Todd's Blog

WE CAN'T ESCAPE OUR POTENTIAL FOR GREATNESS, it's in our genes.  We are born athletes.  Our predecessors ran down their prey, not with speed, with endurance and cunning. They had to as a matter of survival...

... but we don't.

We, not you and me, the collective we no longer need to be athletes.  The effects are obvious and tragic. 

Look at a distance runner, that's what we were designed for.

Crud, watch a movie from the 50's, that's what we are supposed to look like.

We, you and me, get this.

We see the stairs next to the elevator, and bound up.

We see a mountain road, and dream of climbing... and carving down.

We are attracted to our kindred souls.  We push each other.  We demand more from each other, without saying a word... or, unleashing a string of salty words when the sitchyation demands.

We can't escape our potential for greatness.

When you're not the fastest or strongest in the jungle, and we aren't, you have to use cunning.  Making a plan, coordinating with others, and persisting is what we do best...

... which is why it's so fun to pick a huge personal challenge, register for a giant event and start planning.  Methodically working backwards and putting all the pieces into place to be our very best at a given location and time...

... to be greater and better, is in our DNA.

Nothing is better for making memories than a giant calendar. 

For inspiration as the event(s) approaches.

To look back on as the years go by.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

Our calendar is HUGE!  27.5" wide X 48" tall.

It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.

Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

—

163.2 lbs 
40 PullUps 70 PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4682097054

I JUST FINISHED A BOOK THAT HAS ME FREAKIN PUMPED UP!  Pumped to train my lycracovered heinie off.  To pedal morning, day and night.   Plus, way more pushups and pull ups and strength stuff.  It has nothing to do with bicycle racing... 

... and everything to do with getting after it.

A few quotes:

• I don't do shit for applauses.  I don't do shit for fanfare.  I do it for me.
• I don't think about yesterday.  I think about today, and getting better.
• If you want to be pushed to your limits, you have to train to your limits

If you're into getting better, you're gonna love this book, Living With a Seal, by Jesse Itzler.  Jesse invites superendurance athlete and ex-Navy Seal David Goggins to live with him for a month and train him...

... he destroys him, day after day.

The day after day of being pushed to his limits is so motivating.  It's just ridiculous some of the things they do.  And it got me really thinking how predictable my own training has become.  

Yes, I have a process that's worked really well.  But, I think it's time to shake it up a bit/a lot.  Set some new goals.  Try some new methods.  Helk, I might even get a power meter again.

As I look over the things I want to accomplish this year... well, I think I can do a helluvalot more.  My RaceDay Calendar™ is gonna be key to make that happen.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

I keep thinking how cool it would be if I'd had these calendars for all my years of racing.  Such a great way to memorialize the things we do.

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

PS... click here to check out the book:  

Living With a Seal,

—

164.2 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4677087640

I HAD BIG PLANS TO RIDE IN THE RAIN TODAY.  Kept telling myself, Hellyeah I'm riding in the rain!. Thus, I tucked in for my beauty sleep and got down to dreaming...

... of how much better I'd be than everybody else.

I knew the locals would mostly opt for staying in bed.  A few might get on their trainers.  Where as I would be riding, getting in secret miles.

But, that's not even the main reason.  The main reason Fred was this...

... because it rains on raceday.

Yeah, no joke.

And when it does, I'm always thrilled.

First, a good chunk of the racers will straight up DNS.

We don't DNS.  Ever.  We always S.  Because we are badassedly prepared.  Always.

Second, of those who start another good chunk will DNF.

We don't DNF.  Ever.  We always F'ing F!  Because that's what we registered for in the first place. Finishing the dern race.

Third, slice off another chunk of racers that will get washed away in the elements.

The soaking shoes, the drenched butt crack, the puddled glasses... most cats can't handle that, it slowly zaps their energy.  We love it, because we know they hate it.

A good gnarly rain can easily whittle the competition down by 75%... without you are I having to do a dawgawn thing besides show up prepared.

Easy.

Anyway... as much as I was looking forward to all that rain I didn't get much more than some wet streets, cold toes and a squishy chamois.  I'd artfully dodged the main storm and still got a good ride in.

I was never cold thanks to the neverceasestoamaze KOM jacket.  It's such a great tool for rainy and cold days.  Just a jersey underneath. 

