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
>
A TALE OF TWO RIDES
MY PAL JM HAS BEEN SLOWLY CARVING AWAY HIS PAST SINS, looking to release his inner Roglic. It started with not even riding with us but just being on the course the same day. The last few weeks he's been steady on the B... finishing higher and higher amongst the playahs.
Today... well, today he got faked into doing the A.
Apparently the Bs left early, and when he showed up he figured we were the Bs.
Well, we wound it up slow but kept winding and winding... and poor ol' JM is thinking...
What are these guys doing on the B ride?
Why is the B ride on fire today?
This really hurts.
And I'm thinking...
Dang JM is feeling pretty perky.
And pulling through like a boss.
This really hurts.
Of course all this was pieced together in the afterglow, when the endorphins have come and gone and all that's left is good laugh...
... because what's funnier than being faster than your pal who is just gonna kill ya in a couple of months?
Speaking of the next couple of months, we are now entering the shorter days. Soon will be searching for our layers and there is no better tool for the job of keeping warm than the KOM jacket.
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
---
163.6 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3983267627
THE LEAST FAULT NEWS
IF YOU'RE PIQUED FOR POLITICAL POOP... well this is gonna skewer yer ego, 'cause if there's one thing you can't fake it's a steep as helk climb or drop on dirt.
All... and I mean ALL... other Stravabobava is most likely fauxing fake.
That KOM along that road where the wind blew hard as helk one day.
Fake.
That KOM SoandSo set starting at the back of the group and surfing to the front.
Fake.
I ain't even gonna give ya more ideas and temptations that mightcould lead your Stravasoul carefully down to helk.
But, I'm gonna say... the dirt lies less.
Still lies.
Just lots less.
It's really hard to fake a KOM on a 10% up or down trail. Around here... the only way to really do it is if the trails are perfect then get washed out and never repaired.
Now this is not some veiled attempt to get ya to buy a super primo gravel bike or radiculous MTB.
It's just a reminder there's no point in fretting over things fraught with faux.
Especially when you could be out riding something wrought by Swiss geniuses.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/bikeshop-fourstroke-01-one
Whoops... how did those pictures get in there? Must be some sort of bug.
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
PushUps/PullUps
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3983267627
OH... IT'S ON!
WELL, IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR... FINALLY! The most geeked up, pumped up time of year for riding road bikes is right now because: LeTour.
You don't even have to watch to get caught up in it.
But you will.
Well, I will.
I love it because it kicks off my 6 favorite weeks of the race year. First Le Tour, for all its history and the forthcoming drama.
When Pinault crashed today... man, those frenchies really know how to whoop up the Allislost! sentiments. I don't relish his crash. It sucks, fo sho. But, I do love the overemotions on display.
Soon there will be a Whatthehellishedoing squabble among some team of supertalents. I'm picking Dumoulin on this, which I xpect Primoz (such a cool name it's like a combo of a villain's name and a winner's name) will shut down.
Of course, someone will think Sagan is longinthetooth... only too find out he just keeps getting craftier.
Back to the frenchies... I'm not sure who will be the great frog hope this year? Freakin Alaphillipe last year was so awesome. I've loved that cat since he came over as a tadpole to rip of the ol' ToC. Anyway, who will it be... Julian again... that would be so, dang, fun... he's got all the emotion sans the fatalism.
Teams Colombia look ready to: defend in the form of Bernal, attack in the form of EF, and agitate in the form of Astana... and then there's Senor Numero Segundo Para Siempre aka Nairo. Ya know if he was able to hang around and finally figure it out I think there'd be a lot fans giving him the lovin' he deserves for being so dawgawn dogged.
And what of us, I mean US? Just gimme one day with Neilson or Sepp in a long break for the win... and if together in the break... oh I'd watch that over and over and over.
Back to my claim you won't have to watch it to get caught up in it... every single ride you do for the next 3 weeks will have a whole bunch a geeked up riders who fell asleep the night before watching Le Tour, which they'd already watched in the morning while fauxtending to be on a Zoom call, and they will have visions of glory under their Oakleys.
Just hang on... let 'em pull for glory until there ain't no more... and give 'em the Sagan afterburners for the win.
Then be sure and take a few days off because we all know La Vuelta es lo mejor!
What does lo mejor mean? The best.
What's the best part of PEDALindustries?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
163..6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3989067579
RESPECT YOUR ELBOWS
THE YOUNG PRO PULLS THROUGH AND IMMEDIATELY FLICKS HIS SMOOTH ELBOW. The wily veteran, with the wrinkly elbow, just laughs. And while these fun and games are going along...
... the ex-pro proceeds to mock us all...
Flying by at about 100mph, his aero aluminum antique chops through the air. Like scared geese we lift off to chase. I'm about 1000 guys back in no time.
It's an impressive move from a pretty cool cat who hung up the numbers to raise the kids and pay the bills. I like this part of the ride, when we roll through his part of town and he reminds us all he squash us at his leisure.
Speaking of leisure, I overheard AE say that since he's moved to town he no longer wonders what he's going to do on Saturday because MG has taken over the job as cruise director and basically tells us all what we're going to do.
Speaking of MG, I was reminiscing when he first moved in and didn't know his DuraAce from his quick release. The good ol' days, I could drop him at will.
Speaking of Will, I saw him gathering a group of riders this morning doing something I am too selfish to do. He's been rounding up guys that kinda ride and useta ride and wanna ride and patiently showing 'em cool routes around town.
Speaking of going around, I've noticed quite a few creaky bikes of late... some of them finding their way into our destination... and I've learned a sad truth. With the incredible backlog of service in most shops people - the less mechanically inclined, like yours Diesely - are letting things go too long. My fine friends, these little creaks can turn into irreparable damage. Git yer bikes serviced at your local shop.
Speaking of bike service, if yer local you can make an appointment here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-wrench-calendar
Yeah, I know it's really odd to make an appointment for your bike. Even stranger to be met by the mechanic and taken care of within an hour or so - most of the time. But, you know... we do things different over here.
Speaking of over here... we've painted and scrubbed and beautified the unit next door. We'll be there next week.
Speaking of next... at the end of next month we're going to be giving away 3 loaded with goodness RaceDay Bags™. Have you entere?
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Body Surf
6.5 hours sleep (stayed up late watching Euro Vision Song Contest with Surfergirl, my bike widow.)
https://www.strava.com/activities/3983267627
WHAT TO DO WITH BAD ADVICE
I FIND PEOPLE WANTING TO GIVE ME ADVICE ALL THE TIME. Most of the time they have with zero experience in what I do. Here's how I handle it.
The worst advice starts with Don't...
I say this for the very simple reason we can't see negatives. Don't think of an elephant. You see it right? Ever heard this... Don't crash?
Did this have anything to do with the reporter who quizzed young Remco Evenepoel before his last race?
Don't you think the treacherous downhill will be a factor?
No, I do not think the treacherous course will be a factor.
Well... he came around a tight corner clipped his pedal on unmarked outcropping and fell off a bridge. Pelvis broken. Season over.
Yes!... I AM justsaying... ignore it, run from that wellmeaning fool.
Other bad advice begins with You should...
Now, if this is coming from your highly paid cycling coach regarding your cycling it's probably good. If it's coming from your wellmeaning ________, do the opposite, especially if it's racing advice.
I had a wise old friend say you should just ride on feel. Go fast when you want, easy when you want. Listen to your body. I was young and stupid so I listened. Then I showed up to the next race and got shelled.
So there you have it.
Ignore the Don'ts and Shoulds from those who shouldn't advise what they don't know.
Here's what I do know...
... next month the PEDALposse will be getting some very sweet gloves in the mail to match the very sweet socks they got this month.
If you're into getting sweet surprises and other goodness each month click here:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
161.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3978230412
NOW FOR SOMETHING REALLY BIG
I HAVE THIS CONSTANT CURIOSITY ABOUT MY FELLOW RACERS, pretty much anybody I meet... and it goes like this...
When's your next big race?
Am I asking because I'm nosy? Is it that I'm trying to find a training partner? Or, perhaps figure out if we're going to be battling it out?
No.
I'm just generally curious about what is driving them... and I'm always on the lookout for a new epic race.
Plus... I've found people with big challenges on the horizon are the people I relate to the most, they're de facto PEDALposse.
My friends at TBD Racing have one big race a year, and they all train for it together. LoToJa. A 200 mile blast from Utah to Wyoming.
My friend Tommy has done Leadville 10 years in a row.
My friend Chad loves to go to Sea Otter.
The big event is one of the things I believe in... not as a deity, but as part of the secret to lifelong fitness.
There are two others: a weekly discipline and being an athlete.
I'm going to dive into all 3 of these in next month's Campfire Stories - the printed on real paper monthly letter I send to the PEDALposse along with a special gift.
If you're into that sorta thing...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
163.4 lbs
Pullups/Pushups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3975841462
SHE'S SO HEAVYYYYYYYYY
WHEN I'M IN THE ZONE I LIKE TO GROOVE TO THE SAME SONG OVER AND OVER. But, no headphones on the bike for me. It's in my head. Loud!
At work this morning it was I Want You (She's So Heavy) by Los BayAhtLays. Over and over and over.
