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LIFE IS PRECIOUS
TAKING RISKS these days ain’t what it used to be. Most of us live close to civilization. If we were to take a tumble, emergency medical services…
… would be helping us, whisking us a away.
Within minutes.
I thought about that, plummeting down a lonely dirt road in the middle of nowhere.
Life and death.
About 90 years ago, my relatives were working a sawmill they’d built (see pic).
A young cousin was manning a large log,
the timber bucked,
catching him.
His leg was gashed.
The others gathered to try and help…
- · 50 miles to town
- · horrendous dirt roads
- · no communications, no helicopters
… but there was nothing they could do.
He was dead in minutes.
Prior to stopping at the sawmill site,
I gotta ping on my cell phone.
Service is spotty at best out here.
Our daughter had gone into labor,
they’d easily made it to the nearby hospital,
doctors and nurses and all the supplies were ready.
===
Update: mother and baby are happy and healthy!
===
165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/168/-2 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE DIFFERENCE
KNOWING THE ORIGIN of things can be empowering if we can tie it into who we are and how we operate. But, in today's connected world...
... it's easy to operate unconsciously.
Asleep.
Which is why I've sold my rather large extended family on the virtues of trekking...
- no cell service
- rustic cabins
- tents
... out to the homestead.
Land my great great grandpappy lived on for 3 years to secure the title...
- where my grampa rode out the Spanish flu epidemic
- where my dad spend his summers cowboying
- where I spent a few days every other year
... over 100 years ago.
Some of the distant cousins still ranch,
most of us are city slickers.
Soft.
Unacquainted with the land.
How it...
- feels
- smells
- sounds
... when we're living unplugged.
You know what I'm getting at right?
The feeling we have when rolling with a group,
talking and sharing...
... because plugging in would distract from the experience.
Living.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 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
171/193/-23 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
LOOKING BACK AT TRANSFORMATIONAL
[as I prep for my A race, I thought I'd look back how I felt the last time I did it, in 2022]
IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but it might be for you. I came across this concept a bunch of times over the years. It never really sunk in until I heard it stated like this...
... I increased my volume a lot.
Yeah, we've all heard that. However, what followed hit deeply into my thought process and ultimately my training...
... It has been transformational.
Who doesn't want to transform their training?
Let me pause right here.
It might not work for you. The main reason is the timing of life just isn't right. For me, it's working...
... because I now have the time.
When I had less time, and less focus, a big week for me was about 12 hours...
... an average week, about 8.
These days, in fact this year, my biggest week ever has been 20 hours...
... the last four build weeks have averaged nearly 15, and 12 the rest of the year.
That's nowhere the 20-30 hours most pros put in. In fact, it's a challenge during this build session before Leadville. Frankly, I'm happy in the 12 range. Plenty fit...
... by making my average week equal my formally biggest week.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
In the end, it's about doing all you can do...
... a topic I cover in the 2nd chapter of my book.
Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
175/223/-49 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BAKING CAKES
HOW DO WE KNOW it's time to bring the high volume phase to an end, when preparing for the A race of the year? It's a lot like baking a cake...
... at some point we gotta put it the oven.
And, wait.
If we stretch out the build phase too long,
we run the very real possibility of over cookin' it...
... winding up burnt.
Crispy.
If we stop too far out from the A race,
well, then our training ingredients...
... might never rise.
Leaving us flat.
I'm sure there's some real science we could tap into,
or the wise voice of a trusted coach.
Barring those options, I lean toward...
- feeling exhausted
- not wanting to get outside
- residual, never-receding muskul pain
... as my top indicators.
I'm officially there.
Couldn't come at a better time.
I'll be spending an extended weekend...
- mainly talking
- hanging out
- relaxing
... at the family reunion.
Oh, that cake analogy...
... now is the time to give the training into deliciousness.
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
170/201/-32 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO BE STRONG
THE TOUR DE FRANCE took a big tumble today. Jonas, running in 2nd place, a previous winner and excellent bike handler failed to navigate a very tricky turn...
... and broke his clavicle.
Sucks.
Before the news hit, enlightening us all to one potential factor in causing him to go down...
... I was already thinking about why some crashes happen.
More importantly, why some hit the deck and shatter, while others...
... pop back up and keep racing.
My thoughts were self-centered of course.
The effort to do hundreds of...
- pushups
- pullups
- squats
... building up my body's ability to handle what is thrown at me, late into a ride or race?
It feels like it is,
as I feel in complete control 5 hours into a stout offroad ride.
At the same time,
am I putting body in a state where it is more likely to bend vs break?
These thoughts were going through my head as the skin and bones Jonas was clearly in massive pain.
Then, I heard the unthinkable.
After traveling hundreds of kilometers from yesterday's race to today's,
arriving very late in the evening...
... he was awakened for a drug test at 2am.
No matter what we are doing to keep our bodies in top shape to handle the demands of racing...
... missing sleep when we are already exhausted is a formula for disaster.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
174/228/-55 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY, IT'S ROUTINE
IN THE QUEST TO SQUEEZE IT ALL IN, we learn to develop and rely on routines. Do something consistently, and it becomes rote. Boring in the sense that...
... we don't have to think about it.
Saving us all kinds of mental energy, as well.
Here are a few examples that made today's ride, much better.
20 minutes into my 2 hour sprint to meet Smiley, I felt my rear tire losing a ton of air...
- added air with CO2
- noticed a leak
- plugged it
... took less than 60 seconds to diagnose and repair.
Thought I'd better text him to confirm my ETA, and noticed I'd left my phone at home.
Doh!
But, I have a reputation for being on time and it's routine for me not to wait, so...
- I pressed on
- arrived at Cook's at 9
- didn't see him there, waited 2 minutes at the trailhead
... and we blasted the climb together.
Mostly together,
he always starts out hotter than me,
becoming my top rabbit to chase and pace.
When I rolled up to the general store for my Saturday fix, 4.5 hours into the ride, parched and empty, without my phone to pay...
- popcicle
- Mexican Coke
... I didn't have to beg, because they know my m.o. and that I'm good for it.
And, that's just a smidge of routine evidence for operational mastery.
Carry on.
Oh, and in case your wondering...
- a mini tool
- 2 CO2s + 1 nozzle
- Dynaplug RacerPro (4 plugs)
... what's in my mini raceday bag.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
178/263/-86 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
PRUNE, FOCUS, EXECUTE
HOW WE ARRIVED AT OUR CURRENT LEVEL OF COMPETENCY is a matter of choice. And, that's the challenge. In a world where we can do anything...
... it's easy to reach the end of the day having done nothing.
We know better.
Starting with pruning the options...
- uplifting
- challenging
- beneficial to others
... leaving only the good stuff.
Then, we focus...
- attracting
- believing
- feeling
... with the blinders on, seeing only our end goal.
Executing daily...
... continuously improving.
Very nice you say,
but make it practical.
Ok.
Here's an example.
I really enjoy racing and riding my XC mountain bike.
Knowing that, I've built up a race-ready rig...
... and taken it to the next level.
Most recently, that meant rebuilding the suspension...
- removing the Brain
- replacing a bunch of parts
- and all new lubes and fluids
... which now is supremely supple and plush, fork and shock.
When we are unwilling to prune, focus and execute...
... we are in our comfort zone.
The case there would be comfort with absolute crap vs...
... demanding the best performance we can aquire.
Got it?
===
165lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/169/-9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY?
AT A CERTAIN LEVEL, the set up of our equipment is highly personal. The reason is simple, we are putting in a massive amount of time. And, the minutest adjustment...
... can muck it all up.
A lot.
Leading to anything from a niggle to a...
... Screw it, I'm done with this sport.
So it was with great care that a swapped out my cleats today.
They weren't completely warn out, but they were a little sloppy and replacing them now vs a week before my A race seemed prudent.
I scrubbed up...
- pictures had been taken of the current position
- the area around the cleats taped off
- tools and lube lay at the ready
... put on my operating apron.
The procedure went as expected,
no complication.
The patient was warned to take it easy the next few days,
and expect to feel some initial discomfort.
Physical therapy, in the form of bringing a torque wrench on the next few rides, was presribed.
Like the idiot I am, I promptly headed out for 90 minutes and a fair amount of climbing...
... stopping for many adjustments.
Got close to the old position,
gonna take a few more rides to reach nirvana.
PS... if this seems dramatic, or overkill, blame my dad burning this lesson into my young impressionable mind. his first lawyering job was as a malpractice attorney and the first case was defending a doctor who cut off the wrong leg.
===
163.6 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
6800 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/192/-28 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I SCREAM
DURING THE LARGEST BUILD PHASE, the miles and hours are waywayway bigger than our norm. It can be daunting, overwhelming...
... we need a reward.
Beyond kudos.
Something to see us through.
Which is exactly what I was thinking today,
halfway through what will like be my biggest week of the year.
Building for Leadville.
The route would be much longer than my usual Dirty Wednesday...
... and it hit my like a icy bolt from the Silver Surfer.
If I stayed on the pedals,
I'd have time to stop by the General Store.
A hundred year old building I usually only visit on Saturdays.
The point being...
... the always have the best selection of Mexican popsicles.
I was flooded with a memory of my dad, and his favorite saying...
... I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.
And that was all I needed to get me through the summer heat.
Today.
What will it be tomorrow?
165.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 110 push ups, 22 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 110 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/217/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS 'A' SUPER COOL CAT
MOST OF US DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY of the famous group rides. I'm not talking about the one 5 locals started a couple of months back...
... I'm talkin' the legendary loops.
And, their morphing iterations over the years.
I was reminded of how our heralded TMWC...
... took it to the next level by adding some extra credit.
Called the A loop.
About 10 years ago, Super Dave Koesel made a great suggestion.
We should add on to the ride.
Why?
So we have something to do vs waiting for the guys at the regroup.
It took us a few iterations,
carving our way through a neighborhood,
adding on two punchysprinty climbs.
Finally, we had it perfected,
arriving just in time to meet the crew...
... and keep rolling full gas.
Plus, since we had just started cracking the hour on the original TMWC, back then...
... now we had an updated hour goal.
We've hit it on the A loop multiple times,
even got closer than we've been lately today, 1:02:54 (for me)...
... could it be because Super Dave was back in town, after years of being gone?
===
ICYMI... Super Dave is an aero genius... Remember when 3T came out with their aero gravel bike, years before that was a thing?... yeah, that was Dave's project.
Here's a link to his current company... look to see top secret versions of these bikes at the Olympics.
===
167 lbs 12.7% (I keep telling myself I'm 10lbs over goal because of all the strength work, but we all know it's because
7ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
166/216/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT SONG!
WE AIN'T SERIOUS if we don't have a our own battle song. The one we can count on when...
... well, all the time.
Could be a playlist.
Mine, current fave for firing up...
... Born To Run, Frankie Goes To Hollywood version
On repeat.
Now Chuck shared a forgotten gem with me for raceday...
... Kickstart My Heart, by Motley Crew.
Surfergirl on vacation...
... Don't Disturb This Grove, by The System
To get pumped for motos in the desert the kids loved...
... Animals, by Nickleback
When I head off to the pearly gates, my beatbox will be humming...
... Low Rider, by War.
What's yours?
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
5900 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/181/-22 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT THE EFFORT THAT COUNTS?
WHEN TRAINING FOR THE 'A' RACE, if we're really all in, it's imperative that we prepare by doing the work demanded by the course. That means we have to nail the pace...
... we can sustain.
Or do we?
Lemme splainit.
Say, I'm training for a punchy event with lots of power climbs...
... short 1-5 minutes, repeating.
I could do intervals at a specified power output...
... or I could go for the burn I know I can barely handle for 1-5 minutes.
Or, take my upcoming Leadville MTB race, I know the pace I need to sustain to meet my goal finishing time.
Training the effort required...
... is part art and part science.
The science might say we need to put out an average of X watts...
- getting over a steep, short pitch
- hustling to catch a group
- tucking a long downhill
... the art is knowing when to go above or below the power needed.
Being intimately aware of the effort > callous commitment to pace.
===
165 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
163/209/-46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS POLARZING
THE DEBATE RAGES ON, whether or not polarized training is valuable for the unwashed or is it just for the uber elites putting in bigbig hours. To really get a grasp on the argument...
... let's look at from other perspectives.
Take marketing.
In marketing, we tout what makes us special, unique, desirable...
... while pointing out the enemies of our awesomeness.
For example, when it comes to bags I might communicate dome bags with everything piled inside are just complete trash and chaos...
... where as our RaceDay bags make raceday smooth, easy and successful.
In politics, the party we align with makes the others out to be stupid, incompetent and evil...
... where our party is full of benevolent geniuses.
It's the same with...
- religion
- sports teams
- abortion, climate change, guns, borders, etc
... topics never to be brought up at Thanksgiving dinner.
What does this have to do with training and us?
I'm just trying to set the stage....
- too much time in tempo
- not enough aggregate training
- inadequate or non-existent recovery
... polarized training has enemies, too.
I was thinking about that today,
because I had a great day with the fellas.
Here's how I set it up...
- Monday Z1
- Tuesday romping group ride, all zones all out
- Wednesday high Z2
- Thursday low Z2
- Friday Z1, barely tapping the pedals
- Saturday, 6 hours at Leadville pace with nearly 2 hours at threshold or above
... finishing the final ride, feeling pretty darn good despite 9000' in 80 miles.
If you disagree...
... then, I have succeeded in providing you some polarizing thoughts on polarization.
===
165.4 lbs 12.7% <- this blubber has got to go!
7.5ish hours sleep
600 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/241/-74 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S GOING TO BE HIDDI
TRAINING FOR AN EPIC ride or race is always tricky. It's so easy to over do it on the preparation when we want to be confident that we are ready...
... to go the distance.
Battle hardened.
So, when I put together tomorrow's route and added...
... It's going to be hideous.
I had to ask myself...
... What the heck are you thinking?!
This goes against my plan to prepare for Leadville this year by staying under
- 5 hrs
- 8000'
- 80 miles
... fresh and not torched.
Aiming for more power,
and efficiency.
We're going to over every one of those metrics tomorrow,
plus it's a group of hitters and we'll be hitting it.
Yes, I could pull the plug,
or just not show.
But, who are we kidding when we say stuff like that?
(Hideous rides call to my soul. How 'bout you?)
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/152/-1 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT WE ARE
LOOKING WHERE WE WANT TO GO takes great discipline. Not to be distracted by the lady in the red dress is...
... a skill that deserves mastery.
It's not easy.
Time and time again, ripping the course, we have to ignore the obvious perils and...
... stay focused on our goal.
Going as fast as possible,
error free.
Oddly,
limiting our vision to the best path forward is relaxing.
Calming.
Requiring less energy.
Ultimately, a heckuvalot faster.
So, we practice the skill all the time and when we have those Oh shift! moments...
... we forgive ourselves, and reset.
Perhaps the great Emerson said it best...
... What we are, that only can we see.
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/98/-8 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
THE SLIGHT EDGE
BECAUSE WE USE OUR GEAR every day, we don't always notice the performance is degrading. It's gradual, and we are...
