NOBODY GETS ELON'S SPACE-X LIKE WE DO.  For example, the final minute of our terrible penultimate climb is called Blastoff.  While I was more of a bottle rocket than a 4ofJuly today, I had nonetheless begun my countdown hours before.

Like a real astronaut.

Because our arena of competition is so vast - the entire planet Earth! - we have weird things no other sports have.  First timer BL reminded me of this on the ride.

Meet me at the corner at 602.

That's a weird time.

I know, but that's when we get there and you don't want to be late or you'll miss the ride which leaves at 625.

Of course, for brevity, I left out a whole bunch of other minute markers.

Dinner by 7.

Prep bike and bottles.

PJs by 9.

Stretch and roll.

Sleep by 930.

Wake up 5.

Dressed by 530.

Out the door by 538.

Meet the locals at 550.

All of which when done right gets me to the launch pad on time, to be reminded of all the sinning I did last night eating pizza and wings and ice cream with my childrens.

None of which would be any fun if the rest of posse wasn't doing their own countdowns... getting their spacesuits on, putting Tang in their bottles, air in their tires...

... yeah, Elon, you're cool... but we're launching multiple times a week.

You know what else we're launching?... our retail kits.  We have a very limited selection of inventory.  I expect this will sell out, but don't let it worry your pretty little helmetcovered head.   We're making more all the time.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/instock-kits

These are our famous Speed Jerseys and Pro Bibs.

I shouldn't do a promo code, because I know they're going to sell out.  In fact, I won't. But... if you're a really clever girl, you may have remembered the secret code that always works - SAVE10... don't tell JJ, my CFO... keep it on the downlow.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/instock-kits

---

165 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/389796963

EVERY NOW AND THEN I COME UP WITH SOME KOOKY BODY HACK TO LOSE WEIGHT.  Sometimes it’s something I’ve read or heard about, sometimes it’s just the mad scientist in me.  The inspirations generally come in the Fall, when the riding is down and the waistline is widening.  It’s this time of year when the weirdness pops up and strikes.

Previous hacks include:

The Excedrin PM Diet – eat normally* and take a few PMs around 9 to knock yourself out and not be getting up to eat in the middle of the night.

The Drink A Lot of Water Diet – drink enough water and you end up eating less because sometimes you think you’re hungry when your actually thirsty.

The Yogurtland Diet – eat normally during day, have a tiny dinner with a trip to Yogurtland as a reward.

The Sardines and Beans Diet – start the day off with a can of sardines and 1/2 a can of black beans… the key is to go big protein to get the day started.

The King-Queen-Prince Diet – this is a giant breakfast, decent lunch and puny dinner before 7… this is probably the healthiest and the one I fail at most easily.

The Salad For Dinner Diet – eat normally and have a giant salad for dinner… I like this one the most, but I’m lazy and don’t always want to make a giant vegetable salad.

With a few races looking likely... Is it time for… The Haagen Dazs Diet? – giant bowl of oatmeal with nuts and fruit for breakfast, mid-day snack, a protein laden lunch at 3pm, and a pint of Haagen Dazs just before bed.

Don’t laugh, they all work.

They may not all be healthy,

But they sure are fun.

Almost as fun as busting out the RaceDay wallet... because it is made from real bicycle innertube and always makes me smile.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets

This is the best ride wallet ever for one very simple reason:  it stays put in my jersey pocket.

There's something about the grippiness of the tube against the jersey that keeps it so secure.  

If you're looking for a very stealthy wallet, that is perfect for riding, and unlike anything your nonriding pals pull out, this is the ticket.

We can also make them for your race team, or any organization.

Use promo code SAVE10.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.4 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3892974624

SOME OF YA MAY KNOW THE STORY OF THE WIDOW'S MITE.  That's not what this is, this is about the widow's might... specifically my bike widow's might.  Too many a Saturday starts with me out early for a long bike ride and ends up with me comatose on the couch.

So I changed things up.

Took my widow to the mountains for some DH runs, then camping and stargazing.  No cell service could be the best thing ever... nothing to do but talk and listen and appreciate this beautiful planet.

