Todd's Blog

IF YOU'RE COMPETITIVE, AND WE ARE!, IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TAKE TIME OFF.  Which is why you should see Dr. Diesel for a Therapeutic Use Exemption.  It's really the only way...

... he handed me the scribbled Rx.

I tried to read it, squinting.

What's the matter?

Can't read it.

You need glasses?

Nope.

Give it to me... uh, oh...

• Do nothing.
• If you have to do something, make it different.
• If you must ride, have no plan.

Do nothing?

Nada.

Make it different?

Yes.  Walk.  Hike.  Run, if you must.  Swim.  Surf.  Lift some weight... your arms are disgusting!

Have no plan... what about my friends, we all ride together.

Friends!... I thought you were serious.  You shouldn't have friends if you're a committed athlete.  Dump your friends.  Find some nerds, play D&D.  It'll give you something other than gear rations to bore you family with.  Got it?!

I guess.

Good.  Take this.  Pay your bill on the way out.  Go to the drugstore and buy some ice cream.  You need it.

He came highly recommended, so I tried it this week.

No ride Wednesday.

Paddleboard Thursday.

Stupideasy ride to the lookout for navel contemplation Friday.

Slept in until 9 this morning.  A miracle.  Rolled out for a noplan ride, just water in my bottles. 

30 minutes in, on my way to nowhere.

90 minutes later, I had a popcicle in one hand and a Coke in the other.

2 hours later, I completely bonked... had to pull over a mile from home and get a drink and a chocolate chip croissant.

I think the doc would approve of all except the bonking.  Very rookie.  He has warned me before about bonking.  How it can take weeks to recover from that... which is why he prescribes GQ6.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base

One of the key ingredients is BCAA - branch chain amino acids.  Those little guys are the proteins that take care of our muskulls when we're abusing them.  

This is truly an amazing product, much more than simple electrolytes and sugar.

And we ship it fer free.

And if you're a member of the PEDALposse you can save big.

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---

162.4 too much cake last night
stretch
8.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4239117492

AS THE GREAT TOM PETTY TOLD IT, I won't back down... You can stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won't back down.  Yep, that song makes The Old Diesel's race pump mix...

... never was it more hellacious than last Saturday's Cactus Cup.

The Ol' Wahoo read 107.

That was only part of the reason we got whacked as a collective group.  Not even the main reason.  It might have been inevitable, but the following reasons did not help.

• Course knowledge.  The course wasn't technical, but there were hundreds of turns where seconds could be lost.  300 turns X 2 seconds = 10 minutes.  That's extremely hard to make up.
• Terrain prep.  There are no big climbs, and, therefore, no long descents to rest.  We aren't used to that... races around here have 5,10, 20+ minutes climbs.  It's a different kind of effort and it hurt in an unaccustomed way.
• Kitty litter on concrete is how the locals describe the surface of sand and decomposed granite.  We are use to dry, slippery conditions out here... if you're coming from afar, beware.

Yeah, we are looking forward to returning in March better prepared. 

But, the big, big, big question is...

... would you, my finefastfriend, dig it if I put together a video on how to attack this race or any other race?

Course and terrain insights, bike set up, lines to take, food strategies, crew tips, etc.

I put this way down here at the bottom because I really want to hear from the true racers.  

That's you right?

If it is then at some point you'll be looking for a truly fine racing machine.  I can tell you right now, my BMC 4 Stroke is by far that best XC bike I've ever ridden or raced... but, why when you probably already know that same bike took 1st and 3rd at World's a few days back.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles

Sure it looks tame here... because you can't see the proprietary hiddendropper post, can't appreciate the perfect head angle, can't feel the whippiness of the stiff and light frame.

Which is why I included this pic. 

I'm going about 20 miles per hour, totally confident, not caring at all about that babyhead my front tire is squashing, 1 finger on each brake lever, saddle dropped, just lettin' it blast right through the gates of hell.

You may be asking yourself...

Damn that bike looks awesome I wonder if PEDALindustries is carrying all the BMC bikes?