... more concerned with our own numbers.
But, the gear matters.
If we remember anything from the dominance of Team Sky it's...
... marginal gains.
They matter.
Not necessarily individually,
collectively they stack and become game changers.
So are the marginal losses.
I share this as a cautionary tale.
While in Park City a few weeks back,
bombing miles and miles of sweet single track...
... my fork went from finicky to very funked up
My pal Chad helped me get it working enough to enjoy the trip.
As soon as I returned, I rang up the local suspension whiz Mike and gave him the situation.
He ordered parts from Sram to rebuild and improve the fork by replacing the Brain.
Simple enough,
and 7 weeks before Leadville.
Dropped off the bike Monday, planning to have it back for the weekend and continue to perfect my oneness with my steed.
Hey Todd.
Hi Mike.
We gotta small problem.
Uh-oh.
Sram sent the wrong parts.
Dang.
Yeah, it's gonna be another 10 days.
Is the suspension torn to pieces?
Yes.
Ok, I understand.
Now, here's the part we all need to understand...
- we need to stay on top of the maintenance
- allow plenty of time for parts to arrive
- and for the mechanic's schedule
... in order to have the slight edge we need on raceday.
===
165.8 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 125 push ups, 25 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 125 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/103/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
2026 TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE LIT
ABOUT THE MOST FUN we can have is upping our game for the weekly group ride. The good ones all have memorable names. Just saying them sparks...
... anything from fear to fun.
Like The TMWC.
A ride we started 24 years ago...
- 30+ riders every Tuesday at 630
- most wearing the ride's kit
- with an annual throwdown
... and is still ripping today.
Today wasn't any ol Tuuzdee...
- the regulars
- the outta towners
- the first timers hoping to hang on
... it was the unOFFICIAL 2026 Championships.
4 categories...
- Women
- U35
- U50
- U100
... racing for glory.
Bragging rights for a year.
The course has never changed, but...
- fullgas from the start
- even paced 'till The Wall
- saving it all for the Corkscrew finish
... the raceday never plays out the same.
Today unfolded with bouts of massive power,
dropping to conversational,
and back at it.
The only thing that was the same was Alessandro...
... pulling off the first Threepeat.
He was so far off the front the camera crew mistook him as some cat who happened upon the course...
... except he raced up The Wall with god-like speed.
Put over a minute on lil' ol' me,
and nearly everyone else.
Insane.
Priscilla crushed the women's field,
snatching longstanding, legit QOMs.
It's not all about the wins, though.
Juan was voted most-improved,
and Eric picked up rookie of the year.
These aren't participation trophies ...
... they represent outstanding effort, week after week.
Congrats to these cats....
Overall
Alessandro
Kody
Andrew
Women
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Still reading?
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===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/100/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHO HAS THE BEST TdF ANALYSIS?
THERE ARE A LOT of professional pundits pontificating the particulars of each stage of the Tour de Frants. Then, there's the amachurs. Us handlebar hams...
... handing out our homemade takes.
Who's best?
Certainly it's not Velo's...
Jonas Vingegaard was left choking in Pogi's exhaust and came to the line two seconds back after the 1.7km hilltop kick to Les Angles.
... latest retarded hyperbole.
Cycling News' take...
A devastatingly-long and sustained acceleration by Tadej... with a two-second advantage.
... wasn't much of an improvement.
Jonas said it better...
It's a shame, of course. But when we started the Tour, we expected to lose time... so it's a good starting point that I'm tied on time with Tadej.
... and more accurately.
But, he's not selling ads for eyeballs.
My eyeballs and ears like to take in...
- Chris Horner for pointing out the knucklehead moves of the day
- Lance's podcast for the entertainment
- GCN's breathy and breasty euroness
... if I have the time.
And then there's NBC's crew...
- I do feel for Brent and TJ having to educate the unwashed with silly cartoons and goofy bets
- No way I could ride the sissybar like Christian or do the man on the course stuff like Steve
- Amid correcting, Bobke does a good job as the straight man
-
Phil may miss a few deets, but that voice is still gold to me
... collecting a solid paycheck.
Nothing wrong with that.
For actual, pure analysis...
- concise
- relatable
- insightful
... I think Tom Danielson does it best.
He delivers it via blog, vlog and podcast.
You're probably thinking Nice job taking potshots at people just trying to do their jobs...
... to which I'll counter, I'm grateful we have so many real human points of view vs the AI slop sure to come our way.
Links to Tom's work:
https://cinchcycling.cc/blogs/news/tour-de-france-stage-3-tadejs-boxing-match
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/81/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING
MOST OF US have a test course, a segment that is our fitness barometer, where we lay down a valiant effort, then upload it...
... to see where we're at.
Sometimes years of data points.
When we're prepping for the A race we'll hit it hard.
The results are instructive...
- PR'd it
- on track
- woefully wanting
... from elation to devastation.
Gratefully, it's usually good and confirming info.
But, what about when it isn't?
Like my Leadville prep test up a similar climb to Columbine...
- 1:10 in May
- 1:14 in June
- 1:15 in July
... which is honestly, quite discouraging?
The May effort I was waiting for my friends,
in June I was chasing all the way,
in July I went alone.
July's effort was the shortest
June's was much longer,
May's the longest.
Big takeaway...
... my fitness is going backwards.
So, find the positives...
- I'm descending better than I have since the TBI
- the nutrition plan seems to be on point
- the bike is nearly complete
... and make adjust ments.
I still have 7 weeks to turn it around...
- stop shredding my legs with weight training
- get back to throttling Saturdays
- stack the Zone 2 miles
... and I have some definite ideas on how to do that.
Will it work?
I dunno.
What won't work is quitting.
Thoughtful, calculated perseverance is always the right answer.
===
165.6 lbs 12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/87/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HALF THE FREEDOM
WE KNOW where the 50% mark is on the course. The distance. The estimated time it takes to get there. The food we'll need to arrive and...
... finish with good energy.
But, is that enough?
Knowing vs doing,
totally different things.
The first half of 2026 is gone.
For some, it flew right by.
Others...
- bored
- unengaged
- beset by challenges
... had a different experience.
We are free to stay the course, or...
- 10x goals
- Committed mindset work
- Severing whatever is holding us back
... recalibrate and blow everyone's minds (ours included).
God, bless America.
===
Nowza good time to crack that journal open and document the amazing things we've accomplished to date.
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
Let's rip!
===
164 lbs 12.6%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/88/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GUITY AS CHARGED
THE EVIDENCE IS OVERWHELMING, there is no defense for the flagrant violations of society's norm...
... we've got a problem.
And, we don't care.
It's who we are...
- city limit sign? let's race
- KOM within reach? let's race
- event 700 miles away? let's race
... we're constantly on the lookout for our tribe.
We rarely watch sportsball,
we'll watch a TdF stage start to finish.
We do find comfort in the couch,
after an absurdly long day outside ripping.
We do devour ice cream and cookies,
but only when the calorie deficit is irredeamable.
We aren't normal...
... we're race junkies.
===
If that resonates,
you might want this shirt,
which I'm pretty sure we priced wrong at $20.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
I'll fix the price after the holiday.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
===
165 lbs 12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/96/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BROKE OR BROKEN?
IT'S AMAZING what we're willing to put up with. I suspect it's just in our nature and probably why...
... we thrive at the endurance game.
We tune it out.
And, here's the dill.
Pretending things aren't the way they are...
... can be demoralizing.
Yesterday, I had my cracked front windshield replaced on the van.
It wasn't huge,
but it was slowly growing,
ever since our trip to Sea Otter.
Neighbor Rick came out to chat and asked me why I replaced it.
Honestly?
Yeah.
It was making me feel poor.
The thingaboutitis, if I'd had the rock chip fixed immediately...
... the cost would have been minimal.
Which begs the question...
... what are we allowing to languish and bring us (our performance) down?
===
166.4 lbs 12.4%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING ON PEPTIDES
THE TEMPTATION to tap the pharmacy is getting realer every day. Call it the effects of the human genome project or clever marketing...
... lotsa people on the train.
I've been surprised.
Just in the last month or so, some of my much younger (30s and 40s) and generally healthy friends...
- trimmer
- slimmer
- sexier?
... have let me know their results from peptides.
They aren't athletes who compete,
just dudes wanting a better bod.
My response is always the same.
Dang...
... I can't do that because I'm a racer.
I know...
- the likelihood of getting tested is practically nil
- the evidence of peptides disappears quickly
- the help they deliver is real
... but, I'll know.
So I push on in the land of...
- working hard
- eating clean
- getting rest
... and I'm quite okay with that.
===
165.8 lbs
7 hours sleep
540 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RIDE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU WOULD RIDE WITH YOURSELF
EVERY NOW AND AGAIN we get an insight that touches our hearts and when we try and explain it to others they just don't get it. Not their fault. We just need an analogy...
... we can all relate to.
Try this one.
I'll do my best to share the change of heart I had recently...
- a homeless woman sitting on the corner of a busy sidewalk in front of a food court
- people, me included, waiting for the light to change
- ignoring her sad, red eyes like they didn't exist.
... it wasn't my finest moment.
We're all rich.
I'm on a stupidly expensive bike,
but no cash on me,
gazing ahead.
Ignoring the obvious hurt and loneliness.
I was ashamed...
... of my inability to see the once beautiful baby at my feet.
What would it have cost to acknowledge her?
And it hit my heart so hard...
... Love they neighbor as thyself.
Finally I got it,
and I'll do my best to share it with you.
If we really loved our neighbors as ourselves we might...
- be a little nicer, kinder more patient
- genuinely ask how they are, if they need a hand
- we might hold the bar a little lower or a little higher, out of love
... not the awkward, stumbling empathy that paralyzes us.
Genuine desire to help others as ourselves out knowing that...
- if we were raised differently
- made regrettable choices
- had terrible experiences
... but for the grace of God go I.
It reminds me of my good friend Todd Darley, a better Todd than I, who always rolls out with food.
One day we're ripping up Mulholland with a spicy group, gonna PR it...
... and Todd disappears.
Where'd you go?
Stopped to talk to the homeless hiker?
What?
Yeah, wanted to make sure he was okay. Gave him a bagel I had.
Last Saturday, a dude in a pick up with a trailer full of tools pulled up to me and Chad and flipped us the bird...
... I laughed and asked myself Now why would I do that? Having a bad day? PTSD from cyclists?
I'll never know that dude's literal problem...
... just hoping this change of heart stays with me forever.
===
165.4 lbs
8 hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/91/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS THIS CODDLING?
WE'VE ALL HAD to face the unbearable hot situations. Sometimes in training, others in a race. But, that's the thing...
... we've all had to face them.
That's life.
So, when the geniuses at Velo led with Extreme Heat Could Force Radical Rethink of the Tour de France...
... I sighed.
Stop the coddling.
They're professionals.
Then Surfergirl chimed in...
- 2013 Tour of California
- 4pm finish
- 114º
... But, remember Palms Springs.
We started early and rode the stage ahead of the pros.
Dropping down into the desert floor was like riding into a giant hair dryer.
Oppressive and awful.
My son and I staggered into a 7-11 and chugged giant Slurpees...
... finally lowering our body temps to be able to ride to the finish.
The pros came in and literally collapsed on the sizzling black and gooey tarmac.
She had a point.
It was horrific.
After wading through the Velo clickbait I discovered the "radical rethink" just meant considering starting the races at 9:30 vs the typical much later starts that finish in the hottest time of the afternoon.
You know the real tragedy isn't the coddling, it's that...
... I won't be able to go for an early spin and watch the race finish live.
I'm sure I'll find a "radical rethink" of my entertainment consumption.
===
163.4 lbs
9 hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/99/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MOVING THE COMFORT ZONE
IT CAN BE PERPLEXING to know a truth from personal experience, to share it because we care, and see it not be received...
... because it's scary.
Like ripping downhill.
I have a few friends who are training for a big event with me.
There will be a fair amount of climbing,
followed by a fair amount of descending.
None of it...
- steep double-track
- wide open hardpack
- a bit of chunky rocky stuff
... will give most mountain bikers any trouble.
Unless we're racing,
really going for it.
Even then, most will be fine...
... but, they could be so much better.
And here's the headscratcher...
... I can't get them to ride much harder trails in preparation.
They protest,
avoid,
skip.
Because I'm absolutely failing to ride home the point that learning to rip more challenging trails now...
- steeper
- chunkier
- twistier and slicker
... will move the comfort zone.
Moving the comfort zone means we are...
- more efficient
- relaxed
- calm
... saving all kinds of physical and emotional energy.
While others bog down with Oh shift! moments, we can turn those sections into...
- recovery
- relaxation
- moments of bliss
... something to look forward to, and potentially gain/make up time.
If we're into that.
I am.
You?
(Where else are we too fraidy catty to move the comfort zone?)
===
163.6 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/114/-23 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BUT, DOES HE REALLY CARE (NOW)?
ON RACEDAY it's fair to say nothing else matters but the race. The training, the fine-tuning, the sacrifices...
... they're all coming together.
We need to rip.
But, when it's all said and done...
... should anybody, ourselves included, really care?
Take a dude I heard about...
- inspired and helped millions of cancer patients to believe they had a chance
- single-handedly lifted a dying sport getting legions to pedal
- operator of a massively popular podcast
- successful investor and businessman
- father of five children
... does he really care that he's not recognized as winning 7 TdFs?
For all you haters that are now triggered, the unsubscribe button is above and below.
For the open minded, contemplating our own mortality and personal achievements...
- family
- race wins
- inspiring and helping others
... what would you prefer?
===
164 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/93/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of The Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all things marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
INNOVATION THROUGH IGNORANCE
IGNORANCE AND IGNORANT are such ugly words. And don't even speak ignoramus. Referring to anybody with those words...
... is just plain mean spirited.
Ain't gonna make ya friends.
Yet, the truth is, many of personal innovations come from ideas...
- never heard of
- never thought of
- never been exposed to
... we were completely ignorant to.
Here are a few of mine...
- swimming to control breathing
- lift heavy, low reps
- sprints for power
... that have helped improve over the years.
The swimming one I came up with on my own when training for Leadville in the early days. I wanted to control my breathing and keep my breaths deep.
The lift heavy, low reps I learned from one of the great Phil Mafetone books. He only pioneered Zone 2 training coaching Mark Allen to become the most complete and dominating triathlete of his era.
Lift heavy, low reps was also heavily preached in the fascinating book Underground Secrets To Faster Running, by Barry Ross.
Sprints for power came from the awesome Fred Duncan, a premiere track coach.
The idea that we are born to be athletic and should treat our bodies as such came through loud and clear in Christopher McDougall's book Natural Born Heroes.
I could go on...
- crusty old curmudgeons calling me out
- lessons learned through experience
- defeats whose sting was wicked
... but that's not the point.
The point is we've got to continually expose ourselves to new ideas and concepts and experiences in order to...
... keep innovating and growing.
Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Socially.
===
1664 lbs
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/102/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE VISION BORED
VISION WHILE RACING isn't everything, but it's right up there with oxygen. We gotta breathe, we gotta see...