At dawn, I snuck out.  Set up for some breaky... read till the sun hit my pages and warmed up enough for her to stick her head out.

Time to hike.

We found the PCT, often referred to as the Perfect Cycling Trail... though the Pacific Crest Trail is anything but bike friendly or legal.  Still.. it is a beautiful trail and would make for a great ride.

A funny thing happens when you drive a van around with huge bike related logo in the middle of the forest... random riders ask for help.  I felt like a regular mobile bike mechanic.

First up, young Jake needed a #2 allen to tighten his shock actuator.

Second, old Ryan who had ridden his brand new bike for a total of 5 minutes and busted the chain.  He's knew to the sport, and I explained that while it had been at least 10 years since I'd had a chain break... in the early days of MTB riding you'd never, ever venture off without a chain breaker because a busted chain was a regular occurrence.  Had him patched up in no time.

And this is where the widow's might comes in... I'm just happy to help... and before Ryan can leave she's all 

Dude, do you know about the race day bag?

So, I grab mine and 'xplain it.

He grabs his and proceeds to make a great demo video... all marketing masters would say I'm committing a bozonono by sending you away to watch this video because you might not come back and read the rest of this riveting post about the widow's might... but, who cares... this is good stuff, just clic the pic.

https://vimeo.com/446362488

Now, it's possible she would have done that anyway...

... but I dunno...

... she's pretty into me right now...

... and that's mighty worth it.

You know what else is worth it don't you... mocking everybody who busts out a duffle bag for their riding gear, or worse... LOL... a trash bag!

If you are not yet converted to our evil ways... well, shame on you!... either use this code SAVE10 or get your buns over to The Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

? lbs
Relax
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3889038813

MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR DUMMIES

TODAY WAS LIKE STEPPING INTO THE BATTING CAGE, but for mountain bikes.  All I could think of was my one friend in town who always says I'm not going with you, you're too fast.

Whether or not that is true, one thing is for sure... there is no better place to improve MTB handling skills than at a ski resort.

Hop on the lift, survey the mountain, reflect on the previous run, do it again.

Want proof?

I got none.

Except this... the first few runs I was quite rusty.  Not feeling it.  Trepidatious.  The soil is much sandier than home, the light was different... and TBH, I taint been shreddingthegnar much lately.

And, don’t tell her, but riding with Surfergirl requires totally different moves.  A  lit’l slow.  After a few runs, she was ready for a break which meant it was time the The Old Diesel to open it up a bit.

Within another run I found my MTB legs.

The next run was even better.

I got to know the mountain, the soil, figuring out the most funnestest run... and ripping it over and over.

That’s the point.

You can’t really do that with any other bike racing skill... except maybe at the track, which would probably bore me to death.  Me being me.

The downhill part of a mountain bike race is a lot like a sprint.  Guts and speed make a big difference.

And with the lift... you get to practice miles and miles of descending in just a couple of hours... plus, the whole time you’re pretty fresh.

Speaking of fresh... my nethers are doing quite fine after taking my own advice from yesterday... thankyouverymuch...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

While I won't be needing the PR Lotion to keep up with 'er, I'm including it with the promotion...

Use promo code:  COMMIT

And when you order anything from the link below the 2nd item will be 30% savings.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.6 lbs
Relax
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3884913519

TOMORROW SURFERGIRL AND I ARE GOING TO AN MTB PARK - her choice - and I expect to find some steep entries.  These are often preceded by a gentle ho-hum trail... only it looks like the trail ends and you're going to go flying off into the tree tops.

The natural thing to do is roll slow... then you have a choice...

... stop because you're unsure...

... or roll with confidence...

... what you cannot do, EVER!, is think about it with one wheel over the edge or worse both wheels.

You must commit to quit or ride it out.

If you commit to ride it you have one (1) objective...

... to stay laserfocused on the trail ahead.

Do not look down.
Do not try and stop.
Do not look at all the boulders and other hazzards... the shiz that can do ya in.

Your vision must be only on the trail, on the goal, on the prize.

Feel free to apply liberally to any and all quests for greatness.