And the answer is Hellyeah!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles

Let me know what you're looking for and I'll let you know price and availability.

PS... ya really oughta join the PEDALposse first:  https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription

---

160.8 lbs
PushUps and PullUps
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4233275312

... still reading?  It's Saturday, get out and ride! : )

WE TURNED AROUND EARLY TONIGHT.  We're running outta daylight.  And it's gonna get worse.  There are 2 strategies I have employed over the years.

One, move all the rides to sunrise.

Two, get some serious lights going.

But, maybe it's time for a 3rd gear?...

... and it goes right along with the 5 hour work day...

Get my sprinter buns to work early... burn like a fiend for 5 hours.  Take a two-wheeled break.

The other advantage to gear number 3 is I can skip the chill of riding sans sun.  No rolling out into a dense, 40 degree fog.  No riding into night as it gets colder and colder.

On 3rd thought...

... it's harsher conditions that make me feel most alive.  It takes serious drive and desire to ride with rising and setting suns.  Plus, it's electrifying knowing all the little Whos in Whoville are peacefully, comfortable asnooze and will soon be wondering Howtheheck did you and I get so much faster and fitter.

---

161.2 lbs
Paddleboard
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4231075069

ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORIES IS WHEN MY PAL KH CAME TO VISIT FOR A FEW WEEKS.  At the time, he was in very fine shape.  He was looking forward to unleashing his hard earned awesomeness on the locals...

... little did he know...

It's an overcast, balmy spring morning.

Which means California racing has been in full gallop for months... naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready.

We join the awesome and feared Coffee Crew.

At the time, this was the place where dragon slayers regularly hacked off the legs of all who dared take the front... naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready.

A maddening pace is set through town.

Some are shed, some are spared, all know the worst is yet to come... naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready.

We hit the base of Newport Coast.

The regulars know the pace will continue to increase all the way to the top until all the unworthy are skewered...

...naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready

AND HE TAKES OFF!

I'm stunned.

Impressed at his acceleration.

A decent gap is opened, and no one responds.

The gap holds for a minute or so.

Then starts to shrink.

We gain speed.

As he rockets by in reverse one of the greatest lines ever heckled cuts KH to the core...

It was fun while it lasted.

Delivered by any other person and blows might have been thrown.  But, it was the loud, opinionated, lovable, old mother hen of the ride... the legendary Todd Schooler.

Todd may be gone, but that line lives on... many a time KH and I have laughed over that very moment and certainly dropped it on each other plenty.

And maybe that's why the group rides live on... because of the characters who dish it out not only with their legs but their unfiltered mouths as well.

Either way, I gotta do the rides to keep my sanity.

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And right now you can get this shirt 2 for 1.

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Before Sunday.

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---

163.2 lbs
rest
7.7 hrs
no ride

IT HAD BEEN 7 YEARS SINCE MY FIRST WHISKY 50.  Trevor, my oldest, and I had rented Wenger's Sprinter and camped in this same spot - White Spar Campground.  I woke up ready to explore vs race...

... Prescott AZ has miles and miles and miles and miles of pristine single track.

Whisky covers some good terrain, but at pace ya just never appreciate the beauty of a place.

Ranger Angelica chatted me up and then pointed in her favorite direction. 

I had to ride 100 yards on pavement... then 5 amazing miles up, just me and my BMC.  It kinda looked familiar but I couldn't be sure.

I stopped to take in the views.  Nature in every direction.  No landmarks.  Not a soul.

This was a good time to reacquaint myself with the TrailForks app.  What a terrific tool to have.  I quickly oriented myself.  Realized I was on the recently completed Prescott Circle - a 50 single track around the community. 

But here's the thing...

Would I have been better off just adventuring with no local knowledge and limited supplies like olden days or playing it safe with the app?

Is it really exploring if we have an app or map?

... I think my pioneer ancestors would laugh at our manufactured adventures and challenges...

... at the same time, I think our adventures give us a glimpse of what their lives were like when reading, learning and hearing their stories.

One thing is for sure, we're all still wearing hats when the sun is on us.