Was it because Coach Loran's video #6 destroyed me hours earlier? So much balancing with a heavy focus on shoulders...
... staring at the red blossom in my backyard, on 1 leg, bent over, doing reverse flies with weights my shoulders were firing. But, I didn't let go even as the weight got heavier and heavier...
... all the while Loran is whispering Fnd your focal point.
I was reminded of the power in having distant focal point again this evening... we were ripping single track on the gravel bikes and this trail had a number of skinny bridges - pic of one above.
If there's one thing I've learned...
... do NOT...
... under any circumstances look at the bridge itself as you ride across...
...or worse...
... the perilous threats off the sides...
... panicking and crashing are nearly always the result.
Like Coach Loran's video #6, finding a focal point beyond the challenge is the proven path to success.
If you're into that kind of thing, then maybe you'd be into the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3971337029
SOME DAD I AM...
MY SON SHOWED UP FOR A BIKE RIDE TODAY. I was excited to get him on a gravel bike for the first time, and he was looking forward to riding something other than a mountain bike.
He brought his gear in a funny little back pack.
We changed.
As we're talking and putting on our socks I grab my shoes.
He grabs his... ooops!
No shoes...
... and I'm thinking, how could I gear him up with everything but the bike and not include a RaceDay Bag™?
What kind of dad am I?
We had a good laugh... just like old times.
I loaned him some running shoes and mounted up some platform pedals. Off we went... just a dad and his boy.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags
I'll probably get him this new design called the Royal Racer. And, customize it with his name. If you want to get one with your name or your kids name, let me know... I'll do Free personalization on any bag for the first person to raise their hand via an email.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3951358459
THE PYRAMID OF POWER
WHETHER OR NOT YOU BELIEVE IN THE FOOD PYRAMID, here's a pyramid you can believe in: The Old Diesel's pyramid of power.
I came up with this years ago, and it's pretty simple.
Could you get more scientific? For sure.
Could a high level coach like Brian McCulloch or Jeanna Miller do better? Yep.
Will this do in a pinch? Be good enough for most? Make a helluvalotta sense? I think so, especially if you have no idea what you're doing.
The pyramid is 10-30-60.
10% of you time should be in the Imagonnadie range.
30% in the Icoulddothisforawhile range.
60% in the Icandothisalldaylong range.
Of course, I could break that down into heart rate and power zones. And, I might. But, before I get there it's critical to think of this as big blocks vs every ride is 10-30-60. For that my dear pedalertothemedaler would be assured failure... and it's precisely what most newriders do.
On just 2 of my days I'll hit that Imagonnadie effort. For me, that's Tuesday and Saturday. And even then, it's only a fraction of the ride. Let's say I'm riding 10 hours a week. That means no more than 1 hour total will be in the Imagonnadie/redzone/zone5... for me that's north of 175bpm.
By default I'll also pick up a fair amount of Icoulddothisforawhile miles on the way up and way down to maximum effort. The other place I'll get that is on Wednesdays. Wednesdays are my tempo days, and they're usually dirt days as well.
The other days of the week I'll be at the Icandthisalldaylong pace. Easypeasy miles. The ones most fools skip. I get these miles in on Monday and Friday for sure... warming up and cooling down on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday... and if I ride Thursday.
More than half of my time is in zone1 and zone2.
What few understand or know is that it's in zone2 that your body will build more capillaries, not in 3, 4 or 5. It's in zone1 that your body recovers and can actually get stronger.
For most of you wily veterans of wheel this is a ho-hum review... but, you might find it a helpful way to share with the newriders.
Tomorrow is Tuesday... and if you read last Wednesday ya might recall I was a little hacked off with myself for being a wheelsucker that last few weeks/months. I went easy today. I skipped my usual 2-3 mile Sunday walk in the sand yesterday.
Right now I gotta getta to sleep.
Because we all know tomorrow we gotta ride hard!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
You can get this shirt, delivered!, for a mere 20 bones.
Or a lot less if you're a member of the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3959446037
TOP 3 REASONS NOT TO GET A GRAVEL BIKE
HERE ARE MY TO 3 REASONS NOT TO GET A GRAVEL BIKE:
- You don't want new adventures in your life.
- You like the limited options of a road bike and/or MTB.
Top 10 reasons to get a gravel bike:
- You love riding road, and want to get away from cars.
- You love riding road, and want to improve your dirt skills.
- You love riding road, and want to expand the route options around town.
- You love riding road, and want to jump curbs.
- You love riding road, and want a play bike for easy days.
- You love riding dirt, and want to ride to it faster.
- You love riding dirt, and want add road skills to your repertoire.
- You love riding dirt, and want a new challenge.
- You love riding dirt, and have a lot of smooth trails and gravel roads.
- You love riding dirt, and want to ride more of it.
Explaining the fun of gravel riding has been challenging to say the least. I'm not sure why that it is. Maybe it's because those who know me know I'm a little off to begin with, know that I tend to see things differently, have my own quirky approrach to life.
I dunno.
All I do know is... if I had to choose just one bike, it'd be the gravel bike.
You know the old joke... jack of all trades, master of none?
Well, the gravel bike is jack of all rides, master of fun. I don't know why that is, exactly. Is it the wrongness of fatish tires on the road? Drop bars on the dirt? But, I do know...
... if you're into adventure and big smiles, gravel is a lock.
For fairly obvious reasons I named this bike The Highlighter... and it's often the highlight of my day.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three
Because it will take you to places like this
Which just might be a lot closer to home than you think...
... and that's a pretty cool thing....
... to find out there's a whole other network of roads and trails that are too tame for MTB and too challenging for road.. just right for a morning jaunt or an all day escape.
Gimme a jingle when you're ready... in the meantime check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3951358459
THE MILESTIME CONTINUUM
THERE'S A SECRET SKILL WE DEVELOP AS ALLCONSUMED CYCLISTS SQUEEZING EVERY MOMENT OUT OF LIFE:
The milestime continuum.
This is where, unlike normal humans, we are able to calculate how long it takes to ride somewhere down to the second. And, equally powerful, we are able to end our rides at exactly the right time.
Which is exactly what I was doing this morning while falling further in love with my new BMC URS...
... I wanted to stop at my happy place, Trabuco General Store, 2 hours in, for a Mexican Coke and a Mexican popcicle...
... it was so hot and I was in a bad way.
I pulled up and saw a gent and his sweet BMW moto.
That's a beautiful bike. Have you taken it up on Saddleback?
Yes, it's not as good as it looks on that dirt.
Well, it look like a lot of fun,
It is... do you ride?
I used to, in the desert, with the kids. But, not lately.
Just two dudes geeking out on two wheeled stuff.
I go in, gather my supplies. Note, I've been doing this routine a couple of times a month for nearly 20 years. So, when I go to pay and realize I've forgotten my RaceDay wallet and their ApplePay isn't working and I ask...
Do you trust me?
No.
... I'm slightly hacked off, but mainly sad... that sad you get when you've been melting in the heat because you started late because you wanted to hang out with the fam even though you knew it was going to be a scorcher and now you've got miles to go with no sustenance kinda sad.
Dejected, I squat on the bench and think why not?
Do you have Venmo?
No.
Darn... I forgot my wallet and...
No problem.
5 minutes later we're at the same table and we proceed to male bond over motos and bicycles and living in the foothills and raising kids and what we do for work and ...
Last year I rode from here to Yellowstone. 1018 miles.
How many days?
1.
That's incredible.
Where did you ride your bike from?
San Clemente, mostly on dirt roads.
That's incredible.
I guess the point of all this is it's just darn hard not to love people who get around on 2 wheels.
But, I know you're wondering how I'm going to pay Leo if he doesn't have Venmo?
Well we also talked about the book I'm currently reading Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. That seems like a better thing than a few dollars... especially for a guy like Leo, an engineer and rider of huge distances.
Of course this messed up my larger plans for the day, requiring an adjustment in the milestime continuum... speeding up and shortening the distance.
One thing for ya gotta have this time of year is the big bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
These are my favorites... special topsecret coating shields the bottle's innards, it's like drinking from glass.
$20 for 2, free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3951358459
IRRATIONALITY IN THE AGE OF
I THINK ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IS UNHEALTHY LEVELS OF COMPLETELY IRRATIONAL EXPECTATIONS.
Take our customer Dallas.
He calls up today...
Todd, I turned 70 this week and I rode 70 miles. Can you believe that?
Yes...
None of my friends get it. I picked up this bike thing a few years ago.
Well...
But, my new riding buddies get it. They even rode with me, and had a nice birthday cake surprise at the end. Can you believe that?
Heckyes I can believe that!
Ask most sexagenarians if they'll be able to ride 70 miles on their 70th birthdays and they'll think you're crazy.
It's not irrational to think you can ride 70 miles on your 70th... it's irrational to think this wonderful gift of a human body isn't made for it, it's irrational to think that letting yourself go is the way to go, it's irrational to think being out of shape is going to have you in shape when the grim reaper comes knocking.
I see all these severely out of shape people ripping around on ebikes thinking they are doing a body good.
Fools!