You know what else I'll be applying liberally tomorrow?

Chamois Butt'r, for a coupla reasons.  One, I hoping they have a great burger/bbq so she can eat and I can shred a little longer.  Two, after we ride we'll be driving up to Big Bear Lake for some RnR... in other words, no shower right after.

I've found a healthy dollop of the Butt'r to be excellent at protecting my special purpose on those days I taint gonna be hitting the shower right quick.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

While I won't be needing the PR Lotion to keep up with 'er, I'm including it with the promotion...

Use promo code:  COMMIT

And when you order anything from the link below the 2nd item will be 30% savings.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

165 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7.6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3878789094

RIDE LONG ENOUGH AND YOUR BELOVED XYZ IS GONNA BE SHELVED.  And, it's gonna stench and be quite a shock.  Like having your lover move on out.  Unannounced.

For the 2nd year in a row my goto pedals have been phased out...

... left me single...

... and there tain't no Tinder for forlorn cyclists.

That's the bad news.

The good news is...

... there's a reason the old the is old, it's old.

There are a lot of new options.

Fortunately, Chris The Wrench had a set of Durace ace pedals to take dancing tonight.

Like all good blind dates, I was a bit nervous..   But, within a few minutes I felt dramatically more connected to the bike... like a lot.

So, of course, I threw out the Imgoingslowtonight and stomped around on 'em a bit.

It's just a first date, but I'll be dawgawned if I didn't feel a bit of chemistry.

Kinda feels like I got lucky tonight.

Are you looking for some luck?... maybe a snappy, lucky green tshirt is just what you need... made from our softest cotton, printed with special inks you cannot feel... 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green

... and cut to fit an athlete's body, like yours.  

Get it now with this code: LuckyGreen

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.2lbs
Stretch N Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3876434455

I'D LIKE TO ROLL OUT, meet the posse at the corner.  Go  through town and have all the crazy cats that ride bikes join us in a big train.  Roadies, gravelers, MTBrs, beach cruisers, commuters, BMXrs... boys and girls, olduns and younguns... all of ya's!

... and just ride...

... to nowhere in particular...

... maybe a big park, with a healthysized barbecue, and hire Cat Stevens to come sing with us.

I can't imagine a better group of people.  

Can you?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace

When Joe designed this kit I couldn't tell what was below the word PEACE.

What is that Joe?

It's peace in every language.

Ah... yes, of course.

I've been wearing this kit a lot lately, 

Now I've been happy lately
Thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun
Oh, I've been smiling lately
Dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be
Someday it's going to come.
- Cat Stevens, Peace Train

Maybe we'll do a Peace Train ride soon... maybe you need this promo code to push yourself over the edge: PEACE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

165lbs
Coach Loran Live today
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3871222528

ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR, it's never the same day, we have our unOFFICIAL TMWC which, for me, is just a helluva an excuse to rally the troops to get outta bed very early and race around our course with us.

Our numbers go from 30ish to 100+.

We don numbers.

Raise money for the local high school MTB teams.

Set PRs and course records.

But, more than anything else we look into each others and see more than Strava could ever tell us.  We see our friends, We see ourselves.  We see the goodness that we represent... mostly dudes, a few ladies... hard working, family loving... people that care about each other, and who I've personally counted on in tough times.

It's our religion I guess.

And I'll miss it this year.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT US?  About when we see another rider?  It's so weird.  Anytime I'm driving around town and I see another rider in a proper kit and I'm like... Do I know that cat?

I can't help it.

Sometimes it's embarrassing.

Surfergirl is like... Do you know that cat?

Most of the time I don't, but more than you'd expect I do.  If that makes sense.  

I guess what I'm trying to explain is we have this inner bikedar and it goes like this...

Do I know that cat?  
Yes/No?  

Do I like that cat?
Yes/No?

What kinda bike is that?
Rad/Bad?

Can I beat that cat?
Probably/No way?

... in a matter of seconds we determine if we know somebody, scan their gear, size up their talent, and file it away... and the best part is nobody, and I mean nobody else in the car even has a clue of what we're up to... hahaha!