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Use promo code SAVE10

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---

? lbs
rest
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4221815656

AS MY FRIEND HARDTAIL PUTS IT, Friends take advantage of friends.. And with that, we set out on a fantastical ride through some of Sedona's very choice 200 miles of single track...

... which is unlike nearly all other singletrack.

After 'bout 2 hours we'd gone a whopping 13ish miles and 1300ish feet of vert.  We were smoked.

Why?

Wellllll...

The trails are tight and twisty and technical. 
Rarely coasting, rarely relaxing.
Attention demanding...

... you'd think exhausting, but that's not really it. 

Mentally, this kind of riding if very refreshing,  Like racing, there's no chance of daydreaming.  But, it's not racing.  It's challenging and playful.

While my fully was soaking up the rough stuff,  Hardtail was ripping some hard trails... jumping on, over and down everything... I knew not to follow too closely when he said he purposely takes the hard line.

Now... if you're into the stoke of riding a hardtail, if you're thinking of purchasing a hardtail... ya gotta check out his YouTube channel for the hardcore hardtail downlow.

https://www.youtube.com/c/hardtailparty/videos

We're just building out a product line for him... hardtail specific RaceDay Bags™, ponchos, jerseys, gloves, socks, etc.

Use promo code:  HARDTAILPARTY

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---

no scale lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4218063594

IT WASN'T UNTIL I PROMOTED A FEW RACES MYSELF until I really understood all the behind the scenes effort that goes into a race.  Here's how to tell if a race promoter is making any money...

... if you come away with a bad taste, and a million ways to improve it...

... the promoter is probably making out like a bandit.

But, if you come away thinking... 

Shucks, I had a blast and anybody could do that and make a fat living...

... well, that is exactly the promoter who is working night and day to make sure you and me have a blast on said day.  There are sleepless nights, countless hours of prep and worry and concern.  Umpteen fruitless sponsor meetings.  Spouses and friends that are tapped to pitch in with major - and I mean major - volunteer hours.

If by some miracle these saints who dedicate so much of their time, talents and energy manage to get some momentum and actually make a nickel or two...

... well, bygolly, give 'em hug and a hallelujah because they sure as heaven deserve it.

Such were my feelings after a wonder outing at the Cactus Cup, because I sureashelk had a wonderful time.

Can ya imagine doing all that then having Covid cut your registration by 75%?

So, if you're lucky enough to do a terrific event this year... track that promoter down, give 'em a hug and a thanks and get the word out...

... Helluva race at ____________!

And, if you're looking for a way to support these fine peeps.. then get one of the very fine RaceDay Bags™ or other gear we made for them.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/cactus-cup

 See ya there next March!

---

161 lbs
Matt's Boots again
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4212781213

THE FINISH LINE COULDN'T COME SOON ENOUGH.... nah, the finish was never coming.  The cramps started just after I missed a crucial turn, which happened just after I got snapped off the back, which happened a little too quickly after the start.

Now lest you think this is some pathetic woe is me post... 

... it ain't.

First, it's good to get whacked... and boy did the locals whack me.  From elbows out at the start to turning the screws as the heat beat me down while seemingly making them go faster.

Second, it's great to be involved in an activity that requires I maximize my health... gotta take the very best of care of me to have fun.

Third, I'm here with my pals.  Some I've just met.  And we just spent the afternoon on the porch talking about nothing. 

Yeah, these are the results I'm looking for... inspiration, max health and fine friends.

Of course I wasn't thinking about any of this during the final miles.  

All I could think about was the ice cold CocaCola in the van.  It was going to be so cold.  So wonderful.  The smooth bubbly sugary formula kept secret for centuries was drawing me in like a moth to light...

... even passed a few on the way in...

... that's how much that Coke was pulling me.

Can a Coke even be properly appreciated without feelin' the burn?

Questions like this can only be answered by us... me and you.  And, if you were here I'd a had a bottle for ya to join me like the rest of the fellas.

Cheers!

Since you aren't here, how about a deal on water bottles?