Looking at My RaceDay Calendar™ I can see I have a number of opportunities to race in the rain.  I don't love it, but I sure ain't afraid of it. 

For sure it can rain at Leadville and LoToJa... 2 of my A races... because they are high altitude, during the monsoon season.  The local races this winter always have a good chance, because it always rains in CA in February and March.

Will you be prepared?

What's on your calendar?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

You do have a calendar don't you? 
I mean you gotta have a giant calendar where you can see the whole year, right?
How else can you plan like a pro?

Our calendar is HUGE!  27.5" wide X 48" tall.

It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.

Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

—

163.2 lbs 
50 PullUps 150 PushUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4669979044

YEAH, I LIKE MY TED NUGENT SLOW AND STEADY, LIKE A STRANGLEHOLD... and that's exactly how I feel when I'm planning out my race season.  Month by Month.  Week by Week.  Day by Day...

... until I'm ready to do the deed.

There's just a helluvalot of confidence to be gained by having a long range plan and checking off the boxes of what needs to be done each and every day.

I'm not a killer...

... just methodical.  disciplined.  patient.

A friend once told me, You give me 10 weeks and I can get you in shape for anything...

... and I believed him.  put it into practice.

I plan out my base weeks.

The building intensity weeks.

The race specific training weeks.

If you've never treated yourself to the awesome pleasure of having a Hugh Jass calendar just for yourself, with your important dates now's the time.

If you have experienced the magic of doing the impossible because you planned for it, there's no time like the present.

Trust me... forget that... watch this highly education video:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

Click on the link below, scroll down a touch... turn up the volume, and remember to

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

—

163.6 lbs 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4663223170
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4665132329 (sometimes ya just gotta ride twice)

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT COMES TO RIDING AND RACING YOUR BIKE?   Listening to an old Jim Rohn recording I was reminded of his insistence that we all have a personal philosophy.  A way of approaching life that is our truth.

... what is your philisophy(s) when it comes to riding and racing you bicycle?

Here are a few of mine:

Every Day Is RaceDay™.   To me that means every day has a purpose:  recovery, strength, endurance, etc.

Another is PRs > KOMs.  Sure, it's great to win a race or snag a KOM.  However, it's superior to set a PR.  Knowing I did my best and there was nothing left to give is everything.

Ride Fast, Don't Hurry.  I got this from the great John Wooden who implored his players to be quick, yet not hurried.  Hurrying is when we make mistakes.  Being fast or quick means we are error free. 

Here's one I haven't talked about enough...

... having a giant calendar of your upcoming events.  Mounted up where you see and appreciate what you're committing to make happen.  To work backwards and arrange your training, work, family and other commitments for a few key events each year.

I believe in this so much I created a calendar just for us...

... and it's HUGE!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

We're going to create a video tomorrow... but quite frankly, I'm just too excited to wait.  

We're going into production and will be able to ship in about 2 weeks.

Here's the deal... you can order now and save 33%,

using this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

What are your philosophies?

—

163.4 lbs 
Paddleboard
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4660241280

ENDURANCE SPORTS, LIKE OUR BELOVED CYCLING, REQUIRE A LOT OF ENDURING.  You already know this.  Just like you know the more you ride the deeper your reserves.  I was thinking how much riding style has changed in the last 5 years ...

... by adding an endurance hack to my quiver.

There was a time when I'd rarely ride out of the saddle.  I was a spinner, maybe more of a grinder.  Then I had an encounter with a coach who told me something unbelievable...

I want you do the Live Oak climb out of the saddle next time.

All 5 minutes?

As much as you can.

Why?

Because with your body structure you'll be more efficient.

I didn't believe her. 

1. I could only ride out of the saddle for about 30 seconds at a time... and that was only when my back was tight or I just need a quick change of pace.  
2. See number 1.

So I gave it a try.  Sure enough, my pace remained the same and my heart rate actually dropped slightly.

But, I was so weak.

That's when I read the Geoff Kabush's metric for mountain bikers... you've got to be able to do 50 push ups.  Concurrently, on an episode of Tim Ferris' podcast, Jamai Foxx said the only exercise that matters is pull ups. 

Naturally, I decided to combine their advice and start doing push ups and pull ups daily.  Those two exercises done regularly have made a huge difference in my riding.