So, when we were at the beach tonight having a little family BBQ on a stretch of sand that is heavily traveled by all sorts of riders... and I'm just chatting away with the family... and my bikedar starts beeping like crazy, I look up and see all my pals heading home the group ride, and I quickly do that calculations...

Yes
Yes
Rad
Probably

I don't think any other sport is quite as nutty as this... because what other sport do you see people practicing as you go about your life?

I dunno.

But, I do know that the Knog bells are just outstanding with a quality sound and a very stylish look.  This time of year with all the peeps along our bike trails they come in darn handy.

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

If you're in need of one of these gems, we've got a few in stock and can ship them right away.

Use promo code: BIKEDAR

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

164 lbs 
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3863650030

ABOUT 100 YEARS AGO I READ IN VELOSNOOZE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE GREAT KENT BOSTICK.  He was prepping for the '96 Olympics at the ancient age of 43.  I was 30ish and all ears, wanting to be fast again some day... as my dadbod expanded like my hero Fred Flintstone's.

What could it be?

Surely it was impossible, nothing a mere mortal could do. 

Four years prior, in the middle of summer, on a hot Utah plain, I saw Kent decimate the pro field in a road race all by his lonesome... I was there to pick up some points towards the realm of a lowly Cat 2... he was there for the cash.  A pro.  Nearly 40.

It was unheard of.

So was going to the Olympics at his age, and the national news picked up on the story.

Even Velosnooze couldn't foul up this interview.  They were drooling over themselves for this exclusive, and from what I could tell then Kent was just a humble dude who loved racing and wasn't ready to give it up.

So... here's the secret:

VN Kent how have you stayed in shape all these years, and kept the fire going.

KB Well, I really like racing... and I ride hard twice a week year round.

VN What about the off season.

KB There is no off season.

And that stuck in my mind like Excalibur in the stone.  The very idea that simply riding hard twice a week could hold off father time was so simple, even I could do it. 

And I did.

Rarely has a week passed that I haven't ridden hard on Tuesday and hard again on Saturday.  And, I've found to be rather magical.

We call our ride the TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships), and have a lot of fun with it.  Check it outl

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc

One of the guys ordered an XL kit only to realize he's a medium, doh!... so, if you're looking for an exceptional XL kit at 40% off shoot me an email quickly... there's onl 1 of these.

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163 lbs 
Pullups/Pushups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3858530251

I HAVE 2 MODES WHEN IT COMES TO BIKE PREP.  One I'll do tonight, the other I hope to do sooner rather than later.

One is shameful.

One is zenful.

Tonight's bike prep will be a quick check of the tire pressure and drivetrain freshness.  It's late, I wanna hit the hay.

The other is the day before a race bike prep... A full detail, going over every single part.  Checking for anything loose or worn out.  Anything that could fail.

One is often rushed.

The other is slow, careful and thoughtful.

When you want to hurry something that means you no longer care about it.
- Robert Pirsig

One thing I never want to hurry is my recovery which involves stretching and rolling and sleep and food... and which I'll cover in my next CampFire stories, which is part of the PEDALposse.

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

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.8 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

EVERYBODY RACES.  Because everybody loves the feeeeeeeling, the sensaaaaaation of having a future that's better than their past.

Let that sink in.

Deep.

A few of my friends have been laid up this year, their racing back to full health.  Some others have never pinned a number or ridden in a group, but I pitty the fool who tries to beat them to the top of the hill.  All my pals are uploading as soon as they get home to see if they got any cups.  Many of us live, truly live, for the next big epic race.

Why just this morning Chris donkeykicked up the last climb.

I dig that... because I'm already hatching a plan to pay him back next ride.

That plan hatchery is what I'm talking about.  It's what makes saying no to cake and ice cream easypeasy.  It makes doing push ups and pull ups before jumping in the shower seem normal.  

Sometimes, a lot more lately, I have to redefine the race... adjust to circumstances I can't control... but I never start the day without a race in mind.