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Use SAVE10

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---

? lbs
Matt's Boots again
terrible sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4208089324

THERE WAS A BIT OF RIBBING WHEN THE FELLAS SAW MY BATMAN PJS.  But, I'm used to it.  We all are.  We're riding around in what many consider undies... 

... am I right?
... are they right?

As the Batman says:

It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.

We're lunching now and the nervous energy is eatable... heavily seasoned with trash talk.  Yummmmmm...

I'm first to go off on the TT. 

The almighty WeatherChannel says it'll be 99. 

I haven't told the fellas that I purchased a couple of bags of peas to wear under my jersey while I warm up.  I think staying cool until the last second is going to be key.  Sneaky of me, I know.

I'm not planning to take a bottle.  It's a 20ish minute effort with a million (literally) turns and undulations.

Matt asks what I'm doing...

Writing the blog so I can get to bed early.

What happens if you don't write it?

pause... 

I'll die... my life is a Twilight Zone.

Time to throw on the number plate... as y'all know, that's when the shizgetz real.  Nice, unflappable ToddyB becomes...

... The Old Diesel...

... I should be really rolling about 20 minutes into this thing.

In the meantime, I'll be selling the fellas hard on a solid 1 hour warm up... on rollers in my van with door shut so it feels cool when they get out.  I need every advantage I can get.

... oh man, I forgot how hard TTs are. 

I am pretty happy with my run. 

Caught my minute man about 15 minutes in... took longer than I'd have liked for him to pull over.  I struck my pedal on a rock on the only real climb.  So... I figure I lost about 20 seconds between the dude and the rock.  But, that's racing.  Everybody probably had something.  

I most pleased with staying well within my limits.  I should feel really good tomorrow.

As far as the race between the fellas... we are all within a minute, in order of our age.  Tomorrow's gonna be fun.

Now for some steak for me...

... and maybe some of the good stuff for you if you'll be riding in the heat any time soon.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/when-its-hot

Tomorrow, since it will be a very difficult course to eat on I'll get all my calories via my drink.  3 scoops per bottle.  

And, to combat any heat induced cramps I'll be letting the chewable saltstick chew melt under my tongue... I carry them in a special case which you'll get with your purchase.

You'll get 50% off the second item with this promo code:  HOTINHERE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/when-its-hot

---

? lbs
Matt's Boots
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4204190806

AT SOME POINT I'VE GOT DECIDE IF THIS IS A BIKCATION OR A RACECATION.  Now, if I was traveling by myself I'd drive a little longer for some better food... but, I'll be dawgawned if I didn't find my two hands with a firm grip on a Big Mac at 12 Noon in the middle of the Arizona desert... 

... for the first time since snagging a podium at SLR. 18 months ago.

Then it was a matter of reward, along with the McFlurry, for pulling off something I'd failed at 4 years in a row.

Today, well, it was just going with flow.

Is it going to make a difference over 3 days of racing?  Doubtful.

But, it is just a funny thing how the more people we add to the trip the longer we take and the collectively dumber we get.

It took us about 4 hours to get out of Sprout's tonight.  We were only getting food for tomorrow.  We have enough to survive a few years.

By myself I'd be more nimble.

Precise.

Quick.

But, ya know what... I'd be by myself... 

Not getting turned around while preriding the course when we arrived.
Not cramming 7 of us around a 5 person table for dinner.
Not RoShamBowing for the master bedroom.
Not laughing at nonsense.

... not answering questions like this:

Are you a singer or mantra guy?

Huh?

Do you sing songs when you race or have a mantra?

Songs for sure... like Kanye's Stronger...

Which I immediately cranked to 10, knowing he hates rap.

Yeah, it's a bikcation for sure... and when McD's is on the menu, and we dilly and dally for hours I just gotta remember...

That that that that don't kill me only makes me stronger.

Maybe I am a mantra guy after all?

For sure, I'm a PR Lotion guy.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion

Yes, over the next 3 days I'll be doing multiple applications.  Even for tomorrow's 20ish minute TT...

... 'cause let's be honest the bragging rights each night are what it's all about.