I mean... it's good to get outside, get away from the dawgawn screens that captivate our turningtojelly minds, yeah... that's all good.
But...
... it's irrational to think you can't do a helluva a lot more...
... and downright pathetic.
I suppose I should put a disclaimer in here for all all the reasons an ebike is acceptable - like Parkinson's, etc. And that's true, there is a place.
But...
... well this reminds me of a story my deardead dad told me about trying to decide between a MercedesBenz and a Porsche - he was single and trying to score a lady, and it worked, then he got a famvan - the Porsche salesman said this...
Yes, the Benz is nice but if you have the balls to really drive and live dangerously there's nothing like a Porsche!
... to which I say...
The ebike is nice, but if you have the balls to go for maximum health there's nothing like racing a bicycle under your own Godgiven power!
Can I get an Amen?
In honor of Dallas turning 70 and riding 74 miles, who changed his life there's a promo on the changing poncho... 'cause guess what Dallas bought himself for his bday?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
Yeah... you know he's committed to driving to races and great rides if he's getting the extra famous PEDALindustries changing poncho.
Use promo code: DALLAS
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3945713684
LOVE AT FIRST BIKE
THE FIRST RIDE ON A NEW BIKE IS LIKE ___________?
First kiss?
A first date?
Wedding night?
There's so much build up... and no matter how much research you've done, how many people you've talk to, how persuasive the brochures are... you're really not sure what you've gone and done right thing.
As alluring as the shiny paint and fancy wheels an all the other bells and shifters are, there's always a bit of trepidation before that first ride.
What if it's not a bundle of awesomeness?
What if we aren't a match?
What if....
Such were my thoughts tonight as I took my first pedals on my new BMC URS (unrestricted).
I'll do a full write up after I get a proper bike fit. For now, let's just say...
... I got lucky!
There will be a lot of fast graveling.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-fast-curved-bill?variant=10683321516068
if I was to get a tattoo this would be it. RIDE FAST right across my knuckles. Until I do, this is one of my go to hats.
It ships free.
Yep for a mere 20 bones you can prep your significants for the inevitable tattoo.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-fast-curved-bill?variant=10683321516068
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Morning Surf
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3943403778
IF YOUR NAME IS JEFF... POUNDING BIRD BEAKS... AND A YELP FOR HELP
IF YOUR NAME IS JEFF AND YOU COME FOR A VISIT WE COULD DO A KILLER GRAVEL RIDE. Like today, where we pounded a bunch of bird beaks... and heard the sadvoice yelp for help.
Do you have to be named Jeff?... no, but it's definitely trending.
Does it have to be a grave ride?... no, but why not?
... But, T.O.D. you live in a surf town, with lots of pavement and bike lanes, and ripping single track how can you have good gravel too?...
I know. It's a heavy burden. But, it's all true. We have a lot of good gravel adventuring around here... and 2 out of 2 Jeffs highly recommend it.
If you've got the guts, I'll take you on an epic like today - link below.
But, beware the bird beaks!...
... these nasty things can create all sorts of havoc - torn tires, cracked rims, burped air pressure - but, generally they're easy to avoid.
What is a bird beak?
It's a rock buried in our hard as cement clay dirt with 1-3 inches sticking up. They'd don't give at all when you hit 'em, just a giant shockwave up through your extremities and out the vents in your helmet or your mouth in the form of Ouweeeee!
Chris, The Wrench, joined us... it's always good to bring the chief mechanic along. But, how could a man of his skills could be so hilariously unlucky?
There we were, 4 hours into our ride. We'd covered 50ish miles and just under 5000' of vert. Oh, and it was nearly 100 degrees.
Even though we'd stopped for the traditional Mexican popsicles and Coke... It's possible we were slightly fatigued.
I mean, that'd be normal right?
Anyway, we'd just cleared a section of bird beaks and were winding our way through a thicket when the clay turned to sand.
I made it.
Jeff made it.
Chris... Chris?... Chris... you okay?
Note, it's rarely a good sign when you think you heard a crash, you call out for your pal, and you hear nada.
Chris... ya alright?
No.
I have to imagine at that moment The Wrench is thinking something like this...
Howtheheck'd I get here?
How'm I gonna explain it?
Is anything broken?
Are ants crawling all over me??????!!!!!!!
I'm not even guessing on that last part.
These things are generally very funny when nothing is terribly amiss. But, you tell me... ever seen anything like this?
He's landed in such away that the bike was wedged in the branches and pinning him down... on top of a very busy ant colony!
Of course, you wondering... will he ever walk again?... and that's a big hellyeah! many a customer had their twowheeled lovers serviced by him today.
A big phew on that!
I meet a lot of great people out riding or bond to them through riding. Jeff and I met way back in college, but really bonded later over bikes. Chris and I met after he joined the PEDALposse and moved to town.
Do you have to join the PEDALposse to do any of the above?
No, but you should...
... and if you haven't clicked the link lately, I think we're better at explaining what it's all about.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3937464640
DUELING BANJOS SACK THE OLD DIESEL
IT ALL STARTED NICE ENOUGH, like the dueling banjos of Deliverance. Just a couple of yahoos on the front of the group half wheeling each other, egging each other to sprint it out... only thing is we weren't a sprinting we was just hustlin up the road to catch the B's.
But those yokels kept at it.
From light to light, corner to corner.
And The Old Diesel started to get a little tuckered.
Soon 'nuf, the ride's over and we've all gone our separate ways and I'm slogging along all by my lonesome... like that feller whos wonderin what jus happend?
Only it goes back a few months now, maybe... years?
Whenthehell did I go from hungry hound out for the kill to some hootenanny wheel sucking his way to mediocrity?
Is there a worse feeling than this... than the feeling that ya just spent the whole, entire workout on the defensive... playing it safe... on a group ride! Fer crying outloud... that's a shame is what it is.
It was those damd dueling banjos... those young guns hitting it hard at every opportunity.
To which I can only say one thing.
There's gonna be some pig squealing next week.
But, there won't be an chain squealing because I've found me a new wax based lube that I luuuuuuuv.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
The thing I like about this lube... besides the fact that it's a wax, because I love waxbased lubes... it lasts a long time, and the bottle is just perfect. The nozzle is about the same width as a chain link. I just rest it on the chain and hit each link one at a time and it seems to drop just the right amount to coat each and every link.
If you haven't heard of Wend here's the downlow. This product is created by Ryan Dahl who's family owns the largest surf wax manufacturing company in the world, famously known as Sticky Bumps. Ryan is the bike racer in the family, and he used the company's resources to develop this top notch product.
I know it's cliche to say made by bike racers for bike racers... lame!... but it's not... it's made by surfers for bike racers... and we all know crosspollination is where it's at!
Use promo code: WEND
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3931479877
FAKE BIKES
WHAT COULD YOU EXPECT FROM A TEAM OF NORTH AMERICAN COWBOYS? Not one single person on the 1986 7-11 bicycle racing team had a lick of Tour de France experience. Not the riders. Not the directors. Not the owners...
... and not the bicycle manufacturer, Murray.
But, they weren't even Murrays.
No, what these cowboys were riding into town were custom built frames by soontobe famous Ben Serrotta. Ben got no credit. Murray, the team sponsor ponied up to be on that frame.
How good were they? Good enough for Alex Steida to rope the first yellow jersey by any North American. Yep, and at the peak of Lemond's hayday. In fact, Lemond would be the first North American to win the Tour de France that same year.
And... I reckon that's a good way to prove the point that it's what's on the inside that counts.
Nobody knew the truth.
Nobody knew how well American criterium racing would pay off for the team.
Nobody knows I'm doing push ups and pull ups tonight.
Nobody knows I'm saying no to Chick-fil-a right now, even though it smells so good and my daughter keeps offering me some of her shake.
Nobody knows...
... exactly what the PEDALposse is all about except those who check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3926596531
I HOPE THAT SOMEONE GETS MY...
I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TSHIRTS WE'VE PRINTED UP IN THE LAST YEAR... probably because some troll made this uninformed comment on a fun video we made:
Instead of making fun of people like that, put your efforts into helping them be better prepared for riding or racing !!!
And, I'm thinking... Oh my dear little clueless troll... what do you think we are doing every, single, day?
What trollypoo missed is the focus of the video was this guy getting geeked up on our product and making fun of himself!
But, back to our message(s) which I crammed into the above graphic... it's really our (mine and yours) message to the world.
It's not a panacea... but, it's a helluva good place to start... and a lot of fun...
... like this video:
If you happen to get inspired by that cinematic masterpiece and want to get a RaceDay Bag™ for yourself or a friend...
Use this promo code: OURMESSAGE
... and add a t-shirt for Free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3923516697
POST RIDE TREATS
IN OLD TIME MOVIES THE ACTORS WOULD GO FROM FLIRTATIOUS TO DISHEVELED IN BED SMOKING A CIGARETTE signaling they'd just had a good roll in the sack. Around these parts, bike riders go from kitted up to disheveled and mowing down pastries chugging their favorite liquid... signaling we've just had a good roll through the citycountrytrails.
It's a favorite ritual of mine, and I like it alone.
On Saturdays.
After goodbyes.