I guess it's why I love this hat so much...

http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway

... which you can score for 40% off when you enter the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway.

http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3849634430

DID STRAVA JUST BECOME THE KING OF PARTICIPATION TROPHIES?  Sheesh.  It works like this, if you ride a segment more than anybody else for a month you're the Local Legend.

Is there a weaker, lamer metric to track?

C'mon Strava... who's in charge over there?  Some punk who had a graduating kindergarten ceremony?  A kid who's soccer team never one a game but made sure everybody got something like Most Improved At Trying Hard?

How many of you are the Local Legend of the only way to get out of your neighborhood?  

That ain't for us.

We're for PRs... preferably unaided by wind and groups... but PRs nonetheless.

... for winning actual races... climbing up on an actual podium.

... for smoking our pals to the city limit signs.

The only legend we want is to be known for being committed to doing our very best.  Every.  Single.  Day.  And we don't need no stinking trophy for that, because we know it and those around us know it.  It shows in all we do.

This is why I always say PRs are better than KOMs.  

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule

Get the word out.
Get free shipping.
Get yourself some savings when you use promo code:  PRsRule

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule

---

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

161.6 lbs 
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3843862446

THERE'S A LOT OF FLICKING IN THE WORLD.  Some flick boogers, all flick light switches.  Cigs get flicked out car windows, buttons on jeans get flicked open, and snakes' tongues flicker... and a few of us, flick our elbows.

That's the kinda flicking I was witnessing tonight on the ride.

Poor ol' sap stuck on the front of the group in a horrendous amount of wind.  Tired.  Starts flickin' the elbow for someone to pull through.

Nada.

But, he's not a poor ol' sap... he's BigTom, of the strongest guys on the ride, and we're all just laughing at him.

From 10 guys back I mosey up to the front thanking him for being such a sucker as I roll by.

That wasn't very nice... but, that's the kinda friendly stuff we do.

Sometimes no amount of flicking will get ya any help.  Sometimes ya just have to stop pedaling and force people around ya.  I've done it many a time to my friends and frenemies.

I've seen some really cool friendly things this week at the biz.

One friend took advantage of that ridiculous buy the gloves get the socks deal last week and sent them to a friend.  The friend upon receiving them decided to pay it forward and sent it to another friend.

I felt kind of like a florist on Valentine's Day... writing notes like Cronk love you and Chris wants you to look sharp on Tuesday.

If you're into that kind of thing, the code will still work through 7/31.

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

There are lots of combos if you like to be matchymatchy.

So go ahead and use the promo code from last week:  SEERED

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry

161.8lbs 
Stretch
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3841335052

YOU CAN'T TEACH CYCLESENSE.  As we descended down towards the stop sign it became apparent one rider was going to go straight and the rest of were turning.  My cyclesense could feel it a few hundred meters or so prior to the impending doom.  But newguy wasn't feeling it, nor was mr.goingstraight.  For me, it was like watching a slow motion train wreck... finally at 50 meters I couldn't take it, and blurted out something like... 

Watchwereyoufriggingoinghesturningandhesgoingstraight.

The only way to develop cyclesense is to ride a lot.

Fortunately for me, one of my best friends is kinda like Mr. Magoo... totally absentminded and after nearly taking me out many times on a ride I not only explicitly tell him we're turning, but I also use hand signals. All those near misses developed my cyclesense for the above scenario.

Cyclesense like a superpower that you forget you have until you get around a rider with an undeveloped cyclesense.

The problem is how to tell whose got it and who doesn't.

Here are a few tells:

• Arms locked straight
• Sprinting like a puppy, wasting energy
• Poor fitting gear

Not that looking stylish, having good form and playing it cool are a guaranty you'll live to ride again... they aren't.

Nor is casually asking How long you been ridin'?

Really the best way to know is to develop your own cyclesense by riding a lot.  Trust me, it will rarely lead you astray.  In groups, on treacherous trails, in traffic, on gravel... it all strengthens and combines to protect you.

You know what else will protect you and look stylish?

A fine, fine helmet from Italy... whether you need an aero, all around or offroad specific solution these are my faves.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Sometimes there's nothing like a new helmet.

