WHAT IF I HAD TO CHOOSE MY LAST RACE?  Ya know, if a Dr Badnews said, Ya got 90 days kid.

Which would it be?

How would I train?

What would I need to purchase?

Who would I ask to help me prep?

Where would I be based?

These are random things I think about on rides like today.

The ladies kicked me for some sorta lady party at the house... so me thought, where'm I gonna go?

Well, I haven't been to GMR for a while... it's been the Queen Stage of Tour of California - 27 mile climb with about 6000 of vert + 1600 more on the return.

It's big.

It's beautiful

And, today it was largely carless except the final, awful push to the ski station.

I only say it was awful because those last 4 miles were in 90 degree heat and I was counting on the little store being open but not willing to let myself get too excited in case it wasn't open because that'd be such a let down but I reallyreallyreally wanted a Coke and chips and isn't that an awful torturous conversation to have with yourself in that heat with up to 20% pitches and cars creeping by oh and to make it worse a nice Germandude with that heyImahappygerman Jensy tone talked me into not turning around early because I'd been motivating him and he said all this while not breathing as I gasped and gulped.

So there I am asking myself what I'd do if Dr Badnews delivered the badnews and I realized that was stupid because he'd never call me Kid.

But, they are darn good questions.

And I think sometime we take this sport a little too serious... okay, you don't, but I've been known to put a few things on hold 10 weeks out from a bigepic race...

... to treat it like it is the last...

... and while that may or mayn't be healthy, it has been known to deliver a result or two.

You're welcome to use that ThisIsMyLastRacd formula if ya like...

... one thing is for sure I'd have The Ultimate RaceDay™ Bag

• Custom print to keep me organized and focused
• Custom Speed kit to help me haul@$$ and look awesome
• Matching KASK helmet for maximum efficiency
• Superlight gloves and RaceSocks
• ... you know a bag stuffed with the best stuff

Right now, today, you could win a bag like that and be the envy of all your friends... 

... ready for the ride of your life.

Check it out:  http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway

---

164.2 lbs 
Nap
7.7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3747612206#comments

ONCE UPON A TIME I TRIED MY HAND AT RACE PROMOTION.  Me being me, it wasn't just any race it was a new format aimed at expanding racing across the globe.  My pal Mike believed in it enough to invest.  The vision was grand.

We called the races HUNKR - Hundred Kilometer Race.

The format was this:  everybody starts together, everybody ALWAYS raced exactly 100k, party after.

Why that format?  Starting together gave a shared experience for everybody, always racing 100k allowed for racers to chase their PR, party after because party after.

Even as I write this I wish I could be training for a HUNKR.

We'd all be training together, getting ready for the big day.  Driving out together.  Lining up together... we'd try win it all, to win our age group, to PR, to win the team (5) competition.  

There were so many ways to win.

We had a $10,000 purse, split evenly between men and women.

Under 23 got in free.

The pros showed up, and the youngsters won the days.

It was the only road race in our county in the last 50 years - as far as I know.  We held it twice in OC and once in LA.  The LA version was a gravel race.  They were all a blast.

One of the best parts of being a promoter was seeing all the joy on people's faces as they finished.  There is no way we could have pulled it off without all the volunteers who helped nor without the support of the 9 different public entities we coordinated with.  It was a huge team effort.

If ya can't tell... I like competitions.

And just like HUNKR, this is one I'd do for sure...

... THE ULTIMATE RACEDAY BAG™ GIVEAWAY.

Yep, we're giving away a custom RaceDay™ bag with over $1000 in merchandise = $500 in cash for your next race.

... and because I like lots of ways to win, we'll have 3 winners + $750 in gift cards for others + other swag.

All the details are here:  pedalindustries.com/contest

You literally cannot lose on this one... there's something for everyone that takes part.

But, don't click if you don't want a new custom RaceDay Bag™ + a new custom Speed Kit + new shoes + other awesome merch + $500 in cash towards your next race.

I mean who would want that? 

Uh... I WOULD!

But, I'm not allowed to enter.  Ugh.

Check it out: pedalindustries.com/contest

And... It's really, really dig it if you'd enter and share the message.  

---

164.2
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
Sunset Surf

TODAY REMINDED ME OF HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO CROSS TRAIN THE RIGHT WAY.  Sure it's important to cross train, but not just for the sake of cross training itself.  Proper cross training takes 1 + 1 and makes 3.

