you're lucky enough to do a terrific event this year... track that promoter down, give 'em a hug and a thanks and get the word out...
... Helluva race at ____________!
And, if you're looking for a way to support these fine peeps.. then get one of the very fine RaceDay Bags™ or other gear we made for them.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/cactus-cup
See ya there next March!
---
161 lbs
Matt's Boots again
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4212781213
I LIKE THESE RESULTS
THE FINISH LINE COULDN'T COME SOON ENOUGH.... nah, the finish was never coming. The cramps started just after I missed a crucial turn, which happened just after I got snapped off the back, which happened a little too quickly after the start.
Now lest you think this is some pathetic woe is me post...
... it ain't.
First, it's good to get whacked... and boy did the locals whack me. From elbows out at the start to turning the screws as the heat beat me down while seemingly making them go faster.
Second, it's great to be involved in an activity that requires I maximize my health... gotta take the very best of care of me to have fun.
Third, I'm here with my pals. Some I've just met. And we just spent the afternoon on the porch talking about nothing.
Yeah, these are the results I'm looking for... inspiration, max health and fine friends.
Of course I wasn't thinking about any of this during the final miles.
All I could think about was the ice cold CocaCola in the van. It was going to be so cold. So wonderful. The smooth bubbly sugary formula kept secret for centuries was drawing me in like a moth to light...
... even passed a few on the way in...
... that's how much that Coke was pulling me.
Can a Coke even be properly appreciated without feelin' the burn?
Questions like this can only be answered by us... me and you. And, if you were here I'd a had a bottle for ya to join me like the rest of the fellas.
Cheers!
Since you aren't here, how about a deal on water bottles?
Use SAVE10
---
? lbs
Matt's Boots again
terrible sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4208089324
SEARCHING FOR MY INNER SUPERHERO
THERE WAS A BIT OF RIBBING WHEN THE FELLAS SAW MY BATMAN PJS. But, I'm used to it. We all are. We're riding around in what many consider undies...
... am I right?
... are they right?
As the Batman says:
It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.
We're lunching now and the nervous energy is eatable... heavily seasoned with trash talk. Yummmmmm...
I'm first to go off on the TT.
The almighty WeatherChannel says it'll be 99.
I haven't told the fellas that I purchased a couple of bags of peas to wear under my jersey while I warm up. I think staying cool until the last second is going to be key. Sneaky of me, I know.
I'm not planning to take a bottle. It's a 20ish minute effort with a million (literally) turns and undulations.
Matt asks what I'm doing...
Writing the blog so I can get to bed early.
What happens if you don't write it?
pause...
I'll die... my life is a Twilight Zone.
Time to throw on the number plate... as y'all know, that's when the shizgetz real. Nice, unflappable ToddyB becomes...
... The Old Diesel...
... I should be really rolling about 20 minutes into this thing.
In the meantime, I'll be selling the fellas hard on a solid 1 hour warm up... on rollers in my van with door shut so it feels cool when they get out. I need every advantage I can get.
... oh man, I forgot how hard TTs are.
I am pretty happy with my run.
Caught my minute man about 15 minutes in... took longer than I'd have liked for him to pull over. I struck my pedal on a rock on the only real climb. So... I figure I lost about 20 seconds between the dude and the rock. But, that's racing. Everybody probably had something.
I most pleased with staying well within my limits. I should feel really good tomorrow.
As far as the race between the fellas... we are all within a minute, in order of our age. Tomorrow's gonna be fun.
Now for some steak for me...
... and maybe some of the good stuff for you if you'll be riding in the heat any time soon.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/when-its-hot
Tomorrow, since it will be a very difficult course to eat on I'll get all my calories via my drink. 3 scoops per bottle.
And, to combat any heat induced cramps I'll be letting the chewable saltstick chew melt under my tongue... I carry them in a special case which you'll get with your purchase.
You'll get 50% off the second item with this promo code: HOTINHERE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/when-its-hot
---
? lbs
Matt's Boots
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4204190806
THAT THAT THAT. THAT DON'T KILL ME
AT SOME POINT I'VE GOT DECIDE IF THIS IS A BIKCATION OR A RACECATION. Now, if I was traveling by myself I'd drive a little longer for some better food... but, I'll be dawgawned if I didn't find my two hands with a firm grip on a Big Mac at 12 Noon in the middle of the Arizona desert...
... for the first time since snagging a podium at SLR. 18 months ago.
Then it was a matter of reward, along with the McFlurry, for pulling off something I'd failed at 4 years in a row.
Today, well, it was just going with flow.
Is it going to make a difference over 3 days of racing? Doubtful.
But, it is just a funny thing how the more people we add to the trip the longer we take and the collectively dumber we get.
It took us about 4 hours to get out of Sprout's tonight. We were only getting food for tomorrow. We have enough to survive a few years.
By myself I'd be more nimble.
Precise.
Quick.
But, ya know what... I'd be by myself...
Not getting turned around while preriding the course when we arrived.
Not cramming 7 of us around a 5 person table for dinner.
Not RoShamBowing for the master bedroom.
Not laughing at nonsense.
... not answering questions like this:
Are you a singer or mantra guy?
Huh?
Do you sing songs when you race or have a mantra?
Songs for sure... like Kanye's Stronger...
Which I immediately cranked to 10, knowing he hates rap.
Yeah, it's a bikcation for sure... and when McD's is on the menu, and we dilly and dally for hours I just gotta remember...
That that that that don't kill me only makes me stronger.
Maybe I am a mantra guy after all?
For sure, I'm a PR Lotion guy.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
Yes, over the next 3 days I'll be doing multiple applications. Even for tomorrow's 20ish minute TT...
... 'cause let's be honest the bragging rights each night are what it's all about.
Order now, the shipping is free but the bragging rights ya gotta earn... even on a bikcation.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
161 lbs
StretchNRoll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4200542505
BISKY RUSINESS
SOME RISKS I'M WILLING TO TAKE, others I'm not. We're all that way, and I'm sure we're all completely justified for our ways of thinking. That said, we are on bicycles, traveling at a good clip... and, well... sometimes I get to wondering...
... Whattheheck are ya thinking!
Is it just me?
Here are the opposite ends of the spectrum:
New superbike <---> Old bucket a bolts
Riding a pristine paved road with no one around <---> Charging down a mountain
Somewhere in there we all demonstrate our risk tolerance.
Me personally,
I'd slowly ride a rusted out bucket of bolts down the boardwalk on a sunny summer day with an easy breez, no prob... but, I'd never trust it with my life.
I'd charge trails that would be tough to walk down or up, and tuck a nice paved road at 50mph on a new superbike... and love it.
But, those cats who throw down a few Benjamins on a Walmart whip or a Craigslist cringer then head out and go Full Send...
... oh man, you've got my attention... not sure about my respect... but my attention for sure...
... and I'll probably speak up,
get shut down
and uncomfortably settle in
like some creepy voyeur...
... wonderin' how they approach the rest of their lives.
But that's not how we roll, right?
Nope, we take some risks for sure... but we leave nothing to chance.
Especially not our helmets.
Good news is, right now, during the Giro, you can get these beautiful helmets with some sweet savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
The code is SUPERSTITIOUS.
It can be used on any helmet to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
161.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4194433376
WARRIORS AND ADVENTURE
DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. I'm totally biased, plus I'm ripping all kinds of PRs the more I get settled in. And, don't believe the marketing hype. Just look at the scoreboard.
But, before you look at the scoreboard...
... let's remember one thing when it comes to mountain biking...
... ADVENTURE.
Yes, yes, I love my road riding. And, of course, the freedom and creativity of gravel bikes. But, nothing makes me feel like a warrior out for adventure than my mountain bike.
Riding off into the wild where bad things can happen and nobody is around to bail ya out has a certain, how do you say... Imabadass... about it.
We sense that from the moment we put on our shoes which are heavy, and lugged, and dusty, and scraped up.
Personally, I'm not too big on protective gear and I've got plenty of dents and scars to show for it. Fact is, I kinda like seeing a little blood from time to time. Makes me feel alive.
Dropping down a rutted shoot with the front wheel about to break loose and the rear wheel skidding and clinging... launching off a knob at speed and flying 10'... leaning to nearly horizontal riding a berm in a turn... these are sensations only mountain bikers know.
Which brings me back to that scoreboard... ya see, that bike I've been ripping PRs on downhill sections is the very same bike that was ridden to a World Championship over the weekend... and Jordan Sarrou made it look easy.
Easy and in control are the exact feelings I've been having on this bike. The geometry is perfect. The bottom bracket height is just right. The dropper post is excellent. The twin-loc makes climbing a dream... ahhh, such a great bike.
The kind of bike that you want to take on adventure, be a warrior on, experience nature and all her many ways trying to kill you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/bikeshop-fourstroke-01-one
This is the one I chose.
And I'd love to help you get one if you're into adventure and danger.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/bikeshop-fourstroke-01-one
Oh... and I almost forgot to mention... our superlight race gloves were developed expressly for this type of riding. They fit tight, are made of real leather, and provide a fantastic tactical connection between warrior and bike.
I had no idea the white gloves would be top sellers.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves/products/superlight-race-gloves-white
---
161.4 lbs
PushUPsPullUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4190343937
RACER ENEMY #2
TOWARDS THE END OF MY RIDE SATURDAY, I came down an extremely steep trail... it's just at the edge of being a controlled skid - that kinda steep... and turned sharply to cross through the motorcycle barrier. At the same time, another rider came from an alternate trail and rather than dismounting rode right through the open gate.