If you think there one in your future, check these out... 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Use promo code SAVE10, unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the super code: 

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

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.4 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3836258720

I THOUGHT I WAS SO SMART... I'd meticulously prepped for this morning's ride.  Bottles made and in the fridge.  Clothes laid out.  Glasses cleaned.  Chain freshened and waxed.  Pump by bike.  Lights mounted.  Computer snapped in.  Derailleur batteries charged.

What could go wrong?

5am alarm was set, and I snapped right up with pleeeeenty of time to thoughtfully get ready.  Meandered about the house drinking, dressing, curling my hair and putting on my make up.  

Right on cue, I grabbed my bike and rolled easy.  I had 12 minutes to get to the start, and I planned to use all of them.  You know get a nice warm up, enjoy the quiet and emerging light of day.

It was so peaceful when to my horror I looked down...

... no water bottles!!!!...

... shiz, shiz, shiz... there's no way I could make 62 miles, 5000' of climbing with the ferocious beasts I call my friends sans the good stuff.

3 minutes from home.

Whipped the bike around.  Raced back home.  Clickityclacked into and out of the house... and set a PR heading to the start.  Chased the fellas hard for the first 20 minutes.

I was warmed up, oh was I warmed up!

During those first 3 minutes I realized the days are getting shorter.  It was actually dark when I left.  No prob, because I was lit up with my snazzy front and rear blinkies.  Fact is, if wasn't so smugly admiring my genius at being ready and prepared with charged lights I might have realized I was missing the bottles.

If you're days are getting shorter and you're need of some lights - I run 'em daytime, front and rear - check these out.

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

The thing I like about these is they provide 330 degrees of light... others can see me at almost any angle.

Pretty cool.

Here's a cool promo... save 20% while supplies last or until 7/31/2020.

Promo code is:  LOADBOTTLES

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

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3827689845

I VIVIDLY REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I SHAVED MY LEGS.  It was like cutting down my manhood.  A slow, torturous cutting.  Not because it hurt, but because I was a virgin.

Should I trim first?

Shaving cream or soap?

Shower or tub?

So many doubts... first and foremost being, how much ridicule am I gonna endure from the guys.

But, these are things we do when we're passionate.  And there's a lot more peculiarity about us, hence the ceaseless questions:

You rode how far?
You're eating what?
You're going to bed now?
You spent how much on a bike?
... and my favorite...
... is that really fun?

In my world, where it's Hell yeah or No, I no longer care what is said or questioned.  I know for a fact...

I'm younger
healthier
and a helluvalot more fun than my contemporaries.

Which I think is the whole point of Emerson's essay titled Self-Reliance.  If you've never read it, read it.  I wish I'd found it a hundred years ago.  It's free on the web or a couple of bucks in print.

Here are a few gems:

• Trust thyself.
• Envy is ignorance... imitation is suicide.
• A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work, and done his best.
• Society everywhere is in a conspiracy against the manhood of everyone of its members.
• Be a nonconformist.
• I must do all that concerns me, not what other people think.
• If we live truly, we shall see truly.
• Nature suffers nothing to remain in her kingdom which cannot help itself.
• God is here within.
• He does not postpone life, but lives already.
• With the exercise of self-trust, new powers shall appear.
• Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.

Maybe there's one you can put to use this week... me, I'll be doing all that concerns me and PEDALindustries.

It was that very thought that got me cranking out July's Campfire Stories for the PEDALposse...

... if you're in to being on the inside of what we're up to, check it out:

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

---

162.8 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3816711706

TO LIE OR NOT TO LIE, that is the question.  I mean, what do you do when you want the new rider to join you on the big ride that will most likely see them ejected at some point... hopefully later than earlier?

C'mon, it's a fun ride.  Everybody's real friendly.  There's a couple of rollers.  It's mostly downhill with a tail wind.

vs.

C'mon, it's the hardest ride around.  Dudes are all pros.  The climbs will sear your lungs.  You'll wish you'd never woken up, or even owned a bike.

Really, what do you do?

That came up today as new guy Adam trembled at Mike's description of Tesla... it's a 2ish minute power climb designed to eject all the wheelsuckers.