Take surfing.

When you paddle out to surf you are hoping to catch a wave.  So are 10 or more guys.  Waves, the good ones, come infrequently.  Everybody is on high alert.  You've got to outmaneuver all those hungry lions.

Surfers that catch waves are looking hundreds of yards into the horizon, searching for a shadow or a ripple that will turn into a nice, thick wall of charging water.

You have to be very coy.  If you see a good one, somehow you've got to get to the right spot without alerting everybody what you're up do. It's a very fine art.

Assuming you've put yourself in the right location and it's yours, you still have to time your effort to catch the wave.  You can't just paddle and you can't sprint forever.

Sound familiar? 

You've got to all out sprint for 10-30 seconds just to get up to speed to actually catch the elusive energy that will launch you down the face of the wave.

It's a whole lot like sprinting on a bike.

Paying attention, noting the approaching finish, finding the right wheel or hole, then unleashing all you've got.

That's how to cross train... ask yourself, what can I take from this activity and apply to my bike racing?  Or, what can I take from bike racing and apply towards my career?

Here's another one.

I like to play chess online.  Especially the 5 minute format where each player has 5 minutes.  There's the mental aspect... hatching plans, adjusting to the other players moves... and all the while that clock is ticking down.

It's a lot like racing as well.  

Each racer has a plan.  Almost always you've got to make adjustments along the way... and all the while that finish line is getting closer.  Somebody's gonna win.

I like to think chess helps me see the end game of any endeavor.

One more.

I like writing these posts.  It's a creative outlet, and I know at least 2 people have found the information useful.

I also like reading.  I try and read a book a week.  To expand my limited knowledge and to be exposed to different writing styles.

Ultimately that reading improves the writing.

Yes, do the cross training... but, do it with purpose.

We try to be purposeful in our designs.  One design that I love is the one we did for the Day of The Dead.  And whadaya know we rang up a couple of sales on those kits today.

It's one of my all time favorites.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

Use this promo code: CrossTrain

And you'll get the matching socks when you purchase the jersey.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

---

164.8 lbs 
SurfSesh
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3739329959

DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE A TRANSFORMER?  You know, going from Droopy to WonderDog?

I know I do.

Some days it happens when I first get up.  I'm groggy, can barely walk a straight line, and mightily fight the urge fall back into the bed.

Other days, like tonight, I'm exhausted and just wanna prop my feet up and Netflixout.

But, I don't.

In either case I kit up.  Bibs, chest strap, jersey. Stop on the last stair and pull on the socks.

I've never, ever gotten that far and not proceeded to put on the shoes, helmet, glasses and gloves.

Next, it's easy and natural to check the tire pressure and turn on blinky lights and computer.

At this point it's not a choice if, but how far.

I'm riding...

... and it all started with pulling on my bibs.

I think this is what makes us different, what makes us able to get so much accomplished.  We've done it countless times, gone out and done rides that confirm we are nuts to everybody around us.

We know all it takes is pulling on the bibs, and we can change who we are, how we feel, and what we're gonna make happen.

Did you pull your bibs on today?

Maybe putting on the softest tshirt you ever wore as a reminder to your after work commitment would be a good reminder?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-shadow-t-available-in-5-colors?variant=11067667480612

If we didn't get compliments all the time on how soft and wonderful these t's are I wouldn't boast... but, we do.

You can get it right now for less than $20, including shipping.

Comes in 5 colors.

---

165 lbs 
Wednesday w/ Coach Loran
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3734718788

WHEN EVERYBODY LEFT WITH THE 'B' RIDE EXCEPT 3 OF US I was a touch disappointed.  After getting shelled on Saturday I knew only the famous TMWC 'A' could get me back in shape, and I was counting on a proper butt kicking by the heavy hitters...

... but, they all rolled 'B', except, that is, 3 of us.

The other 2 wanted to leave early to make sure we'd catch... I wanted to wait the full 5 mimutes, first out of respect for those thinking the ride leaves at 630; and second, to make sure it'd be extree hard.

At 630, we hit it.  

As hoped, Joe E and young Cody were counting on the 630 start and jumped on.

Now we were 5 against 20ish.

But, it's a funny thing... when you have in your head you're on the 'A' ride, you know you're all in.  Giving it all ya got.

On the 'B', not so much.

The humidity was high, sweat and mist poured down my face.  My tongue flapping in the wind.

30 second pulls.

Right on the rivet.