There, my friends, is a perfect example of enemy number two.
Habits.
I've approached that barrier hundreds of time, and the gate is never open. Naturally, I went with what I've burned into my brain as the only way out... and it was completely the wrong thing to do when I could have easily stayed on my bike.
And the thing about habits is their effect is slow moving...
... towards greatness or damn that was dumb.
Chris, The Wrench, has a wonderful habit. Before he can start on the next bike, he has to put all his tools away. Guess what?... he never wonders where his tools are.
I have a habit of getting everything ready the night before my morning ride: clothes out, glasses cleaned, batteries charged, bottles made, etc.
Some riders have the habit of looking at all the dangers a particular route may encompass. My experience with these types of riders is they seem to will disaster into their lives.
Other riders have a habit of eating huge meals and late o'clock. Result: disrupted sleep and extra ballast.
The thing about habits is they become automatic. And we don't even realize how they've molded us... but sometimes it's towards really good outcomes.
Of course, one of our greatest habits is riding our bikes. If you've got a friend that needs a reminder about this habit...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
Or maybe it's no one in particular, but you just like preaching this wonderful message of getting out and riding.
Whatever it is, this is a superduper soft shirt... made for athletes like us.
Use promo code: RIDEYOURBIKE
The code works on all the tshirts... but this one is the top seller.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
---
160.2 lbs
PushUPsPullUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4185622613
REST UP.
NOT EVERYBODY KNOWS THIS, or remembers to do it... or has the luxury of following this restful recipe. It's a good practice for the day before a race.
If you're standing, sit.
If you're sitting, lie.
If you're lying, put your feed up.
If you're feet are up, sleep.
Most of the time we are hustling to take care of business or chores or family, and hoping all goes according to plan and we can cut out for a race in the morning. If we're lucky, we'll get to bed early.
Tuck that little missive away until your next big race.
Better yet, try it out before your next big ride.
It's harder than you think, and better than you think.
Promise.
I also promise having a RaceDay Bag™ will make your day that much more restful.
This would be a great place to insert what a wonderful gift the bag makes, but then I remembered racer Ryan's purchase this week...
I need another bag.
You do?
Yep, I want one for MTB and one for Road. I'm going to have them each loaded and ready to go.
It still makes a wonderful gift, and let's be honest, nobody appreciates a good bag more than us.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags
You know, we never to promo codes for the bags. But if you search really hard there's one out there.
I'm going to hide it right here in this lengthy paragraph. Normally, I'd put it in bold. But, that would make it too easy. The code, if you were to search for it, is SAVE10. It's an old code. It works today. But, I think it's time to retire it. Use it while it works.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags
---
161.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4183616323
PRE-RACE RITUALS
THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUPERSTITION AND PREPARATION. Today I did one of my pre-race rituals, it's the kind of thing I can't convince anybody to do with me...
... so it makes me question is it superstition or preparation?
What I do is go out and ride a course as similar as possible to the upcoming race and only work on my head.
In this case, the upcoming race is the Cactus Cup. An MTB race. In the desert. With a lot of turns. Carrying speed is going to be critical.
So, I went and rode some of the twistiest trails around.
Didn't pound the climbs too much, just rode 'em at tempo. But those downhills were all about being relaxed and going fast.
Results: I'm getting super confident on the new MTB and snagged a number of PRs on challenging descents I've hit many times.
This is headwork, giving myself sensations of feeling fast.
I'll do that all week. Not ride hard per se. Just doing things that are confidence building...
... and all of it will be on my race bike...
... to further cement the good feelings and be hyper aware of any mechanical issues that need to be take care of.
I know other racer will ride hard right up to the end. Others will take a bunch of time off.
Are we all preparing?
All superstitious?
Probably a little of both.
And I'm cool with that, because in the end it's just a bike race... and more than half the fun is figuring out what works.
One thing that works for sure is the KASK Protone helmet.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets/products/kask-protone?variant=33302071869572
I really like this helmet. It's light. Fits great. Has good ventilation.
And since it's Italian and the Giro is going on as I write this... well, there's a special promo code to save 20%.
The code is SUPERSTITIOUS.
It can be used on any helmet.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
160.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4177477050
$HOOTING THE $HNITZEL
I STOPPED BY TO SEE MY PAL CHAD TODAY. At his place of biz. It'd been too long. We met through the bikeridingthing... way before PEDALindustries. We started making his company uniforms. Which we still do.
But, that's not important.
Nor was delivering a new supersweet kit design for this weekend's race.
What was important, was what happened when we got to his office and closed the door.
Nothing.
Nothing but bike and racing talk.
I think about all the companies that sponsor teams, at all levels... and I reckon few people have any clue as to why they do it.
Is it to get a big return on their advertisement investment?
Absolutely not... if that were the case the sponsors would stick around forever. Trust me, I know a thing or three about advertising.
They do it because they love the sport and it's fun.
Amid all the chaos and stress of running any large business, sponsoring any kind of cycling team can bring some needed levity into the work place. Can be part of a company health initiative. Can be a way for the work crew to bond after hours.
But, it ain't for the money.
And what do most sponsors ask for... usually just that the racers are good peeps.
I've worked with a lot of sponsors of teams. And none of them have ever said this, but I see it.
I see their enthusiasm for the racers, for the promoters, for the friends and families who come and watch.
I see the joy they have designing their kits for their teams to wear.
This is why they do it.
For the love of our sport...
... so, next time ya get a new kit send 'em some pics of you having fun riding. I know they'll love it.
I know I do.
Ya know what else I know?... I know our Speed jersey is super light. People come in and choose their size always comment...
... It's so lite.
Well, it has to be. It's a Speed jersey, not a parachute.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/jerseys
They come in a variety of colors, and we have matching socks for most of the designs.
Add a jersey and socks to your order and use promo code: SPONSORS
to get free socks.
---
161.2 lbs
Rest
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4159358072
RACER ENEMY #1
LIKE IT OR NOT, WE'VE ALL GOT ENEMIES. And, that's okay. Because enemies can bring out the best in us. Therefore, I present the first in a long list of Racer Enemies and the potential for greatness each holds.
First up, the first up... it's a gift, really.
We get it when we're born, and it can be a real hinderance to going fast. However, once we get control of this enemy everything in life improves.
You guessed it, right?... our very own body.
Neglected, this wonderful treasure becomes sluggish at best.
No amount of unobtanium parts of a bike can make up for the neglected goods inside our birthday suits.
On that note, I put on weight with each one of my wife's pregnancies. Yep, a full 33 lbs heavier than I am today.
Little by little I carved it off.
Along the way, I learned what my body craves for maximum health. It doesn't just show on the bike. It's off the bike as well.
Overall energy high
All health indicators high
Mental clarity better
Mood swings minimized
and so on.
The point is to put in place a system for optimal health and patiently stick with it. The result, and it takes time!, we get a lot faster on the bikes and a lot better in every other endeavor.
I've been thinking about this because lately my friends have been casually slipping their weight into our conversations. You know, real slylike...
Dude, I'm down 12 lbs!
... subtle right?
They're stoked. And they should be. It feels really, really, really good to be light.
Speaking of kids... the best thing my son every told me when we trying to have better diets was this...
... we're not dieting, we're athletes...
Try that one on the next person that chides your food choices...
... I'm not dieting, I'm an athlete.
It works surprising wonders. Because we are athletes... we are designed to run long distances for long periods of time. We are hunters by nature.
When racing, like I will be next week, there are only 3 things I put into my body.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
GQ6 hydration for sure.
Because the course is going to be fast with constant turns and short power climbs through the desert, I'll probably only be able to drink.
Which means I'll go with 3 scoops/bottle.
I might not even go with bottles. It's going to be that fast. I might go with the Camelbak. It's just a lot easier to grab that hose and suck in some good stuff and let the hose fall from my mouth.
I reckon I'll thrown 1 Honeystinger in my pocket just in case I get that empty hungry feeling... but, I doubt that's going to happen.
It's unlikely I'll need the SaltStick. It's only 40 miles and should be over in 2.5 hrs.
Since it's always good to be prepared, I'll bring all three potions.
If you're so inclined use promo code: NUMBER1
It's a buy 2, get 1 dealio
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
161.2 lbs
StandUpPaddle for an hour
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4159358072
I GOT A LUST FOR DIRT
TONIGHT SO FUH-FUH-FUH FUN! Jake joined for the standing DRTY WDNSDY hot up the trails. One thing ya gotta know about Jake is his company, NON-DOT, specializes in teaching people MTB skills. He ain't just fast, he's skilled. Just the kinda guy ya wanna be chasin' around...
... because he brings out the best.
Smooth lines.
Hitting the jumps.
Cleaning all the technical stuff.
Making it look easy.
We picked up a ton of virtual trinkets along the way.
But, that wasn't the point or goal or focus or whatever.
The only whatever we had going on was chasing each other 'bout as fast as we could go up and down and around and over. Never really getting out of sight of one another... not that we weren't trying.
It was one of those rides.
Just really pushing. Not too much small talk. Riding too fast for that.
But not ruined afterwards.
And here's the thing... I don't think that style of chasing each other works on the road. It's something that really lends itself to tighttwisty single track with punchy climbs.
Yep... it leaves me lusting for more dirt.
'Course ma' new MTB don't hurt.
But, Jake said the new gloves to match his new kits we made were helping too.
What can I say?
I'm a helpful guy.