... to move forward.
I was thinking about that today while zipping down a twisty trail.
If I let my eyes start to focus on what's up close...
... my speed drops and I become much more reactive.
When I'm focused far ahead...
... I go much faster, slipping into a state of flow and things are magically easier.
The thing I was thinking about was my vision board.
Mulling over the things already accomplished, as well as what is in the works.
The vision board seems to work the same way...
... focusing on the outcome, not how I'm going to get there.
Some of you may be thinking Dude is nuts,
others nodding your heads That's right.
Either way, I'll leave you with this thought from King Salomon...
... Where there is no vision, the people perish.
===
166.2 lbs
8 hours sleep
620 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/108/-19 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TUCK AND ROLL!
AERO. The term is like a science fiction blob that oozes it's way into everything, eventually killing everything in sight and taking over the world...
... with no end of it's pervasiveness in site.
Can we escape the creepiness?
The thingaboutitis, once we go slip down the aero tube...
- positioning
- equipment
- apparel
... it's almost impossible to stop.
That list falls short of the whackiness...
- hands on the mtb fork crowns at Leadville
- hydration bladders stuffed in front of jersey
- dropper seat post for bombing road descents
... which actually works.
I was thinking about that this morning as I crested The Wall, about 15 seconds behind the leaders.
Pedaling till I was spun out...
- butt hooked on end of saddle
- hands next to the stem
- chin on the Wahoo
- elbows in
- knees in
... I assumed the position (I'm not a butt on seat tube believer).
Would I, could I catch before the bottom?
Being on my lessthanaero gravel bike...
- spun out with gravel gears
- rolling shallow depth road wheels
- rockin' a well ventilated KASK helmet
... I needed every aero advantage I could get.
After rolling up on the 3 in between the two leaders...
... we rotated, taking short and speedy pulls.
It took forever to catch,
all the way to the final curve.
I'm already thinking about next week...
- actual aero helmet
- clean shave on the legs, face, arms(?)
- and, yeah, gonna bust out the Speedsuit
... what else I can do to improve my aeroness.
On my previous road bike, I clocked 51 mph...
... today's set up shows 47.4 mph.
Tuesday can't some soon enough.
===
168 lbs
7 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs
89/113/-24 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CUI BONO?
THERE ARE A LOT OF DEALS that get cut on the race course. Some are obvious, some hidden. Many between competitors...
... for money, glory and pride.
The worst deal of all?
Well, that depends on Cui bono?...
... Who benefits?
Deals between competitors kindasuck, but...
- hang on for camera glory
- work to stay in break
- straight cash
... we can usually tell who benefits,
and who pays.
No, the most insidious deals...
- staying up late
- backing off the finishing sprint
- starting the new diet "tomorrow"
... are the ones we cut with ourselves.
Because nobody benefits,
'cepting our competitors.
===
167.4 (Happy Fatter's Day - sheesh!)
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
85/90/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY INSANE CULT
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
86/98/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TODAY WAS A ROUGHIE
SOME BIG TRAINING DAYS are better than others. The reasons are myriad. Which means when it goes sideways...
... it's up to us to figure it out.
Like today.
I knew it was going to be a big day...
- 7 hrs
- 87 miles
- 10,500' of vert
... on Monday.
There are only 8 weeks to get our Leadville legs, and me and Let's Go need(ed) to do some simulation.
For me,
today,
I just never got comfortable.
Never felt that feeling of being on top of the pedals and...
... smoothly moving like a Singer sewing machine.
It was much more like a broke down pumpjack one might see in the hot and dusty oil fields of Bakersfield...
... in desperate need of lube and love.
Clunk.
Clunk.
Clunk.
I've narrowed it down to a few things...
- going too deep on Thursday after solid Tuesday and Wednesday
- rolling the gravel wheels vs road wheels on Friday's BRO ride
- hitting the legs with resistance Sunday-Thursday
... and I should know better.
I'm gonna add to that...
- probs too much tire pressure
- def hotter today than our last attempt
- carrying a third bottle to be safe on hydration
... some I can control, some I can't.
In the end, I think it really comes down to not being sufficiently recovered.
On a positive note, given the fatigue level...
... we averaged 12.7 mph with zero drafting over a similar profile to Leadville.
Not bad.
Not great.
But, we can work with that.
Oh, and I'm feeling quite extra speedy on the downhills.
Time for...
- In-N-Out burger, fries and shake
- some good sleep
- and a day off
... to set the pins up to be knocked down next week.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
89/113/-25 per Strava (someone's tired!)
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT TOPSECRET SECRET
THE IDEA OF A PUBLIC DECLARATION is not new. Lots of people have proclaimed they will accomplish X goal and gone on to do just that...
... because it works.
There is a hitch.
The haters,
the perceived haters,
hating the idea of haters.
There are plenty of famous athletes who have made the call and fallen flat on their face...
... sometimes by knockout.
Which is why most of keep our plans secret,
denying ourselves the power therein.
I'm onboard with that.
There is also power in keeping our intentions unknown.
Wherein lies another hitch.
If we're posting our stats with the Strava lords,
that might be considered a passive-aggressive statement.
Which begs the question...
... if we're keeping our mouths shut, do we keep our training private?
Personally, I'm open book on that, except for my top secret racing agenda which scrawled in code...
... on my vision board.
===
164.6
7iah hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
83/84/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IMAGINE THAT!
WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, can ya even remember that?, we had tremendous imaginative powers. From games to friends to travel to faraway places...
... our lives were boundless.
What happened?
Did reality set in?
Did we set conditions on our dreams?
Did some kind old bag of wind tell us not to have our heads in the clouds?
The thingaboutitis...
... when we register for an event or race, all bets are off.
We've already imagined...
- the trainging
- the equipement
- the travel and accomodations
... to start.
More importantly, if we're really on our A game, and you and I are!...
... we can see the finish line, and exactly how we'll be at that moment.
Which isn't child's play.
It's actually...
- life
- business
- relationships
... how doers get it done!
As I'm writing this I'm reminded of the gloves I wore today...
and the shirt I'm wearing right now
This is gonna be a total marketing faux pas because we're neverever supposed to make too many offers, but...
... I imagine more than a few of you will want this reminder to Rip!
Order the Gloves, get the Shirt for FREE.
Use this code: LET'SRIP
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lets-rip-buy-t-get-gloves-for-free
===
162.6
8 hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
85/91/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EMBRACING THE BURN, DAILY/OFTEN
WE'VE ALL FELT THE BURN. Some of us love it, some of us hate it. No matter where we are on the spectrum...
... the burn is coming for us.
Is it minimizable?
Maybe.
If yesterday is any indicator, I may have stumbled upon something.
For the last few weeks, I've been steadily increasing my ATG air squats.
From reps of 10 to reps of 30.
If you haven't done them lately, or ever...
- standing
- to full "ass to grass"
- to standing
... it's quite a shock to learn our trusty bottom half may not be as durable as we think.
When I started 10 burned,
then 20 really burned...
... the last 5 of 30 were a massive struggle.
Back to yesterday's hammerfest, when the burn came on it was like my body saying...
... Oh, we're gonna burn now. Buckle up buttercup, I've got this.
Rather than pulling the plug at the onset of burn, I embraced it and powered on.
Best I've felt in weeks/months.
Now, I'll be the first to admit it could just be that I was supertapered going into last weekend's BWR UT and I might just be having a good response to the taper followed by the 3.5 hours of racing across the high desert.
But, even if that's the case...
... the burn of 30 ATGs feels so good.
Gonna keep upping it,
apparently 100 is a thing.
(yes, on top of split squats and probably bringing back box jumps)
===
165.2
8 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 90 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
85/96/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE TOOK ME BACK
IT'S REALLY HARD TO LET GO of something we love. The fear we won't get it back is legit. Yet, the opportunity of enjoying something new...
... is real, and tantalizing.
The known vs the unknown.
Once we move on, that thing we left behind might...
- forget about us
- reject our return
- change and move on
... it's risky.
No, Surfergirl didn't leave me or vice versa.
But!...
... I did leave my beloved TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships) for another ride: Wednesday Worlds.
The main reason, and it's very valid, waking up at 5am and rolling out in the cold, dark, pre-dawn was leaving me almost worthless for work the rest of the day.
The lesser reason, I was thinking the blazing intensity of WW would be a better work out.
Well, a funny thing happened when a downloaded the Tuesday vs WW data...
- significantly more time above threshold and VO2 max
- much higher average and normalized power
- and, the best, all my pals were there
... to smack me in the face!
For sure, it helped that the sun was up when I rolled out.
And, I was putting down power on the road vs battling dust, rocks and terrain.
The fellas were all welcoming...
... probably because they knew they'd dump me up The Wall and send me home with a good lycra whipping.
Gawd, I've missed this ride and these awesome cats.
===
165.2
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
84/83/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVE ME 10 WEEKS
HOW LONG DOES IT REALLY TAKE to get into top shape for an A race is a question we'd all like answered. For an Olympian, it might be years. For us...
... we might have a few months.
Or less.
Depending on when we sign up, and the vagaries of life.
But, let's just say we are fitter than most,
not as fit as some.
Then our focus will be...
- long climbs or power climbs
- slogs into the wind or a million turns
- finishing in ones and two or a ripping bunch sprint
... more on race specific training.
Given a good baseline of fitness, my general rule is...
- our bodies
- our equipment
- our travel and logistics
... it takes 10 weeks to really sharpen the saw.
For me, aiming for Leadville on 8.15.26, I've got time...
... but, no time to waste.
And, so it begins.
===
164.6
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 60 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
81/72/9 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: The Search, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PREPARATION/EXPECTATION EQUATION
DECONSTRUCTING OUR RECENT PERFORMANCE is critical for improvement. The longer we wait, the foggier our recollection. Details we were sure of...
... become memories full of bias.
It's natural.
Who wants to remember what went wrong, when we can glory in all that went right?
Other than screwing up yet another sprint for the line, nothing really went sideways for me at BWR UT.
And, if I'm being honest, Billy tested my legs on the overpass coming into to town. Whether or not he knew it, and I stayed glued through the the pain...
... I was hurting.
There are a few things that went really right...
- The chef's pasta the night before at Chef Alfredo's, with Danny and Lisa, was delish and just what I needed.
- The AirBNB I found at the last minute - a 3-bedroom house was perfect and the beds wonderful.
- The 8:30 start was a little too late to skip breakfast, so I went with my gut and mowed down a couple of chocolate Entenmann's donuts, half an apple, and a couple of cups of my trusty mushroom hot chocolate.
- I picked up Skratch Super High Carb and ran 6 scoops in my 2-liter pack and another 3 in one bottle.
- To stay ahead of cramps, I ate a Salt Stick chews.
- For the bike set up,
- Ceramic Speed chain held up really well to all the dust, even after getting doused with cold water by Smitty at the final aid station.
- The tire pressure was pretty low, 22lbs in back 20lbs up front. I rimmed out a few times over the random chunky stuff while in a paceline. That's always risky. But, I also felt like I was much more comfortable than other competitors who dropped off the group over time.
... the last was mindset.
Preparation vs Expectation.
I came in pretty rested having spend the previous 2 weeks on my MTB in Park City.
Because of the altitude, it was difficult to put in hard efforts of any meaningful time. Hours in the saddle were solid, but even a lot of that was spent ripping down hill.
I'd give me preparation a B, which was fine for a B race.
Knowing that, my expectations were quite low.
Here's the point...
... poor preparation with high expectations is a formula for frustration and a crummy day on course.
Whereas...
... awesome preparation with low expectations always makes for a fun race and often surprising outcomes.
===
163.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 70 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
82/74/7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
IF THINGS AREN'T ENDING UP as we'd like them to, the obvious thing to do would be dong something different. But, that can be a hard pill to swallow because...
... we're comfy and don't wanna change.
Hope isn't a strategy.
Or, a tactic.
So, even though I was hoping I'd be able to fend off the change with a few hundred meters to go at BWR UT, the mofo I'd been working with for the last 30 miles...
... stuck a shiv in my back.
There was nothing I could do.
Had no answer.
Surfergirl, bless her little beating heart, could see I was frustrated with myself and...
... accidentally twisted the buried blade.
What are you going to do about it?
I think it was an innocent, honest, loving, caring question due to the fact that she's seen me frustrated with something...
... then, draw up a solution and make it happen.
Truthfully, does it really matter if close out a racing effort by taking some cat on the line who I may never see again?
Not even.
What matters, to me, is that I execute the plan.
In this case...
... having something left at the end, to rip a fast finish.
The kool kids call that durability.
I call it having your shift together when it counts, which means I'll be needing to...
... wrap up long rides with sprints that sting.
===
164ish no scale
7.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/86/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THE RACE TOMORROW?
THE NIGHT BEFORE any race is not a normal night. No matter how practiced we are there's always something different to our routine. Sometimes...
... we just make it up.
Why not?
It might work,
or not.
Surfergirl keeps asking me are you excited?
I wanna say yes,
and I know I will be tomorrow...
... about a millisecond after we start.
Until then,
my energy tends to be low.
Not depressed low.
Hybernation low.
Lethargic.
Slothy.
Trying to amp me up, she asks...
... have you looked at reg to see who's going to be there?
That's the kind of thing that...
- if I glanced at it now
- the night before the race
- when I'm trying to chill and sleep early
... would def keep me up and tossing and turning.
No, that's not my agenda.
I prefer to...
- lose all hope
- ditch all desire
- punt all pretense
... and shut 'er down with my favorite pint.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/70/11 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOSTALGIA
WE ALL STARTED this endurance journey somewhere, likely not where we are today. Introduced by a friend, sometimes on purpose, others inadvertently. While we may change locales, and the friends become distanced…
… we’re still here.
In the game.
We may have the opportunity to go back to where it all started.
For me, it was…
- my roommate’s bike
- a finagled purchase of my own
- secrets of sprinting revealed by Bret, who raced track nationally for San Jose Bicycle Club
… in Provo, UT.
I rearranged my classes…
- to start as early as possible
- so I could ride every afternoon
- before cruising the library to cruise the cubicles in search of a “study” partner.
… because I had priorities to attend to.
Today I hit a climb I’d always wanted to check out, Cascade Springs, but it was a battered gravel road back in the day.
Now, it’s pristine pavement all the way up over 8000’
Followed by a plummeting descent that is as magical now as it was 40 years ago.
I’ve moved,
but, I never really moved on…
… and, I’m quite okay with that.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/68/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE TRUE PRICE OF FREE ADVICE
A WHILE BACK, I connected with the COO of a well-known bike brand. We were working on a collaboration at the time. I asked him for some...
... advice on what we're doing over here.
Today, we met for lunch.
Looked at from now to the end of the year,
the objectives I want to accomplish,
what I think is possible.
No different than...
- capabilities
- weaknesses
- peak seasonal events
... planning the race season with a coach.
After some yummy tacos,
and back of napkin calculations...
... we came up with a solid methodology to implement.
Like any great coach,
my friend made it so simple to understand...