We caught a few dropped riders on the first climb and woulda caught the group soon... but, committed to the 'A' loop, we did the extra credit... adding 3ish minutes.

Back on the course, we picked off the same stragglers and soon could see the main group on The Wall.

My earlier disappointment turned to glee.

Damn it was good to be back.

For my friend Will, it was his first time on the ride.  He rode 'B', and did just fine.  Now he wants to do 'A'...

... especially after he got 60 Stravacups and I got zilch.

While he pointed out the Rookie gets the cups and the veteran gets skunked... I got the full cup of butt kicking I wanted.

In celebration of a satisfactory thrashing I think it's time for the Continental Buy1Get1.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires

Use this promo code:  CONTIBOGO

It's actually better than BOGO, you get 50% off any quantity of 2 or more.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires

---

166.2 lbs (4th of July Blubber)
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3727456513

I HAVE THIS FRIEND WHO IS JUST A TERRIBLE RACER.  Stronger than everybody until race day.  Then, he loses his mind.  Shows up tired.  Forgets how to win, like on the training rides.

I was reminded of this right before I jumped into the shower.

Don't judge.

Yet.

A while back I made a pledge to do 10 pull ups and 30 push ups every time I take a shower.  Of course, I take Saturday off because #bigride.  I take Sunday off because I take Sundays off.

Last Friday I was really dragging.  Could only do 8 and 25... so made myself do 4 and 10 after a bit of a rest.

Today, being Monday, I stepped up and rattled 'em off.

Rest.

Who knew?

Tapering.

Who wants to know?

In this month's CampFire Stories going out to the PEDALposse I'm detailing the day I decided to go for Tahoe 100 which lead to doing Leadville 100... and there I'll detail exactly what I did 14 days prior.

We'll also include some sorta swag.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

If you're still sitting on the fence regarding the PEDALposse... watch Loran rip me to pieces live Wednesday morning at 7am PST on Instagram -> @pedalindustries IG story and Coach Loran Wednesday 7/8 @7AM PT for a 30 minute plank sizzler.

---

165.2 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3722443309

FOR ALL THE BELIEVERS IN MUMBOJUMBO HOOHA, the timetested fairy dust of affirmations and visualization... for the lovers of SeeBelieveAchieve... the practitioners of Think and Grow Fast... you who lay reason aside in favor of My Favorite Mantra... this post is for you.

I get it.

I feel your pain.

I know what it's like to have the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (credit Jim Collins)... calling the shots, correcting the mistakes... seemingly taking over our very being.

For me, it's the only way to live.

The more long range, unreasonable and personal the better. 

For example, last year I had 2 biggies... 

The first, to finish with the leaders at San Luis Rey.
The other, to PR Leadville.

This year is a bit of a moving target.

I've appreciated my friends like Emilio who prepped for KANZA and went and did his own Shadow KANZA.  He's not alone.  Lots have done the same.

I dig that, though I hope I don't need to do it.

This year, for me, it's down to this:  BWR Cedar City and Sagebrush Safari.  Two races I've yet to do.

This will be my first BWR.  As for the goal... well, apparently just finishing means something... but, ya know that won't be good enough.  There's got to be some unreasonable time to shoot for.  Maybe it's under 9 hours?  I'll check around before settling on that.

And Sagebrush Safari?... I pre-rode it earlier this year.  It's got to be one of the funnest courses I've ever ridden and I can't wait to do it.  The goal there... ya know I'd really like to be in the hunt.

Back to the fairydust...

... the only way to make magic happen is get signed up.  

Then, and only then, does Chapter 2 of Psycho-Cybernetics make sense.

Ya know what else makes sense?

Joining the PEDALposse.

Last month the posse received one of our world famous supersoft tshirts plus the obscene savings promo code plus a new Coach Loran video.

Deets are here:  

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

PS... For some real entertainment toon in Wednesday at 7am PST to watch Coach Loran beat me into submission with a plank.  It'll be on Instagram TV, @pedalindustries.

---

165.2 lbs
stretch n roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3719949691

MY LEGS ARE GLISTENING.

Mine, too!

It was a combination of heat, humidity and good ol' sweat on a beautiful 4th of July morning.

I wondered if the man on the handcycle had glistening arms?
Was the brow on the homeless lady glistening?
... and the wheelchairbound child, would he ever glisten?