If you're looking for beautiful kits, made in the USA with the best Italian fabrics... gives us a ring.
Speaking of rings... Jake's was covered with this glove.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
He was also wearing these socks
Looking quite sharp is ya ask me.
If you want to look sharp like Jake, use promo code: LUSTFORDIRT
Which will give you 50% off your second item, buy gloves get socks for half off.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
... oh, and you're always welcome to join us on DRTY WDNSDY.
---
163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4159358072
GET READY, CUZ HERE I
WELL, IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE OFFSEASON... but there hasn't even been a season. We're sposed ta be restin', but ain't been racin'. And while the days are getting shorter, our ride is getting bigger and faster and funner...
... and I'm lovin' it.
To see the fellas and the ladies is such a joy.
This morning I could see 'em from farther away than last week. Their powerful blinky lights a warning to drivers and a beacon to riders. Follow me to fun...
30 or so Bs
18 As
4 Gravelers
... all taking over the school parking lot for a catchup moment of Hey what's ups?, How ya beens? with a few Damn bro, you're looking fits.
As the countdowns to heading out approach the energy changes, our choreographed dances of pedals and pain gets begins.
Now I'm writing this with the Temptations on repeat... that driving beat of Get Ready...
... we're getting ready for the day, our way.
A great big shot of endorphins to inoculate us for the trials that face us each day.
Join us, and bring a light.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/knog-lights
Personally, I run these day and night. Front and rear.
Use promo code: GETREADY
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/knog-lights
---
163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4159358072
IT AIN'T OVER 'TILL YOU'RE OVER
FINISH LINES AND HILLTOPS, they're a lot further than you think. You can't see the top of a climb from the bottom. You can't judge the speed of your competition closing from behind in a sprint.
But, racers ease up at the apex of climbs and final meters of sprints all the time...
... and thus we see...
... them fail, when just a few more seconds of gawdawful pain woulda kept 'em attached to the group or on top of the podium.
I know, I know... ya feel like you're getting one over on the competition when you can get over the top and catch 'em on the way down... or thump your chest and coast across the finish line...
... we all know, which is exactly why we sprint hard over the top of the climbs and beyond the finish line...
... we're banking on you trying to get one over...
... sometimes it's the only way we can win.
So, we do a few more push ups at night,
eat a few bites less of ice cream,
stay late at work,
read to our children,
help the elderly cross the street...
... some of us need every advantage we can get to make up for the advantage you have...
... you can forget it ain't over 'till it's, in fact please do.
And you can also forget about PR Lotion... but we won't. In fact, some of us like Rusty are so nice we purchase it for our friends... which is exactly what he did when he stopped by today for a new pair of bibs.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion
Sometimes I wonder if we sell more Amp PR Lotion than anybody else? I should ask those guys sometimes. I wouldn't normally think that, but people like Rusty keep coming back for more... and picking up some for their friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
162.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4154603038
CHAOS VS CONTROL
WATCHING LIEGE BASTON LIEGE THIS MORNING I had to say... Those roads are awful! Skinny, old and potholed.
Conversely, racers at yesterday's TT in Italy complained about the very same conditions.
Meanwhile, XC racers in The Czech Republic are racing on a course downhillers would struggle on a decade ago.
I'll say this...
... learning to race and ride in chaos gives ya a helluva lot more control.
Who are the greatest bike handlers? MTBrs and Sprinters.
Why?
Which comes first?
We all start with our godgivens, for sure... and riding in unpredictable situations, practicing on bad terrain, expecting to be challenged increases our ability to thrive where others struggle and fail.
Each skill we add is one more cog in our cassette.
Which is exactly why I enjoy riding this bike so much. I can work on group riding skills, dirt road skills, single track skills, curb jumping skills...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three
... more of those proverbial cogs equals more options for control when the chaos hits.
If you're in the PEDALposse... message me for pricing.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three
---
160.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8.3 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4152069307
BARRED FOR LIFE
THE WHOLE LIFE BEHIND BARS THING FOR CYCLISTS would be a lot funnier or more interesting or just a helluva a lot better if it made any sense. We aren't behind bars, we're grippin' 'em hard...
... or we should be.
Poor MiguelAngelLopez. There he was in the supertuck at the Giro today and hit something, completely losing control of his bike.
Straight to hospital.
Surgery.
Race over.
Such a shame, and in my opinyun, avoidable.
The problem with the supertuck... problem?... problems... the first problem is the bike becomes extremely unbalanced with a lot of weight placed on the front wheel. But, the bigger problem is it's not easy to get out of that position quickly should you need to jump a road hazard, change directions, etc.
Is it really why he crashed?... I don't know, hard to tell, but the picture I saw was pretty damning.
Speaking of bars, modern MTB bikes are coming with bars so wide you can't fit them though an average doorway.
That's wide.
Too wide.
Again, this is my very biased opinion and not scientific at all... hearmeout!
Of course, being an obedient consumer, most of us just roll with what we purchased never thinking to change it up.
I'm guilty.
But, this new bike's bars were cartoonishly wide.
So we chopped 'em down.
From 780mm to 700.
Apparently superwide is all the rage because it is more stable in the nasty stuff.
So, it wasn't easy to take out the ol' hacksaw and do some hacking. I mean it's only a $400 mistake if done incorrectly.
Anyway... we chopped 'em down yesterday.
Result?
Lot's of PRs on the fast and steep stuff today. Why?... well, those superwide bars just take a lot longer to get the wheel turned and require a much more exaggerated movement. The narrower bars are much more nimble.
How did we determine the width?
We did some eyeballing then I dropped and ripped of a few push ups at various widths.
Is that the only reason for the PRs?
No, I've been playing with shock pressures and tire pressures and I'm getting closer to being one with the rig and that very handy dropper post. Plus, I found a tire combination, that is light, that I reall like.
I think Barred For Life is a lot closer to what we are... if we're not holding the bars, we're thinking about it.
Maybe I'll make that a tshirt and give it to the PEDALposse next month.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
161 lbs
nap
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4147011952
I ENJOY A SPIRITED RIDE AS MUCH AS THE NEXT GIRL
DO YA EVER FEEL RACEDAY IS LIKE THE START OF A BOND MOVIE? All action, no plan. Just winging it. Too many variables.
Bold colors.
Big music.
Danger.
But, somehow it's all gonna work in your favor.
Tomorrow isn't raceday, but we're gonna have a lot variables on our ride.
A bunch of us are meeting...
... some are doing the long, 80+, road loop
... some the shorter loop
... and a few of us - me - are starting on MTBs and peeling off to hit the single track.
Now why would I do a silly thing like that?
Well... I have the first, last and only MTB race of the year in 2 weeks and I'm a firm believer that the closer a race or big ride gets the more specific the training needs to be.
The race in question, The Cactus Cup, will be pretty flat. Longest climb about 45 seconds, and the rest of the time it will be all about carrying speed on the flats and rolling those corners really fast...
... I mean what could be better than steamrolling the coast with the PEDALposse on my MTB to get Onnatop of the podium?
Well... joining the PEDALposse, obviously.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
159.6 lbs
Stretch N Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4142073698
IN OUR LITTLE TOWN
THE VAN NEEDED NEW TIRES, so of course I'm gonna take it to Holley's Tire Service... because the owner is a bike rider. I walk in and Ron announces to the few patrons...
Pedal Industries, a fine establishment... though I'm not to sure about Todd!
Howdy Ron.
I've been sending all my friends down there, tell 'em we gotta support these guys... we finally have a nice shop and a good mechanic again.
Yes you have, and I truly appreciate that.
Todd, we're gonna resurrect the old group and I want you to do our kits. Our last kits were terrible, from Pearl Izumi.
Wow, I'm surprised to hear that.
Yeah, maybe the guys went low end.
Exactly why we don't offer a low end option.
The kits you did for the mountain bike team... I still have mine and they are great. The colors are still really bright.
Well we're ready when you are.
How can I help you today?
Van needs new rubber.
Go with the Firestone's. They're great and made in America... just like your kits.
Now, you see what he did there? He wasn't buttering me up... he was looking out for me because...
... friends don't let friends ride on junk.
When I road the gravel bike back to pick up the van Ron was gone. Sergio handed me the keys and looked in the eyes...
You bring that back every 5000 miles and we'll rotate the tires so they last a long time. Stop in whenever you need the air topped off.
Whenever possible I always go with the bike rider that offers what I need. I know they are going to look after me and get me product that endures.
Heck, that's how I got into this business. I was making apparel for large corporations and then started helping my friends in the bike business with their branded apparel.
Anyway, it's a good little town we have here... for a surf town, we have a lot of really good riders... because the surf is fickle and the bike is always ready...
... we have road rides nearly every day of the week and the town is surrounded by wildness in which the retired firemen have cut in all kinds of fun, challenging single track trails.
Which is where the stamp logo comes from...
... a little something about our tshirts. These aren't your itchy, boxy cheap giveaways.
Nope.
These shirts are made from a special cotton that gets softer and softer the more you wear it.
We use special inks that you can't even feel.
And, yes... we help a lot of teams and companies get these t's with their logos on them, too.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
I shouldn't even offer a special price on these. At $20, they're a steal. That's twenty bucks total, including shipping.
This code is good on all t's for exactly 1 day.
The code is: HOLLEY
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
---
161 lbs
Paddleboard
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4139743726
UNDERDOGS AND STONECUTTERS
APPARENTLY IT'S AN AMERICAN THING, to cheer the underdog, the little guy, the unknown. Maybe because we are all little guys, misfits in one way or another. At least for me it can feel that way much of the time.