Just stay on Todd's wheel.

I'm not sure if that's a compliment or a put down... I think it means I know how to get up it with the least amount of energy spent, that I have no jump in my legs, and will usually find myself in the right spot to slowly slide back and grab the last wheel that's gonna make it as they roll by.

Anyway, that was Adam's mission.

But Adam is a feisty stallion with a decent jump and off he went... halfway where it levels off and speeds up a lot, I'm looking for that last wheel to take me to paradise and it's Adam... and a gap is every so slowly opening.

Now here's some real friendship.

Rather than pull through and close that gap, I'm just yelling like a kook...

... Don't let them go Adam!

And I'll be dawgawned if Adam didn't find something extra and git 'er done.

Which brings us back to the moral dilemma... to lie or not to lie.  And if you're gonna lie, which way?

After a serious rehashing we decided some will rise to the occasion of an horrific description while others do much better a dramatic understatment.

Me personally... I like to oversell a grueling effort for the simple reason I don't do guilt.  Kind of a You were warned thing.

But, that's me.

I'm always inviting.  Always overselling.  Always hoping newb will make it or be so dawgawn inspired they'll do what it takes to make it next time.  My friends ain't quitters, don't back down and don't lie nearly as much as me.

One place I'm a total Boy Scout is in product endorsements.  Sometimes I regret sharing all the secrets, but only when I see them go to waste by giving up.  So, if you're commit to squeeze every bit out of your potential know I've got your back.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lazynloose

We've yet to see a single person send their PR Lotion back... they just keep ordering.

Same goes for the delicious GQ6.

When you order them together you can add any pair of socks or gloves for FREE... only if you use this promo code: 

LAZYNLOOSE

And it all ships F R E E.

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry

162.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3812407009

THERE ARE DAYS TO MASH ON THE PEDALS, TIMES TO DANCE ON THEM, and moments like this morning to simply let the legs fall, no effort at all.  

Don't touch the brakes.

Just coast.

Far.

Let any nasty residue of riding or life melt down through the cranks to the tires to the earth.  All that's left is a rested, carefree rider.

Times like these which are so lazy, my body is so loose afterward often precede the most vicious of efforts.

So, when the text came in for an invite to ride included...

... possibly add 10 miles and/or change the spot for our 2nd water stop...

... I knew one thing for sure, that was code for restup buttercup... to which I say...

Lazy and loose today, for tomorrow we slay.

Which means it'll be hearty breakfast of PR Lotion followed by a GQ6 chaser.

Because there's no way I'd try and hang on to these hooligans without my magic lotion and secret potion.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lazynloose

We've yet to see a single person send their PR Lotion back... they just keep ordering.

Same goes for the delicious GQ6.

When you order them together you can add any pair of socks or gloves for FREE... only if you use this promo code: 

LAZYNLOOSE

And it all ships F R E E.

Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3809865225

THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING SINISTER GOING AROUND.  Last week I noticed Steve had it on the Tuesday ride.  Sounded awful.  This week, same ride.  No Steve.  But, sho nuff Bob had the same thing going on.  And tonight, it hit lil ol me.

I think we'll be alright... just need to see the doc.

These dawgawn bottom brackets on all our bikes have gone to shiz.  Creaking and wheezing and clickityclacking.  

Is there anything more annoying?

The thing about it is... I usta be able to fix it meself.  But somewhere on the way to newerbetterfaster my skills crept away.  A slow decline, not a thief in the night.  More like ants making off with a cookie.

Good thing we've got a doctor in the house.  Literally.  Chris has been operating on newerbetterfaster bikes for 25 years... he just moved to town so we set him up in our store, which is starting to look kinda like a bike shop.

Weird.  I know.

But, everything we do at PEDALindustries is about scratching our own itch... RaceDay Bags™, Superlight Gloves and Socks, Changing Ponchos, The Speed Jersey... 

... and the PEDALposse, which is kinda like an ambassador program where you save a ton of coin, get access to special gear and of course the lovely Coach Loran training videos... if you're into that sort of thing...

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

---

162.4 lbs 
PullUps and PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3806737263