... and gave me the confidence to go for it.
I was prepared to pay a minimum of $1,000.
In the end it could be way more expensive than that...
... if I don't take action.
It could cost me 100s of 1000s.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/77/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE SUFFERING AND EPICCING TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?
WE ALL KNOW that group workouts are torturous by nature. It's not a secret. Yet, we continue to show up beating after beating because...
... suffering loves company.
Alone, for most of us, is no good.
We won't see it through,
we'll ease up when we should be hardening up.
The bonds we end up forming are often unbreakable...
... we're in agony together.
Suddenly people who barely knew each other are fist bumping and ready for the next one.
What's the opposite bondforming experience?...
... when we're pushing geographic boundaries together.
Like today.
It wasn't the 90 minute climb topping out at 9160'.
Nope.
It was the 60 minutes of downhill...
- ripping through the trees
- sliding around gorgeous berms
- jumping rocks and roots and stumps
... feeling like we were cheating life.
Epiccing, like suffering, loves company.
We set off in search of adventures that will push beyond the comforts or riding around the block...
... the unknown and undiscovered beckoning to be shared.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/71/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COOCOO FOR CLIMBING
IF WEIGHTED SQUATS are a lot better than air squats, is climbing a lot better than riding on the flats? And, if climbing is better...
... is climbing with a weighted vest mo' bettah?
Things one wonders.
And takes to extremes.
I remember backintheday, rolling out with 100oz hydration pack on my back and 2 large waterbottles filled with sand.
It seems so silly now,
almost as all the ruckers.
On a bike we can measure power.
So, we know.
We know we don't need to stress our backs with extra weight or stupid add ons...
... we can just pedal faster.
Velocity X Force - Power
Which taken a step further...
... climbing aint gonna train us any better than flats.
We gotta put out the power.
There is a caveat, if we like...
- climbing big mountains
- ripping punchy stuff
- pounding the flats
... our bodies will adapt and become more efficient at the one we love and gravitate towards.
Me personally?
I'm coocoo for climbing,
and bananas for bombing.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/63/17 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HEAR ME OUT
SOMETIMES IT'S JUST PLAIN FUN to make fun of Velo, "powered by Outisde". Whether it's their clickbaity titles, AI drivel, or soulselling advertorials...
... there's at least one good laugh a day.
Here's my current favorite.
Stop Complaining About Sound, These Are The Best Headphones for Cycling
Roight!
Because decreasing our ability to engage with our surroundings when traveling 20+ miles per hour in our underwear on...
- trails
- gravel
- pavement
... is a great idea.
Genius.
Next up...
... Stop Complaining About Night Vision, These Are The Best Sunglasses After Sunset.
There is no best.
At best, assuming it's not clickbait or advertorial would be...
... These Headphones Least Worsen Your Ability To React To Danger When Riding.
Or, for the trailrunners...
... These Earbuds Reduce Getting The Shift Scared Out of You When A Bike Rider Has Been Saying 'Hey There' For 5 Minutes and Finally Gives Up and Passes You.
Now for you in the back jumping up and down ready to tell me to not be so closeminded...
... I hear you.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
>
POP TART POWERED, BEE STUNG... ATHLETE unINTELLIGENCE
SOMETIMES, we just gotta change it up. Do something different just fer fun. Go against...
... conventional wisdom.
I thought it had been a good week...
- 177 miles
- 17:26 hours
- 20951' of vert
... given I'd been knocked down by a 24 hour bug.
Mostly in the dirt,
mostly with friends.
Yet, every single ride Strava's Athlete Intelligence...
... scored it as recovery or recovery and endurance.
Apparently, the AI couldn't account for the fact this sea leveler was suffering at 7000-10,000 elevation.
Rolling out this morning...
- a few scoops of Envy
- 4 pop tarts
- 1 Carbs gel
... I grabbed what I had + 100 ounces of water.
While I hoped to put down some power, since all I'd done was "recovery and endurance" rides...
... I knew the truth.
Leaving with a simple plan,
ride until I ran out of food and water.
It was an epic day in the mountains...
... topped off with a bee sting in the gut a few miles from home base.
Memorable.
===
164
9 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ADVENTURE
SOMETIMES, the road really is better than the inn. We realize that whatever we are aiming for may not be all that great, but...
... putting in the work gives outsized returns.
Gratitude blooms.
Like today.
My pal Charles charts out this loop...
- 32 miles
- 4700' of vert
- topping out at 10,000'
... which seems really cool.
Until we hit our first massive fallen tree and bushwhack around it.
Then, patches of snow,
too long to ride.
Followed Puke Hill.
The view...
- The Great Salt Lake to the west
- Park City to the East
- Not a soul around
... stunning.
Somehow the goals seem weak, lacking...
... when beauty abounds.
If we'll just stop to look.
===
165ish, no scale
7ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN TRAINING ISN'T ACCORDING TO PLAN
THE BEST LAID PLANS can go sideways for a variety of reasons. I'm not gonna list 'em since I don't want to poison your mind and have you...
... manifesting awfulness.
'Cause I'm questioning just that about myself.
Did I manifest...
- 3 days off at I Do Epic
- riding with friends short on time
- puking my guts out last night after a miserable 70 minute ride
... or, is it just life?
Doesn't matter too much,
except part of my GrandMasterRipOnRaceDay plan...
... was a massive training week this week to make up for last week
and leave me slightly buried for BWR next week.
I consulted AI all night...
- possibly caused by using pure table sugar on my rides
- hydration via room temp peppermint tea
- a few Tums
... while Surfergirl laughed at me and secured the remedy.
Arose after 10 hours, feeling a lot better.
Energy seems good enough to day...
... to meet up with the local slayers.
The prudent thing would be to skip the meet up,
spin at most, or sleep...
... a proper adjustment.
But, screw it...
... I've got plans, too.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/57/22 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HE'S A GENIUS
WE ALL HAVE, or should have, wish we had, that friend who can fix anything. Even though we've upped our skills over the years there's always that...
... next level repair.
We can't do it.
Like my SID fork, today...
- packing in on descents
- rebound slower than a sloth
- adjustment dials backing out and loose
... I was in a bind.
Turns out the great C Gonzer lives where I'm visiting,
racing pals from a decade ago.
Within about about 20 minutes,
he had it working nearly good as new.
How'd you learn how to do this?
I just really like working on my bikes.
That's it?
Well, I am a mechanical engineer by trade.
That's it...
- love what we do
- study the basics
- achieve mastery
... genius level work.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/57/23 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Feeling Is The Secret, by Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
AVOID TRIGGERING THIS HEART PROBLEM
Oct 02, 2023
by TODD BROWN
FROM THE ANALS OF HEART MEDICINE, I bring you a serious issue. I've seen this in more than a few racers...
... myself included.
It's kinda scary,
and I don't like the feeling.
Maybe you've experienced it.
Last week, it really flared up...
... at first, the amount of hate mail was amusing.
From long, long, long unpuncuated and emotion laden communiques to my favorite from Joe, short and concise...
... You're an idiot!
I responded to everyone and shared several key points which had been overlooked. Most of us had a good laugh and got on with the day.
Why did this happen at all?
They were triggered.
By the post title.
Why does this matter?
Because being unable to control our emotions is the fastest way to lose a race...
- a winner would laugh it off and get the gold
- a loser gets offended and blows it
For example, I was told in no uncertain terms all the products some had purchased and enjoyed were going in the trash.
Now, imagine you had a major heart problem. You are of a certain political persuasion, the specialist who is uniquely qualified to save your life belongs to the opposite party...
... so you refuse the help you need.
You die,
over a difference of opinion.
Sad.
But, what if we are all dying of heart disease?
My favorite song in the wholewideworld was written by Longfellow, during the Civil War when his son was killed.
These chilling lyrics are still so true...
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men
... fortunately, those lines are at the beginning not the end.
A few verses later, is hope...
Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on Earth, good will to men
Then ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on Earth, good will to men
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on Earth, good will to men
My friends,
when the car gets too close,
the rider doesn't pull through,
a neighbor has a different opinion...
when the car gets too close,
the rider doesn't pull through,
a neighbor has a different opinion...
... may we be triggered to open our hearts,
and our arms,
in love,
in love,
first.
Then we will have won the only race that counts...
... the one for peace and good will towards all.
---
Friendly reminder, price increase is coming 10.9.23
---
162.3
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
DO WE NEED A POWER METER AND/OR A HR MONITOR FOR RACING?
Oct 01, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I DIDN'T HAVE A POWER METER FOR A LONG TIME. Then, I had one on my MTB for about 18 months. Followed by 3 years without, until this summer...
... now I have 3 giving me all kinds of intel.
But, do we need one?
No.
Long answer,
maybe.
Reasons not to use a power meter:
- Cost
- Focus on wrong data
- Potentially useless training
Reasons to use a power meter:
- Training alone
- Immediate feedback vs the lag of a HR monitor
- Ability to know if we are actually improving our output.
Endurance racing situations where a power meter would be almost pointless?
Cross Country MTB, Cyclocross, Crit racing. These races almost always have such rapid changes of pace as to make the power meter useless.
- There is little to no time to be looking at the data screen.
- The efforts are often so violent that setting a power ceiling would be counter productive.
Endurance racing situations where a power meter could be gold?
- Time trialing
- Solo or small group break away...
... ideally, over very steady terrain.
Is a HR monitor helpful at all in racing?
Yes.
During the races with rapid changes in power needed, a HR monitor is great to give overall feedback on the amount of work being done by our bodies.
Do we really need the devices at all?
For training alone, I think they can be quite helpful for analyzing our efforts in terms of power and stress on the body.
- Low power, high HR could indicate illness or overall fatigue.
- High power, low HR could indicate superior fitness.
For racing, they are most useful for
- In race feedback
- Post race analysis
- Typically highest numbers are recorded and used for future training markers.
Are they absolutely necessary?
No.
Often, during the really intense XC and crit races, I'll put my computer in my back pocket to give 100% focus on the race dynamics. This requires racing on feel, a skill honed over time...
... which means a lot of our training must be race simulation.
It's not all about how our bodies feel.
But, the feel of the race.
- The energy of the mass of competitors
- Who the players are that day
- Which moves will work
- Who will get dropped
- Poor bike handlers
- Under fuelers
If we miss the key move, or get taken out...
... what point is of all that data?
---
Or, as the great Jim Morrison (kinda) sang Roadhouse Blues...
... Keep your hands on the bars and your eyes upon the race!
---
162.3
6.5 hrs
No Weights today
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE HEROES OF THE SPORT, EVEN AN E-BIKER?
Sep 30, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I CONNECTED WITH A LOT OF MY HEROES TODAY. All of them much braver than your average racer, scratch that...
... braver than 99% of riders.
Some blaze the trails with astonishing feats,
others give until there's no more to give.
Who are they, and what do they all have in common?
A few shoutouts from today...
- OG Doug Grant for founding the Good Dirt ride, a fantastic 50 mile XC untimed ride through our local trails that has raised 100s of 1000s of dollars for transportation starved Africans.
- The incredible Kurt Weimann who has masterfully taken over the reigns of said fundraising adventure.
- The Girlz Gone Riding group which consistently recruits, trains, assists, teaches, encourages, friendships girls who want to get into bike riding.
- Sir David Browning's efforts to coalesce all the local trail advocacy and maintenance groups via OCMTBA have been transformational in our county.
- Ross Bennet heads up what I believe is by far the largest high school mtb team in the county, and has done so for at least 10 years. Long after his kids graduated.
... and this knucklehead, who I love...
... the great Andrew Kemp, who introduced me to the insanity of Leadville 25 years ago, and had this to say about my stupidlight XC MTB race bike...
That's for exercise, this is for the party...
... pointing to his spiffy e-bike.
Every single one of these boys and girls loves to ride, and more importantly...
... will do whatever it takes to make sure you have fun on two wheels.
We all feel that way,
these cats just do it at a super high level...
... give way, way, way more than they take.
---
163.1
6.5 hrs
No Weights today
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
WHY I LOVE LEADING A QUIET LIFE OF....
Sep 29, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'VE READ WALDEN POND numerous times. More than any quote, I remember the raw feeling of wanting to be alone with nature, and few visitors. It didn't inspire me, as much as...
... tug at my core.
Thoreau's observed horror of living like the masses...
... a quiet life of desperation...
terrified me.
I would venture on my own.
Against the grain,
my path.
Work.
Nature.
Solitude.
It is easy to see the allure of a long bike ride, with a few core friends...
... and the call of a solo ascent up a long, desolate single track.
To summit,
with the sun as companion.
We are the few...
... living a life of silent perspiration.
I was thinking about that today as I quickly staged and shot numerous photos for our website.
All the time and thought that went into the first products...
... and the beauty and craftsmanship we produce right here in the USA.
That's also my kind of perspiration.
For example, these special bags for Triathletes to set up at each transition area. My dear friend Will Howard was an exceptional Ironman competitor and helped me with these bags and the labeling. Then Noel and I worked on beautiful color options... this is Brick.
Before you skip away, you should know something...
... I'm also sweating something else.
For this first time in 5 years, our costs have risen to the point where we are going to have some price adjustments starting 10/9...
... so, you're thinking about getting something for someone awesome for the holidays, now's a great time.
---
162.3
7 hrs
No Weights today
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
DO YOU HATE THE HOLIDAYS AS MUCH AS I DO?
Sep 28, 2023
by TODD BROWN
LET'S BE HONEST, blubber season is fast approaching. It kicks off with Halloween, builds up steam with Thanksgiving, and the Holiday Season...
... just steamrolls most of us.
And, why not?
- The sugar addiction is reignited, rendering us powerless
- The food is so deliciously comfy
- Jan 1 we'll be good again
I'll tell you why not...
... Because it's a bunch of bs we don't need!
Look, my fine lycracovered athlete, I don't really hate the holidays...
... I hate how it ruins so many of my friends and family.
What are we gonna do about it?
- Cut out all sugar now, crush that wicked addiction
- Dress warm so your body doesn't need blubber
- Ingrain the twoaday workout
- Eat more protein
But, I can't live without sugar?
Suck it up and give it up, for good!
Does dressing warm really help?
Yes. On the bike, should be easy. Off the bike, is where it's easy to underdress. Don't worry, all your fans will still know your athletic freak you are without seeing your shinyshaven legs.
Twoaday workouts?
Yes, definitely. And, easy to do. Take 15-20 minutes, the time you spend on the toilet play games (I like chess.com), and do your pull ups, push ups, squats etc.
More protein?
Probably, a lot more than you think. Shoot for 1 gram for every pound you weigh.
Do you promise it will work?
Heck yes!
Here's why.
- You are going to enter the blubber season a lean, mean fatburning machine.
- You will get your protein knocked out by dinner time.
- Enjoy a few "guilty" calories without blubbering up.
Andddddddddd... drumroll please.....
... you'll enter Jan 1 at or close to your race weight.
Want a little extra motivation?
Start planning 2024 like a pro, now.