But, we stick at it... whatever it is.
Perhaps that's why we're drawn to cycling, to racing and riding bikes. It's unlike other sports. I can quit surfing for months, paddle out and still have a blast. Same with ping pong. But bike riding... take off months and it's like we're pedaling through molasses.
At the same time, if we keep working at it... keep plugging away, steadily, our bodies change. We build new capillaries, lose weight, gain muscle... and have an affinity for pain others can't comprehend.
We know we're underdogs, with secret super powers in the making.
Look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred-and-first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.
- Jacob Riis
All this is making me thirsty... and I'm wondering if you're in need of some new bottles? Not just any bottles, but the best bottles.
A 2 pack, delivered to your door for less than $20 when you use promo code: UNDERDOG
---
162.4 lbs
PushUps and PullUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4135398854
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU WEAR STRETCHY PANTS?
AT SOME POINT ON MOST RIDES someone says or does something that gets me thinking. And, that happened today. But, for the life of me i can't remember what it was.
Was it...
damn, my legs hurt?
how did you time meeting us?...
... actually yeah, that was it.
Someone at the regroup asked how I knew how to ride the gravel options through town and wind up right on the road just as the group was hitting the final climb.
Well?.... How did we get there?
The short answer is... Bro, 'been doing the same loop with these cats for 17 years.
But, the long answer... that's the juicy stuff.
First, we didn't time it perfectly. We rode our legs off and got there about 8 minutes early, then pedaled in circles for a bit.
Second, we woulda been there perfectly except we've only done the gravel option a handful of times and it had been about a year since the last go... and well, I played it conservative.
Third, we're gonna hit a bigger climb next week and have to really, really, really hustle to finish in time.
Because that's what you do when you are a rider and wear stretchy pants. You put yourself in unreasonable positions and see if you've got what it takes to...
... meet the group
... make it happen
... exceed expectations
... do hard shiz...
... it's doing hard shiz that brings out the best of us.
That there isn't the prettiest quote over, but it is what I wanted to convey.
On that note...
... when you're ripping down the side of a mountain on a rough road or trail, doing all you can to make it to the meet up on time or beat your nearest competitor the very last thing you want to have happen is to have your water bottle launched out of the cage.
Now, if that has happened to you then you know what I'm talking about.
You're tempted to leave the bottle behind but you know dern well you're gonna need those calories and electrolytes.
So you stop.
Lose all your momentum.
Hike back up... kinda like the walk of shame... as fellow racers scream by.
All because you have a cheap, crummy cage.
What we have here below is not cheap and not crummy.
It's EXtremely strong, veryvery lght, and expensive.
But, nowhere near as expensive as flushing all your effort of registering and training and traveling and racing ahead and then losing because your cage is for losers.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/mandible-bike-cage
That right there is pure beauty. Think of it as the ring on your betrothed and don't go cheap.
It's hella expensive to lose a bottle in a race.
We have 2 in stock, we can get more... but the promo code is only good now.
Promo code: STRETCHY
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/mandible-bike-cage
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
161.2 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4128586289
SIR MIXEDSURFACE-A-LOT
I'M PROBABLY DOING THIS GRAVEL THING ALL WRONG. We don't have endless country roads all graded and perfect with a little gravel on top for weather. And, I like it that way...
... I like big ruts and I cannot lie...
Just to mixedsurface it up tomorrow I'll be starting the TMWC with the group and exiting stage right at the first dirt path we cross.
Then we'll cut across town on pavement - where we might see the guys again - before diving down to the dry creek bed, which hopefully will have a few wet crossings.
Followed by a touch of pavement before we climb up dusty dirt road with ruts through the wildness area.
Then zip through a neighborhood before poaching more dirt.
At that point, we'll really be back on the route and if all goes as planned we will slot right in with the rest o' the gang.
That's def not a gravel ride, but it's the freedom one gets on a gravel bike... which just might be why they're all the rage.
Speaking of all the rage, we got a bunch of new colors in our gloves... and I'm thinking the Orange is just perfect for Fall colors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
If you have not tried our gloves before, well you might be missing out. They are superlight weight.
The top is BreezyMesh.
The palm is real leather.
The thumb is terrycloth.
The fingers have reactive thread for your smart phones.
And... they're $24.99 and qualify for FREE SHIPPING... or less if you're part of the PEDALposse - > https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162 lbs
Stretch N Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4125097202
from my lunch ride, on my gravel bike
WE'RE ALL DOCTORS, KINDA
RIDE LONG ENOUGH AND YOU'RE GONNA GET A FEW SCRAPES ALONG THE WAY. A little skin lost here, a good gash there. Hopefully, it's very rare. I've had a few and one offshoot is I'm an expert in healing abrasions...
... and I put that experience to good use this morning, and I reckon you'd do the same.
My mom, who is visiting for a bit, stubbed her big toe on a sharp edge and peeled the skin right off the bottom it. Blood all over the place.
I knew just what to do... the same thing I'd do if I left a little skin behind.
Soak it.
Flush it with Betadine.
Pour on some Hydrogen Peroxide.
Add a good layer of Neosporin.
Wrap with a proper bandaid.
I'll do this daily until it heals from the inside out.
It was kinda nice to put all my self-taught medical skills to work, paying back to the woman who patched me up plenty of times...
... in fact, this doesn't come close to the doctoring she's done on me.
You're probably wondering how am I going to turn this tale into a sale?
Well, due to the simple fact she's a certified lover of the red, white and blue it's pretty easy.
She loves this kit, too.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriot
Plus she's always been the most irritatingly organized person I know. So, in honor of her bravery this morning and her red, white and blueness and organizedness...
... when you order this kit and use this promo code: PATRIOT
You'll get a Classic Patriotic RaceDay™ Bag.
But, you've got to use the code by midnight 9/28/2020.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriot
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162 lbs
Stretch N Roll
8 hours sleep
no ride
DO YOU EVER DO THIS?
TBH, WE WERE GOING TOO FAST TO SNAP A DECENT PIC THIS MORNING... and, well, I'm kinda embarrassed. Every now and again I'll do a ride invite, post it here and there, say all are welcome, then put in a little disclaimer like this...
While this is being touted as casual... it wont' be. No waiting, no lollygagging. Well over 5k of vert. Plan on 3.5-4hrs. Be prepared to find you're own way home.
For some reason, I was expecting 10-15 guys to show up and ride with us.
Nope.
4.
Was it something I said?
Mmmmmmaaaaaayybee
Now why would I go and say a think like Be prepared to find you're own way home?
Was it selfish?
Mmmmmmaaaaaayybee.
Was it mean?
Mmmmmmaaaaaayybee
Was it honest?
Yep.
Was it freeing?
Also, yep.
We got after it early and hard. And even though the Wahoo was in the back pocket I was prittydarnsure we were flying. Before long, 4 became 3.
I knew this was going to happen even though we'd done a pinky swear to takeiteasy. Which is why I had the disclaimer.
Now the very best thing about a disclaimer like that is..
nobody's gonna get rut hurt when they get dropped and left fer dead
nobody's gonna come ready to slay and be bummed waiting all day
Still... it woulda been fun to start out with more boys and girls, get strewn across the mountains and share a Coke after.
Is there anything more American than that?
Maybe this...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
It was designed by the everawesome Shelby a while back, and I like to rock it often. I have a hunch I'm not alone...
... so, if ya order before end of day on Monday the 28th, and you use...
promo code: PATRIOTIC
... then we're gonna throw in something special with your kit order and deliver the kits by the end of October.
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4115909144
REALLY GERAINT?
I LIKE TO READ THE CYCLING NEWS AS MUCH AS THE NEXT ADDICT, and when I saw Geraint Thomas blaming his fourth place finish on not having his Garmin on his bike... well, it got me thinking.
Is that so?
I mean, we just watched a kid blow the competition away in a time trial last weekend who said he wasn't getting any data from his team during the last 20 minutes because the crowd noise was too loud.
Isn't it possible G rode out of his mind because he didn't have his digital boss?
Then there's little ol' me... I've been snagging some pretty good PRs and bigboy cups on my new bikes with my Wahoo stuffed in my back pocket... 'cuz I been too busy to procure a proper mount.
Could it be we kneel and heal too much?
I know for the last couple of years I've tossed the Wahoo in the back pocket for most of my races. Going on feel and using my noggin and spirit as my guides. It's gone pretty dern well.
What if it's overwhelming us to look down and see the HR is soaring over 180 and the watts screaming beyond 400?
Truth is... sometimes it just makes it all hurt that much more. In the middle of all the wheezing and slobbering we look down see eyepopping data and just wanna quit.
Maybe G was free to fly?
We'll never know, but I do know this kit makes me happy because it reminds me of all the freedoms we enjoy in this wonderful country.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
It was designed by the everawesome Shelby a while back, and I like to rock it often. I have a hunch I'm not alone...
... so, if ya order before end of day on Monday the 28th, and you use...
promo code: PATRIOTIC
... then we're gonna throw in something special with your kit order.
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
161.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4112319687
SMALL TALK.
THERE IS ONE THING I LIKE ABOUT THE SMALL RING... TBH, I generally work my @$$ off every day. Up early getting my studies in, work all day, get in a ride of some sort, write this blog, hit the hay.
If it weren't for the small ring, I'm not sure I'd have any friends at all...
... because that's when I talk with my friends the most.
Could be anything.