Recently I found a place with bomb breakfast burritos. So much more than a waif pastry.
I order... well first I make sure to grab my chair and table on the busy sidewalk...
A blondie always asks Traditional or vegan.
It feels a little like a question of morals...
Traditional.
It's only a question of calories for me.
Then I wait... longer than you'd think. But, I enjoy the anticipation. Do they make them from scratch when ordered or just heat up something made earlier in the day? Don't know, don't care. It's that good.
Today as I was savoring my burro, I met P. He's a government contractor who cares for the wounded from Los Altos to Pendleton to San Diego. Super good dude.
Where'd you ride?
Up here and over there.
I used to ride a lot... never could get comfortable with the shoes and being locked in.
Yeah, it's tricky.
Now I swim.
After a good while chatting and people watching - I find tourists to be highly entertaining - I head home.
At some point, I realize my wallet is missing.
This isn't just any wallet. It's my RaceDay wallet, and I know there's no way it fell out of my jersey. I check everywhere around the house. Nada. Then it hits me... I must have left it at my stop. And I'll bet good ol' P found it and turned it.
High Tide Coffe, this is Nick.
Hi Nick, it's Todd... I think
Hey brother, I have your wallet.
See ya in 5.
I pull up on my scooter.
Nick?
Todd.
Yeah, thanks so much.
Who found it?
Bethany, it was on the chair.
High Tide Coffe... good burritos, great morals!
I guess the only negative on the RaceDay wallet is it's made from bicycle inner tubes and it's a little hard to see. On, and it's super soft. And quiet. Meaning, if you lay it down on a black chair while eating an amazing breakfast burrito you might forget it after being in culinary euphoria.
But, that's it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets
I know a lot riders prefer a sandwich baggie or some other plastic thingy to carry some cash, ID, and CCs... but, there's really no comparison.
Use promo code: HIGHTIDE
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3918273749
DO AFFIRMATIONS WORK?
CONCURRENTLY, SOME OF MY RECOMMENDED SUMMER READING HAS INCLUDED TWO BOOKS THAT TOUCHED ON THE POWER OF AFFIRMATIONS. Affirmations are kinda weird, and near as I can tell nobody is quite sure what is going on... but, I've had unusual experiences, and I know I'm not alone.
Here are a few examples:
A while back I was a pretty decent MTB XC racer but mainly because I was exceptionally fast downhill. I remember thinking how cool it would be to have a racecourse that was just the downhill part of XC... a few years later Super-D was born, and I was winning Nationals.
Not long ago, I had the goal of beating the perennial champ at LoToJa.
Then, last year my outrageous goal of besting my 20 year old PR at Leadville.
Coincidence? Luck?
One explanation explored in each book was that affirmations give your subconscious something to work on and you start to notice things that would help you accomplish your goal...key point, acting on those things.
I think that's probably true.
The other superpower(?) I think affirmations can give us that neither book touched on is confidence. I've noticed that when truly big goals start to become real I can get nervous and start to doubt myself. But, when I've been steadily affirming my goals I'm significantly more confident as the changes begin to take place.
At least half of ya are thinking Bullsheets and no doubt the other half want to know the mechanics of how to do it... and I'm not even sure half of you are correct.
So before y'all go hating on me or begging me for the secret sauce... here's a quote from our young local Kevin Vermaerke who today announced he'll be racing with Team Sunweb next year:
"Taking the step up to the WorldTour is something I have been dreaming about and working towards since I first started cycling."
... that's all there is to it.
What are you dreaming about?
I'm dreaming about a few new kit designs... if you dream of designing new kits, then make sure you're signed up in...
... the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway...
and if you are signed up be sure and share it to increase your odds of winning over $1500 in product and cash.
---
163 lbs
SurfSesh with my ladies
7.5 hours sleep
No ride today.
THE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE I LIKE
MY FRIEND RB POSTED UP SOMETHING AND IT GOT ME THINKING ABOUT THE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE I LIKE. Don't get me wrong, I love everybody... but there's a helluva a big difference between liking and loving. And I don't like a lot of people.
But, I do like athletes and hard workers.
There are my people... the people I get, understand and want to hang around with.
It's partly a respect thing... I respect people who take care of their bones and flesh, regularly ringing out their best. I respect people who have a dream or passion or vision and are getting after making their best contribution.
I don't respect sloth.
Nor do I like it.
Does this make me a bad person? Probably. Do I care. Not really.
There are plenty of hardworking athletes like RB to keep me endlessly fascinated with what's possible in life.
Just like I'm endlessly fascinated with PRs
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
If you're into PRs, you might want to use this promo code: PRsRule.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.6 lbs
SurfSech
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3909872148
THE NUMBER 2 THING TO MAKE YOU FASTER ON A BIKE
YES, THE GREAT EDDY MERCKX KEPT CYCLING EXCELLENCE SIMPLE WITH HIS FAMOUS PILES OF MILES method. But, don't be fooled into thinking riding and only riding will make you a better rider. It's critical to have a number 2, too.
Almost any number 2 will work for the simple fact that cycling is such a limited range of motion.
If you haven't done a few sprints around the field catching a frisbee lately... or done any kind of side to side accelerations, you're gonna be in for a big shock when you go to show off your superfitness. Sure, you'll outlast everybody... and the next day you'll feel like you've been in a car wreck, or worse, you might actually be in traction of some sort - like my bro-in-law who tore his achilles at the family turkey bowl.
Such is the nature of this greatest, numberonest sport of ours.
It's awesomely limited.
Meaning you've got to have a number 2, and almost anything will do.
I like surfing and paddleboarding for the the balance and core work and upperbody strength. My pal JC plays tennis. PV still does all his gymnastics. NM likes her running and hiking. AS does serious construction on his house.
The list is endless.
There's another benefit besides better overall strength and fitness. Number 2 will work on your brain. Giving you new ways to solve problems on the bike - you'll see things different. When the bike training gets a little stale - and it does - you can increase your number 2 and keep your fitness.
This year I've added a number 3, which has made numbers 1 and 2 even better... coach Loran has helped make my core much stronger and I see the results standing on the pedals for long periods of time while I climb, in my stability when sprinting, and my ability to pop up fast when surfing.
We work out live at 7am on Wednesday mornings... you can join us on Instagram.
Or, you can use the Coach Loran exclusive videos that are part of the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165 lbs
Coach Loran Live
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3905260995
ONE SMALL STROKE FOR MAN, ONE GIANT SPRINT FOR MANKIND
NOBODY GETS ELON'S SPACE-X LIKE WE DO. For example, the final minute of our terrible penultimate climb is called Blastoff. While I was more of a bottle rocket than a 4ofJuly today, I had nonetheless begun my countdown hours before.
Like a real astronaut.
Because our arena of competition is so vast - the entire planet Earth! - we have weird things no other sports have. First timer BL reminded me of this on the ride.
Meet me at the corner at 602.
That's a weird time.
I know, but that's when we get there and you don't want to be late or you'll miss the ride which leaves at 625.
Of course, for brevity, I left out a whole bunch of other minute markers.
Dinner by 7.
Prep bike and bottles.
PJs by 9.
Stretch and roll.
Sleep by 930.
Wake up 5.
Dressed by 530.
Out the door by 538.
Meet the locals at 550.
All of which when done right gets me to the launch pad on time, to be reminded of all the sinning I did last night eating pizza and wings and ice cream with my childrens.
None of which would be any fun if the rest of posse wasn't doing their own countdowns... getting their spacesuits on, putting Tang in their bottles, air in their tires...
... yeah, Elon, you're cool... but we're launching multiple times a week.
You know what else we're launching?... our retail kits. We have a very limited selection of inventory. I expect this will sell out, but don't let it worry your pretty little helmetcovered head. We're making more all the time.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/instock-kits
These are our famous Speed Jerseys and Pro Bibs.
I shouldn't do a promo code, because I know they're going to sell out. In fact, I won't. But... if you're a really clever girl, you may have remembered the secret code that always works - SAVE10... don't tell JJ, my CFO... keep it on the downlow.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/instock-kits
---
165 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/389796963
DIETS THAT DON'T SUCK
EVERY NOW AND THEN I COME UP WITH SOME KOOKY BODY HACK TO LOSE WEIGHT. Sometimes it’s something I’ve read or heard about, sometimes it’s just the mad scientist in me. The inspirations generally come in the Fall, when the riding is down and the waistline is widening. It’s this time of year when the weirdness pops up and strikes.
Previous hacks include:
The Excedrin PM Diet – eat normally* and take a few PMs around 9 to knock yourself out and not be getting up to eat in the middle of the night.
The Drink A Lot of Water Diet – drink enough water and you end up eating less because sometimes you think you’re hungry when your actually thirsty.
The Yogurtland Diet – eat normally during day, have a tiny dinner with a trip to Yogurtland as a reward.
The Sardines and Beans Diet – start the day off with a can of sardines and 1/2 a can of black beans… the key is to go big protein to get the day started.
The King-Queen-Prince Diet – this is a giant breakfast, decent lunch and puny dinner before 7… this is probably the healthiest and the one I fail at most easily.
The Salad For Dinner Diet – eat normally and have a giant salad for dinner… I like this one the most, but I’m lazy and don’t always want to make a giant vegetable salad.
