Todd's Blog

COMFORT FOOD... is there a bigger lie?

After nearly a week with family celebrating the life of a loved one, I'm a bigfatpig... and it's my owndarnfault.

Comfort food was abundant, mass quantities everywhere.

When I woke up this morning, finally back home, I waddled to the scale. Ugh! 5lbs in 5 days.

It got me thinking about the old miserylovescompany thing... and is there anything more miserable than climbing with blubberstuffed bibs?

Of course, some would like company in such moments...
... but, not me...
... heck no...
... leave me alone, with my own thoughts of whattheheckwasIdoing?

I'm sure there's some sort of championshipthinking of paying the price today for victory tomorrow, you know a valuable life lesson summed up in a few choice words... but, let's just be honest... it ain't comfort food, it's...

DisComfort Food

Rant concluded.

The good news is, there's nowhere but down from here.. and if you're down with that then you're probably also down with joining the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

167,6 lbs
0/0
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3111153557

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

THE 10 RACER COMMANDMENTS

Thou shalt ride thy bike as much as thou canst whilst placing thy family and thy social life first, and whilst thou kickist butt at work.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s KOM, but thou shalt chase thine own PRs.
Thou shalt eat whole foods whenever possible.
Thou shalt sleep 8+ hours.
Thou shalt be strong, doing pushups, pullups and such to failure.
Thy bike shall be clean, thy drivetrain free of drag, thy tires properly pumped.
Thy wheels, above all other parts, shall be the best thou canst pay cash for.
Thy jersey and bibs shalt make thee feel fast.
Thou shalt train with faster riders than thee whenever possible, and thou shalt train at the front of thy congregation.
Thou shalt have a day of rest, no riding. If standing sit, if sitting lie, if lying prop thy feet up, if they feet are propped close thine eyes and dream of winning.

Eleven... I could go on and on pronouncing from on high, if ya want more go here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---
(still travelin')
unknown lbs
nada
7ish hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3109428288

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

I'M VISITING THE PLACE WHERE IT ALL STARTED FOR ME. Provo, UT. Sure, I'd ridden my Schwinn LeTour around town as a kid, and I'd won the 6th Grade Motocross on my Stingray- which we'd call a Super-D today, but it wasn't until 1985 that I won a legit bike race.

It wasn't even legit, really.

The university ski coach had set up a cycling program centered on crit racing in the giant stadium parking lot.

It was here that I got my most valuable bike handling lession: never let go over the brakes and always keep pedaling.

What he was teaching us was how to keep our speed up and be smooth in a pack vs the typical beginner who stops pedaling and yanks on the brakes at the slightest concern.

Each weekday crit I got a little closer to the win. The throwdown of the C's spint was intoxicating, and I wanted more. On about the fourth or fifth try it worked...

... the passionate, mediocre surfer
... the weak link on a terrible tennis team
... the obscenely late bloomer with his first whiskers at age 21

... got a V.

And, as PhilTheThrill Gaimon says... it just takes one good day to start thinking.

I promptly spent my summer's hard earned cash on a Cannondale touring bike that some yokel in a struggling bike shop conned me into buying because "more gears = more options for speed".

It didn't matter.

That bike took all the punishment I could could give it, and was stable as hell at speed. I'm talking I-80 from Park City to Salt Lake drafting a semi at 60 mph with a t-shirt, cut offs, and a sweet pair of Vuarnets.

I was hooked.

For life.

Speaking of hooked, after skiing and hiking in the mountains the last few days I'm reminding how hooked I am on layers for keeping warm. It's the best way to go, which I confirmed catching up with my pals that live up here.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers

Starting with the KOM jacket... and if you use code KOMLAYER...

... and add any other layer product you'll save 50% of the 2nd product.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers

Code KOMLAYER will be applied on checkout, remember to add the 2nd item first.

---

unknow
nada
8.3 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3106753719

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

A REAL GIANT TAUGHT ME A VALUABLE LESSON. It's not enough to be the biggest and the strongest. That's not a guarantee of winning.

This was laid out in the classic movie The Princess Bride.

Fezzik played by Andre The Giant - 7' tall, 500 lbs.
vs
Westley - a normalsized Man In Black.

Fezzik: I just figured why you give me so much trouble.

Westley : Why is that...

[squashed against a rock]

... do you think?

Fezzik : Well, I haven't fought one person for so long. I've been specialized in groups, battling gangs for local charities, that kind of thing.

Westley : Why should that make such a

[squashed painfully]

... difference?

Fezzik : You use different moves when you're fighting half a dozen people, than when you only have to be worried about one

[falls unconscious]

It's impossible to learn to learn to win a group sprint by yourself...
It's hard to ride single track with someone much slower...
No one can figure out how to draft riding alone...

... as the giant said, You use different moves.

I remember the first time a saw my friend in real cycling shorts. Lycra. Not just any short, they were red.

Outrageous I thought.

And held up by suspenders!

Now I wouldn't dream of heading out for a ride with anything but a supremely designed bib like this:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/black-19-team-pro-bib

100% Italian fabric. An anatomical chamois with multidensity foam. Printed, but and sewn in our own California factory.

---

164.2 lbs
nada
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3103441547

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT A SCREWYOU FUND IS... welllllllll junior, it’s enough cash to go at least 6 months without a check. And, it equals confidence.

There are other types of screwyou funds.

When - waywayway back when - I was single, I strove to have a number of options... ya know, just in case things went off the rails at a socially inconvenient time. (Easy there, it’s a figure of speech. Not literal)

We, you and me, we have fitness screwyou funds...

... and I'm making a withdrawal.