Tonight I chatted with Mark about the Tour, Will about trying to ride easy then winding up in the break, Eric about Saturday's ride plans, Matt about his wife spending thousands at the shop, young Jack about how to ride in the group...
... and that's just what I can remember.
None of it's important, yet I think I'd die with out those conversations and friendships.
God bless the small ring.
Now back to that behind of mine...
... Craig came in today to try on some bibs before placing his team order. Like all first timers he had a lot of questions. Which I answered quite simply with...
... Try 'em on...
Which always leads to the next question...
... Why do these feel so nice?...
Which I always answer with...
... We work real hard on our fit and our pad placement, and we import the best Italian fabrics... but you're going to love 'em even more once you ride in 'em...
Which brings me back to the small ring...
... when you're just riding along with your pals and talking about nothing, ain't it great to have on a great fitting pair of bibs?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pro-bibs
I know our bib pics aren't typical, and I know we could do better telling our story online, and we would if we weren't spending every free moment making the best product we know how to make.
But, just look at the joy in this pic to get an idea of what I'm talking about.
And if you're buns are in need of something more awesome get yourself some new bibs.
Use promo code: SAVE10.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pro-bibs
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
6.8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHAT DOES DROPPED MEAN?
THE FIRST TIME I WAS DROPPED WAS THE WORST. It was like my soul had been ripped out. I wasn't out of breath, I was out of life. How would I ever get over the...
... heartache of being dropped by the lovely and beautiful Tracy, receiver of my first real kiss?
The second scarring drop was by the great Matt Ohran.
I was much more mature at this point, a college man. He was a young high school punk.
I was on my first road bike. He was on his third or fourth.
I was taller. He was...
... a helluvalot stronger and just road away from me up Provo canyon.
Funny thing is, getting dropped still stinketh. Still hurts...
... and that's what makes it so damn enjoyable.
Because it's soulsucking and humbling and occasionally even enraging it motivates the crud outta me. Makes me want to be a better athlete. Eat better. Rest better. I'd say love better, too... but this is a family show.
So, what does getting dropped mean?
It means I suck, and I can and will do better.
One thing that's good to have in your jersey pocket, in the event of being dropped miles from home is a few bucks.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
It's made outta innertube, which is surprisingly grippy on jersey fabric... meaning there is no way this is going to fall out of your jersey.
Less than $20, ships FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
https://www.strava.com/activities/4104274848
ONE BIKE TO RULE THEM ALL?
OKAY, I FINALLY GET IT. I can see how one could easily purchase a top o' the line gravel bike and be set. I know I'm not exactly breaking new ground here... but I am for myself. And after today, I'm darn tempted to do it.
It was a pretty good test.
I rolled to our local group ride on my new gravel bike, with Pirelli 40s on it and 50lbs of pressure. This is a very nice bike, but it's 2 tiers down from the flagship bike. So, it could be lighter... a lot lighter if I had a second set of lightweight road wheels.
Anyway, I hung on pretty good except on the steepest, longest climb.
This is same set up that with 32lbs of pressure allows me to ride all the dirt roads and really enjoy good chunk of the single track.
It's definitely a Jackofalltrades bike, and a true master of fun.
Will I really cut the quiver down to 1 bike?
Nah.
But, it's a real option... and would make life pretty simple.
Speaking of keeping it simple, some people join the PEDALposse for that very reason.: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
6.8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4097329990
DON'T GET DERAILLEURED, ROOKIE
IS THERE A GOOFIER WORD, HARDER TO SPELL FOR A 'MERICANS THAN DERAILLEUR? How the heck has that word survived so long in its funked up french form? No matter. 'Cept that when I went to spell it today it reminded me of derailled rookie RaceDays.
Friends... there are things rookies do that ya just can't 'xplain. And we try and ignore 'em and pretend we never did 'em.
But we did.
Fer sher.
The one that just kills me is watching RookieRacer put in all that time training, spend all that coin on a nice rig, getting the team race clothes, traveling to the big race and it all goes kapoof because they didn't tend to prepping their bike.
"Suddenly" their bike...
won't shift
won't stop
has a flat
has a wobbly wheel
grips spin on the bars
saddle falls off
... oh, it's endless, and it could all be avoided with a simple RaceTune.
Of course many rookies know this but wait until the day before their race do the RaceTune only to find out...
the mechanic is too busy
the parts are out of stock
the work was done but no time to test it and find out it's still not fixed
... so sad, and avoidable.
Here's how to do it proper.
Get your RaceTune ten days before, including any new parts. That way you have time to test the mechanic's work, test the new parts, test the set up. Leave yourself time.
The day before the big race is when you'll do a little detail work. Make your bike pretty. Do the final lubing.
What's a RaceTune include?
Bike wash
Overall wear inspection - Brakes, tires, cables, etc
Drive train detail and lube - ultrasonic chain clean, pulleys and cassette degrease
Check bottom bracket
|Tubeless tire inspection/refill
Wheel truing
Brake and derailleur adjustments
Safety check – bolt tightening
In other words, your bike is going to be ready to slay the day!
What's it cost?
We charge $99.99, unless you're part of the PEDALposse.
Check it out https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164.2 lbs
PushUps and PullUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4093907049
RIDE AND TELL OF THE ANGELS
THE LAST TWO DAYS OF LAST WEEK WERE REMARKABLE. I've tried to pin down the difference, and I think it's this. I rode my bike to work. It's a short ride, no more than 15 minutes. But, I think it made all the difference.
Can't really explain it.
Or put into words.
All I can tell you is, it's wonderful to go for a quick spin before you dig in.
Even if you're working from home.
I'm not talking about a training ride.
I'm talking about a fun ride.
Maybe a little curb jumping. Some skidding. That kinda thing.
What does that have to do with racing?
Well... you know... happy workers are productive workers and productive workers have more time for racing...
... more proof that every day really is RaceDay™.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat
Use promo code: RIDETOWORK..
... and save $10 on this hat... use before Wednesday.
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.8 lbs
StretchNRoll
8 hours sleep
rest day
THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE
THE FIRST TIME MATT BROGHT HIS GIRL ON ONE OF OUR RIDES, I was glad we weren't in a hurry. We went over to Laguna. Somehow the trail I suggested as kinda technical had turned a lot gnarlier than I remembered. Like all you could do was just skid and hope for the best or walk.
She walked.
A lot.
But, as they say, that was then and today was now.
6 months later.
Start with her leading us up the first climb. Well, I've gotten used to that. She's significantly faster now... with plenty of crowns to prove it.
Then, I suggest we try out a new trail. Matt said he rode it a long time ago and it's kinda steep. I'm stoked because I want to test out my new dropper post on my new bike.
The trail turns out to have a number of very steep drops with ruts down the middle that you either have to skid and hope or walk.
Guess who rode it like a boss?
Yeah, the girl... mom of 3, 4 if you include Matt.
A lot of people have taken up bike riding in the last 6 months, and they're a lot better through dedication and practice and keeping it fun. Most of it because someone in their life took the time to show them how to ride.
But, you ask... How does one ride sillysteep drops with ruts?
Well, it's really quite simple.
Relax, let the bike roll and stay focused on the ridable parts of the trail.
The body follows the head, the eyes lead the way.
Look were you want to go...
... and ride your bike often.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
It's always good advice.
And, I know if you're anything like me you're encouraging your family and friends to get out and ride. Get control of their health. Have a ton of dawgawn fun.
Less than $20, free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4084136566
SO LONG YOUNG FRIEND
I TEND TO GET SENTIMENTAL ABOUT MY BICYCLES... they are like mistresses... after epic adventures, training miles, and the occasional win of some sort... awww, so hard to let go.
Take Sparky.
Purchased nigh 18 months ago for the single purpose of PRing Leadville.
Requirements:
Very, very light.
Kicka$$ handling to fly down the mountains.
Complete lock out for the long steady and sometimes paved climbs.
I wasn't taking any chances and after doing my research the Scott Spark was the top choice.
How light?
22ish lbs.
How good is the handling?
On the Powerline downhill I recorded the 2nd fastest time ever in my age group, and fastest time of 2019 in my age group.
On the Columbine downhill I recorded the 3rd fastest time ever in my age group on, fastest time of Leadville 2019 in my age group.
How important was that full lock out?
PR'd these climbs:
St. Kevins
Sugarloaf Outbound
Columbine
... and 47 seconds of my PR on Powerline (over 40 minutes long)
But I expected all that because I'd had a very similar result at the Tahoe 100 where I got the V.
So... when it came time to put Sparky up for sale today it wasn't easy. Such a fast, fast bike helped me accomplish my big goal of last year.
Yes, I trained hard. Yes, I dropped 10lbs. Yes, I did everything I could think of to get that PR...
... Yes, Sparky is fast and looking for a new home.
Along with these upgrades:
Power2Max powermeter
Roval CLX MTB wheels - ceramic bearings.
Gripshift
Carbon power saddle
Just replaced brake pads and grips
Size Large.
Price $4500.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/scott-spark-900-world-cup-2019
More photos here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/scott-spark-900-world-cup-2019
I didn't ride it much after Leadville... here's the Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/bikes/5713280
PEDALposse, hit me up for special pricing.
Oh, and that PR? Yeah, 8:15.
Still thinking about it?... here are the PRs: https://www.strava.com/activities/2608099538
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4079905432
AGING UP.
YOU KNOW WHY BIKE RACERS DON'T MIND GETTING OLDER? It's not that they generally look younger than their peers. Nor that they feel great. No, it's something only a bike racer understands...