---
164
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THIS WILL NOT MAKE YOU FASTER
Sep 27, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ON THE LONG LIST OF THINGS that will not make you faster is one of my favorites. I'm such a sucker for marketing that I fall for these things...
... all the time.
Here's the thing...
... they also might make you faster.
Looking back, I can only laugh at the silliness.
Bro, you really need a ti bolt kit.
Really?
Oh yeah, so much lighter.
The idea that something that saves about as much weight as...
... a well baked booger.
Is.
Ludicrous.
You'd never fall for that, right?
But, I do.
Here's why?
- If it makes me feel faster, I'm probably gonna ride faster.
- Marginal gains, is actually a thing.
- See #1.
I could have just said, The placebo effect.
However, it's the compounding of the effect in tandem with marginal gains...
... where things can multiply.
If I believe the...
- bolt kit
- toe straps
- sock height
... and all the other incremental nonsense.
It's gonna work.
My potential hasn't really changed but my belief...
... will have me accessing every milligram of what I've got.
---
164
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHY E-BIKES SUCK
Sep 26, 2023
by TODD BROWN
E-BIKES. What are they good for? Nothing. Absolutely, nothing. Really? I'm really gonna go there?
Oh, yes!
As if we aren't already slothful enough...
... as a people, we outsource everything.
Even our workouts.
Why pedal when you can have a motor do it for you?
Why create when AI can do it for you?
Why do anything for that matter?
But, it's not the bikes' fault.
Like annoying dogs...
... the owners are to blame.
E-bikes could be great tools for transportation,
and a lot of fun.
But, like the clueless dog owners, e-bike riders...
- destroy the local dirt trails
- obliterate the normal pace of a paved trail
- are ridden no-hands, while owner stares at phone
- have a huge chunk of huge people out thinking they are exercising
... if that bothers you,
if you're mad about this...
... you just might be an overdressed,
underexercized,
e-biker.
(Unless your body is somehow broken.)
---
162.3
7 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
THE MYSTERY OF MASSIVE
Sep 25, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S NOT A MYSTERY. In fact, it is so painfully obvious that sometimes I wonder why any of it is surprising at all...
... the results are just math.
The formula is simple.
Time X Effort = Results
No secret there.
What is secret,
is our dedication...
... how much time and how strong of an effort we are willing to put in.
The answer shows up on raceday,
at the big group ride,
or a stab at a PR.
Where most people get it completely wrong is by...
... wildly underestimating what it takes to be great.
===
Can you believe I've spent over 200 hours on this already?
---
163.4 (I seem to have plateaued)
7 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
SO MANY VOTERS TO CONTEND WITH
Sep 24, 2023
by TODD BROWN
BATTLING THROUGH ANY RACECOURSE, there are seemingly endless barriers. It all starts when the gun goes off and our meticulous plans are...
... almost immediately trashed.
The stinking voters!
Who?
The...
- weather
- competitors
- terrain
- equipment
- our bodies
- our minds
... and more, all get a vote in how it's going to go down.
As any leader can attest,
it's hard to keep the voters in line...
... which is what makes it so rewarding,
when things go as we'd hoped.
I heard a great observation today...
Our losses don't define us,
they refine us.
...
By the way, one of the reasons I love stage races is there are more opportunities...
... with each stage generally favoring a slightly different type of racer.
My friends at The Cactus Cup, a 3-day mountain bike stage race, which is one of my all time favorites, extended us all a promo code to save 10%.
The code is pedalposse10.
I hope to see ya out there.
---
163.4
7 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
HOW WE DO THE OFF SEASON
Sep 23, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AS WE GLIDE INTO FALL, things are winding down around here. There are still races. More often they turn into get togethers and parties...
... like today.
We can be a little nuts around here during the season.
My pals all work bigboy careers, raise families...
... and train alone most days.
Time is short,
precious.
So, when we all meet up,
on the the weekends,
things heat up fast.
Not today.
Well, mostly not today.
We gathered,
we rode fairly easy and talked,
then let it all hang out on the downhills.
Which means we had a lot of fun,
and all smashed a ton of PRs,
ripping the descents.
You can take the race
out of the ride...
... but, it's hard to avoid the joy
of snagging PRs.
PRs > KOMs
If you get that...
... and wanna help us share the message...
... use this promo code: LOVE2RACE,
and save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/among-the-wolves-collection
Code expires in 5 days.
---
162.4
7 hrs
No weights today
10 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
HATERS AND LOVERS
Sep 22, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ON A PLEASANT SATURDAY MORNING, a week ago, I was enjoying an easy ride with Surfergirl. Matching her pace up a rather challenging climb...
... minding my own business.
We passed a dude...
... Racing is for losers!
Is he joking?
A friend?
Or...
... was it the very sexy Among The Wolves kit, which is smattered with a few of our favorite phrases.
Should I engage?
Yes, it sure is.
No really, racing is totally for losers. Everybody loses, except one person.
Okay...
Nope, not joking.
Just hating.
We rode on.
But, it bugged me a bit.
Is racing for losers?
Yes,
for sure.
If you're there solely to win,
if you just gotta have that golden trinket.
However, if you are there to be pushed,
be inspired by other great athletes,
see how deep you can dig,
you're a winner.
Every time.
And...
... if you dig this kit,
and wanna help me share that message...
... use this promo code: LOVE2RACE,
and save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/among-the-wolves-collection
Code expires in 5 days.
---
161.8
8 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra stuff
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHERE IS DOES GRAVEL GO FROM HERE?
Sep 21, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I ONLY HAVE ONE QUESTION REGARDING GRAVEL RACING. It's not where does it go from here, it's just gonna keep getting more and more pro. Which is fine, I'm actually excited...
... because it's real racing now.
But, that's not how we got here.
And, not how we got MTB racing going.
Or, BMX for that matter.
MTB racing exploded because it was fun,
and different,
and new.
Then, it got kinda organized and whole ton of money poured in. When that happened...
... USAC scooped it up.
NORBA, the golden goose, was killed.
Today, MTB racing is a shell of what it was. It's still super fun. Still requires superior fitness, and insane bike handling skills...
... but, it ain't NORBA.
So, Gravel... what's it gonna be?
- Standardization
- Championships
- Medals
- Rules
Can we have that, and still keep it fun and fresh and...
... most importantly,
inviting and socially vibrant?
I don't know.
When the real racers show up,
breathing fire,
elbows out...
... I just don't know.
My question isn't where is gravel going, but...
... are we at the high water mark for participation?
Will the racers
push the riders and enthusiasts
onto the next, new, greatest thing ever?
Probably if...
- It stays mass start
- Racers staged by ability
- Everybody rides the same route
... the after party rocks.
Besides, gravel bikes are just a lot more fun to ride than road bikes.
---
163.4
7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Split Squats, Nordics
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
ARE YOU A MINIMALIST?
Sep 20, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S HARD NOT TO BE A MINIMALIST. Minimalism is everywhere. It's popular, trending, and threatening to take over its opposite. The scream for the least...
... is a siren song.
Heck, I hired a coach once because I wanted to train less.
Loser
thinking.
Like cramming for a test,
and learning nothing.
Speeding,
the least amount of law breaking to not get caught.
Minimum wage thinking,
do the least amount of work and not get fired.
The opposite is Essentialism,
giving and doing everything for what is important.
There is the gold,
the podium,
PRs.
Funnily enough,
my coach is constantly throttling me back...
... asking me to do less.
We aren't minimalists,
we are essentialists.
Hanging out with our kind...
- Eating
- Training
- Sleeping
- Studying
- Meditating
... like champions.
All in,
on all that matters...
... asking, What is the most I can do?
---
163.6
8 hrs
Full Rip On RaceDay Circuit + Extra Pull Ups and Push UPs
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
C'MON ROOKIE episode 1 + BONUS: P = F x V
Sep 19, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AT 8:00PM, I started getting the gear together the 5:35 roll out. Going over the bike, I noticed the rear tire tread was shot. Time to replace it. Off with the old, on with the new...
... bike is ready.
Right?
I mean, if a new tire is on...
... everything else must be good.
Just as we're showing up to meet the group for our weekly social ride my shifting is weird.
Unresponsive.
Then, responsive.
Hmmmmmm
Mind you, I always check all of my batteries the night before each ride.
- Computer
- Shifters
- Derailleurs
Always.
It's so easy.
Tap 'em,
they light up.
Green for go.
Red for replace.
Except this time,
when I was rushing to swap the tire.
You'll never need to know this, because you are smarter than me, but if you are ever on a ride and your SRAM shifting starts misbehaving it is probably because your shifter or derailleur batteries are dying...
- Tap the shifters, check the lights.
- If red, acknowledge the issue on your computer - my Wahoo asked me to confirm I knew they were low.
- You have a lot of shifts left.
... that was all new to me.
At first, I panicked a bit and just tried to shift a lot less so I could finish the ride. This left me grinding and spinning a lot.
However, once I confirmed, the shifting returned to normal and I rode hard for 2 more hours.
No prob.
BONUS -> P = F x V
Reader, and smart dude, John Jonas, had a comment on my post regarding cadence.
It's simple physics dude.
How so?
Power is a function of Force multiplied by Velocity. If you spin faster (Velocity) with the same pedal Force you generate more Power.
Ahhhhh
So, it's not just my Broscience intuition...
... it's actually science.
In fact, today, once I got the battery/shifting sorted out I noticed on the hardest parts of the ride...
... my sweetspot RPMs were closer to 110.
John also confirms this.
Most people can't produce power because they don't have a smooth pedal stroke. They aren't applying force all the way around. You probably do that becuase of so many years of riding.
If at any point you feel like your'e pushing on the pedals, you're doing it wrong... pushing against the crank vs with the complete pedal stroke.
I use to push harder when I wanted to go faster. Now I often think...
... efficient, efficient, efficient.
To which I'll add...
... The updated Rip On RaceDay Challenge dramatically improves pedal stroke.
Key exercises:
- The sled
- Nordics
- Heel raise
- Toe raise
---
164
8.25 hrs
Full Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HOW TO SURVIVE THE SLOW SEASON
Sep 18, 2023
by TODD BROWN
SEPTEMBER IS MY SLOWEST MONTH. And this one is a doozie. From bailing on my own A race plans, to slogging through setting up the 4th quarter promotional calendar...
... this has been such a battle.
Then, today I remembered the cure.
Measure backwards,
as outlined in 10x is Easier Than 2x.
Rather than focus on the predictable sales drop,
the missed A race opportunity...
... and the accompanying Chicken Little blues,
I scanned the year to date.
- YTD Sales up 7%
- My work team, insanely better
- Our apparel offering, about to launch beautiful updates
- Our children all moved back to within a 35 minute drive
- The racing results have been outstanding, best year ever
Am I bugged...
we haven't 10x'd the biz?
gone to the last A race of my season?
navigating the cash crunch of the sales cycle, again?
... yes, 100%.
Glass halfempty is my kryptonite.
But,
measuring backwards,
seeing how much has been accomplished,
is an amazing way to kick myself in the lycra.
---
164
8.25 hrs
Full Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pushups and pullups
20 minutes recovery
600 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
REAL POWER MAKING IS MADE WITH...
Sep 17, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AS I DIVE DEEPER into power meter training I'm noticing a piece of data I haven't paid attention to for years. I figured my cadence is about 85-90...
... and didn't care much about it.
All that has changed.
Because now I have a data point,
and the accompanying insight.
The higher my cadence, the better my power.
It makes sense,
and I'll prove my case in a moment.
First, here's my discovery.
When putting out a certain amount of power, say 250 watts. It is much easier around 98-104 RPMs. My heart rate is lower, too.
I never would have figured this out with out watching my power and my rpms.
Is this true for everybody?
I don't know, but consider this...
... how much faster can you sprint when your cadence is high vs low?
Is that proof?
I think it is.
Here's a thing that bugs me...
... Greg LeMond poopooing the modern generation's high cadence riding.
We never rode like that, they must be on something.
Yeah Greg, they have learned way more about their bodies because they have massive amounts of data unavailable 40+ years ago.
Which brings up the Todcast I did with Tom Danielson.
Tom, I'm guessing you learn all kinds of cutting-edge training when you join a big pro team.
Not really, the teams don't really offer all that much in terms of training. Each racer has to have their own coach and program.
What does that mean for us enthusiasts?
Same thing as always...
... if it's to be, it's up to me...
... to figure it out.
Read the books,
watch the videos,
hire the top coaches,
join the groups and forums.
The next step in this RPM breakthrough is setting up the perfect gearing so I can be in my sweetspot all the time.
Stay tuned,
I definitely have something I'm going to be working on.
---
163.4
8ish hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
REMCO IS A BAD ACTOR
Sep 16, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE BIGGEST WEAKNESS REMCO HAS is that it has all come so fast, and so easy. He goes from teenage soccer phenom, to pro cyclist in a season...
... and punking the best in the world in short order.
But, he missed something grand today even though he unwittingly set it up perfectly a few days prior.
He should have won another stage win,
after another day dragging a bunch of riders around the course.
He's won twice at this year's Vuelta doing just that,
dropping everybody and soloing in.
He also lost twice,
pulling too much and paying for it.
So, everybody knows he's a beast,
they also know he can over do it and be beaten.
Which brings up the acting,
something he's never had to do because he's so darn good.
IMHO, today was a day to bring out the acting skills.
For mortals and pros,
acting is just another skill in our quiver.
Think of the great Mohammed Ali's
rope-a-dop.
Our version...
I'd pull if I could...
Oh, I'm cramping...
Sorry guys, I'm gassed...
All of that can be communicated...
verbally
facial expressions
and the all power body language
... it's easy,
should be practiced
and used judiciously.
Unfortunately, Remco is probably still too proud,
overconfident.
I can't blame him.
But, that's what I woulda done.
---
162.8
8.2 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
TIME FOR SECRET TRAINING
Sep 15, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I LIKE THE IDEA OF SECRET TRAINING. A lot. Like Rocky pounding sides of beef in a giant meat freezer, doing the training solo...
... the weird stuff few are willing to do.
If you have 3 things...
... It's romantic,
and can lead to massive performance gains.
First.
A chip on your shoulder,
considered a chump,
not a champ.
Second.
A shot at the title,
at setting things right,
knocking out the feared competitor.
Third.
Hope.
That's the magic formula:
- A chip on the shoulder
- A shot at the title
- And, hope.
But, who has that?
Sure, maybe a wish to wreak revenge on some rando racer can be conjured up. Given enough time, we can all gain some hope...
... but a title?
So, how do we do it?
How do we tap into that 3-step formula to being insanely ready to Rip On RaceDay?
Here's my plan.
I'm going to shoot for PRing a local climb. It's a big one, and takes me just over an hour...
... can I crack an hour?
Most of the fast guys around here can go, or have gone, sub-60 minutes...
... that's the chip on my shoulder.
Setting the PR would be beyond epic...
... that's the title I want.
Knowing I'm about to start doing the weird stuff, like actually using a power meter in my training...
... that's the hope.
Oh, there's one more thing...
... a date.
I'm shooting for late February, right before my A races.
This Week's Featured Product
This is absolutely my favorite water bottle.