With a few races looking likely... Is it time for… The Haagen Dazs Diet? – giant bowl of oatmeal with nuts and fruit for breakfast, mid-day snack, a protein laden lunch at 3pm, and a pint of Haagen Dazs just before bed.
Don’t laugh, they all work.
They may not all be healthy,
But they sure are fun.
Almost as fun as busting out the RaceDay wallet... because it is made from real bicycle innertube and always makes me smile.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets
This is the best ride wallet ever for one very simple reason: it stays put in my jersey pocket.
There's something about the grippiness of the tube against the jersey that keeps it so secure.
If you're looking for a very stealthy wallet, that is perfect for riding, and unlike anything your nonriding pals pull out, this is the ticket.
We can also make them for your race team, or any organization.
Use promo code SAVE10.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3892974624
THE WIDOW'S MIGHT
SOME OF YA MAY KNOW THE STORY OF THE WIDOW'S MITE. That's not what this is, this is about the widow's might... specifically my bike widow's might. Too many a Saturday starts with me out early for a long bike ride and ends up with me comatose on the couch.
So I changed things up.
Took my widow to the mountains for some DH runs, then camping and stargazing. No cell service could be the best thing ever... nothing to do but talk and listen and appreciate this beautiful planet.
At dawn, I snuck out. Set up for some breaky... read till the sun hit my pages and warmed up enough for her to stick her head out.
Time to hike.
We found the PCT, often referred to as the Perfect Cycling Trail... though the Pacific Crest Trail is anything but bike friendly or legal. Still.. it is a beautiful trail and would make for a great ride.
A funny thing happens when you drive a van around with huge bike related logo in the middle of the forest... random riders ask for help. I felt like a regular mobile bike mechanic.
First up, young Jake needed a #2 allen to tighten his shock actuator.
Second, old Ryan who had ridden his brand new bike for a total of 5 minutes and busted the chain. He's knew to the sport, and I explained that while it had been at least 10 years since I'd had a chain break... in the early days of MTB riding you'd never, ever venture off without a chain breaker because a busted chain was a regular occurrence. Had him patched up in no time.
And this is where the widow's might comes in... I'm just happy to help... and before Ryan can leave she's all
Dude, do you know about the race day bag?
So, I grab mine and 'xplain it.
He grabs his and proceeds to make a great demo video... all marketing masters would say I'm committing a bozonono by sending you away to watch this video because you might not come back and read the rest of this riveting post about the widow's might... but, who cares... this is good stuff, just clic the pic.
Now, it's possible she would have done that anyway...
... but I dunno...
... she's pretty into me right now...
... and that's mighty worth it.
You know what else is worth it don't you... mocking everybody who busts out a duffle bag for their riding gear, or worse... LOL... a trash bag!
If you are not yet converted to our evil ways... well, shame on you!... either use this code SAVE10 or get your buns over to The Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
? lbs
Relax
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3889038813
MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR DUMMIES
MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR DUMMIES
TODAY WAS LIKE STEPPING INTO THE BATTING CAGE, but for mountain bikes. All I could think of was my one friend in town who always says I'm not going with you, you're too fast.
Whether or not that is true, one thing is for sure... there is no better place to improve MTB handling skills than at a ski resort.
Hop on the lift, survey the mountain, reflect on the previous run, do it again.
Want proof?
I got none.
Except this... the first few runs I was quite rusty. Not feeling it. Trepidatious. The soil is much sandier than home, the light was different... and TBH, I taint been shreddingthegnar much lately.
And, don’t tell her, but riding with Surfergirl requires totally different moves. A lit’l slow. After a few runs, she was ready for a break which meant it was time the The Old Diesel to open it up a bit.
Within another run I found my MTB legs.
The next run was even better.
I got to know the mountain, the soil, figuring out the most funnestest run... and ripping it over and over.
That’s the point.
You can’t really do that with any other bike racing skill... except maybe at the track, which would probably bore me to death. Me being me.
The downhill part of a mountain bike race is a lot like a sprint. Guts and speed make a big difference.
And with the lift... you get to practice miles and miles of descending in just a couple of hours... plus, the whole time you’re pretty fresh.
Speaking of fresh... my nethers are doing quite fine after taking my own advice from yesterday... thankyouverymuch...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
While I won't be needing the PR Lotion to keep up with 'er, I'm including it with the promotion...
Use promo code: COMMIT
And when you order anything from the link below the 2nd item will be 30% savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Relax
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3884913519
COMMIT. DON'T THINK!
TOMORROW SURFERGIRL AND I ARE GOING TO AN MTB PARK - her choice - and I expect to find some steep entries. These are often preceded by a gentle ho-hum trail... only it looks like the trail ends and you're going to go flying off into the tree tops.
The natural thing to do is roll slow... then you have a choice...
... stop because you're unsure...
... or roll with confidence...
... what you cannot do, EVER!, is think about it with one wheel over the edge or worse both wheels.
You must commit to quit or ride it out.
If you commit to ride it you have one (1) objective...
... to stay laserfocused on the trail ahead.
Do not look down.
Do not try and stop.
Do not look at all the boulders and other hazzards... the shiz that can do ya in.
Your vision must be only on the trail, on the goal, on the prize.
Feel free to apply liberally to any and all quests for greatness.
You know what else I'll be applying liberally tomorrow?
Chamois Butt'r, for a coupla reasons. One, I hoping they have a great burger/bbq so she can eat and I can shred a little longer. Two, after we ride we'll be driving up to Big Bear Lake for some RnR... in other words, no shower right after.
I've found a healthy dollop of the Butt'r to be excellent at protecting my special purpose on those days I taint gonna be hitting the shower right quick.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
While I won't be needing the PR Lotion to keep up with 'er, I'm including it with the promotion...
Use promo code: COMMIT
And when you order anything from the link below the 2nd item will be 30% savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7.6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3878789094
BACK TO THE DATING SCENE
RIDE LONG ENOUGH AND YOUR BELOVED XYZ IS GONNA BE SHELVED. And, it's gonna stench and be quite a shock. Like having your lover move on out. Unannounced.
For the 2nd year in a row my goto pedals have been phased out...
... left me single...
... and there tain't no Tinder for forlorn cyclists.
That's the bad news.
The good news is...
... there's a reason the old the is old, it's old.
There are a lot of new options.
Fortunately, Chris The Wrench had a set of Durace ace pedals to take dancing tonight.
Like all good blind dates, I was a bit nervous.. But, within a few minutes I felt dramatically more connected to the bike... like a lot.
So, of course, I threw out the Imgoingslowtonight and stomped around on 'em a bit.
It's just a first date, but I'll be dawgawned if I didn't feel a bit of chemistry.
Kinda feels like I got lucky tonight.
Are you looking for some luck?... maybe a snappy, lucky green tshirt is just what you need... made from our softest cotton, printed with special inks you cannot feel...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green
... and cut to fit an athlete's body, like yours.
Get it now with this code: LuckyGreen
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.2lbs
Stretch N Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3876434455
THERE RIDES THE PEACE TRAIN
I'D LIKE TO ROLL OUT, meet the posse at the corner. Go through town and have all the crazy cats that ride bikes join us in a big train. Roadies, gravelers, MTBrs, beach cruisers, commuters, BMXrs... boys and girls, olduns and younguns... all of ya's!
... and just ride...
... to nowhere in particular...
... maybe a big park, with a healthysized barbecue, and hire Cat Stevens to come sing with us.
I can't imagine a better group of people.
Can you?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace
When Joe designed this kit I couldn't tell what was below the word PEACE.
What is that Joe?
It's peace in every language.
Ah... yes, of course.
I've been wearing this kit a lot lately,
Now I've been happy lately
Thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun
Oh, I've been smiling lately
Dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be
Someday it's going to come.
- Cat Stevens, Peace Train
Maybe we'll do a Peace Train ride soon... maybe you need this promo code to push yourself over the edge: PEACE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165lbs
Coach Loran Live today
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3871222528
SOMETHING ELSE
ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR, it's never the same day, we have our unOFFICIAL TMWC which, for me, is just a helluva an excuse to rally the troops to get outta bed very early and race around our course with us.
Our numbers go from 30ish to 100+.
We don numbers.
Raise money for the local high school MTB teams.
Set PRs and course records.
But, more than anything else we look into each others and see more than Strava could ever tell us. We see our friends, We see ourselves. We see the goodness that we represent... mostly dudes, a few ladies... hard working, family loving... people that care about each other, and who I've personally counted on in tough times.
It's our religion I guess.
And I'll miss it this year.
BIKEDARS AND BARBEQUES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT US? About when we see another rider? It's so weird. Anytime I'm driving around town and I see another rider in a proper kit and I'm like... Do I know that cat?
I can't help it.
Sometimes it's embarrassing.
Surfergirl is like... Do you know that cat?
Most of the time I don't, but more than you'd expect I do. If that makes sense.
I guess what I'm trying to explain is we have this inner bikedar and it goes like this...
Do I know that cat?
Yes/No?
Do I like that cat?
Yes/No?
What kinda bike is that?
Rad/Bad?