... every 5 years we age up.
The first time a racer ages into the masters group and thinks Well, this will be easy...
... it's a big slap in the helmet, as the youngish master racers are so fast they generally kick the snot out the new kids aging in.
And after figuring out these cats are pretty fast, and finding one's way, well ya start to get the hang of things. Maybe get a couple of wins, Have some success. And as one gets to the upper end of the 5 year group and starts to slow a tad, well...
... Golly, I'm gonna be aging up next year! We say with a grin. I'll be sticking it to those old guys in no time.
And so the racer rides through life getting a reset every 5 years. It's a heckuva nice thing when ya think about it.
Anyway, this guy pops in who I figure is about my age. And we're chatting. He's seen our kits around town and saw the sign and wanted to get a kit. I'm thrilled, of course - we barely opened. I ask him how old he is, thinking maybe we'll do some riding and racing together.
I'm gonna be 75.
75! I'm floored.
Yeah. And next year I'll be aging up. Can't wait to go to Nationals... plus, Worlds is going to be at Carson.
Well, how'd you do last year?
Pretty good, 2nd.
That's amazing.
Yeah, but nobody knew who I was. They paired me with a guy and I wound up lapping him twice in a 2k race.
I bet that through you off.
Yes it did. The first time I came up on him on the second lap and thought I messed up the start. Lost the race by .9 seconds.
Dang, that had to cost you several seconds.
Easy.
Well, who are you?
Oh, I was National Champion in '72.
I looked him up, Tom Sneddon was one of the first racers to compete in Europe in the early 70's. On the ride tonight, one of the guys that knows Tom said he even beat the great Eddy Merckx once upon a time.
**Update below from Tom**
I have a feeling they'll all know Tom next year.
Would you like to know which kit Tom purchased?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-all-gray-kit
All gray... for people who smoke the competion.
I gave the locals discount... and I'll give it to the rest of ya's if ya order by end of day Sunday. The code is LOCALS
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.8 lbs
StretchNRoll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4074792675
3 ESSENTIAL SKILLS ALL SUCCESSFUL RACERS HAVE
THERE ARE 3 SKILLS ALL SUCCESSFUL RACERS MASTER, but one is by far the most important.
There's planning...
... starts with registering for the race and ends with crossing the finish line.
There's avoiding mistakes...
... the more you race the more you develop your PEDALsense and consequently avoid mistakes.
But, the most important by far to keep moving...
... no matter how bad it hurts, no matter how bad things get, no matter what...
... keep moving!
Keep pedaling. Keep eating. Keep drinking.
I remember a really tough road race I did outside of Bakersfield. It was just a vicious course. Legendary. It was my first time racing it. I was dropped fairly early. There was no way I was going to finish anywhere near the top 10. I was already 40 guys down.
But, I kept pedaling and eating and drinking.
This isn't some comeback story at all.
It's a story of picking off one racer after another until I passed a former California State Champion, a guy who'd beat me like a drum for years. Yes, he was having a bad day.
Did I podium? No.
I wound up 18th or 12th or something, but it didn't matter. I beat the champ, once. That shiz gives ya confidence. Ya can't buy that, but you can use it a lot in the future.
So many quit when it gets hard.
But not us.
Not me.
Not you.
That's ain't our way. Ever.
We keep pedaling. Always. In everything we do.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162/8 lbs
StretchNRoll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4071238181
IT'S NOT LONELY AT THE TOP
AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO AS GIVEN A LITTLE MORE AT THE TOP OF A CLIMB THIS WEEK? I can't even say it's subconscious. Like this morning, I pulled on one of my yellow jerseys...
... next thing I know I'm kicking hard up the last 100 meters of my local climb...
... imaginary fans screaming Allez, Allez, Allez!, Imaginary foes in awe, have no answers, Imaginary announcers can't contain themselves...
... Well Bob, The Ol' Diesel is living up to his name today. Look at the determination, the metronomelike churning of his old pistons flattening the hopes of the youth...
... Phil, nobody saw this coming, the domination of the silverhaired beast!
I couldn't wait to upload, even though the Wahoo wasn't recording bpm. I'd taken the gravel rig over to two of my local climbs and I was just sure I'd laid down fast times.
I mean, I better.
New, lighter, faster, better bike on dirt climbs I typically hit on my MTB or my previous gravel bike named HVY MTL.
2 PRs.
You know what that is right? It's proof advertising works. I've been advertising to my mind great climbing feats for nearly 3 weeks now. It's bound to rub off.
It's also proof gravel bikes on dirt roads climb faster than mountain bikes.
Finally, it's proof I've dropped about 3 lbs in the last 5 weeks.
It matters.
Does wearing the yellow jersey matter? Maybe if it's the lightest jersey on the market, made with fine Italian fabrics right here in CA.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos
Check out how thin that fine mesh front is... it's weird too. Super cool on hot, hot days yet surprisingly comfy when there's a chill in the air. Maybe weird is the wrong word... magical would be better.
That's me modeling with my lopsided - buster off an 1" of my collarbone once - shoulders.
Anyway, you get the idea... our Speed jerseys are tres bien.
The matching bibs are smashing as well.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos
Me again. The bibs come in Regular and Tall. In this pic I'm in the Regular cut. I prefer that cut in the summers for the purely vain reason of better tan lines.
Anyway, if ya like that kit... we call it Dia de los Muertos and if you order it now you can have it before Halloween.
Just don't tell anyone I told ya to use this promo code: Allez
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163 lbs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4063883113
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4066335559
A SMIDGE, A SLAM AND A GLOB WILL DO YA
IT TAKES A WHILE TO GET A FEEL FOR BIKEY THINGS. How tight to turn a screw, How much tire pressure, How much drink mix, How much food...
... today I needed to twist my cleats a smidge.
The reason for such smidginess was to align them properly for yours Diesely. I stand and walk like a duck, so heels in for me. But, not too much... just a smidge.
Tomorrow, I will not be putting on a glob of PR Lotion. The reason being that I'm still rehabbing my calf which I messed up by not slamming new cleats all the way back when I went from Speedplay to Durace. I'm traditionally a slam'emback guy, and somehow missed this... rookie move, I know.
I'm gonna take it easy until I'm the smidging and slamming is muy comfy.
I guess I might put on a glob PR Lotion, because I'm sure the set up on other bike, the BMC-URS, is perfecto... yeah, I'm putting on a glob fo' sho'...
... and I'm not the only one, stage winners are too! Did you see this one?
You can read the details below or just take my word for it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
Buy 2 PR Lotions, get 1 Chamois Butt'r free when you use this promo code: GLOB
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
By Nigel Mitchell, Cycling World Tour Nutritionist, Clinical and Olympic Dietitian
The basics of sports science are pretty much understood and there isn’t much that has come out in the last few years that has been a genuinely new concept. What has changed is technologies have gotten better and our understanding of how to maximize concepts has improved. I believe sodium bicarbonate and PR Lotion is a perfect example. It’s not a new concept, but the route of delivery has changed now from oral to transdermal.
When I first started in nutrition and was working in cycling back in the 1990s, we explored the use of sodium bicarbonate with some positive effects. But the risk of a negative reaction outweighed the potential benefits. So sports performance professionals stopped talking about it and using it. Now that a technology exists that can sidestep the negative side effects, it’s worth exploring because the science behind sodium bicarbonate supplementation is there.
When you get to the professional level, most athletes have maximized their physiological performance and the opportunity for improvement is fractions of a percent. Therefore, podium finishes are the result of more than talent. They are the culmination of years of consistent training and fine-tuning recovery strategies needed to support it. Any tool that can improve one of those areas is important.
Evaluation Process
I was first introduced to PR Lotion by Simon Clarke; he’s a very accomplished pro cyclist and a believer in oral sodium bicarbonate. He told me PR Lotion worked for him and that I should take a look into it, so I reached out to my external support network. It turns out that one of the researchers I contacted was already working on a project focused on PR Lotion and had positive things to say.
In my own evaluation of any new product, there are 2 areas I always consider:
What is the scientific theory behind it?
Oral sodium bicarbonate is well researched but the drawback has always been the GI distress. PR Lotion is an interesting alternative. By getting sodium bicarbonate into the body through the skin, PR Lotion makes a proven supplement available for use on a regular basis.
What is the risk?
When it comes to risk, I focus on the potential adverse health effects and how a product fits in with anti-doping policies. Amp Human has done the legwork to become certified Informed Choice and Informed Sport so that covers the regulatory and they are cleared by the FDA, so product safety is there.
Knowing PR Lotion is a product that has solid theory and really low risk, I was comfortable bringing in our team doctor, Dr. Kevin Sprause. He has a great sports science understanding and I really value his insights and knowledge. We may not have been 100% sure about what to expect, but we had to explore what this could potentially do for our athletes. To be elite, to be cutting edge, you can’t always wait for the definitive science. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith.
Implementation
When introducing new products to my athletes, I’m always honest. The conversation is around the product, the potential benefits, the theory behind it, and the feedback I’ve gotten. Then ultimately it’s their choice. Athletes are usually willing to try something when there's no BS around it.
When we started using PR Lotion at EF Pro Cycling, we began with a training session. When the sessions went well or the rider didn’t perceive any effect, we then tested it out in a time trial training session. After those 2 sessions, we collected feedback that varied from “I’m not sure it did anything” to “I really like that stuff.” The key here is that there were ZERO negative side effects. No GI distress like with oral sodium bicarbonate. I wasn’t looking for massive changes immediately; sodium bicarbonate can be such a subtle thing and can have a bigger impact over time vs. immediate use, but no side effects confirmed there was now a safe and effective way to integrate bicarb as a performance aid to the team. After those trials, we saw significant enough improvements that we made PR Lotion part of the core routine to make sure it's available to those athletes that want to use it.