Being able to climb for long stretches out of the saddle allows me to use my muscles differently.  Some get to rest a bit while others get to pitch and help for a change. 

Want to see how much push up and pull ups matter? 

Do a set of each to failure, back to back, when you're fresh.  Next time you come in from a moderately easy ride, do those exercises again. I think you'll be surprised at how much more difficult they are post ride.

Plus, there's nothing wrong with looking a little less like a T-Rex and more like a super hero...

... okay, that might be a stretch, but I'll bet you'll linger just a little longer in just your bibs before you pull on the changing poncho next time you're at the races.

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

We offer the ponchos in four different color schemes, or we can make them for you team to match your kit and RaceDay Bags™

Use promo code: LARGEAMOUNTS

To save and get free shipping.

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

—

162.6 lbs 
40 PullUps 120 PushUps 120 squat presses
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4655039116

RIDE REPORT:

• Was so excited to ride hard today, I could barely sleep.
• Woke up early, still left late.
• PR'd getting to the meet up.
• Had a genius idea on the way home....

Put on your biking clothes.

What.

Kit up, and ride towards me.

Why?

Because we're gonna go to Moulin and indulge ourselves.

Okay!

Now why in Todd's name would I invite Surfergirl to crash my Tuesday tradition of riding with the fellas?  What could I possibly be thinking?

It's pretty obvious, really.

1.  I ride the last 40+ minutes alone on Tuesdays.  Most of the time I'm so smoked one would hardly call it riding.  I'm barely able to turn the cranks. 

2.  Most Tuesdays, Surfergirl isn't surfing.  She has a beautiful bike that needs riding.  Her pace will synch up nicely with my slog.

3.  We both enjoy delicious croissants smothered in goodness.

But, for sure there was one more reason...

... I knew I could bribe into listening to the blowbyblow of the ride.

You're gonna think I'm just trying to sell a bill of good on this next part, but you'd be wrong.  What I'm going to do is try and convince you to do what I did this morning... because I really do want the best for you.

Not only was I excited.  Not only did I spend a good 20 minutes a day on my legs with the HyperVolt.  Not only was I off the bike Sunday, and riding easy yesterday.  

TBH, I do the above almost every week any way.

But, this morning I did something I hadn't done since I was ramping up the intensity for Dirty 30 way back in November...

... and it's the reason I left a little late for the ride.

I would put a picture here, but I don't want to give it away to the speed readers.  This is really good info, just for you and me.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/my-top-secret-secret-weapons

You'll want to use this promo code:  TRADITIONS

Sometimes I put the promo code on the product page, but not this time.  This time it's just for the careful readers.

PS... is Surfergirl invited next week?  Hellyeah, it's a great tradition.

---

162.6 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4647650387

I HAVE TUNNEL VISION.  Is it bad?  I dunno.  Want proof?  I can't find a darn thing, even when it's close enough to kill me.  Is it curable?  I'm not sure I care.  It took a long time hone it...

... and it's served me well, manymany times.

For example... One day, after climbing up for a couple of hours, we gathered at the top of the Trabuco trail.  Preparing to shred the tight shaley single-track that skirted the super steep mountain side... I was pumped, raring to go.

12ish minutes later, after the more challenging portions, I waited for my pals.

RiderX rolled up.

All that cactus was freaking me out.

Where?

Up there.

Hmmm.

So were those giant, jagged boulders all over the place!

Really?

Yeah, I had to stop a bunch.

Oh...

I wondered if we’d ridden the same trail?  I wasn’t being a tool; just hadn’t seen any of it.

That's when I self-diagnosed Tunnel Vision... and I knew exactly how I got it:  repeated exposure to challenging situations.  The only way to ride 'em was controlling my mind, focusing solely on the ridable parts of the trail.  Never even considering the dangers or threats.

It’s not always easy...

... especially as I get older and continue to ride with younger and younger cats.  My vision, literal vision, isn’t as sharp.  The reactions are a little slower.  When my vision expands I have to recenter myself, remind myself to see only the good stuff...

... but, it's worth it, like all superpowers.

One disadvantage to riding with said confidence is rolling up on other riders, hikers, runners, strollermoms, etc...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell

... which is why I love this bell.  I wouldn't say it's going to drown out the headphones you can hear from a mile away, but most folks hear it from a good distance and appreciate the cheerful chime.