- Doesn't leak
- Surprisingly light
- Massive flow when squeezed
$12 for 2 bottles,
free shipping,
click here.
---
162.2
8.2 hrs
Pull Ups Push Ups Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
FAILURE TURNS ME ON
Sep 14, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IF WE HADN'T ALREADY FAILED TWICE LAST YEAR, I wouldn't be nearly as fired up as I am about next month's adventure. Will we fail again...
... is it just an impossible ride?
Should you do it?
No.
It's way too hard, way too long.
You probably wouldn't make it.
You think you can ride 130 miles in a day...
... over mixed surfaces?
15000+ feet of climbing should shock you into reality...
... the final 2000' up a steep and sandy jeep trail.
Seems doable still?
What about a narrow ribbon of single track cut into the side of a cliff?
Leaving in the dark is easy,
does finishing after dark freak you out?
How will you carry all the food and water needed between only 2 stops?
Where are you going to find someone crazy enough to do it with you?
You'll definitely want, and probably need a buddy. We leave on time, and we don't wait.
Are you good at navigating unknown territory?
Can you fix a likely broken bike?
Still in?
Well, don't say I didn't warn you!
We are a month out.
October 14, 2023
Starting at the shoreline of Dana Point...
... riding on paved roads, gravel roads, degraded and abandoned roads, miles and miles of paved bike trail, a good chunk of single track...
... finishing in the mountains at Big Bear.
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/surf-n-summit
---
162.8
8 hrs
Pull Ups Push Ups Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
DROP ANCHOR OR DROP BALLAST?
Sep 13, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S AN UPHILL BATTLE. Somewhere up ahead is the finish line, in the mist and the clouds. I'm so close to smashing my PR...
... the legs and lungs are burrrrrrrning!
I've done this climb many times.
9 miles up.
3300' of elevation gain
There is only one choice to make...
- drop anchor, and quit trying
- drop ballast, and get better
... and it's not an easy decision to make.
Because, the goal has haunted me for years.
To break 1 hour,
up.
To break 1.5 hours,
up and down.
Which begs the questions...
- What is holding me back?
- What can I eliminate?
... there is always something we can ditch to go further,
faster.
---
162.8
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + Push Ups Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
... FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.
Sep 12, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I HAD AN EXCITING CALL TODAY. A first-timer, who had just completed his longest ride ever, The MS Ride. He'd done 30 miles...
... and was already looking forward to next year.
What could I tell this oakley-eyed young buck?
I could quote a wise man who spoke the truth about how to be a successful rider and racer.
So I will.
But, before I share the quote let's give it some context because this enlightened being first laid out all the do's and don'ts for his followers on a mountain top...
... commandments, if you will.
Thou shalt:
- Ride hard twice a week, easy the rest of days
- Eat whole foods
- Lift heavy weights daily
- Get plenty of sleep
- Do 1-legged drills
- Weigh in every morning
- Read wisdom daily
- Journal daily
- Drink enough
Thou shalt avoid:
- Bonking
- Alcohol
- Bread
- Soda
- Sugar
What the teacher was laying out for the wouldbe racers was how to build a strong foundation, on rock vs sand.
He summed it all up with this...
Wide is the road which leads to destruction and narrow is the way which leads to PRs and Podiums.
Few understood the advice, or heeded the commandments.
Instead, they did their own thing.
- Trained as hard as they wanted, whenever they wanted
- Ate good some days, cheated the diet like mad other days
- Had good lungs, but zero strength and weak bones
- Lived in a sleep-deprived fog and poor recovery haze
- Pedaled in squares
- Continually expanded their spandex
- Atrophied their brains and spirits with social media
- Failed to explore their inner genius
- Were constantly dehydrated
We can wander the broad roads...
... or we can take the sage advice of the narrow path...
... they take the same amount of time
and render dramatically different results.
---
162.8
6.5 (back to morning rides, gonna be painful transistion)
Push Ups Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
... KNOW WHEN TO FOLD 'EM
Sep 11, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS AN 'A' RACE. I'd planned it for months, years actually. Racing Marathon Nats was, and still is, something I've always wanted to do...
... then why was I depressed?
From the moment I paid for the AirBNB and race registration, a dark cloud blocked my normally sunny disposition.
Something wasn't right,
and I knew it.
Once I made the decision to cancel,
the cloud lifted.
Why?
Because I was forcing it. (see below)
Truth be told,
the timing was not good,
the travel and time away daunting.
On top of that, there are other pressing issues that are significantly more important in my personal life that I want to care for.
Was I afraid to race Tinker Juarez and the rest of the ageless studs who line up?
Were the challenges of racing over roots and ruts vs rocks and dust too much?
Did the prospect of not overcoming a cold in time concern me?
Heck no!
I love that stuff.
Give me the best, most difficult...
... so I can be schooled!
So, what now?
It's early September,
a third of the year is left to play...
... and I'm in great shape.
Nothing is next.
The whole point of racing is...
... being in great shape, for life.
---
A note about Forcing It. One of my many grandfathers (bonus of divorced parents) taught me something. He was a gentle and kind human, who was also a lion in business.
The crescent wrench I was cranking on had slipped and started to strip a bolt.
Todd, don't force it.
But, I want it off (my bike wheel).
Well, step back. Get the right tool. Be smooth and gradual with your effort, and the bolt should loosen right up... might need a little WD-40.
---
163
7.5
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE RACER WE FEED
Sep 10, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A BATTLE GOING ON INSIDE OF ME. A terrible fight between two racers. One is evil and weak and lazy, one is good and strong and determined. My grandson asked me who will win...
... The one I feed.
Is this true...?
The battle, yes.
The convo, not yet.
On the surface, I could tell you how this weekend I skipped the cookies, muffins, ice cream, and most of the chips. That's easy, because...
... I don't crave that junk any more.
I wasn't surprised to jump on the scale tonight and see things are where they should be, even after a funfilled 3 days with the whole family.
Which isn't really the point of my ripped off version of the Cherokee legend, about feeding the wolf.
The point is the racer we pay attention to will get stronger.
A long time ago,
over about a decade,
I'd packed on 30 lbs of blubber,
I was feeding an ex-racer who I hardly recognized.
When I decided it was time to course correct,
I cut out a picture of a favorite racer,
and pasted my head over his,
and taped to my mirror.
That simple act
was so powerful.
Everyday,
I'd see future me...
... and feed the good racer, accordingly.
---
164ish
7ish hrs
No strength training
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HOW DO YOU HANDLE IT?
Sep 09, 2023
by TODD BROWN
TODAY'S VUELTA STAGE WAS NUTS. Remco make the break, and then goes off the front for hours. Hours! Before...
... crying?
Yesterday, he lost 30 minutes.
He lost his chance to be a repeat winner...
... total humiliation.
Some would have packed their bags,
come up with a faux illness.
Shift happens.
Plans go completely awry.
Remco's quote on twitter echoed my grandpappy's oft repeated advice...
... It's not the problem, it's how you handle it.
Why did he cry at the finish?
I can only guess...
- the pain of the massive effort
- the salvaging of the Vuelta by winning another stage
... but, I think it was really this.
To know, he had it in him to ride nearly solo for hours and claim 8 minutes back on the leaders, while everyone else is getting shelled out the back...
... that would truly hurt.
When tires are low,
the headwind strong,
and the plan totally fubar...
... we get up,
put our bibs on one leg at a time,
and ride like the wind, till we are free again.
Thanks for the reminder Remco,
I needed that.
---
164ish
7ish hrs
Push Ups, Squats
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE 3 WAYS TO RIDE OUT OF A RUT
Sep 08, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS IT WITH RUTS? Some say they are graves with the ends kicked out. I'll tell ya this, when ripping some single track...
... a rut can put you on your lycra in not time.
Which brings up today's ride.
Surfergirl and I got up to Big Bear early, before the rest of the family.
After unloading, I shot out for a structured work out...
... at least that was the plan.
But, then I found myself on Skyline a beautiful fast and flowy trail that traces the highest ridge between Big Bear and the greater LA Basin.
Not a soul out there.
Just me.
Riding where I hadn't ridden for at least 5 years...
... the whole time I'm asking myself...
... Why aren't we up here once a month in when it's warm?
Ruts,
that's why.
Here's how people try to ride out of ruts:
- Ride in the rut and hope for the best
- Trying to ride up the side and out
- Bounce out
For me, the best solution is to bounce out.
If I want to exit on the left side of the rut, I will steer into the right side...
... to bounce off it and out the left side.
Which is what we are doing this weekend.
Bouncing out of our rut,
doing different.
---
163.9
7.5 ish hrs
Pull Ups Push UPs Squats
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
IT'S TRADITION, BUT IT KINDA STINKS
Sep 07, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ARE YOU WATCHING LA VUELTA A ESPANA? The three bicycle race around Spain has an American in the lead, and I'm think thinking...
... it's just such a shame.
Not that Sepp Kuss is leading.
That's super cool.
But, pro cycling kinda lags because there are only trade teams.
Not teams like we have in every other sport.
Therefore, there are no mega-dynasties like the...
- Yankees
- Celtics
- Patriots
... a team to root for year after year.
Now, that would be cool.
Right now, Sepp rides for the trade team Jumbo-Visma.
A super team,
born from Rabobank.
The previous sponsor.
It would just be so much cooler if these teams had decades and decades of history.
It's way cooler for Michael Jordan to play all his years with Da' Bulls.
To build a legacy there.
The history,
legacy.
We can't change that now,
probably never.
But, we sure as heck can cheer for Sepp!
---
163.7
7.5 ish hrs
Pull Ups Push UPs Squats
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
DEFLATION AND INFLATION
Sep 06, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS AN OLD JOKE, about how many Masters racers it takes to fix a flat tire. And, no, it's not a joke about being old. It has to do with being...
... something entirely different.
On our ride yesterday, we experienced the rare flat.
It had been so long, we had to chip the rust off the old group protocol for when a flat happens.
- Do we stop?
- All of us?
- Do we help?
- How much?
- Do we wait?
- If so, how long?
- Can we ride super slow?
Concurrently, I was feeling quite flat yesterday...
... as well as the day before, and the day before that.
It happens.
From time to time, I get to deal with the old depression demon. Feeling like there is no air in my life.
Which brings me back to the joke.
How many masters racers does it take to fix a flat?
One, and the rest to watch and mock and laugh.
At least that's how it feels when you're trying to be efficient and quickly change a flat and too proud to ask for help.
The thing is,
just having one friend
do something as simple as...
- hold your bike
- fish out your tube or patch
- check inside the tire for glass
- get the pump or inflator ready to air up
- take your wheel off and help put it back on
... makes all the difference in the world.
Even if you don't want the help,
want to show how proficient you are...
... It is best to receive and to give help graciously ...
... if you want to inflate things back and get going.
---
163.9
7.2ish hrs
Full RaceDay circuit + short jog
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
SPY MOVES
Sep 05, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF BOOKS I ENJOY: business, spy fiction, and wisdom literature. Often, I'll read two or three simultaneously. However, one of them is more...
... applicable to racing.
For me, that's the spy novel.
They're all pretty much the same story...
- Smart spy
- Mission prep
- Dangerous situation
- Axe to grind with the enemy(s)
- Things look really bad until the tables turn
- Throw in some sort of romance for good measure
... and I am a sucker for a good page turner.
It's probably why I enjoy racing so much...
- Register
- Race prep
- Gun goes off
- Competitors self-identify
- Things get rowdy as miles go by
- A hill at the finish needs conquering
- Throw in some sort of podium or PR for good measure
... it's always astonishing how time is palpably different when racing.
It's all stats with Registration.
The bigger the race,
the more unsure the outcome,
the more likely to be beaten into submission,
the better the stories we can tell and the memories to last a lifetime.
Are you planning an A race for the Fall,
or already looking at next year?
---
163.5
7.5 hrs
Full RaceDay circuit + short jog
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WE DON'T SHARPEN THE SAW, WE...
Sep 04, 2023
by TODD BROWN
FROM WHAT I CAN TELL FROM THE COURSE MAP and satellite view, the upcoming A race needs some specific training. No intervals, no huffinpuffin, no long climbs...
... something I haven't done enough of lately.
Off I went,
busting spider webs,
enjoying the sun rise across the hills.
I was in search of turns.
Lot's of 'em.
Sure, I've been riding off road a lot lately. However, much of that has been on the gravel bike and...
... railing turns with flat bars requires a different approach.
It is so easy to lose time in twistyturny single track.
We'll be racing two 19 mile laps, with an infinite amount of turns. Let's say there are 300 turns per lap. If I lose a half a second per turn, that's 150 seconds...
... well over 2 minutes each lap.
That's hard to make up.
What if I gain 150 seconds/lap?
Also, hard to make up...
... but not for me.
Fortunately, there is a great playground not too far from home.
Take a look.
Here are a few of the tricks to taking the turns fast...
- lean the bike early
- get on the side lugs
- play with tire pressure
- play with suspension settings
... these little things add up.
Because I was focused on the turns and riding at a low effort endurance pace, I also focused on my pedal stroke.
For racing offroad, especially MTB racing, keep the power down throughout the pedal stroke is key to cleaning the steep, loose, and rocky sections.
The great Stephen Covey, preached sharpening the saw before starting to cut.
For us, that means...
... sharpening the skills before starting to rip.
---
This is my favorite MTB cornering video
---
163.5
7 hrs
Quick RaceDay circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE AWKWARD PRICE OF GETTING GOOD
Sep 03, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HAVE YOU GOT A REPUTATION YET? Have you put in enough time, spent enough cash, dedicated the energy to stand out? Do friends and family introduce you as...
... Oh, this is the bike rider, triathlete, runner who...
... accomplished a feat they can't fathom doing, ever.
Something we think of as easy, normal and a good sign of physical health...
... not a big deal, just fun and enjoyable.
Or, maybe it's the evergreen question...
Are you still riding, running, swimming?
... you'd think they'd know by now.
But, here's the question I really have,
Is it that we are out of balance?
Because, when I look back on the last 20 years, I'm significantly more satisfied with other accomplishments...
- We've raised a family
- Become grandparents
- Started a business from scratch
- Built a following of 11,000+ readers
- Taken care of aging parents
- Devoted time teaching youth
- Served those in need
- Put on the last legit road race in the county
... yet, somehow I'm still that nut who likes to ride and race bikes.
Which is exactly how I was introduced multiple times at a get together last night...
... awkward.
---
164.5
7.75 hrs
No strength training
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
THE TRAINING IS DONE, THE STRATEGY ISN'T
Sep 02, 2023
by TODD BROWN
A FEW IN THE ALLIANCE ARE DOING LOTOJA next weekend. The training is done, nothing to do now but taper, recover, travel, and...
... go over the strategy.
Here's how I did it,
and what I'd do different.
At just over 200 miles,
it is the longest sanctioned USAC race in the country.
Fueling is the biggest issue.
I'd have something solid for breakfast. Back in 2017, I started my day off with a can of sardines and half a can of black beans. Whatever you choose, I'd get some protein and fat in, along with calories.