When it comes to routine, on race day, we work backward from the start time, pre-race meal, some recon work and look at applying PR Lotion 90 min before the start. Depending on the athlete, it gives them enough time to dress and start their warm-up 20-30 min before the race. In a training situation, we have the athletes apply the lotion before they head out on the ride.
Benefits
There are a lot of questions around influencing muscle pH and how that may affect performance and recovery. When training or competing at or above the lactate threshold, the body produces more acid than it can process leading to a shift in pH. The higher acidity causes negative effects on muscle function and the biochemistry of the muscle so being able to alkalize the muscle to a preferred pH is something that's interesting.
For the athlete, where intensity and volume are important (ie training sessions and competition), the threshold can be a limiting factor in performance. By using PR Lotion, we can deliver sodium bicarbonate to the body, in the hope of delaying reaching that threshold. In doing so, we may be able to get better performance. The other key here is in alkalizing the tissues, we may help the muscle return to neutral pH more quickly aiding in the recovery process to prepare for the next day. In pro cycling, athletes have to perform day after day after day in training and in competition. Anything that can aid in that recovery should be looked at and evaluated.
Take Away
The science behind the PR Lotion is still evolving but the feedback that we’ve gotten has been very positive. In my mind, the biggest benefits of PR Lotion are around recovery and how it supports training over time and in athletes that are competing multiple times over consecutive days.
I know PR Lotion is used across multiple sports in the USA and abroad and we’re seeing better recovery so we’ve added it to the suite of things we're trying to get done. It’s about maximizing recovery in a simple package and PR Lotion is a brilliant tool to help do that.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
Buy 2 PR Lotions, get 1 Chamois Butt'r free when you use this promo code: GLOB
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.2 lbs
30 PullUps 90 PushUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4061260006
SIMPLE SUGARS
THE CREAKY DOOR AT THE GENERAL STORE. Dusty MTB shoes clunk across wood floor.
Grab a coke. Air is full of smoke.
A heavyset lady rings me up, then chats me up.
I like your uniform.
Thank you.
Where'd you ride from?
San Clemente?...
I coulda just headed on out, but I stayed. She was nice. The store was slow. Kinda dark. I don't know if she was lonely. Either way it was good. To just talk. About nothing. Local lore, closed roads, the approaching Fall, and such.
... you be careful out there.
Yes, ma'am.
I sat on the picnic bench a bit.
Enjoyed my Coke, just like the ad promised.
Cars sped by on the country road. Customers came and went. Everybody in such a hurry to get somewhere other than where they were.
Not me.
...
I get a lot of comments on this kit. Some hate it, most love it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/military-camo
It's our military camo design. Available as a kit, changing poncho or RaceDay Bag™.
Buy the kit and get the changing poncho free when you use this promo code: SIMPLESUGARS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/military-camo
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.2 lbs
Stretch
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973
THINGS THEY DO FOR LOVE
THERE'S A STORY BEHIND EVERY RACER. Probably a hundred stories. Stories of triumph and failure, training hard and winging it, riding together and going it alone. Those are the ones we live to tell.
There are others that often go untold and unnoticed...
... and they make all the difference.
Right before I hit the hay last night, my good friend Emetski shot me a picture of his son's 2 RaceDay Bags™.
Apparently one race day bag isn’t enough for Lotoja. John requires two. I’m driving support for him tomorrow.
I wish I had something pithy to add, or some sappy remark... I got nothing. Because I'm driving support for him tomorrow says it all.
Then I woke up to a message from my nephew, with a pic of his son's bike ready to race NICA.
Race day bag all ready to go for Goose!
The parents, spouses, siblings, children, friends... that giant network of love that supports us, that we support... they are the very best part any race, without them there is no story.
And sometimes they worry about us, and we worry about them.
Which is why I like to ride with blinkies day or night when I'm on the road... like these that flash front and sides.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/knog-lights
Use promo code: LOVE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/knog-lights
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973
THE PRICE OF MEMBERSHIP
THE STORY OF MY VERY BROKE FRIEND. I say nearly broke, because he put his last $50 down on membership in the classiest country club in town. His dream was to earn the respect of the community and own a spectacular home on the golf course.
I've returned to the private telling of that story to me many times during my ride through life...
... because he made it happen.
Rather than let his reality tailor his dreams, his dreams tailored his reality.
This isn't a time for an If it were easy everyone would do it conversation. We already know that. Nor is this any kind of a pep talk. It's a simple question...
... who is the tailor of our future?
I suppose this is why I'm such a proponent of signing up for events as soon as possible. Think of it as the price of membership in a very exclusive club. A club where everything starts to align itself: training, equipment, diet, etc... but, most importantly, the calendar.
Working backwards from RaceDay is magic.
It's the dream, tailoring our reality.
Today, I plunked down my shekels for BWR CedarCity.
It's going to be terrible. Heinous. Awful. And I can't wait!
The next 35 days are going to be filled with a lot of gravel riding. Upper body work. All the things that will lead up to a wonderful day with 2000 of my closest friends.
It's a gravel ride/race, and I have a badass BMC gravel bike - https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three
Of course, I'll be doing some mods on it. Testing out tires and pressures. Ya know... making it into a real rascal.
This is the best time of year to ride gravel. If you're ready for an amazing rig, give us a shout. Especially if you're in the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973
FROM HAIRLESS TO HELPFUL
I WAS A LATE BLOOMER. And, it sucked. My friends were big and strong. I was small and weak. They were fast. I was slow. They starred in the ball and stick sports, I scratched and clawed to play on a terrible tennis team.
How bad was it?
Well, picture this. You're 16, just got pulled over for looking too young. Not a big deal. This is a big deal...
... you're in the hot tub with your pals - your pals!!!! - and the popular ladies and someone noticed you got no armpit hair.
Yeah, that convo just went downhill... not as quick as my arms dropped to my sides. I tried to make it stop, then "remembered" I had to be home by midnight.
I was so embarrassed... and I was really hacked off.
Swore I'd never hang with them again. Made all kinds of promises to myself. Slunk around school the next couple of days.
Anyway, eventually I grew a pair. And all was right in the universe...
... until I borrowed my roommates road bike.
It was that fateful when I went for an 8 mile - 8 miles! - bike ride. No, actually it was the next day when I took it without asking and went 12 miles... Yeah, that was the day I fell all in love again with bicycles.
I was still a skinny kid, but that turned out to be a good thing.
Finally there was something I could be kinda good at.
But the best part, which I had no idea of at the time, is bike riding and racing is a lifelong sport... all those ball and stick sports eventually wind up really hurting people. And they get on bikes to rehab. And a lot of 'em figure out this bike riding and racing thing is pretty cool.
I talked to a number of customers this week who are really excited to go and ride their first century.
And they're asking me how quick can they get their RaceDay Bags™, and what else will the need, and I realize how dawgawn lucky I am to do what I love to do...
... to make products I know will help make RaceDay better.
Like our changing poncho. It's such a drag to try and change in a car. The poncho is just so handy.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
And this video is pretty entertaining.
Use promo code; LOVEWHATIDO
At checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
---
163.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973
I GET BY WITH A LOTTA HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
I'VE FOUND THE TOP RACERS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO 2 TYPES OF PEOPLE. Friendly and, uh, Notfriendly. Fortunately for me, I have met a lot of friendlies. And, they make all the difference in my life.
This week has been typical of the kinds of help I receive.
Steve took time out his day to help us build out the new office/shop.
Paul saw the sorry state of our lighting and sent his crew over to light us up proper. Haveco Electric is awesome!
John leant his back to help us move the heavy stuff around.
Scott answered my text today...
I hurt myself. Could be bad.
Come at 530.
So here I am in the front office of my favorite Physical Therapist, Scott Moncrief - ProSport PT. Haven't been here since flipping off my 450 at 40 miles an hour.
I can barely walk. Something is extremely jacked in my calf area.
It was tender yesterday, not sure why. Felt better this morning...
... so of course what could be better than a gravel ride?
Probably nothing... until I did this little jump at speed.
Then, it hurt like helk.
Barely made it home.
All the thoughts... will I ever ride again? will I be able to have children? will my family be okay?... all silly, I hope.
What do I think caused it? I've been struggling to adjust to a new pedal/cleat set up on my road bike. The calf has been bugging me for twoish weeks. Like an idiot, I did not listen... did some research this afternoon and the cleat is probably too far forward.
I lay upside down on the table I know all too well.
Scott starts at my heel and works his way up towards the back of my knee.
Slowly.
Quietly.
He gets to the place where Achilles tendon attaches to the two calf muscles.
It hurts.
He starts over.
Silent.
Finally...
Ok, good news. It's not your Achilles. You've strained the Somecrazyanatomyterm. That's where 90% of lower leg injuries occur.
I'm supremely relieved.
He hooks me up to his tech, a cold wrap with electricity pulsing through... leaves me here to write.
The prescription:
Ride easy. Do not get out of the saddle.
Stretch often. Ice often. Do not go for a 5 mile walk on the sand.
Rest... I think I needed that anyway.
I've made the best friends through this sport.