Order now, the shipping is free but the bragging rights ya gotta earn... even on a bikcation.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion

---

161 lbs
StretchNRoll
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4200542505

SOME RISKS I'M WILLING TO TAKE, others I'm not.  We're all that way, and I'm sure we're all completely justified for our ways of thinking.  That said, we are on bicycles, traveling at a good clip... and, well... sometimes I get to wondering...

... Whattheheck are ya thinking!

Is it just me?

Here are the opposite ends of the spectrum:

New superbike <--->  Old bucket a bolts

Riding a pristine paved road with no one around <---> Charging down a mountain

Somewhere in there we all demonstrate our risk tolerance.

Me personally,

I'd slowly ride a rusted out bucket of bolts down the boardwalk on a sunny summer day with an easy breez, no prob... but, I'd never trust it with my life. 

I'd charge trails that would be tough to walk down or up, and tuck a nice paved road at 50mph on a new superbike... and love it.

But, those cats who throw down a few Benjamins on a Walmart whip or a Craigslist cringer then head out and go Full Send...

... oh man, you've got my attention... not sure about my respect... but my attention for sure...

... and I'll probably speak up,
get shut down
and uncomfortably settle in
like some creepy voyeur...

... wonderin' how they approach the rest of their lives.

But that's not how we roll, right?

Nope, we take some risks for sure... but we leave nothing to chance.

Especially not our helmets.

Good news is, right now, during the Giro, you can get these beautiful helmets with some sweet savings.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The code is SUPERSTITIOUS.

It can be used on any helmet to save 20%

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---

161.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
7.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4194433376

DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT.  I'm totally biased, plus I'm ripping all kinds of PRs the more I get settled in.  And, don't believe the marketing hype.  Just look at the scoreboard.

But, before you look at the scoreboard...

... let's remember one thing when it comes to mountain biking...

... ADVENTURE.

Yes, yes, I love my road riding.  And, of course, the freedom and creativity of gravel bikes.  But, nothing makes me feel like a warrior out for adventure than my mountain bike.

Riding off into the wild where bad things can happen and nobody is around to bail ya out has a certain, how do you say... Imabadass... about it.

We sense that from the moment we put on our shoes which are heavy, and lugged, and dusty, and scraped up.

Personally, I'm not too big on protective gear and I've got plenty of dents and scars to show for it.  Fact is, I kinda like seeing a little blood from time to time.  Makes me feel alive.

Dropping down a rutted shoot with the front wheel about to break loose and the rear wheel skidding and clinging... launching off a knob at speed and flying 10'... leaning to nearly horizontal riding a berm in a turn... these are sensations only mountain bikers know.

Which brings me back to that scoreboard... ya see, that bike I've been ripping PRs on downhill sections is the very same bike that was ridden to a World Championship over the weekend... and Jordan Sarrou made it look easy.

Easy and in control are the exact feelings I've been having on this bike.  The geometry is perfect.  The bottom bracket height is just right.  The dropper post is excellent.  The twin-loc makes climbing a dream... ahhh, such a great bike.

The kind of bike that you want to take on adventure, be a warrior on, experience nature and all her many ways trying to kill you.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/bikeshop-fourstroke-01-one

This is the one I chose.

And I'd love to help you get one if you're into adventure and danger.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/bikeshop-fourstroke-01-one

Oh... and I almost forgot to mention... our superlight race gloves were developed expressly for this type of riding.  They fit tight, are made of real leather, and provide a fantastic tactical connection between warrior and bike.

I had no idea the white gloves would be top sellers.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves/products/superlight-race-gloves-white

---

161.4 lbs
PushUPsPullUps
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4190343937

TOWARDS THE END OF MY RIDE SATURDAY, I came down an extremely steep trail... it's just at the edge of being a controlled skid - that kinda steep... and turned sharply to cross through the motorcycle barrier.  At the same time, another rider came from an alternate trail and rather than dismounting rode right through the open gate.

There, my friends, is a perfect example of enemy number two.

Habits.

I've approached that barrier hundreds of time, and the gate is never open.  Naturally, I went with what I've burned into my brain as the only way out... and it was completely the wrong thing to do when I could have easily stayed on my bike.