Can I beat that cat?
Probably/No way?
... in a matter of seconds we determine if we know somebody, scan their gear, size up their talent, and file it away... and the best part is nobody, and I mean nobody else in the car even has a clue of what we're up to... hahaha!
So, when we were at the beach tonight having a little family BBQ on a stretch of sand that is heavily traveled by all sorts of riders... and I'm just chatting away with the family... and my bikedar starts beeping like crazy, I look up and see all my pals heading home the group ride, and I quickly do that calculations...
Yes
Yes
Rad
Probably
I don't think any other sport is quite as nutty as this... because what other sport do you see people practicing as you go about your life?
I dunno.
But, I do know that the Knog bells are just outstanding with a quality sound and a very stylish look. This time of year with all the peeps along our bike trails they come in darn handy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
If you're in need of one of these gems, we've got a few in stock and can ship them right away.
Use promo code: BIKEDAR
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3863650030
DO THIS AND YOU'LL NEVER SLOW DOWN
ABOUT 100 YEARS AGO I READ IN VELOSNOOZE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE GREAT KENT BOSTICK. He was prepping for the '96 Olympics at the ancient age of 43. I was 30ish and all ears, wanting to be fast again some day... as my dadbod expanded like my hero Fred Flintstone's.
What could it be?
Surely it was impossible, nothing a mere mortal could do.
Four years prior, in the middle of summer, on a hot Utah plain, I saw Kent decimate the pro field in a road race all by his lonesome... I was there to pick up some points towards the realm of a lowly Cat 2... he was there for the cash. A pro. Nearly 40.
It was unheard of.
So was going to the Olympics at his age, and the national news picked up on the story.
Even Velosnooze couldn't foul up this interview. They were drooling over themselves for this exclusive, and from what I could tell then Kent was just a humble dude who loved racing and wasn't ready to give it up.
So... here's the secret:
VN Kent how have you stayed in shape all these years, and kept the fire going.
KB Well, I really like racing... and I ride hard twice a week year round.
VN What about the off season.
KB There is no off season.
And that stuck in my mind like Excalibur in the stone. The very idea that simply riding hard twice a week could hold off father time was so simple, even I could do it.
And I did.
Rarely has a week passed that I haven't ridden hard on Tuesday and hard again on Saturday. And, I've found to be rather magical.
We call our ride the TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships), and have a lot of fun with it. Check it outl
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
One of the guys ordered an XL kit only to realize he's a medium, doh!... so, if you're looking for an exceptional XL kit at 40% off shoot me an email quickly... there's onl 1 of these.
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163 lbs
Pullups/Pushups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3858530251
THE 2 TYPES OF BIKE PREP
I HAVE 2 MODES WHEN IT COMES TO BIKE PREP. One I'll do tonight, the other I hope to do sooner rather than later.
One is shameful.
One is zenful.
Tonight's bike prep will be a quick check of the tire pressure and drivetrain freshness. It's late, I wanna hit the hay.
The other is the day before a race bike prep... A full detail, going over every single part. Checking for anything loose or worn out. Anything that could fail.
One is often rushed.
The other is slow, careful and thoughtful.
When you want to hurry something that means you no longer care about it.
- Robert Pirsig
One thing I never want to hurry is my recovery which involves stretching and rolling and sleep and food... and which I'll cover in my next CampFire stories, which is part of the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHY IT'S FOOLISH NOT TO RACE.
EVERYBODY RACES. Because everybody loves the feeeeeeeling, the sensaaaaaation of having a future that's better than their past.
Let that sink in.
Deep.
A few of my friends have been laid up this year, their racing back to full health. Some others have never pinned a number or ridden in a group, but I pitty the fool who tries to beat them to the top of the hill. All my pals are uploading as soon as they get home to see if they got any cups. Many of us live, truly live, for the next big epic race.
Why just this morning Chris donkeykicked up the last climb.
I dig that... because I'm already hatching a plan to pay him back next ride.
That plan hatchery is what I'm talking about. It's what makes saying no to cake and ice cream easypeasy. It makes doing push ups and pull ups before jumping in the shower seem normal.
Sometimes, a lot more lately, I have to redefine the race... adjust to circumstances I can't control... but I never start the day without a race in mind.
I guess it's why I love this hat so much...
http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway
... which you can score for 40% off when you enter the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway.
http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3849634430
I'M A LOCAL LEGEND... LAAAAAAAAAME.
DID STRAVA JUST BECOME THE KING OF PARTICIPATION TROPHIES? Sheesh. It works like this, if you ride a segment more than anybody else for a month you're the Local Legend.
Is there a weaker, lamer metric to track?
C'mon Strava... who's in charge over there? Some punk who had a graduating kindergarten ceremony? A kid who's soccer team never one a game but made sure everybody got something like Most Improved At Trying Hard?
How many of you are the Local Legend of the only way to get out of your neighborhood?
That ain't for us.
We're for PRs... preferably unaided by wind and groups... but PRs nonetheless.
... for winning actual races... climbing up on an actual podium.
... for smoking our pals to the city limit signs.
The only legend we want is to be known for being committed to doing our very best. Every. Single. Day. And we don't need no stinking trophy for that, because we know it and those around us know it. It shows in all we do.
This is why I always say PRs are better than KOMs.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
Get the word out.
Get free shipping.
Get yourself some savings when you use promo code: PRsRule
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
---
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
161.6 lbs
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3843862446
THINGS WE FLICK
THERE'S A LOT OF FLICKING IN THE WORLD. Some flick boogers, all flick light switches. Cigs get flicked out car windows, buttons on jeans get flicked open, and snakes' tongues flicker... and a few of us, flick our elbows.
That's the kinda flicking I was witnessing tonight on the ride.
Poor ol' sap stuck on the front of the group in a horrendous amount of wind. Tired. Starts flickin' the elbow for someone to pull through.
Nada.
But, he's not a poor ol' sap... he's BigTom, of the strongest guys on the ride, and we're all just laughing at him.
From 10 guys back I mosey up to the front thanking him for being such a sucker as I roll by.
That wasn't very nice... but, that's the kinda friendly stuff we do.
Sometimes no amount of flicking will get ya any help. Sometimes ya just have to stop pedaling and force people around ya. I've done it many a time to my friends and frenemies.
I've seen some really cool friendly things this week at the biz.
One friend took advantage of that ridiculous buy the gloves get the socks deal last week and sent them to a friend. The friend upon receiving them decided to pay it forward and sent it to another friend.
I felt kind of like a florist on Valentine's Day... writing notes like Cronk love you and Chris wants you to look sharp on Tuesday.
If you're into that kind of thing, the code will still work through 7/31.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
There are lots of combos if you like to be matchymatchy.
So go ahead and use the promo code from last week: SEERED
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry
161.8lbs
Stretch
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3841335052
SOMETHINGS YOU JUST CAN'T TEACH
YOU CAN'T TEACH CYCLESENSE. As we descended down towards the stop sign it became apparent one rider was going to go straight and the rest of were turning. My cyclesense could feel it a few hundred meters or so prior to the impending doom. But newguy wasn't feeling it, nor was mr.goingstraight. For me, it was like watching a slow motion train wreck... finally at 50 meters I couldn't take it, and blurted out something like...
Watchwereyoufriggingoinghesturningandhesgoingstraight.
The only way to develop cyclesense is to ride a lot.
Fortunately for me, one of my best friends is kinda like Mr. Magoo... totally absentminded and after nearly taking me out many times on a ride I not only explicitly tell him we're turning, but I also use hand signals. All those near misses developed my cyclesense for the above scenario.
Cyclesense like a superpower that you forget you have until you get around a rider with an undeveloped cyclesense.
The problem is how to tell whose got it and who doesn't.
Here are a few tells:
- Arms locked straight
- Sprinting like a puppy, wasting energy
- Poor fitting gear
Not that looking stylish, having good form and playing it cool are a guaranty you'll live to ride again... they aren't.
Nor is casually asking How long you been ridin'?
Really the best way to know is to develop your own cyclesense by riding a lot. Trust me, it will rarely lead you astray. In groups, on treacherous trails, in traffic, on gravel... it all strengthens and combines to protect you.
You know what else will protect you and look stylish?
A fine, fine helmet from Italy... whether you need an aero, all around or offroad specific solution these are my faves.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Sometimes there's nothing like a new helmet.
If you think there one in your future, check these out...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Use promo code SAVE10, unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the super code:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3836258720
WHAT A DUMMY!
I THOUGHT I WAS SO SMART... I'd meticulously prepped for this morning's ride. Bottles made and in the fridge. Clothes laid out. Glasses cleaned. Chain freshened and waxed. Pump by bike. Lights mounted. Computer snapped in. Derailleur batteries charged.
What could go wrong?
5am alarm was set, and I snapped right up with pleeeeenty of time to thoughtfully get ready. Meandered about the house drinking, dressing, curling my hair and putting on my make up.
Right on cue, I grabbed my bike and rolled easy. I had 12 minutes to get to the start, and I planned to use all of them. You know get a nice warm up, enjoy the quiet and emerging light of day.
It was so peaceful when to my horror I looked down...
... no water bottles!!!!...