Sometimes I think about my cousin whose legs stopped working normally when we were kids.  One day we were running together, and then we weren't.  I didn't understand it then, and I still don't now.

But, it has spurred me not to waste this gift of health.

And the sport I love, whether it's a simple bike ride to the store and back or a massive 70 mile, 5000' slog...

... the one that gave me wings as a puny kid...

... freedom as a teenager...

... therapy as an adult...

... continues to give and give and give.

The great Jim Rohn said:

I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me.

Yes, for sure I ride for pleasure... straight up fun... but, I also ride to maximize my health, my ability to take care of me...

... and hopefully a few others along the way.

Which is why it's so easy to say Gotta Ride.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

Now, if you're having difficulty squeezing in the ride you know you need to do... wearing this tshirt has been known produce glistening legs in 4 out of 5 riders.

Use promo code: GLISTENING

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

---

166.2 lbs 
Ocean swim
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3713659573

I HAVE A RIDE I REALLY LIKE and I'm doing it tomorrow.  My pal Markell is in town from Mesa, so uhcourse I had to invite him... and he had to invite a buddies...

... it should be fun.

The last time I did this ride with outta towners it was a wetmisty mess.  The kind of ride Chris Froome would fall down on.

Which is what my friends did on the roundabout.

But, they are not built like a Praying Manti... so, they popped right up and got on with the ride.

Now, the reason I like this ride so much is it is dawgawn beautiful.

Straight up the coast, from Dana Point through Laguna Beach to the tippytop of Newport Coast.  Followed by a plummet to the tranquil BackBay.  

And up to Irvine where it gets ugly.

It used to meet at a FoodPark off of MacArthur, and it still kinda does at Harvard and Main... 

... 3 rides converge, Kenny and his motley crew from Long Beach and Justin and his henchmen from Canyon Velo, and our merry band of misfits from the southern tip of the county.

Thankfully, it's not really ugly like the old days... where it was just piss and vinegar.  Now it's more of a brofest... plus, we get a few ladies from time to time... which is always bueno.

El WeatherChannel says mucho sun, to the outta towners outta be just fine.

Speaking of fine... it was might fine of Markell to stop by the shop today and pick up gloves and a changing poncho.

He won't need it tomorrow since he's staying at the very fancyshmancy NPCMarriott, but apparently he's been dying to get one for the races back home.

You don't need to drive here to get one, of course you could and I'd sucker you into an ugly bike ride, but you can just order and have it shipped.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

Use promocode: OUTTATOWN

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

---

166.6 lbs 
PushupsPullups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3708230016

STARVA EMAILED ME I'D LOST MY KOM TO PRO PETER STETINA... and that my finefriends is a helluva compliment to... not yours diesely... but the great Coach Brian McCulloch.

But, why did they email moi?

It all started back at the Filthy 50...

... there I was bobbing and weaving through a CharlieBrown dust cloud full of hundreds of my closest friends, pegged to Ty's shwartz, along with the other hitters KenWinston and Jeff Ward...

... and along comes Coach Brian on his gravel bike...

TB get on my wheel!

Instantly I go from pegged to ludicrous speed.  It's all I can do to stay on, but he's my coach and my friend and he's on a mission to get to the front.

This part of the Filthy is flat and a gravel road called BWR Section #4... in other words, it's also part of the very famous Belgian Waffle Ride put on by Sir MMX.

... and we are flyyyy ing...

TyJeffKen, long gone.

The end of the segment is quite rocky and unfortunately for Bri he punctured, graciously cheering me.

So, I got the KOM...

... and Pro Peter snatched it from me today.

Which is pretty cool... I mean if ya have to lose it, lose it big.

Speaking of losing big... my post yesterday about the hurrying... yeah, well, I also hurried the matching socks and the Red is a deeper red than the gloves and matching kit. 

So, I'm gonna blow 'em out.... get 'em while ya can.

They are absolutely amazing socks... and if you've ever had better I'll be shocked.

They're yours for $9.82... all in, shipping included.

Of course, if you want to wait a few weeks for the correct color you can but the price will be $15.99.  Totally your call. 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/patriotic-knitted-sock

---

164.8
Stretch n Roll
6 hours sleep - trying to force wake up at 5am like old days.
https://www.strava.com/activities/3703232274

WHEN WE WERE KIDS WE JUST RODE, and we'd find jumps and berms and big,round cement drainage ditches... and we'd play on them over and over again.  

That is the secret to going fast.