Use promo code: TUNNEL

You'll save and get free shipping!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell

---

163.6 lbs 
PushUps and PUllUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4642930993

ON A RECENT RIDE, WE WERE DISCUSSING ALL THE LESSONS WE'VE LEARNED AND THEIR PARALLELS OFF THE BIKE.  Is it all the time we spend doing bikey things that the world starts to look so bikey?  I found this amazing statement in a book I just finished...

... and I naturally applied to bicycle racing.

The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated.  The mind is the athlete, the body simply the means it uses to run faster, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further or box better.

To really get the impact of the above statement, you'll need to read the book.  A movie was made, but ya know... the book is always better.  

Don't fret, I haven't given away the punchline or even a hint of what the book is about... just a piece of what us bikey people stow might in our minds when we find the going particularly rough.

Believe in yourself.

The mind is the athlete.

The body the means.

Tomorrow, I'm going to wake as I have for the past 20ish years and read Dr. King's famous speech.  If you've never read it start to finish, click here.  Afterward, I'll review the dreams I have for 2021.

Then, I'll head out for a ride.

It's one of my favorite rituals.

So, if you're trying to reach me...

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

I'll get back to you as soon as I can... no doubt I'll be wearing this super soft shirt with the not so cuddly message.  

Use promo code: PEEKAY

And you can get this shirt delivered for $17, all in.

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

 ---

164.4 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep
http://strava.com/activities/4638188185 

THERE'S A LOCAL SINGLE-TRACK I'VE PLAYED ON PLENTY OF TIMES CALLED T AND A.  I'm not sure what the T and the A stand for or what the phrase T and A means...

... but, I know I got a lot of T and A today.

For example:

Training at Altitude,
we spent about half the ride over 5000'

Together and Alone,
we started together until Andy couldn't contain himself any longer and rode on ahead.

Trailblazing and Advice,
we did some serious trailblazing and were advised to stay helk off the private property.

Traction and Adrenalin
there's nothing like the adrenalin rush you get with the traction of fat tires carving pavement.

However, the best T and A of the day was by far...
... all the trails and asphalt we covered.

It was a perfect day for riding all kinds of surfaces.

Of course, our tails were still lit with lights.  It's just an easy safety measure.

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

These lights last a long time and have nearly 180 degrees of awareness.

Use promo code TANDA

to save on any of our lights.

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

 ---

164 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep

FRIDAYS, WHEN I CAN PULL IT OFF, AND I TRY TO PULL IT OFF EVERY FRIDAY, I like to sneak over to a little out of the way place where nobody knows me.  You know, the kind of place where your people don't hang.  One you can ride to, prop up your bike, get a snack...

... and do nothing.

Doing nothing ain't as easy as it sounds. 

My preciousphone is with me for snapping pics along the ride, and it's hard as helk not to reach for it.  So, I turn it off.

After a few moments, the urge to grab it goes away and the colors and sounds of this part of town become more vibrant and distinct.

I used to bring a note pad and jot down ideas, but I don't like that any more.  

Doing less makes the stop so much more enjoyable.

It's addicting...

... and a great way to start the last day of the work week, fresh and creative.

... and roll in to tomorrow's suretobeblistering ride rested and ready.

Since this promo did so well, I'm going to extend it through the weekend.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

My all around favorite is the Protone.  If I had to chose one that would be it.  The Valegro is excellent for MTB... and I really like it for night riding because it's easy to mount a helmet light up there.  The Utopia is most aero.  The Rapido is a good all arounder.

Use promo code:  GoChar

To save 20%.  Code expires on 1/16/21.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

164.2 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4625406198

YEAH, BUT YOU LIKE IT... is a complaint/comment I often get from, well, everybody.

I'm going for a giant ride.

I wish I could.

You can, if I can.

Yeah, but you like it.

I'm want to head to work early today.

I wish I wanted to.

You can, if I can.

Yeah, but you like it.

I'm diving in deep on this history book.

I wish I did that.

You can, if I can.

Yeah, but you like it.

I know you get the joke.  You probably got it first time, but not everybody is as sharp as you.  Just like not everybody can do what you and I can do...

... and it grand to love what we do so much it ain't work at all?

... to get all the benefits of working out, without working at all?

... to really work hard on something because we love it?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic

These gloves remind me of how lucky we are.