... shiz, shiz, shiz... there's no way I could make 62 miles, 5000' of climbing with the ferocious beasts I call my friends sans the good stuff.
3 minutes from home.
Whipped the bike around. Raced back home. Clickityclacked into and out of the house... and set a PR heading to the start. Chased the fellas hard for the first 20 minutes.
I was warmed up, oh was I warmed up!
During those first 3 minutes I realized the days are getting shorter. It was actually dark when I left. No prob, because I was lit up with my snazzy front and rear blinkies. Fact is, if wasn't so smugly admiring my genius at being ready and prepared with charged lights I might have realized I was missing the bottles.
If you're days are getting shorter and you're need of some lights - I run 'em daytime, front and rear - check these out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
The thing I like about these is they provide 330 degrees of light... others can see me at almost any angle.
Pretty cool.
Here's a cool promo... save 20% while supplies last or until 7/31/2020.
Promo code is: LOADBOTTLES
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3827689845
YOU SHAVED YOUR WHAT?
I VIVIDLY REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I SHAVED MY LEGS. It was like cutting down my manhood. A slow, torturous cutting. Not because it hurt, but because I was a virgin.
Should I trim first?
Shaving cream or soap?
Shower or tub?
So many doubts... first and foremost being, how much ridicule am I gonna endure from the guys.
But, these are things we do when we're passionate. And there's a lot more peculiarity about us, hence the ceaseless questions:
You rode how far?
You're eating what?
You're going to bed now?
You spent how much on a bike?
... and my favorite...
... is that really fun?
In my world, where it's Hell yeah or No, I no longer care what is said or questioned. I know for a fact...
I'm younger
healthier
and a helluvalot more fun than my contemporaries.
Which I think is the whole point of Emerson's essay titled Self-Reliance. If you've never read it, read it. I wish I'd found it a hundred years ago. It's free on the web or a couple of bucks in print.
Here are a few gems:
- Trust thyself.
- Envy is ignorance... imitation is suicide.
- A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work, and done his best.
- Society everywhere is in a conspiracy against the manhood of everyone of its members.
- Be a nonconformist.
- I must do all that concerns me, not what other people think.
- If we live truly, we shall see truly.
- Nature suffers nothing to remain in her kingdom which cannot help itself.
- God is here within.
- He does not postpone life, but lives already.
- With the exercise of self-trust, new powers shall appear.
- Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.
Maybe there's one you can put to use this week... me, I'll be doing all that concerns me and PEDALindustries.
It was that very thought that got me cranking out July's Campfire Stories for the PEDALposse...
... if you're in to being on the inside of what we're up to, check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
162.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3816711706
IS IT MORAL?
TO LIE OR NOT TO LIE, that is the question. I mean, what do you do when you want the new rider to join you on the big ride that will most likely see them ejected at some point... hopefully later than earlier?
C'mon, it's a fun ride. Everybody's real friendly. There's a couple of rollers. It's mostly downhill with a tail wind.
vs.
C'mon, it's the hardest ride around. Dudes are all pros. The climbs will sear your lungs. You'll wish you'd never woken up, or even owned a bike.
Really, what do you do?
That came up today as new guy Adam trembled at Mike's description of Tesla... it's a 2ish minute power climb designed to eject all the wheelsuckers.
Just stay on Todd's wheel.
I'm not sure if that's a compliment or a put down... I think it means I know how to get up it with the least amount of energy spent, that I have no jump in my legs, and will usually find myself in the right spot to slowly slide back and grab the last wheel that's gonna make it as they roll by.
Anyway, that was Adam's mission.
But Adam is a feisty stallion with a decent jump and off he went... halfway where it levels off and speeds up a lot, I'm looking for that last wheel to take me to paradise and it's Adam... and a gap is every so slowly opening.
Now here's some real friendship.
Rather than pull through and close that gap, I'm just yelling like a kook...
... Don't let them go Adam!
And I'll be dawgawned if Adam didn't find something extra and git 'er done.
Which brings us back to the moral dilemma... to lie or not to lie. And if you're gonna lie, which way?
After a serious rehashing we decided some will rise to the occasion of an horrific description while others do much better a dramatic understatment.
Me personally... I like to oversell a grueling effort for the simple reason I don't do guilt. Kind of a You were warned thing.
But, that's me.
I'm always inviting. Always overselling. Always hoping newb will make it or be so dawgawn inspired they'll do what it takes to make it next time. My friends ain't quitters, don't back down and don't lie nearly as much as me.
One place I'm a total Boy Scout is in product endorsements. Sometimes I regret sharing all the secrets, but only when I see them go to waste by giving up. So, if you're commit to squeeze every bit out of your potential know I've got your back.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lazynloose
We've yet to see a single person send their PR Lotion back... they just keep ordering.
Same goes for the delicious GQ6.
When you order them together you can add any pair of socks or gloves for FREE... only if you use this promo code:
LAZYNLOOSE
And it all ships F R E E.
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry
162.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3812407009
LAZY AND LOOSE
THERE ARE DAYS TO MASH ON THE PEDALS, TIMES TO DANCE ON THEM, and moments like this morning to simply let the legs fall, no effort at all.
Don't touch the brakes.
Just coast.
Far.
Let any nasty residue of riding or life melt down through the cranks to the tires to the earth. All that's left is a rested, carefree rider.
Times like these which are so lazy, my body is so loose afterward often precede the most vicious of efforts.
So, when the text came in for an invite to ride included...
... possibly add 10 miles and/or change the spot for our 2nd water stop...
... I knew one thing for sure, that was code for restup buttercup... to which I say...
Lazy and loose today, for tomorrow we slay.
Which means it'll be hearty breakfast of PR Lotion followed by a GQ6 chaser.
Because there's no way I'd try and hang on to these hooligans without my magic lotion and secret potion.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lazynloose
We've yet to see a single person send their PR Lotion back... they just keep ordering.
Same goes for the delicious GQ6.
When you order them together you can add any pair of socks or gloves for FREE... only if you use this promo code:
LAZYNLOOSE
And it all ships F R E E.
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3809865225
STEVE'S INFECTED. BOB'S GOT IT. AND NOW I DO TOO.
THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING SINISTER GOING AROUND. Last week I noticed Steve had it on the Tuesday ride. Sounded awful. This week, same ride. No Steve. But, sho nuff Bob had the same thing going on. And tonight, it hit lil ol me.
I think we'll be alright... just need to see the doc.
These dawgawn bottom brackets on all our bikes have gone to shiz. Creaking and wheezing and clickityclacking.
Is there anything more annoying?
The thing about it is... I usta be able to fix it meself. But somewhere on the way to newerbetterfaster my skills crept away. A slow decline, not a thief in the night. More like ants making off with a cookie.
Good thing we've got a doctor in the house. Literally. Chris has been operating on newerbetterfaster bikes for 25 years... he just moved to town so we set him up in our store, which is starting to look kinda like a bike shop.
Weird. I know.
But, everything we do at PEDALindustries is about scratching our own itch... RaceDay Bags™, Superlight Gloves and Socks, Changing Ponchos, The Speed Jersey...
... and the PEDALposse, which is kinda like an ambassador program where you save a ton of coin, get access to special gear and of course the lovely Coach Loran training videos... if you're into that sort of thing...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3806737263
LIVE AND LET DIE
ONE OF MY FAVORITE COVERS IS GNR's RENDITION OF LIVE AND LET DIE... it's on my pump up to race play list.
When you got a job to do
You got to do it well
You got to give the other fella hell!
But, when does that job start?
At the sprint
The start line
Packing the night before
Tuning things up 2 weeks out
Laying base miles months earlier
???????
I was thinking about that this morning at 7am when Coach Loran was giving me hell...
It hurt.
A lot.
Legs quivering, core screaming, shoulders on fire.
... the only way to give 'em hell is go there first, which is why I always invite y'all to join us LIVE on Instagram at 7am Wednesday mornings.
The other thing was thinking about was how I like to frame a flashy kit with black gloves and black socks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
It's funny how people come to us for one thing and are surprised at how good we are at another.
My pals Justin and Chris were talking, Justin knows us because we do the kit for his team every year and Chris via his team RaceDay Bag™...
Ya know PEDAL's socks are pretty awesome
And so are the gloves
164.2 lbs
Coach Loran LIVE!
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/no ride today
OH, DID I PUSH YOUR BUTTON?
THERE WE WERE, RIDING HOME. It had been a heck of a ride already... and Nick wanted to take the easy way home.
I have a meeting at 10. I don't want to be too tired.
Was I hearing right?
Take the easy way home?
All it took was a little shame...
... Oh, yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I mean if you're tired n all.
And that's all it took... next thing I know the three of us are getting another 1000' of climbing in before clocking in at the yobs.
Perfect.
Some say Shame on you TB...
... I say shame more, if you care.
You know what else I say, these new white gloves look smashing with the matching white socks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
166.2 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3796131931
WHY I'D RATHER BE EXCLUDED THAN INCLUDED
THE POWER OF THE BEST RIDES AND RACES lies not with inclusion, but exclusion. Sure you're invited. But, they do not suffer the slow, the weak, the unprepared.