Because of the altitude, I would stick with a 1 bottle/hour strategy. In that bottle, I've have 250-300 calories. Plus, I would eat something solid for another 150 calories. I'd stay away from gels, mainly because they don't do me right.
That's 400 calories an hour.
How to get the fuel in, and when.
You'll want a disposable feed bag with supplies to get you from stop to stop...
... toss your bottles and trash, and grab you bag without stopping (assuming you have support).
Beware.
There are multiple sections at each feed zone. Coordinate with your team, and be vigilant of knuckleheads coming in and out. Stupid place to crash, and it will happen...
... but not to you!
Load your bottles and pockets, toss bag responsibly.
My team met me at Montpelier, Afton and Alpine. I took neutral support at Wilson - liquid, I had food.
Now for pacing.
Ideally, you will never touch the front of the group until the finish line.
That's the dream,
it's not gonna happen.
Here's how it will likely go down.
Everyone will be all geeked up, and roll out fairly fast. Nobody will be feeling pain, because they are all ready and rested. Let the bunnies do their thing, stay in the top 15 riders...
... only go to the front if you are simply rolling through.
Spend no time up there.
Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies will do the work.
The first climb around Preston, will hurt a bit...
... because bunnies still be fresh.
Hang on, without killing yourself.
You'll want to be drafting over to the start of the Strawberry climb.
It's a long climb,
not as hard as it looks on the map.
Bunnies will blow,
go your pace,
push the top.
The drop to Montpelier is fun and fast,
you won't want to be alone and you
won't want to wait for slow climbers.
At this point, you pretty much know who you'll be riding with the rest of the day...
... except for one thing.
Those who skip the early calories are gonna start to suffer.
Not you!
Right?
With luck, you'll be with a good group,
have a working pace line,
and maybe a bunny.
Let that bunny work.
Clothing.
The start can be cold.
Tubesocks with toes cut out for your arms,
newspaper inside the jersey for chest,
are likely all you need.
Dispose of responsibly - Preston.
Make sure your team is carrying rain and cold weather gear.
It's high altitude and things change fast,
stay warm.
The only thing I would do different,
is familiarize myself with the competitors,
and not foul up the finish like I did here: https://pedalindustries.com/blogs/feed/lotoja-mocha-choca-lata-yaya
LoToJa is truly a oneofakind experience.
Highly recommend.
If you win this year, you'll be getting one of these RaceDay wallets... with a top secret code for a special RaceDay Bag™.
- 400 calories an hour
- Stay off the front
- Know thy enemy
---
163.8
7 hrs
PushUps, PullUps, Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
EVERYBODY WANTS TO QUIT?!
Sep 01, 2023
by TODD BROWN
DOES THIS HAPPEN TO YOU? It happens to me. A race is getting close, training volume is up, schedule is crammed, body is tired...
... and I want to pull the plug.
Happened just this week.
Here I am 3 weeks out from my A race,
a bucket lister I've had for a longlong time,
and I'm thinking about potentially pulling the plug.
Why is that?
Better question...
... How often are we close to achieving the dream and we quit?
We're tired.
Unsure of the outcome.
Doubting we can pull it all together.
Another better question...
... When and why and how do we push forward?
Me.
I thought of you,
because I made a public declaration.
I looked at my giant calendar,
and saw the goal I'd written in red sharpie.
I palmed my custom raceday wallet,
considering all I'd put into making this happen.
I met up with the Alliance on zoom,
and the shame of even considering quitting gutted me.
If you're like me...
... I need reminders, accountability and support.
But, here's the thing.
It's normal to want to quit, have doubts, feel overwhelmed...
... which is why most people quit before,
right before, the breakthrough.
Don't be normal.
Be true!
---
163.9
7.5 hrs
PushUps, PullUps, Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
DISTILLING THE MISSION
Aug 31, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 7 YEARS AGO, I started blogging daily. Prior to that I wrote sporadically, for myself and made it into VeloNews and Competitor Magazine. I'd always ask myself when done...
... Does this make me want to ride my bike?
If it didn't,
I junked it.
Sometimes it would take me hours to write just a few paragraphs.
I got better,
faster.
Our mission has been upgraded,
refocussed.
The question I now ask myself is...
... Does this make me want to be true and rip?
I believe that being TRUE to what really matters
should come first and then,
we can Rip On RaceDay.
We have truing stands for our wheels because when they are out of round they are slow, and potential dangerous.
In the stand, we can check the tension of each spoke. Typically, one, or a few, have become loose and need to be tightened up. In the process, it's common to back the tension off as well.
Sometimes we can find our life spokes out of tension.
We might neglect a relationship
or skip the over life's spiritual and mystical elements
or overtighten on chasing more stuff for our might empire.
I've distilled for us,
to this...
... Be True AND Rip!
---
165
6.5 hrs
0 Strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HIDDEN BONUS OF THE GROUP RIDE
Aug 30, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE A LONG STANDING TRADITION. We don't wait for anyone, ever. If the ride starts at 630, few are there much earlier...
... no one is there at 6:30:01.
It's called respect.
Here's the bonus.
Knowing we are leaving on time, is a fantastic opportunity to practice race day.
- Prep
- Warm up
- Get to start
Which is great when things are normal.
But, shift happens.
Kids keep us up,
work is busy,
traffic.
More often than we'd like,
we are riding late...
- Prep
- No warm up
- Race to the start
... just like how many races commence.
We aren't doing ourselves any favors,
if we aren't prepared for the races,
which are full gas,
out the gate.
Sometimes, it's just good to throw the clothes on, grab the bottles, shove the glasses and helmet into place...
... get out the door,
pedal like heck.
---
Many, nearly all, off road races I do - MTB and Gravel - have staging corrals. It pays to get their early, to line up at the front. Even if I warm up, I'm gonna be standing 15-30 minutes before the gun sounds. I'm back and forth on if the warm up helps.
---
166.1
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
60 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHAT SCARES MOST PEOPLE ABOUT RACING?
Aug 29, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S KINDA SAD WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT. For every one person that signs up for a race, there are thousands of riders who don't sign up. I think I know why...
... because they know.
What do they know?
A lot of things...
- themselves
- their abilities
- their schedules
... which they claim precludes their participation.
The truth is...
... racing is hard.
But, they know the real challenge isn't their desire, ability or schedule.
In fact, signing up is the easy part...
... finishing is what scares the shift out of them.
We are different,
completing what we start,
seeing it all the way through...
- planning
- training
- packing
- travel
- warming up
- jockeying for position
- and pushing hard till we cross the line.
... we are finishers.
---
I was going to leave it there, however it's worth asking the question...
... How can we encourage more people to have an A race?
---
165.6
7.75 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
ONLY MY DIRECT COMPETITORS SHOULD DO THIS
Aug 28, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AFTER 10 DAYS OF TRAVEL, I was looking forward to getting back into the routine. You know, the one that separates the wannabees...
... from the gottabees.
The Cowboy Strong stuff.
When traveling,
- push ups are easy to do
- pull ups if there is a local playground
- squats are weakly replaced with air squats
- and just plain for get doing the awesome nordics
I warmed up with some light jogging,
mixed with some side shuffles,
and jumping jacks.
Normal stuff.
The sled felt great, even with the legs still a little tender. Taking those big steps and pushing all the way through the ankle and foot was wonderful.
Shoulder presses were a little shaky towards the end.
I really feel when I skip the upper body stuff.
Squats. Sometimes, after a break, I'll drop down some lbs. Not today, and it was just fine.
Then, the nordics. I could feel the tension in my hammies. Did my 5 full reps, but something didn't feel rightw.
When I moved on to the box jump, and lowered myself to explode up...
... the right hammie was barking loud.
Dang.
Pulled muscle?
I wasn't sure, so I didn't even attempt the box.
The rest of the circuit was fine.
During a light, very light, spin this evening everything felt fine.
Still, it could have been a major set back...
... which is why I encourage all my direct competitors to skip the weights for months, then hit 'em hard...
... I need every advantage I can get.
I'm just kiddin',
be careful y'all.
Lift daily,
don't skip,
if you do, take it easy the first few days...
... because we gottabee strong to Rip On RaceDay!
---
165.1
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
A FEW KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM BWR UT
Aug 27, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THIS WAS MY SECOND BWR UT. I'd intended to do AZ in Feb, but it lined up with Tucson Bicycle Classic. I postponed to CA in Apr, but was too tired from Sea Otter...
... I wasn't intending to do UT.
But, I read about all the new single track.
Plus, the weather looked good.
And, it was paid for.
Did I get my money's worth?
I lined up a lot earlier, so I had a shot at hanging with the lead pack. To do this, get in the corral as soon as it opens, and be among the first 30 to get through the tunnel.
Not easy.
Once through the tunnel,
the dust was up,
rocks flying.
The pros started to push the pace,
I started sliding back.
A gap opened,
I didn't care.
We formed a second group, which included the Floyd Landis himself and a few pro women.
Racing across the gravel, we could still see the lead pack.
For some reason, they slowed a bit when they hit the pavement again and we were able to latch on.
Not only that, it was only mildly leg searing up the gentle drag before the left hand turn back onto gravel...
... and another 2 tunnels.
This was chaotic.
Everybody charging at 30+ to get to the tunnel first.
Rookies locking up the brakes,
before the dark abyss.
Now for the long straight, mostly smooth direct shot to the foothills west of town...
... where the rollers begin.
I was so happy to be there.
While everyone is still pumping adrenalin and trying to keep up...
... I drop anchor and go my pace.
I have a plan.
After the rollers is a some fast double track,
with rocks and ruts and sand.
Remembering my race a few years back,
I was sure I'd not only catch the stragglers,
but, I'd make up a ton of time and positions.
15-20 minutes later, we are through Aid 1 and I'm back with the Landis group and other strong riders...
... taking pulls and pushing hard.
This was really nice.
Roll through,
roll off.
The next section started with an abandoned trail to a raised cow gate. I made sure I was second through there.
We were gone.
From 15 riders,
down to about six.
My watts were around 250,
right at my ride all day limit.
The next major feature of the course was the new single track.
I love it.
The first bit was fast and flowy,
got held up a bit,
not too bad.
Grabbed a water bottle,
what I needed was a lot more calories.
The next section was quite technical for gravel bikes.
Moabstyle rock features with blue dots,
wood bridges over sand.
So fun.
The 45mm Terra Speeds were working great,
so was the 20mm of travel in the rear triangle.
Passed a ton more guys.
Onto the pavement back to town, I connected with one other rider from DC.
We were working well together,
we thought.
Then, two caught us from behind and were going so fast we almost didn't catch.
Here's the thing about BWR...
If you are a good descender
and good bike handler
you make up time.
When the strong roadies get back on the road,
they will reel you in.
Jump on.
Eventually, we got popped.
The big dude, who won 45+, was just too strong.
First to go was DC,
I was next,
then blue.
There was one more rough dirt section.
As I rolled onto the pavement I could see blue.
I tried to go by too fast for him to catch.
No luck, he caught on after a half a mile or so.
We swapped leading.
No one behind,
or in front.
My last race on this course, I got turned around and lost a 3-up sprint.
Not this time,
first up the curb onto the grass wins every time.
Here's what I know about the BWR UT:
- Get to the first tunnel up front
- The other tunnels, pray for the riders ahead to make it through
- The major, big group drafting is over at the rollers, settle in.
- Work on your descending and technical skills.
- Run the big tires, lowest pressure you dare (28 and 30 for me).
- For the Wafer, a hydration pack and 2 full bottles would be ideal.
About that nutrition.
Because the promoter is handing up pure water, no electrolytes, I believe it's probably best to carry enough liquid, laced with massive amounts of sugar and salt, to make it the entire distance.
I found it hard to eat during the last 90 minutes, which I needed to do since the bottles only had water. I tried, but it was just too fast and challenging to do easily.
Also, sometimes the heat and altitude mess with me. My breathing gets shallow, and not even drinking is appealing.
Which lead to the awful precramping feeling.
Fortunately, I had about 15 salt tablets on me and was munching them down like candy.
From that list above, I'd say the two biggest things I saw cost people time were...
... weak handling skills, and dehydration.
This kind of racing is a blast.
All the savviness of surfing a surging peloton,
with the romping, skidding and sliding of MTB riding.
For that reason, I believe the winners represent the most complete riders.
---
162.4
9 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE TRUTH AND THE RIP OF RACEDAY
Aug 26, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HOW DO WE SCORE A RACE? At BWR, they have this massive wall of live results. It is easy to see how everybody finished...
... but, how did we really do?
Per the board, I had an insanely good day.
10th over all in the Wafer, and won my age group.
That's the truth of the matter,
or, the Truth Score.
The question I have for myself,
that all of us have for ourselves is...
... did we Rip?
Bare with me, I'm still working through this.
The Rip score is based on did we do all we could do,
and it's a lot more than did I ride as hard as I could.
Generally, that's a given
What I'm more curious about is,
Did we take care of everything so we could do our absolute best?
I scored my ride today a B+.
In the plus column:
Bike prep
Work squared away
Family on board
Race weight
Body ready, given it was a big training week
Objectives met
Made new friends
Cleaned all of the techy singletrack
In the minus column:
Poor choice of accommodations and poor sleep, no a/c
Poor nutrition last 90 minutes of race
I'm gong to dial this in during the coming weeks, and put some numbers to the metrics that matter most.
It's too easy to let the results determine how we think and feel about the outcome, when often they reflect very little of our accomplishments.
A good example is my pal Matt.
Normally, he does the full distance at BWR. This year he'd opted for the shorter Wafer, and was thrilled with his finish...
... because he finished strong after knee replacement.
Or, my friend Andrew.
I don't what his expectations were,
but it was clear as the skies were blue,
his wife enjoyed the day and he was happy she was there.
Or, Jessica who introduced herself to me.
She had caught all the way up to first place and was making the other girl struggle to hang on...
... only to get dropped on the final dirt section.
Why was that a win?
It was her first gravel race,
and she is excited about learning
new skills required to ride fast off road.
As far as I'm concerned,
those three racers,
ripped it up!
Tomorrow I'll be able to share some of the key take aways from today's race.
It's good to be home.
---
163ish
6.5 hrs
No strength work
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
MY BWR PREP
Aug 25, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AS FAR AS PREP GOES FOR TOMORROW'S RACE, I'd have to say I'm doing pretty good. Some things could be better...
... but the requisite goofy mustache is on point.
The rest, well...
- I got here late, only to be that guy who thought he registered but didn't.
- My taper was not the best - 10 hours and 10,000' of climbing this week.
- My tires - yeah, i'm stoked to see how the 45s romp off road
- Nutrition - just prepping bottles and food, 100 grams carbs/hr
- Helmet - opting for the slightly more aero Protone
- Kit - the new Among The Wolves design and updated pattern, etc
- Sleep - lastnights storm was like a rock concert in the van - not enough
- Work - worked too much today, not enough rest
- Friends - got lots of 'em here, can't wait to rub elbows.
- Waffles - the legendary pre-ride carbs are on my mind already.
What does all that mean?