Not because the are super lightweight and can be worn year round, on and off road.

Not because Jimmy proclaims: Todd, these gloves are like glue on my grips.  I love 'em.

Not because they have tactile thread for snapping quick pics with touch screens.

It's those colors.... if you're into that sort of thing, use this promo code:

 ITAINTWORK

That code wills save ya 15% through the weekend.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic

---

164.2 lbs 
Paddle
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4622214102

APPARENTLY WE HAVE SOMETHING OF A REPUTATION.  People are concerned, even scared, they won't be able to keep up.  Then, they don't show up...

... tonight a brave soul took a chance.

Maybe it was the ride description?  Gravel adventure, friendly pace.

Maybe it was her new bike itching to get dirty?

Maybe the timing was right?

While the rest of us were whining about this and that prepping to start riding, Char just came right out with it...

... I'm worried I won't keep up, y'all are so fast.

I wasn't worried for one second about her chances, because when we say gravel adventure, friendly pace... by golly, we mean it!

For someone whose an accomplished track racer like she is, jumping on a gravel bike is easy.  Riding on a wide gravel road is no big deal.  That's why we took her straight to our local single track; the twisty one, with a few burgeoning rain ruts...

... so she'd have an adventure, be challenged and improve.

We all had a blast, witnessing one of the most glorious sunsets in recent memory.  There's just something about this kind of ride for forging friendships.

It's a mystery to me, this jumping to conclusions.  We may have a reputation for being a heartless bunch, but we sure ain't cruel.  That's the problem with myths I guess...

... or maybe the power of myths.

Whatever it is, I'll continue doing my best to set each ride's expectations. 

If the description is easy, it's probably gonna be too easy and I'll end up being half-wheeled the entire ride... which means you probably won't be invited back. 

If the invitation says adventure, expect to be challenged... and encouraged.

If the there is a speed warning, we ain't waiting so make sure you know you're way home.

It's good to mix up the rides, and the people you ride with.  Join us or join someone closer or start you're own ride.  Just keep your head up to the ride description...

... starting with the ever excellent KASK Helmets

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

My all around favorite is the Protone.  If I had to chose one that would be it.  The Valegro is excellent for MTB... and I really like it for night riding because it's easy to mount a helmet light up there.  The Utopia is most aero.  The Rapido is a good all arounder.

Use promo code:  GoChar

To save 20%.  Code expires on 1/16/21.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

166.2 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4617351551

BE CAREFUL, IT'S WET OUT THERE! said the voice in my head.

It's hard to shed the mom's voice... at any age.

But, it wasn't in my head...

... her concerned pronouncement shrieked down from her room... in our home.

Shyte!... next thing I knew I was wondering if my jersey matched my bib and if I needed to get her permission to be home late after playing at the office all day.

... and worst thing is...  she's going to read this between now and the time I get home from tomorrow's ride.  She reads them all.  She's my No. 1 fan for heck's sake.

I'm doomed.

Which only means I'm going to ride even crazier, and be home later.

Just kidding, because...

Our daughter also has a room at our AirBNB... which she will be vacating at approximately 2pm to drive back to school - 2 states away.

... ya know what I'm gonna say...

Be careful... blah, blah, blah.

---

Can't wait to load up my new Wild Child RaceDay bag... they're in production now.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

It's gonna go perfect with the kit... and I don't even need my mama to help me pick it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

_____

164.8 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4609750855

THE 4200' CLIMB WE DID SATURDAY REINFORCED A TRUTH.  The lookout was high, high above.  It was tiny.  White.  Barely distinguishable.  Within 5 minutes, nothing had changed.  After 10 minutes I could see the hotel where we started looming large.  Shortly thereafter, I realized how important it would be to control my mind...

... because things weren't changing.

The hotel still seemed close, and the lookout far away.

I hadn't prepared mentally for this kind of climb at all. 

For 45 minutes we ground out the miles.  Some pitches were 20%, and the average was just under 10%.  We stopped talking.  Andy would ride ahead on the very steepest sections, I'd work my way back to him when the climb backed off.

All the while, the hotel still appeared large and the lookout nothing more than a small white box.

This is what I call clawing the climb.

Staying on top of the pedals, maintaining a sustainable pace, never slowing down. 

Clawing our way up the climb vs cracking and letting the mountain claw our souls.