It's kinda weird, right?

But, It's true.

Playing isn't hurried.

Has no expectations.

And so, we get into a flow.  And things start to come naturally, unforced.  And they get easy. 

Intuitive.

Safe.

... and Fast.

So, the tortoises win the race by not making onesinglebad move...

... in everything they do.

I have to remind myself of this sometimes.  When I get in a hurry... in everything I do.

For example, I was in a hurry to get these patriotic gloves made I didn't make enough and now we are nearly sold out... I wish I'd made more, because I know some people are going to order today.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves

Get 'em while you can.

Superlight.

$20 all in... and they'll be yours.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves

164.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
no ride today

I COULD TALK ABOUT ALL THE DRAMA ON TONIGHT'S RIDE, but Josh came over... and he makes me nervous.

How tall are you? 

Like 6'3"... like 155.

Yes, the prototypical build...

... a worldclass athlete...

... and every time he comes over I've got writer's block.

Not because of bike riding skills, he has none.
Nor his surfing skills, which are on a level I only dream about.

No... he's her to see my babygirl... the one who rides bikes and motorcycles and surfs with me.

And that's messed up...

... isn't it...

... shouldn't he have to go on a bike ride with me?  up a hideous, long climb?  down a twisty, nasty, poison oak covered trail...

... on a super crappy bike?

You know I'll be hatching some sort of diabolical plan for that...

No, these Supersoft race gloves don't really help.
No, you don't need the incredible Speed bibs with the specially designed pads.
No, just drink water... this GQ6 is just 'cause I'm older.
Yeah, it might be cold you should take a hoodie, not this lightweight KOM jacket
No, this KASK helmet with all the vents isn't really good protection, you'll be better off this old skateboard helmet.

... ahhh, it's a long list of gear he won't get any time soon.

I need every advantage I can get.

If you're looking for an advantage on your own Josh or Jane... use this promo code before Friday on anything in the store.

The code is: GOAWAY

And it'll save you more than 10%.

---

165 lbs 
stretch n roll
8.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3695883074

YES, I HEARD THE RAINDROPS.  Yes, the road was wet.  No, I didn't expect a downpour.

But, there I was cutting through a warm and balmy wind when the heavy clouds opened up.

And, it felt good...

... instantly I was transported back to 2004, the summer of my first - only - Tour de France.

Little did I know rain was going to be a big thing.  That's what happens in France, in the summer.  And, I mean a lot of rain.

But, it's not the end of the world.  Because, like this morning, it's warm and balmy at the lower altitudes.

I wanted to do 2 things for sure:  ride as many stages as possible, and be on the Alpe D'Huez for the time trial.

As for the first, we rode a ton.  Like, 8 of 10 days and 800 miles.

Famous stages.

My favorite was descending the Col De La Croix de Fer.

We left in the rain, climbed up in the sun and dried out.  Stopped at the top, and bought an ill-fitting t-shirt.  When we came out clouds were gathering.  It was time to go fast.

Just as we got going a team of young Spaniards came flying by.

It was on.

Whether there were 9 hairpins or 90, I'm not sure.  

I am darn sure I've never been more on the edge... stressed my tires more... nor had more fun than that long race to the bottom. 

Carving 180 degree turns hard. 
Slicing fastfastfast bends. 
Stabbing the brakes.

All 20 or so of us jockeying for position.

Not a car in site.

Nothing better.

It's funny how a rare rainy day can bring back a singular point in time.

The TT up AdH was just what I hoped for.  A giant, giant party.  All day... really days in advance... but especially that day.  100's of 1000's on both sides of the road, and the fastest racers alive coming by 1 at a time for hours.

That's entertainment.

I breathed deep and thought of my pals.  We swore we'd go back again.  The closest we got was riding all the stages of the Tour of California in 2012.

That was also the year we got going in the bike biz, it wasn't yet PEDALindustries but we were on our way.  And, it all started with a T-shirt... 

... there's something about a t-shirt that fits amazing, gets softer the more you wash it, and uses an ink you can't even feel.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries?variant=9614988476452

If you're feeling like being reminded of how inspirational this blog can be... well, there's nothing better than our classic stamp logo.

Use code: TDF

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries?variant=9614988476452

---

166 lbs 
UpperBody and Core
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3688614105

TODAY WE VISITED ONE OF MY 5 DADS, the one that helped me purchase the Schwinn LeTour.