And the thing about habits is their effect is slow moving...

... towards greatness or damn that was dumb.

Chris, The Wrench, has a wonderful habit.  Before he can start on the next bike, he has to put all his tools away.  Guess what?... he never wonders where his tools are.

I have a habit of getting everything ready the night before my morning ride:  clothes out, glasses cleaned, batteries charged, bottles made, etc.

Some riders have the habit of looking at all the dangers a particular route may encompass.  My experience with these types of riders is they seem to will disaster into their lives.

Other riders have a habit of eating huge meals and late o'clock.  Result:  disrupted sleep and extra ballast.

The thing about habits is they become automatic. And we don't even realize how they've molded us... but sometimes it's towards really good outcomes.

Of course, one of our greatest habits is riding our bikes.  If you've got a friend that needs a reminder about this habit...

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Or maybe it's no one in particular, but you just like preaching this wonderful message of getting out and riding.

Whatever it is, this is a superduper soft shirt... made for athletes like us.

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The code works on all the tshirts... but this one is the top seller.

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---

160.2 lbs
PushUPsPullUps
7.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4185622613

NOT EVERYBODY KNOWS THIS, or remembers to do it... or has the luxury of following this restful recipe.  It's a good practice for the day before a race.

If you're standing, sit.
If you're sitting, lie.
If you're lying, put your feed up.
If you're feet are up, sleep.

Most of the time we are hustling to take care of business or chores or family, and hoping all goes according to plan and we can cut out for a race in the morning.  If we're lucky, we'll get to bed early.

Tuck that little missive away until your next big race.

Better yet, try it out before your next big ride.

It's harder than you think, and better than you think.

Promise.

I also promise having a RaceDay Bag™ will make your day that much more restful.

This would be a great place to insert what a wonderful gift the bag makes, but then I remembered racer Ryan's purchase this week...

I need another bag.

You do?

Yep, I want one for MTB and one for Road.  I'm going to have them each loaded and ready to go.

It still makes a wonderful gift, and let's be honest, nobody appreciates a good bag more than us.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags

You know, we never to promo codes for the bags.  But if you search really hard there's one out there.

I'm going to hide it right here in this lengthy paragraph.  Normally, I'd put it in bold.  But, that would make it too easy.  The code, if you were to search for it, is SAVE10.  It's an old code.  It works today.  But, I think it's time to retire it.  Use it while it works.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags

---

161.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
8.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4183616323

THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUPERSTITION AND PREPARATION.  Today I did one of my pre-race rituals, it's the kind of thing I can't convince anybody to do with me...

... so it makes me question is it superstition or preparation?

What I do is go out and ride a course as similar as possible to the upcoming race and only work on my head.

In this case, the upcoming race is the Cactus Cup.  An MTB race.  In the desert.  With a lot of turns.  Carrying speed is going to be critical.

So, I went and rode some of the twistiest trails around.  

Didn't pound the climbs too much, just rode 'em at tempo.  But those downhills were all about being relaxed and going fast.

Results:  I'm getting super confident on the new MTB and snagged a number of PRs on challenging descents I've hit many times.

This is headwork, giving myself sensations of feeling fast.

I'll do that all week.  Not ride hard per se.  Just doing things that are confidence building...

... and all of it will be on my race bike...

... to further cement the good feelings and be hyper aware of any mechanical issues that need to be take care of.

I know other racer will ride hard right up to the end.  Others will take a bunch of time off.

Are we all preparing?
All superstitious?

Probably a little of both.

And I'm cool with that, because in the end it's just a bike race... and more than half the fun is figuring out what works.

One thing that works for sure is the KASK Protone helmet.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets/products/kask-protone?variant=33302071869572 

I really like this helmet.  It's light.  Fits great.  Has good ventilation.

And since it's Italian and the Giro is going on... well, there's a special promo code to save 20%.

The code is SUPERSTITIOUS.

It can be used on any helmet.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

16o.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4177477050

I STOPPED BY TO SEE MY PAL CHAD TODAY.  At his place of biz.  It'd been too long.  We met through the bikeridingthing... way before PEDALindustries.  We started making his company uniforms.  Which we still do.