While I'm sitting here my GP Doc Gephhardt comes in. His practice is across the way. He rides and even owns our TMWC jersey, but has yet to join us. He's still my friend : )
One thing a lot of my friends in common is they are part of the PEDALposse... and it ain't just 'cause we're friends.
Check it out -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973
You know it's an honor to be on Scott's wall, and you know you musta done something ya shouldn't have to get there.
The tech!
THAT FLAT OUT...
A WHILE BACK I WAS ON MY TO MEET THE POSSE AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND ADJUST MY BRAKE. I got going soon enough. The light ahead was green and I was going to keep my speed high and make up that lost time. Then something happened I'll never forget...
... a car traveling about 50mph blew right through the red...
... had I not stopped for that quick adjustment I'd have been in that intersection at the same time as the car. After which... I'd be dead, or worse.
Ever since then I've never minded the little things that through me off my schedule.
The ill-timed flat.
The missed light.
Waiting few seconds for a friend.
Turning back for my water bottles.
It's a long list of things that can keep us off schedule.
I wonder if Joe was thinking that when his 5 year old ran after him crying at 625 this morning making him late to meet the group?
Because it's exactly what I was thinking when I stopped to help Jon with his 3rd and 4th flat tires.
Ya never know.
Just like ya never know how incredibly soft our tshirts are, how they are cut for a fit racer like yourself, what our special NoFeel inks are all about until you own one for yourself.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green
Use promo code SAVE10
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4030504323
THE ODDS OF WINNING
HAD A CAT QUIT TODAY BECAUSE HE SAID THE ODDS OF WINNING WERE TOO LOW. It kinda bugged me. And, it's still bugging me now. But why...
... because I never quit anything?
... and, when the heck were the odds of winning anything worthwhile high?
Never.
But, there's another reason it bugs me...
... because I've learned far, far more from my losses than my wins. It's the learning from failure that builds PEDALsense... that sense that only experienced riders have and use with heartless cruelty when the race is on the line.
... BREAKING NEWS ...
This just in from reporter BC.
E-Bike Rips Mans Heart Out
It's a sad state of affairs when pedalassist motorcycles (aka ebikes) feel compelled to snag KOMs.
Will this spell the end of Starva? I doubt it. Why you ask? For me, I'm much more interested in my own PRs.
And what of my young padawan? Should he be hacked off at the pedalassist motorcycles snagging his KOMs? Yeah, kinda... for a bit. But, he'll go to bed tonight knowing...
I did it my way!
Which is exactly what the pedalassist moto rider is thinking...
... which is exactly why I say KOMs aren't nearly as important as PRs...
... which is exactly why quitting because the odds of winning are low is such weaksauce!
As the great Churchill said...
... Never, never, never give up!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
Does PR Lotion work? Totally.
Use promo code: NEVER
And get save 25% on the PRs Over KOMs tshirt
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
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163.4 lbs
Body Surt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4028087324
JRA MAGIC
EVER GO FOR A LONG RIDE AND COME BACK WITH A SOLUTION? What is it about just riding along that moves us from stuck to problem solved?
I dunno...
... but, I hope you sneak out for a little JRA today.
It'g gonna be hot, so remember to drink.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base
This code saves you 20%... product ships free.
Code is LABOR
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
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162.6 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4023532148
3 LIGHT STUD
THERE'S A BIG BET EVERY WILEY VET PLACES AT SOME POINT ON A VERY FAST RIDE. Take today for instance. We have this hill called Church hill, not 'cause you'll meet your maker there, but there's church at the top...
... and 3 lights separating you from deliverance.
Now, you could skip the reckoning altogether by simply cutting through the golf course on the preceding climb.
But, where's the fun in that when you could try your luck at 3 Light Stud?
This is a gentlemen's game, for the distinguished and wise and Igotnothing among the group.
The colts don't even know we're playing. Every light for them is a chance to load the starting gate and sprint off. They are so full of juice, riding their fancy carbon rigs, perfectly toned legs. Lights are their place to shine.
Today I played it and got dealt a winning hand.
I'd messed up the preceding climb, was tempted to short cut it, but rode on... came over the top and saw the light at the bottom of the hill was red. It's a right hander, and the colts had to slow down.
They jumped hard, racing up the hill.
At a full gallop I took the turn and was about to start sprinting to catch when the second light turned red.
It turned green.
Colts jump with blinders on.
I never slowed and trotted right up.
But, they're charging hard.
I see the sorry sunsaguns that short cut through the golf course popping onto the road ahead... the colts see 'em as rabbits to be caught and devoured.
Damn, I'm thinking.
I'm about to dig hard and that third light goes red reigning in the colts and sunsaguns.
I lope up, light turns green, and easily gallop over the top with the fastest of the herd.
That my friends is a winning hand of 3 Light Stud.
And here's a winning offer.... BuyOneGetOne
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
Use promo code: CONTIBOGO at checkout.
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
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162.4 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4016908424
DELAYED GRATIFICATION
MG HAD DECLARED NO ICE CREAM FOR A MONTH. MS got wind of that and gave up beer for a month. I've been on my own quirky dietary experiment.
Is it LeTour...
... Parlez-vouz getyourbunsinshape?
I knew today was going to be a busy one, got after work early and plugged my ears any time anybody wanted to talk about today's stage. I had just the right Friday night in mind...
... dinner with my lady, then off to the garage...
... pop up the iPad, launch the ad-free version of the tour, grab the cleaners, apply the lube, make a few adjustments...
... just me, my bike, and a couple of dudes with funny accents, not a bad way to end a good week.
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Is there anything more gratifying than a bike ride? ...... You can get this one delivered to your mail box for less than 20 bones.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
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162.6 lbs
Move Office Workout
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4013315966
YOU GOTTA BE SHIFTING ME
THERE ARE A COUPLE OF HOTROD SHOPS NEAR THE PEDALindustries EXPERIENCE. The regular, deep V8 rumble is part of the scene down here... with a fair amount of clutch popping and rubber burning at the end of the day.
It's the perfect music as we gear up to ride.
Which brings up the shifter question every racer has to answer...
... not mechanical vs electric, not wire vs wireless...
... those are easy questions. Well, not that easy when you're plunking down a chunk of green. But those questions, are answered once. Then, it's run what ya brung.
No, the bigger question is why it's so easy sometimes to shift into high gear and other times no amount of grinding 'em will help ya find 'em.
Ya know what I mean?
Last week on the big climb when the shift started coming down, I did just that and hung my head in shame for a week.
This week, same dawgawn climb and same shifty feeling in my legs but my soul had fire, passion, power and that final 200 meters was shifting up, standing up, and putting that shift behind me.
What's the diff?
Why the shift up 'steadda down?
The Seals say Embrace the suck!
Forever more I shall...
Embrace the shift!
And as we head into a brutal heatwave this weekend y'all probably think I'm cacrazy for encouraging you to order the incredible KOM jacket. But, trust me it'll pass and the leaves will change and you'll be wanting this gem and we don't keep much inventory which means ya might have to wait a few weeks and that would be a drag when you coulda grabbed one now with this top secret code.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238917668
There are a number of reasons this is my go to layer:
- It's wind and water resistant membrane keeps me dry and warm.
- The fabric is super thing and the jacket will fit in my jersey pocket.
- We call it the KOM because it's the perfect thing to pull out after a long climb and faced with a long decent.
If you're looking for just the perfect jacket... and you will be, tuck this promo code away... the code is TWOTAILS...
... but don't wait too long, this fabric is imported from Italy and we had a heck of a time securing a few rolls.
And you team racers... yes, we can make it in your colors.
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
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162.4 lbs
PullUps PushUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4008573585
IT AIN'T PAYBACK IF IT AIN'T MALICIOUS
I TEND TO RIDE WITH PEOPLE THAT ARE ABOUT THE SAME SPEED OR A LITTLE FASTER. So, when my dear friend CM was gone last weekend and let me know he was going to be gone again this weekend... I shoulda known.
Tonight is our standing dirt date...
... and it was clear I was in trouble on the very first tiny bump of a hill.
My legs were barking from a smashing TMWC yesterday... and CM, who missed it, was just chatting me up like it was nuthin.
On our first longish climb things got a little too quiet. As you know, quiet rarely precedes joy.. And in this case, no doubt it was my own doing. I couldn't talk. It was all I could to keep up.
He was putting the hurt on me pretty good...
... and I have to admit if Surfergirl dragged me out of town two weekends in a row I'd be laying down the power pretty heavy myself: one, because I'd be rested; two, because I'd miss another weekend of riding.
Anyway, I'm sure this has never happened to you... but, if it does just remember it's not malicious... you are a little tired, your pal is not... you will be recovering the next few days and slaying the weekend, your pal won't...
... it's not payback if it's not malicious.
Towards the end of the ride, it appeared we'd misjudged our adventure by about 20 minutes. The shadows were getting too long, dusk was on us good.
We hit this 2ish mile gravel segment, really pushing it. CM on the front, like a locomotive. I took a weaksauce pull and he came charging back around. Then I gave it a good tug... because I remembered this would be a fun segment to get.
We got close.
We'll get it next time... maybe on a week when we've both been out of town and are rested.
One thing is for sure, it's always good idea to bring the blinkies - regardless of the time of day.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
We just got another shipment of these in. The Lils and the Mids. They're really awesome little lights, with 330 degrees or visibility. Plus they are lite.
Anyway, you might be wanting some lights as the days start to get shorter... use this promo code: LIGHTS.
For what it's worth, my friend RS just ordered a second set. According to him You always recommend really good stuff.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
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163.8 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4003822943