WE NEVER RISE TO THE OCCASION, INSTEAD...

TODAY WENT AS EXPECTED.  Our jumbly mass of racers hit the bottom of the 4.5 mile climb and instantly splat out like giant bug on the PEDALvan's windshield.  Within 10 minutes the fastest were high, high above.  Me...

... I settled in.

By that I mean I dropped anchor and watched 'em go.  It's a mere 27 miles, but it's only gets harder.  Pacing would be key.

The single track, fast and flowy off the top, turns twisty and techy.  So much so, the Ol' Diesel looked a lot like John Muir, hiking a helluva lot more than he'd like to admit.

Which brings me to my point...

... we don't rise to the occasion, we fall to our training.

While we do have trails within a short drive that provide this kind of challenge, I haven't ridden them for nearly a year. 

And that long gas climb?  Yeah, we have that too, but same thing.  Ain't ridden it in many moons.

Which brings me to my other point...

... the moon was outstanding last night, camping at the venue.

Probs the same tonight.  Highly recommend ya check it out.  So put the screens away and get outside.  Hold your lover's hand, and just soak it in.

Which brings me to my final point...

... the best one...

... TJ stopped to help a fallen rider out.  He'd clearly taken a good whack to the helmet.  That's cool as hell, the stopping part.  I suspect it was because TJ himself had a real doozie this summer and nobody stopped...

Bro, you ok?

No, I'm not.  I need help.

They kept racing.

TJ stopped.

His story brings me back to my original point...

... because he is a young man who's clearly received good training.

For me, TJ wins the day.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

TJ told me a second story.

I love your book. I read it in 45 minutes, but I can't stop thinking about it.

Really?

Yes, and then guess what?

Do tell.

I gave it to my girlfriend and as soon as she was done she signed up to run a 1/2 Marathon.

So, If you're looking for just the right gift to give this holiday...

You can get it on Amazon for $20...

... or here for free:  

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

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