But, that's not important.

Nor was delivering a new supersweet kit design for this weekend's race.

What was important, was what happened when we got to his office and closed the door.

Nothing.

Nothing but bike and racing talk.

I think about all the companies that sponsor teams, at all levels... and I reckon few people have any clue as to why they do it.

Is it to get a big return on their advertisement investment?

Absolutely not... if that were the case the sponsors would stick around forever.  Trust me, I know a thing or three about advertising.

They do it because they love the sport and it's fun. 

Amid all the chaos and stress of running any large business, sponsoring any kind of cycling team can bring some needed levity into the work place.  Can be part of a company health initiative.  Can be a way for the work crew to bond after hours.

But, it ain't for the money.

And what do most sponsors ask for... usually just that the racers are good peeps.

I've worked with a lot of sponsors of teams.  And none of them have ever said this, but I see it. 

I see their enthusiasm for the racers, for the promoters, for the friends and families who come and watch.  

I see the joy they have designing their kits for their teams to wear.

This is why they do it.

For the love of our sport...

... so, next time ya get a new kit send 'em some pics of you having fun riding.  I know they'll love it.

I know I do.

Ya know what else I know?... I know our Speed jersey is super light. People come in and choose their size always comment...

... It's so lite.

Well, it has to be.  It's a Speed jersey, not a parachute.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/jerseys

They come in a variety of colors, and we have matching socks for most of the designs.

Add a jersey and socks to your order and use promo code: SPONSORS

to get free socks.

---

161.2 lbs
Rest
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4159358072

LIKE IT OR NOT, WE'VE ALL GOT ENEMIES.  And, that's okay.  Because enemies can bring out the best in us.  Therefore, I present the first in a long list of Racer Enemies and the potential for greatness each holds.

First up, the first up... it's a gift, really.

We get it when we're born, and it can be a real hinderance to going fast.  However, once we get control of this enemy everything in life improves.

You guessed it, right?... our very own body.

Neglected, this wonderful treasure becomes sluggish at best.

No amount of unobtanium parts of a bike can make up for the neglected goods inside our birthday suits.

On that note, I put on weight with each one of my wife's pregnancies.  Yep, a full 33 lbs heavier than I am today.

Little by little I carved it off.

Along the way, I learned what my body craves for maximum health.  It doesn't just show on the bike.  It's off the bike as well.

Overall energy high
All health indicators high
Mental clarity better
Mood swings minimized
and so on.

The point is to put in place a system for optimal health and patiently stick with it.  The result, and it takes time!, we get a lot faster on the bikes and a lot better in every other endeavor.

I've been thinking about this because lately my friends have been casually slipping their weight into our conversations.  You know, real slylike...

Dude, I'm down 12 lbs!

... subtle right?

They're stoked.  And they should be.  It feels really, really, really good to be light.

Speaking of kids... the best thing my son every told me when we trying to have better diets was this...

... we're not dieting, we're athletes...

Try that one on the next person that chides your food choices...

... I'm not dieting, I'm an athlete.

It works surprising wonders.  Because we are athletes... we are designed to run long distances for long periods of time.  We are hunters by nature.

When racing, like I will be next week, there are only 3 things I put into my body.  

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

GQ6 hydration for sure. 

Because the course is going to be fast with constant turns and short power climbs through the desert, I'll probably only be able to drink.

Which means I'll go with 3 scoops/bottle.

I might not even go with bottles.  It's going to be that fast.  I might go with the Camelbak.  It's just a lot easier to grab that hose and suck in some good stuff and let the hose fall from my mouth. 

I reckon I'll thrown 1 Honeystinger in my pocket just in case I get that empty hungry feeling... but, I doubt that's going to happen.

It's unlikely I'll need the SaltStick.  It's only 40 miles and should be over in 2.5 hrs.

Since it's always good to be prepared, I'll bring all three potions.