And isn't that great?
To know there are still places on earth where you won't be given a participation trophy or a finisher's medal. To know that there are people who care enough to demand your best and nothing less.
And aren't those riders and racers who understand this just awesome?
Unique.
Rugged.
Courageos
Wanting, no demanding, to find out how good they are without any help. Preferring to tap into their own inner powers, to discover greater levels of performance, to unleash on those that would leave them behind.
These are my people.
Us.
I thought about this today in a meeting with a very exclusive vendor. They want us, we want them... but, when it came out our potential to deliver was in doubt I wanted to coldly ask...
Are you talk to me?...
... instead I leveled my gaze...
Just try and keep up, ok?!
If you're feeling that convo at all, you might be feelin' the red I was seeing...
... and wanting to wear these red gloves and socks.
Here's the deal... and it's a very special one: buy the gloves and the socks FREE!
Use promo code: SEERED
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3790904636
TAKING CHEATING TO A NEW LEVEL
I'VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN HAVING A CHEAT DAY ONCE A WEEK, but today was ridiculous. I started off strong... thinking I'd be fine.
I saw the pink box.
Knew there were donuts inside.
Took a peek.
3 full donuts + a half chocolate oldfashioned donut.
Just a chunk of the half donut... that's it.
I'd stop there.
I sat on the opposite side of the room reading Emerson. Being strong. But, the box was taunting me.
Hours went by, really.
But, just was we were about to head out to our friends for lunch... I couldn't take it any more. Nobody else had had a donut.
There were in there.
All of them.
And then they weren't.
The box was empty.
My stomach full.
Me, happy.
For sure I'd be strong at lunch,.. but it wasn't really lunch. It was insane blueberry pancakes, endless bacon and sausage, delicious fruit salad.
I had seconds.
Definitely dinner would be light. Except all the kids were coming over and who wants to be Justservemesalad or Nodessertforme?
Not me.
Looks like another big miles week..
... and even though I'm packing plenty of foodstorage, I'll still need my minerals and such.
My go to is GQ6.
I've been using it for years. Originally developed for the United Health race team, it's been great for me. 1 scoop for easy rides, 2 scoops for hard road, 3 scoops for MTB... just because it's so hard to eat in an MTB race.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base
Comes in 3 delicious flavors: apple, tropical and orange. I like 'em all.
If you're looking for a drink that is loaded with goodness, this is a good one.
Use promo code: BADCHEATER
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
Family walk.
WHEN A BOY BECOMES A MAN
IT'S REALLY HARD TO TELL WHEN A BOY BECOMES A MAN. There he was... still looking boyish, but possessing all the power and confidence of an immerging man.
Young Kevin.
Kevin, what are your plans for the summer.
I'm leaving Wednesday for Europe, racing Whichchingadery, Luz Van Vluz... names I can't remember nor pronounce except... Worlds, and the Baby Giro.
Which reminded me of the first time I saw him... jumping into our local group ride, all legs and arms whirling with enthusiasm... on a Saturday morning not unlike today. 13ish?
It was great to see him and catch up a bit before he goes off to ride with the best in the world.
I noticed something else on the ride today. Aside from being a larger ride than usual, there were a lot of other kids... 20ish year olds. And, that's a great thing to see.
Kids on bikes.
Out in the real world.
The physical one.
The one where you can feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your skin, the blood in your veins. The one where a wrong move can end badly, and the right move be exhilarating beyond belief.
And none of us were staring at dumb screens, like addicts, searching for a dopamine hit.
The only high we were getting was adrenalin. The only sounds, real conversations and gears... with serious huffingandpuffing mixed in.
I'll take the analog world over the digital one... every single day!
Feeling like a boy.
On a bike.
And, speaking of sun on your skin... if you're looking for some good protection, try out Arm Coolers.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-arm-coolers
For the next 48 hours, you can save 20% on these thin, lycra only arm coverings... we call Arm Coolers.... quantities are limited.
Use Promo Code: COOL
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-arm-coolers
---
163.8 lbs
Rest
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3781943853
THE GENIUS OF A BIKE RIDE
THE FACE OF EINSTEIN PRETTY MUCH SAYS IT ALL, he's happy. His observation, while obvious to us, is not obvious to all...
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
- A. Einstein
... aren't we lucky!
Thousands, millions?, of people have conspired to provide this joy and lesson to us...
... engineers, financiers, crafters, painters, transporters, welders, marketers, writers, photographers...
... we could scarcely count nor locate all the brains and bodies behind the wonderful machines we ride.
We can pick up a bike for a few dollars at a garage sale, a few hundies at a big box, a few thou' at a specialty shop. The joy can be the same.
For me, the bestest is getting offroad, into the dirt, for a sunrise or sunset. Out of earshot of the big city. Away from the screens. The phone off. Solo. It's like a hot bath for the soul. Washing away the grime of the grind. Nothing better.
That's the genius of a bike ride.
Any bike will do, just keep moving.
I was reminded of this when SurferDan showed up today... he comes in...
I got this kid with me. Got him into riding. He's really loving it. He hit 28 miles an hour for 2 minutes trying to drop me... he's got potential, I just don't want to burn him out... he needs a kit.
Great, let's take him to the closeouts.
10 minutes later and the kid has a great kit for a few bucks.
We don't have every size, but we have a lot... for few dollahs.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
---
164.8 lbs
Surf Sesh
7 hours sleep
no ride.
NO HIDING FROM MR. HYDE
WE HAVE THIS RIDE THAT USED TO BE JEKYLL N HYDE. Tuesday was very Hydish, vicious and unforgiving. Thursday was refined and sophisticated, like Jekyll himself.
But something has happened...
... Jekyll can no longer confine the younger, cunning killer that is Hyde.
I keep inviting people on down to do the gentleman's version on Thursday... ya know, to spin the legs out and enjoy a coastal cruise... and they keep getting shot out the back.
Last week, I did something I never do... stop to help a comrade fix a flat... just to get outta the uncivilized society.
This week, was something unheard of... while trying to shame one of my friends who lives high on the hill into taking letting me drive him home... he actually said, Yes please. Poor baby.
What the H-E-doubletoothpicks is going on here?
Of course, as I'm prepping this weak rant in my mind, EasyE sends a text with some punk CTS coach on YouTube talking about all the ways masters racers can maintain their fitness. #1 being...
... keep up the intensity.
Just not on Thursdays, please.
2-3 intense days a week is plenty.
Can't win 'em all, shouldn't race 'em all.
Speaking of 2-3, I'm feelin' a Buy2Get1 promo...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
Is there a better time of year to get the softest, best fitting tshirt a cyclist ever wore?
Buy 3 tshirts, and when you use promo code: HYDE
The 3rd tshirt is fffffree.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
---
165 lbs
Paddle Surf
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3773704498
THE STOKE OF SUMMER
WE HAVE A BUNCH JOKERS AROUND HERE. People for whom a bit of fun is not nearly enough. And givers they are.
Little gnomish trail signs dot the way. Giant stuffed animals casually roam in place. And berms and jumps and gaps and ladders ga-freakin-lore.
After a long day grinding, it's afternoon delight.
Climbs that bare down and discourage in the dark and cold are easily overcome. Obstacles and drops approached with caution turn into launch points. Scrubbing speed on big turns isn't even a thought when your vision is crisp.
And it just builds.
We ride a little longer with the extra light, get a little faster, build a little stamina... and ride a little longer.
That's the stoke of summer.
Of course, with all the extra riding it helps to have some good fluid with plenty of good stuff.
Here's my go to:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
GQ6 is my drink, Honey Stinger Waffles my snack, and it's smoking hot I bring the Salt Stick.
Here's the deal, and it ends Saturday... buy any 2 items save 70% on the 3rd item.
PromoCode is SUMMERSTOKE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
165 lbs
Coach Loran Live at 7am
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3769022422
AND ON THIS CORNER... THE KING OF PAIN
NOT A WORD IS SPOKEN, heads are bowed. A reverent moment before all hell breaks loose...
... a scene repeated on corners and in parking lots across the country, where the penitent meet.
We know our sins are many...
- Lack sleep
- Excess of ice cream
- Foul drivetrain
- Too few miles
- etc
... but we keep coming to hear the good word from the King of Pain, because we know this church is full of believers...
... believers that if we can just keep those commandments we too will one day ascend to the highest throne and deliver the message to all the common folk who were too weak to commit to be great.
And we look forward to that day with mighty hope.
That's how I was feeling this morning... after tipping the scales 3lbs heavier than Sunday, after a paltry 6 hours of sleep... I was pretty sure it was going to be a rough one.
The only thing I had going for me was my new white gloves that matched my white socks and the white highlights on my beautiful Speed Suit with white highlights.
It's amazing how a simple thing like new gloves can make one feel clean and worthy and ready...
... especially these gloves for summer with superlight mesh top, and perforated palms...
... perfect for dogdaze like there.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/superlight-race-gloves-white
I know, it's hard to believe we sell these for $20 including shipping. My CFO says I'm a fool... I say, What's your point?
Anyway, these are in now and we have a limited quantity. Get 'em while ya can.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/superlight-race-gloves-white
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166.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3761590671