At the time, he lived just down the street from Fullerton Bikes - which back then was owned by the Mulroony family, before the Great Mike Franze.

Visiting one day, I ventured over to the shop and fell in love.

She was dressed in red, with shiny chrome evvvvverywhere.

A real looker.

My knees shook.

I had to have her... and being a kid, my natural selling genius was in full form.

Gomez, loved tennis... and we spent a lot of time practicing and playing.  He really wanted to me to learn the game... and for some reason unknown to each of us... he cared and loved me as his own.

There were no bike lanes.
I had to traverse 6 miles of busy streets.
It would be dark on the way home from practice.

Real concerns only a real parent would have.

I countered with Just think how much faster and easier it will be for me to get from school over to the courts.

Using the timetested strategy of never giving up...  we made a deal:  he'd buy it and I'd make payments of $30/mo for 4 months. 

If he knew I'd never play tennis after high school, I'm not sure he woulda done it.

Of the many things Gomez has taught me, it's to play hard and work hard.

He worked his buns off. 

He landed in the US at the age of 5.  His parents split and his mom worked as a seamstress to support the 2 of them in a studio apartment.  He went straight from high school to Korea.  Came home and purchased a gas station with zero dollars... Union 76 believed in him.  With a ton of hard work he parlayed that into Porsche/Audio/VW/Subaru dealerships.

By 3pm every day he was at the club, playing the game he loved.

At my best, I could never get more than a game or two off of him.  He'd say Ya know Toddy, you won't beat me until I'm a hundred years old.

He's 92.

Can't play the game he loves any more.

Unless you count being a dad.

One day I reckon we'll all have to hang up the cleats and helmet for good...

... and even then, won't every day still be a raceday?  I sureasheck hope so.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-hats

---

164 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3680436662

RIDING FROM SALT CREEK BEACH TO THE TOP OF SADDLEBACK - 83 miles and 10000' of climbing for the data geeks like me - can be awful.

You can...

cramp
crash
flat
bonk
be left fer dead

... and not even care as long as you're with your people.

That part is totally predictable. 

And, it's why nearly 40 boys and girls gathered at dawn.

Because a shared experience that is extremely demanding mentally and physically is a wonderful thing.

If you know anything about brainwashing, you might now that giving a human sugar after an activity you want to reinforce is a powerful control mechanism.  

I only share that because one of the reasons we all keep doing this ride is Chris prepurchases unlimited Mexican popsicles at the general store... 

... and then we all hang out and slowly regather and rehash the adventure to that point...

... now that's a shared experience guaranteed to bond.

Personally, I had a dandy ride chatting with friends I don't see often enough...

... and riding surprisingly well <- that part seemed very unpredictable earlier in the week.

1. I hadn't done any specific training.  In fact, my position has felt so off on my MTB that I've not been riding it much lately.  And, I've been doing lots of flat road riding.
2. At the last moment, I opted to put on new tires I'd never tested... which can be disastrous when hitting 30+ MPH on steep dirt that is packed in and covered with small chips of shale.

At the bottom of the bighideousclimb we lined up at the slowest drinking fountain in the county and patiently filled bottles.

Nobody patiently waited to start the climb.

By the time I got going, I could see my pals way up ahead of me.  

Charging hard.

I charged medium, got into somesortaunexpected groove and slowly started catching and passing.  

There is no way I would have predicted that.

When it happens... ya just gotta say Well, hell, this feels rather fine.

As for those new tires...

... I know the tires I had on there were a year old and worn to the casing...

... but, can I just tell ya how fine they were?

I wasn't even trying to smoke the downhill.  Because, new tires.

I just let 'em roll, and roll they did. 

Carving and gripping and ripping to within 30 seconds of my PR (26:24)... and I wasn't even pressing the issue.

Now... should I have predicted a good run up the bighideousclimb and smoking time on the way down? 

Maybe.

According to Strava my Fitness is pretty high right now.

According to the Continental tire rep the Cross King "can hold it's own on the rowdier stuff" and the Race King is "excellent on fast, hardpack".

At a minimum, I could have been more confident... but, ya know, I've noticed sometimes the days I'm not predicting anything great are the very best of all.

Maybe it's the cane sugar from the Mexican popsicle doing its thing?

As long as we're talking about doing our things... I noticed quite a few of the riders donning SuperLight Race gloves designed by a certain diesel, which always makes me happy.