If you're so inclined use promo code:  NUMBER1

It's a buy 2, get 1 dealio

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

---

161.2 lbs
StandUpPaddle for an hour
7.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4159358072

TONIGHT SO FUH-FUH-FUH FUN!  Jake joined for the standing DRTY WDNSDY hot up the trails. One thing ya gotta know about Jake is his company, NON-DOT, specializes in teaching people MTB skills.  He ain't just fast, he's skilled.  Just the kinda guy ya wanna be chasin' around...

... because he brings out the best.

Smooth lines.
Hitting the jumps.
Cleaning all the technical stuff.

Making it look easy.

We picked up a ton of virtual trinkets along the way.

But, that wasn't the point or goal or focus or whatever.

The only whatever we had going on was chasing each other 'bout as fast as we could go up and down and around and over.  Never really getting out of sight of one another... not that we weren't trying.

It was one of those rides.

Just really pushing.  Not too much small talk.  Riding too fast for that.

But not ruined afterwards.

And here's the thing... I don't think that style of chasing each other works on the road.  It's something that really lends itself to tighttwisty single track with punchy climbs.

Yep... it leaves me lusting for more dirt.

'Course ma' new MTB don't hurt.

But, Jake said the new gloves to match his new kits we made were helping too.

What can I say?

I'm a helpful guy.

If you're looking for beautiful kits, made in the USA with the best Italian fabrics... gives us a ring.

Speaking of rings... Jake's was covered with this glove.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

He was also wearing these socks

Looking quite sharp is ya ask me.

If you want to look sharp like Jake, use promo code: LUSTFORDIRT

Which will give you 50% off your second item, buy gloves get socks for half off.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

... oh, and you're always welcome to join us on DRTY WDNSDY.

---

163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4159358072

WELL, IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE OFFSEASON... but there hasn't even been a season.  We're sposed ta be restin', but ain't been racin'.  And while the days are getting shorter, our ride is getting bigger and faster and funner...

... and I'm lovin' it.

To see the fellas and the ladies is such a joy.

This morning I could see 'em from farther away than last week.  Their powerful blinky lights a warning to drivers and a beacon to riders.  Follow me to fun...

30 or so Bs
18 As
4 Gravelers

... all taking over the school parking lot for a catchup moment of Hey what's ups?, How ya beens? with a few Damn bro, you're looking fits.

As the countdowns to heading out approach the energy changes, our choreographed dances of pedals and pain gets begins.

Now I'm writing this with the Temptations on repeat... that driving beat of Get Ready...

... we're getting ready for the day, our way.

A great big shot of endorphins to inoculate us for the trials that face us each day. 

Join us, and bring a light.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/knog-lights

Personally, I run these day and night.  Front and rear.

Use promo code:  GETREADY

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/knog-lights

---

163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4159358072

FINISH LINES AND HILLTOPS, they're a lot further than you think.  You can't see the top of a climb from the bottom.  You can't judge the speed of your competition closing from behind in a sprint.

But, racers ease up at the apex of climbs and final meters of sprints all the time...

... and thus we see...

... them fail, when just a few more seconds of gawdawful pain woulda kept 'em attached to the group or on top of the podium.

I know, I know... ya feel like you're getting one over on the competition when you can get over the top and catch 'em on the way down... or thump your chest and coast across the finish line... 

... we all know, which is exactly why we sprint hard over the top of the climbs and beyond the finish line...

... we're banking on you trying to get one over...

... sometimes it's the only way we can win.

So, we do a few more push ups at night,
eat a few bites less of ice cream,
stay late at work,
read to our children,
help the elderly cross the street...

... some of us need every advantage we can get to make up for the advantage you have...

... you can forget it ain't over 'till it's, in fact please do.

And you can also forget about PR Lotion... but we won't.  In fact, some of us like Rusty are so nice we purchase it for our friends... which is exactly what he did when he stopped by today for a new pair of bibs.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion

Sometimes I wonder if we sell more Amp PR Lotion than anybody else?  I should ask those guys sometimes.  I wouldn't normally think that, but people like Rusty keep coming back for more... and picking up some for their friends.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion

---

162.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4154603038