Suddenly, the perspective changed.  

The hotel now seemed minuscule and the lookout a giant white beacon towering above the pine trees.  The grave grasp of the hotel was released and the magnetic pull of the lookout unleashed.

15 minutes later we stopped at the summit.  The view was clear and beautiful and worth every clawing pedal stroke.

I love that feeling of clawing and clawing until where I started is far, far away and the destination seems inevitable...

... which is why I often wear this shirt.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

To inspire people to get outside, put their phones away, connect with the physical world.

If you're of the same mindset, use promo code: CLAW

... and save 20%

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164.8
Stretch PushUps PullUps
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4604145336

THE BEST RIDERS ARE EASY TO PICK OUT FROM THE PACK.  You just have to know what you're looking for...

... and it's not their fancymatchy kit or unobtanium rig.

Nor is it a question of ectomorph vs endomorph.

Don't let pack position fool ya.

The confident knowitall bark ain't it either.

Chiseled muskulls?  Forget about 'em.

Sunglass arms over helmet straps?  Nope.

No gloves?  Gloves?

Elbows bent, hands relaxed yet secure?  Good guess...

Shaved legs? puuulllease...

It's the spin.

The spin, I tell ya!

The truly great riders have an unmistakable grace in their spin.

Easy.

Smooth.

Effortless.

Unchanged whether a recovery ride or a legripping charge.

They pedal in circles, meaning their is pressure on the pedals all the way around.  They press down.  The bottom of the stroke is like scraping mud off your shoe bottoms.  Pull up.  Forward across the top.  One continuous motion.  No dead spots.

A smooth pedal stroke is an indication of a well-trained athlete.  Someone who's not relying just on natural talents but who has put in the effort the learn proper pedaling technique to maximize their potential.  AKA, the kinda rider we all aspire to become.

Want to know if you have dead spots?

Go to a flat road.  Shift to a very easy gear.  Unclip one pedal.  If there is a point in your pedal stroke where you are pedaling air, that is a dead spot.

One legged drills are a great way to get rid of the dead spots and pedal like a pro.

Do these on your easy days... and remember, Every Day Is RaceDay™

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164.6
Walks
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4601756678

SEVEN YEARS AGO MY SON TREVOR DID A SUPER GNARLY RIDE.  For sure, I told myself, I'll do that ride in a couple of weeks.  It took seven years, but it was totally worth it... 

... up Harrison Grade, down Palomar, with a lot of snow riding thrown in for good times.

I'd share the pictures, but I was so excited to get going I left my preciouspet iphone in the van... so, let me paint the picture.

At 8am, on a gorgeous winter's day, we left the Harrah's Casino in Funner, CA. 

The first 5 miles were mainly downhill.  

It was 35ish degrees.

I was donning just my kit and the KOM jacket.  Andy was dressed similarly... because we dress for the ride and not the rollout.

Within 18 minutes we turned right to start the climb, and thaw-out.  Each of us on BMC URS gravel bikes... Andy had just picked his up.

Nate Harrison Grade is an 8.5 mile climb with 4200' of vert... with some pitches close to 20%.  And, it's all on dirt.

Nearing the top I spotted a patch of snow on the embankment.  Then more patches.  Followed not by water, but black ice.  It was exquisite.  Cool, cool air while we climbed at a decent pace through the pine trees to the lookout.

A lot of people have done that climb.  Some famous, some very fast.  Most head on over to the store and then drop down Palomar.

Not us.

Andy had scouted a route that would take us down to a frozen pond then back onto dirt roads that would pop us out at the famous Palomar Observatory.

Now you might be thinking, how are we going to navigate a forgotten road with snow patches up to 50 feet long and 8 inches deep when everybody knows Andy doesn't ride with electronics like phones or bike computers and The Old Diesel left his phone in the van...

... slowly would be the answer.

We didn't care because we were out for an adventure.  We picked our way up the next climb, making a few wrong turns along the way.

Finally we came to a snow patch that was at least 100 yards long, down a pretty steep road. We figured we were probably close to the next major road.  But, we weren't sure.  We'd been riding for 3 hours we were running out of time.

We played it safe and turned around.  

Forty minutes later we were at the top of the south side of Palomar mountain.  