It's so nice to really feel connected to the bike, protected and cool on hot days.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

If you're digging the blog, maybe ya ought dig into the piggy bank and try this out.  They're a mere $20, signed sealed delivered.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

166.2 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
6 hours sleep - early start
https://www.strava.com/activities/3680436662

I APPRECIATE JON ASKING IF HE CAN ASK A STUPID QUESTION, because there really are stupid questions...

Like do my bib straps go over my jersey?

... but Jon's wasn't.

In regards to tomorrow's heinous undertaking, Creek To Peak: 

What type of bike are you riding?  Gravel?  I'm contemplating joining but have never done it.

Dear Jon,

My MTB.

If my gravel bike wasn’t such a  POS I’d def consider it.   My next gravel bike will not be made of galvanized plumbing pipes...
it’ll be light with some suspension...
then, while slower on a few sections would be faster on others, and possibly faster than the MTB. 

See ya in the morning!

What can you, my fine friend, learn from this question?

1. Like Jon, it's always wise to learn as much as you can about the course and there's nobody better to learn that from than some nut who's donedone it before.
2. Picking the right tool for the job can make a big difference in the outcome... especially on a course such as this - lots a pavement, dirt roads, and a smattering of rocky stuff.
3. I clearly have gravelbike envy.

The tool I'll be using to protect the rocks inside my skull will be the very excellent KASK Valegro...

They claim it has thermo-cooling and advanced ventillation through 37 - THIRTYSEVEN!! - holes.

I claim it looks cool and fits great.

It really is excellent for long MTB rides that start at the beach, cross multiple streams, climb over 9000' in 82 miles and include free Mexican popsicles and Mexican Coke...

... which, ya know, is what Jon was asking about.

You might be asking if there's a promo code, which is not a dumb question.

Use KASK10 before sundown on Sunday.

---

166.6 lbs <- whattheheck?
PullUpsPushUPs and roll them legs
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3674402147

IN ROUGHLY 32 HOURS I'LL BE STUMBLING IN THE DARK, wondering whytheheck I agreed to do this crazy ride...

... about an hour later, I'll see the crew and wonder why everybody isn't there.

It's gonna be that good.

Great riders coming from far away: pros like Brian McCulloch, National Champs like Victor Sheldon, and the restuvus - the people I really love.  Everyone'll be playing it cool...

Oh yeah, I'm just gonna cruise it.

Me?... nah, haven't been riding much.

Let's just keep it conversational.

You know, the usual bullarkey right before it turns into a Road Runner cartoon with nothing but dust fer as far as ya ken see.

Which is exactly why I made sure 2 things are gonna be perfect when I show up:  my brakes and my tires.

I'm gonna need my A game to not get dropped to the point of forgotten... with luck I'll be able to catch up right as they get tired of waiting.  Which is actually good for me, cause it really sucks to start n stop the old diesel... better to keep chugging.

Plus this ride has a 40ish minute downhill that I love to slay, and a fair amount of twisty stuff ya wanna be able to really rail.

There's a lot I can do to make up speed on a mountain bike, but none of it works if my brakes are splashy and my tires soggy.

I need those to things more than anything else to be perfect.  Can't be wondering if they're gonna work...

... which can happen if:  
the brake lines have air in them, or haven't been bled recently;
the knobs on the tires are worn down and/or starting to tear.

Therefore, Sparky got a brake bleed, new tires and mostly new pads. 

I say mostly new because all the local shops are sold out but my good pal Robot came through with some takesoffs... now that's a friend... the shops were also sold out of the mineral oil needed for the bleed and he had that, too!

Waiting until today to figure all that out was a rookie move.  And so is putting on a new tire brand and tread pattern - new to me.  But, sometimes it's good to be a rookie... approach things with that sense of wonderment.

Anyway, Saturday is shaping up to be a good one.

For sure I'll be rolling with the goods:  GQ6, Salt Stick tabs and Honey Stinger Waffles.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bodycare

Buy any 2 items and the 3rd one is 50% off, if you quickly.

Personally, I'm gonna roll with the GQ6 hydration, the Salt Stick Chews, and the Honey Stinger Waffles.

Oh... the code is: Creek2Peak

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bodycare

---

164.6 lbs 
Coach Loran #6
7 hours sleep
ran outta time to ride.

ON SATURDAY WE'LL BE DOING CREEK TO PEAK, riding from Salt Creek beach to the top of Saddleback.