It's been a heckuva week...
... tomorrow will perfectly top it off.
Good luck y'all!
---
163ish
7 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THERE ARE NO DNF'S IN THIS RACE
Aug 24, 2023
by TODD BROWN
EVERY RACE HAS RIDERS that DNF, DNS and DQ. It's inevitable. In fact, just last Saturday I saw a rider get DQ'd. And, you know what?...
... I wasn't the least bit sad he was disqualified.
Here's why.
At the Brian Head Odyssey the hand you a finishing card with your place and time on it.
Since I'd been keep track of who was around me when we started, and pretty darn sure of where I stood with my age group...
... I was somewhat shocked to see I'd finished 2nd.
For those of you keeping score at home, you already know I own the largest collection of 2nd place finishes in the world.
So, I wasn't shocked, shocked.
Just shocked that someone had passed me.
It seemed impossible.
But, then I got to thinking of the time I spent hunting down Benadryl at Aid 2; and a pump at Aid 3.
So, maybe.
But, it was 2nd by only a minute after nearly 6 hours of racing.
I'll be honest, it bugged me...
... not a little.
As we're about to get the podium he realizes he must have cut the course...
I might have cut the course?
Hmmm, well, I don't remember you passing me.
Yeah, I'm not sure.
Did you check your mileage?
40 miles.
Well, it is a 48 mile race and I did recored 47.9 miles.
But, that's not the point.
The point is that there are always racers who Did Not Finish, Did Not Start and DisQualified...
... except in one race.
I took lunch to a friend today.
He's recovering from surgery,
there have been complications,
jerk of a doctor told him he'll never ride again...
... terrible thing to say to an athlete.
And, I'd never bet against this total stud.
Then, I met another friend who let me know he'd just found out he has cancer...
... probably not a big deal, but might be a big deal.
Wouldn't bet against him either.
The world is so much better with these to pals o' mine.
Which brings up my point.
We will all finish the grandest race of all...
... none of us knows how far out our finish line is.
Race hard,
Do good,
Every
Day.
---
163ish
7.5 hrs
Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
THE PERFECT PLACE FOR BIKE RIDING
Aug 23, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE WAS AN ARTICLE THAT CLAIMED the best trail is the one you ride the most because it has the most memories. I think that's mostly true...
... but, where is the best city?
For mountain biking, I still really love Park City, UT.
Today, for instance, we rode from town.
70% of the single track we rode
had been put in during
the last 2 summers.
This town is committed.
The thing I like about the riding up here is the lush vegetation and the many areas of dark, moist hero dirt.
Deer Valley is pioneered it all 20+ years ago,
The other resorts have all since joined,
running lifts all summer long.
For road, I'd have to say the best road riding I ever did was in France.
Long beautiful climbs, with recognizable names
and polite drivers.
For gravel, I have no idea yet.
But, in my dreams there are endless roads with no cars
connected by smooth, flowy single track,
with tall, giant trees,
and little dust.
If you've got a favorite, let us all know.
---
163ish
7.5 hrs
Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR TRAINING IS ON TRACK?
Aug 22, 2023
by TODD BROWN
A FEW OF US RODE MY ALL TIME FAVORITE, the Alpine Loop in Utah. The main feature is a 9 mile climb, with corresponding descent. I prefer going from the American Fork side...
... then ripping the many twisty turns through the aspen trees on the way to Sundance.
I have some interesting data from today's adventure.
I've been riding this loop for decades.
The last two times on my gravel bike,
with gravel tires.
Last year, about 6 weeks out from Leadville.
This year, about a month out from Marathon Nationals.
Both times, with my younger and handsomer cousin who shares the same name as me.
Is it fair to use this as a fitness test?
Especially, since we were talking all the way up?
Should we consider his recent shattering of his PR at Leadville?
Yes, to all of the above.
Look at this.
It's safe to say,
my fitness is on track.
Scientific?
No.
Empowering?
Most definitely.
When we are deep in our training, it's important to find little nuggets like this...
... glimmers of hope.
Otherwise, it can seem like we're getting nowhere,
particularly in the months before the A race.
Questions of...
Is this working?
Is this worth it?
Am I on track?
Will this pay off?
... can be slayed,
by simply finding a nugget of proof,
bonus points when they come without trying.
The key is to acknowledge,
file away, and
keep riding.
This is why we stop at Sundance
Epically perfect day,
dodged the rain until last 3 miles.
---
163ish
7.5 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHO DO YOU OWE?
Aug 21, 2023
by TODD BROWN
GOT OUT ON THE GRAVEL BIKE IN UTAH TODAY with El Jefe. Now that he's retired, probably need to change that to El Flojo except...
... he's busy as ever, and doing insanely long races.
He took it easy on me today.
Here's the dill...
- El Jefe got me into gravel biking
- The Mocker (cause Tally mocks me relentlessly) got me into road
- Wood taught me how to sprint
- Garboon took me MTBing when the surf was dead
... each of these men made an impact on and off the bike.
I owe 'em,
big time.
Who do you owe?
By the way, when we hit the rocky sections and the single tracks, I was more impressed than ever with these Continental Terra Speeds.
I'm running the 45s now.
28lbs up front,
30 in back.
That's the set up I'm planning to roll at BWR Saturday.
I'm tempted to go a little lower on the pressure because I'm still not hitting the rims from time to time on the rough stuff...
... it's risky, though.
And, I'd rather hit the rocky sections at full speed vs gingerly like hot coal walker at a guru get away.
Oh, and who owes you?
---
163ish
8 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
NO WAY WOULD I ATTEMPT THIS CLIMB!
Aug 20, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WHEN YOU'RE FIT, nothing is really scary. I mean spiders and snakes and power outages can be, however not when a buddy says...
... Hey, let's climb the Grand Teton.
Unless you have a thing with heights.
Which I do.
So, I"m not even remotely tempted to join my bro-in-law this week on a 2-day ascent up the Grand Teton...
... at 14,000' high, with rain and high winds and 30 degree temps probable.
He's doing it,
because he's fit from ridin' and runnin'.
If it weren't for my fear of heights I'd do it, too.
It's just a fact, when you're fit you can say yes to almost anything anybody else is doing.
Which is the way whole point of the racey thing we do...
... to be fit, to do anything.
Sure, we might suffer a bit the next day because we worked some muscles differently.
But, rest assured.
We can do it.
Sometimes we think its about the podium, or finishers medal, or leader board.
It's not.
It's about being capable.
If you're capable or on the path to capable, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.
.
UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.
Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race
Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.
Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City
Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride (tentative)
Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM (tentative), some sorta dinner together in Cedar City
Saturday 26th - BWR
---
163.9
9 hrs
No strength work today
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
STUNG BY BRIAN HEAD ODYSSEY
Aug 19, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I FELT BAD FOR THE FATHER AND SON who pulled the plug at 6:30. Yes, it was raining. Yes, it was windy. Yes, it was still dark. I almost joined them...
... those two wouldn't be the only ones to DNS, or DNF.
It's wasn't that cold, 48.
The sun was rising,
the rain stopping.
At 7:08 we were off.
Straight up.
5 miles.
I wore a base layer and my KOM Jacket over a Camelbak to start. It seemed prudent to stay warm, and to have the jacket board should the rain return.
A note here about racing with power...
One of the benefits of racing with power is knowing exactly how hard you are working. As usual, the bunnies hopped ahead and stayed there for a mile or two, then paid the price of taking it out too fast.
Not me.
Rather than look at my HR to guide my effort I looked at power.
This was really helpful.
Since this was a 48 miles MTB race,
40 of it on twisty technical single track,
there was no need to chase the bunnies.
MTB racing is basically a mass start time trial.
That strategy wouldn't work on a road race where the speeds are much higher and we must do all we can to stay with the group, in the draft.
... power is a good way to throttle the effort.
For the record, this is a very proper mountain bike course.
Long climbs,
Long, challenging downhills.
We don't have that at home.
To stand and throw the bike around corners, off jumps and over rocks on a 40 minute downhill takes a different kind of effort...
... I'd never wanted a longer travel bike more.
That's when the wasp stung me on the right corner of my mouth, on the lip.
I hit it hard.
So hard, it hurt more than the sting.
In fact, I wasn't sure I was stung until my lip and cheek started to swell up - see pic above.
While I as debating whether or not I'd been stung, two more got me right above my sock...
... those hurt.
By the time I'm nearing the aid station that part of my mouth is blowing up and completely numb. Like I'd been given a shot of Novocain.
- It's difficult to close my mouth to drink
- Even harder to chew
Hoping I don't sound like a goof..
Does anybody have any Benadryl, anything for allergies?
Sure 'nuf, the medic does.
Perfect.
This was supposed to be a 4.5 hour race.
About 5 hours in, I felt sluggish.
It was the last leg and I was limping in.
Did I mention, I woke up at 3 am to the sound of what could only be a wounded bear sleeping above me? Frustrated, at 4, I went and slept in the van.
Took me 5:51:54.
9th overall,
1st in age.
If you're looking to do some epic riding in Brian Head, these trails are all great...
... make take 3 days vs 1.
Got a few compliments on the kit, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.
.
UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.
Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race
Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.
Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City
Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride
Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City
Saturday 26th - BWR
---
164ish?
5 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER
Aug 18, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I HIT IT FOR UTAH TODAY. Last second change of plans, starting with a 48 mile MTB race tomorrow at Brian Head...
... the top of the course is 11,000'.
Not Leadville,
a 1000' lower,
and 56 miles shorter.
A lot, lot more single track.
Really fun, flowy, bermy stuff through the Aspens.
Which is why I think it will take about 4.5 hours,
hopefully, a little less.
Can't wait!
How'd I get here?
Waking up at the crackodawn and driving 8 hours isn't ideal daybefore raceday prep.
Before doing the openers, and dinner, I decided to check into the AirBnB I'd opted for...
... it was billed as a resort.
Yes, a resort for junk stashed everywhere...
... even in the Shangre-la room.
$40/night,
in a small town,
on the hight plains of UT.
Yes, I could have stayed up at the Lodge in Brian Head, but...
... I figured 6000' was high enough in one day.
Here's the thing.
I love this little town of Parowan, with it's Main and Center Streets, tons of historical buildings...
... and, of course, The Parowan Cafe.
The openers were tougher than usual.
Lack of O2 for sure.
The afternoon squall brushed by,
cooling of the roads with a light drizzle.
Dinner at the Cafe was on par.
All in all, I'd say this day has been a 10.
I'll be in this kit tomorrow, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.
.
UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.
Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race
Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.
Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City
Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride
Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City
Saturday 26th - BWR
---
164ish?
7 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
ARE YOU A BUNNY OR A WOLF?
Aug 17, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE A BUNNY PROBLEM HERE. They're everywhere. And they are super funny. Darting across the paths and trails, hyperhopping in front us...
... what goes on in a bunny's brain?
Nature is such a good teacher.
If you're a hunter,
you can't be like a bunny.
Hopping off the front of the group,
racing up the first climb,
to the first corner.
Any bunny can tell ya,
you can't keep it up.
Eventually, the bunnies round here dart off to the side,
where I presume they collapse.
Not the wolves.
Wolves are hunters
they track, wait,
and pounce...
... for the kill!
That's how we need to race.
Let the bunnies do their thing.
It's entertaining,
and keeps the pace high.
Be the wolf.
Observant,
letting the race unfold,
figuring out who the players are...
... who's weak,
who's a bunny.
Then,
and only then,
we make our move.
When we know the kill is assured.
Does it always work?
No.
But...
... it's a helluvalot more fun than being a bunny.
If you're a wolf, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.
.
UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.
Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race
Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.
Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City
Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride
Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City
Saturday 26th - BWR
---
164.9
7.25 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
IT'S JUST 10 PERCENT?
Aug 16, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I THINK I HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA OF HOW MUCH DRAG is added with the 45mm tires on the gravel bike vs the 28s on my road bike. This includes...
... the less aero position of the dirt gobbler.
At 18-20 miles an hour, it's about 10% more drag.
About 20 watts.
I was sharing this with a fine young ripper on the group ride last night.
It's about 10%.
Oh, that's it.
Yes.
Not a big deal then.
If that was so, then why was I huffinNpuffin...
... and easily dispatched on the sprint?
Well, first off.
That's about 30 watts when we hit 27-32 miles an hour on the ride.
Which we do,
and wouldn't be a big deal,
if the ride itself wasn't 2+ hours.
Which reminds me of the sage advice I got at a seminar years ago...
... if you'll just save and wisely invest 10% you'll be filthy rich.
Too bad I didn't heed it.
But, I did heed something else, and it seems to be paying off the older I get.
We had this club in college called Goldbrickers. It was founded in 1917. We all memorized this unforgettable motto...
... There is always a better way!
That is something I'm constantly thinking about
family,
business,
training and racing...
... the things I care about the most.
Sure, it's only 10%...
... but it adds up.
---
164
7.5 hrs
PullUps PushUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HALF THE PELOTON DROPPED ON OLD TOWN ROAD
Aug 15, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S NEVER A SURPRISE WHEN HALF THE BUNCH IS DROPPED. It always happens. What always delivers a smile, especially when I'm among the dropped, is...
... how many people are shocked to be there.
Of the 50% who are dropped, I'd guess 10% are caught completely off guard.
The other 40% knew they were,
outmatched,
unprepared.
I was thinking about this listening to Lil' Nas' Old Town Road, with lines like...
Can't nobody tell me nothin'
Like a Marlboro Man so I'll kick on back
Wish I could roll on back to that Old Town Road
... giving clues to how they got there.
Unteachable.
Smokin' cigs, being lazy.
Wishin' things were different.
Who's the greatest coach ever...
What do we need to give up...
What do need to do...
... to be in position to win the ultimate prize?
Racing,
just life in miniature.
Stay Ready my friends.
---
165.3
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
I MAKE THE MISTAKES THAT MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD CRY
Aug 14, 2023
by TODD BROWN
GOOD THING YOU'VE GOT ME. Whenever things go awry I let you know because I don't want you makin' the same mistakes. You might still, but...
... maybe you'll learn and fix it faster.
Take today.
I'd managed to bang out some good work,
and was ready for a beautiful
evening ride.
Three minutes from home, I'm thinking...
Did I check my derailleur battery?
No.
Should I?
Yes!
... dang.
It's red.
Turning back goes against my core beliefs.
Our dad drilled it into us...
... A Brown never turns back!
I could have ridden on.
It was probably barely red.
But, what if it stopped working?
I remembered the night J took a tumble off the side of a local single track.
Busted his shifter right off...
... and was stuck in granny gear for 40 minutes.
It took him forever to get anywhere.
For sure, I didn't want that.
Decision made.
Normally, I'd swap one out with the other bikes and be on my way.
Not this time.
My steeds are down at the local bike shop waiting for service.
I'd have to wait while my 1 battery charged up,
which worked out great.
My new shoes, which I purchased specifically for the MTB, needed an eversoslight adjustment in the cleats.
Moral of the story?
Always check your batteries...
... the night before your planned ride.
If you're purchased a RaceDay Bag lately, then you should have this handy sticker.
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
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