This is a paved road we have gone down many times.  It's famous to the locals, and to anybody who has followed the Tour of California.  There are about 40 or so turns.  Some are high speed sweepers and some of the turns nearly turn back on themselves with a recommended speed of 20 mph.

It's also a rough road.  

Plenty of cracks to rattle your bones and your nerves when your going faster than most cars.

We weren't racing it.

The sensation on the gravel bikes was dramatically different than on road bikes.  The big 40mm tires at low pressure give all kinds of confidence...

... like PRs all the way down confidence.

That surprised the heck out of me... to upload and see I'd PR'd it all the way down the mountain without trying.

Speaking of turns, turns out we were about a 1/2 mile away from the road we were looking for when we turned around at the big snow field.

I can't wait to go back and complete the route and really charge down Palomar.

For sure I'll bring my preciouspet with the Trail Forks App... and of course the KOM Jacket which once again proved the perfect tool for keep me warm on the downhills and tucking neatly away on the climbs.

Use promo code KOMLAYER to get the arm warmers free.

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PS... watch the neat trick I teach in the video, you'll see it when you click on one of the jackets... you'll thank me later for this one.

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166.2
Sunset Paddle
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4594406407

IT WAS ONLY AFTER TWO MILES OF HIKING WITH LOCKED UP/CRAMPING LEGS THAT I LEARNED HOW TO RIDE VISIONQUEST.  At the time, I was well beyond miserable.  The 90 degree heat, swarming horseflies and circling vultures were overwhelming...

... I just wanted it to end.

Weeks passed out at the giant parking lot where we did crit races until I finally learned how corner and carry my speed vs sprinting out of the corners to catch back up to the group.  The humiliating final sprint resulted in elation for some and a sagging head as I crossed the line last again.

 ... I just wanted to be in the hunt.

I reckon y'all have stories like that yerselves...

... and ain't it a curious thing how unimaginable results can come out of trying experiences.

Why just the other day I was thinking about the time I lost my ID on a bike ride, which lead to the dandiest wallet ever.

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What is so awesome about this wallet is how in keeps everything tight... and keeps me from carrying a million cards and such... PLUS!, it will not ever in a million years fall out of your jersey pocket.

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164.6
PullUps and PushUps
8.2 hours
https://www.strava.com/activities/4588040510

IT WAS A SATURDAY LIKE ANY OTHER SATURDAY...

Hey.

Hey.

I so tired, stayed out way too late.

Me too, musta rode 500 miles already this week.

Hey.

What's up?

Ugh... ate way too much over the holidays.

Me too, first word outta Rocky's mouth when he came back was Did you put on weight?

Hey.

Damn its cold.

I hate it went it's cold, takes forever to warm up.

And with that we set 200 PRs and stole 23.5 KOMs.

We would have stole 24, but Jeff Gibbons wasn't with us to pull us along with his new secret weapon.

Who is Jeff Gibbons?

Oh, just the luckiest guy in the world...

... winner of our $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway.

I hope Jeff is a regular reader.

Thank you all for participating... here's a promo code for free gloves with your next PR Lotion purchase.

Purchase the PR Lotion and the Gloves and use this code at check out

IJUSTWANNAWIN

You're Awesome!

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164.8
Stretch/Plank/Hypervolt
7.8 hrs
no ride

I'M ALWAYS IMPRESSED BY RIDERS WHO COME PREPARED WITH PROPER TOOLS FOR A QUICK FIX... which covers most of us.  And we should.  We are  better skilled than 90% of riders out there at doing a quick fix.  We're racers dawgawnit, and ain't got time to waste...

... I'm even more impressed by those who carry toolkits in their heart.

On a winter's day, long ago, shivering as we all bombed Live Oak Canyon, I heard the dreaded pssst pssst pssst of a rather rapid slow leak.  I knew I was in big trouble.

Standing slack-jawed as the group rolled on... panic set in.  It was the bottom of the canyon, I was shaking, couldn't even close my hands.  It was so bad I'd had trouble coming to a stop.

Big Craig pulled up.  

Slow leak, can't get the tire off.  Fingers are done.

No prob.

He stopped, because he carries a set of tools in his heart.

We've all done the same thing, slowed or stopped to help a rider out...

... now seems like a great time to bust out the most important tools:  charity, patience and kindness.

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164.6
Stretch/Plank/Hypervolt
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4579928464