Conceived by a man referred to as The Gentleman, you know it's anything but gentle, kind or polite.  It's so insanely hard, that only a handful have done all 5 editions.  And, I ain't one of 'em.

Here's why...

82 miles.
9300' of vert.
... and typically 100 degree heat

All for a free popsicle at the loneliest General Store in the county. 

No prizes
No raffle
No finisher medals

... and...

No waiting for slow pokes.

Like all cult events, this is building... and I expect this to be the largest yet... a buncha yahoos with a hankering for dust, sun and lots of sweat.

Which is why I am tapering, maybe not a full Leadville taper... that woulda started last week, and last night was a far cry from a coupla openers... but, a mini-taper nonetheless... 'cause I'llbedamned if I'm gonna get left fer dead.

Here's what I'm not gonna do:

• Not ride
• Not stop rolling
• Not pause my Coach Loran core workouts

Those would be rookie mistakes, and I ain't a rookie.

What I'm gonna do will be discussed in next month's Camp Fire Stories which will be mailed to the PEDALposse.

How committed is The Gentleman?... check this text.

Now, I know you're probably not the type of person who wants to get stronger than everyone else.  You're probably who only rides.  And, you're likely not interested in sprinting or climbing better... because if you were, you would have already joined the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

164.8 lbs 
PushUps/Pullups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3667163082

Here's the route for Saturday's ride... we leave at 6am... and you're invited... 550AM rider meeting at Salt Creek State Beach Park https://www.strava.com/activities/2510045648 

I FINALLY GOT A NEW AERO HELLMET... what was I waiting for????????

My previous aero helmet was the Giro with the face shield.  It looked cool, was rather hot... and was appropriated by my oldest when he came down with a serious case of I wanna race bikes... never to be seen again.

Yes, I know aero helmets are on par with aero wheels in terms of speed gains.

Yes, I know aero helmets cost a fraction - 10% - of aero wheels.

Yes, yes, yes... I dough kno' whattheheck I was thinkin'... why the hellmet did I wait so long?... so much speed to be gained for so few doll hairs.

If there was ever a ride to test it it was tonight...

... we were shedding riders from mile 0, blitzing the campground at 30mph, the gaggle of geese in full flight...

... and I felt pertty dern good, making all the breaks that mattered and surprising myself in the long, long, long sprint - not a V, but def in the hunt.

Is this scientific?

Hardly.

The science has already been done... aero helmet = aero wheels.

It's just me lettin' ya know my new aero helmet feels extrasuperfast, has great cooling properties, and makes me look even sexier - not easy.

If there's a knock, it's that you can't flip your glasses upside down and slide into the helmet.  

This is FRO - For Race Only...

... and it's fast as hell.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Of course, I chose black... 'cause black shoes and black helmets make great kit frames.  No black isn't hotter, especially when you're going this fast.

Now remember...  fast wheels are $3000, fast helmet is $300... speed gains, according to pointy heads, are about equal... costs not even close.

Also remember... that if you're part of the PEDALposse, you save 25% with your special code. 

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

If yer not part of the PEDALposse, use SAVE10.

---

163.8 lbs 
Coach Loran #6 + pull-ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3661995029

ROCKY (OUR HEAD OF DESIGN) ASKED What's our mission statment?. I must have had a blank look because he followed it up with... Some blog post somewhere?

I didn't hesitate...

... which is odd, because I've never written it out...

Our mission is simple:  help you have the best RaceDay ever.

That's it.

If we're making it, it's because it makes RaceDay better.
If we're selling it, same.
If we're doing it...

That's the mission we've chosen to accept, make RaceDay better...

... maybe that's what inspired me over the weekend to design this hat?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat

I really do believe that.

Every day is RaceDay.  

What I did yesterday - rest and relax with family. 
What I did today - early spin, put food on table, Coach Loran workout
What I'm doing tomorrow - pushups/pullups, hustling at work, and a frisky 50 miles
What I'm doing the day after...

... you get the idea, it all matters and builds on itself - the training, resting, working, dressing, lubing, wrenching, socializing, etc...

... to make the actual RaceDay great - there's no point to it if the family ain't into it, the table's bare, the body weak, etc.

I like reminders like this in the form of a hat.  For less than 20 bones you can have one, too... just remember, not shipping for a few weeks - gotta get 'em made.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat

---

163.8 lbs 
Coach Loran 43 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3654153384