No riding the next five or six days.

Starting this morning... skied for the first time in a coupla decades, you know a board for each foot vs a snowboard - which I've done less and less.

My nubby bikerlegs vs my college girl's dancerskierlegs...

... it was pretty even until around 330pm. We'd been going straight through, old school on nothing but Snickers bars.

Finally...

Dad, I'm tired.

I feel great.

Last run?

Up to you.

Truly a wonderful DaddyDaughter Valentine's Day. Such fun to catch up with her on life. I'm feeling quite blessed to enjoy a day like today.

... and that’s how to use the fitness screwyou fund.

Of course, sometimes you want to unleash your screwyou fitness in the heat of battle and might be looking for a little inspiration.

Personally, I always feel a little more ready to battle on the bike when I don these camo socks

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-socks/products/camo-sock-sublimated

$15.99 and they'll be on your doorstep in a couple of days.

---

unknown lbs  
nada
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/3099831660

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

IT’S CALLED PAYSHUNCE FOR A REASON

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT... the overhead view of a Peter Sagan sprint is always my favorite.

Man can he wait.

The barreling peloton screams into the final Kms and he’s miles back.

Payshunt.

One time, some cat put together a bunch of different on onbike camera views of a Sagan sprint. Switching from front view to back view and back as he roared...

... accelerating as the rest were detonating...

... which is why he’s payd the big bucks.

Payshunce is a superpower.

Use it, or lose.

Even going after a PR, which can require the greatest payshunce of all. Because the right PR will demand our very best.

In case you need a daily reminder

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prsrule

And if you use promo code PRSRULE, it's in your hands for a paltry 18 bones.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prsrule

I believe in you!

---

164.2 lbs  
nada
6.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/3096630631

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

IF IT'S TO BE, it's up to ______.

If it's really up to me, then I better take it for reals.

That's why every year I put the big hairy audacious goals (BHAG) out there, to inspire me to carve the time I need to be ready on the big day. Things like PRing Leadville last year, or going to Nationals this year.

Really big.

Impossible.

The result is even on the days I don't wanna, the cold days, the booked solid days, the dark days, the rain days... I get out and ride.

Yes, of course part of the plan is to be a badass on the given day and slay my BHAG... but...

... the bigger part of the plan...
... the sneaky part...

... is the daily result: a healthier, happier, immensely more productive me.

It's a simple system, and it yields undeniable results.

We get really granular on the system with the PEDALposse, where we share what's working and what's not.

Join us!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

Join us before the price goes up in March.

How much? I dunno... but, can't be giving it away fo' evah.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

_____

164.4 lbs
legs n shoulders
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3094056015 <- snagged a KOM back - not that it matters. Right?

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

ONE OF THE PLACES PEOPLE REALLY SUFFER ON A ROAD RIDE is when the group accelerates time after time.

I was reminded of this on today's ride... and the exercise I do at home to prep for days like today.

It was hellawindy.

30mph gusts.

Hella.

To make matters worse, it was the first week back splitting our little legripper into an A and a B ride. Leaving just a handful of us to slice the wind together on the A loop.

Our rotation started smooth enough, but after about 15 minutes of really drilling it things started to fall apart. The discrepancies in power between riders became evident, as stronger riders pulled hard and long and weaker riders clogged the front often unable to even pull through for a millisecond.

So, I have this little routine I do a few times a week. It may or may not be helpful at all... but, it's kinda hard which is always good for building confidence.

It's simple.

Requires no tools.

And, probably doable in your own home.

Remember, I am not a doctor nor any kind of certified anything. Do not do this if you are timid, unsure or a total klutz... though, if you think you'll fall please take video and post for the entertainment value.

Are ya ready?

Stand flatfooted at the bottom of a set of stairs and jump up 3 at a time.

Probably best to start at 2 at a time... and I've had limited success jumping 4 at a time. Repeat until failure (can't do more).

That's it.

Please, please, please be careful... and remember you're on your own.

Advice given.

Here's another piece of advice... not for you, hopefully. But, something you might want to share with a friend.

You should probably get a RaceDay Bag™.

Why?

Because you're always wondering where your gear is.

No I'm not.

Then, why are you asking to borrow my extra glasses?

I guess that could be advice for you too... friends don't let friends show up unprepared - especially if they don't want to loan their stuff.

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

Remind them to use promo code SAVE10.

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

---

165.4 lbs
push ups.
6.8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3091073638

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

IT'S NOT THAT I'M A GUINEA PIG. I'm not. Once I find something that works, I stick with it.

It's not that I'm unwilling to change, I test things all the time.

What am I then?... a dude has cracked the code on a lot of what it takes to go fast on a bike.

I could force a bunch of my results down your throat, like the fact I've been a national champion twice.

But where's the fun in that?

What's fun for me is when a cat like DH asks a question like this...

What kind of electrolytes do you use/ sell?

And I reply...

Here’s what I use: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/electrolytes

I was in a hurry and should have added more... DH, I hope you're reading:

For all racing/hard training I strive for 300 calories per hour.

Road/Gravel, I like 2 scoops of GQ6 in my bottles, and another 100 calories via Honey Stinger Waffles or Chews.

MTB, I get all my calories through the bottle if it's a short XC race... the flavor can be a bit strong, but the racing is so intense I find it impossible to eat. A epic event like Leadville I'll eat more like the roadie above.

For adventures, I go with 1-1.5 scoops per bottle and eat as much as I feel like.

For recover rides, pretty much just water.

The other product on that link Salt Stick chews... and my hot tip for taking those is something I'll be sharing with the PEDALposse...

... check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

We're just launching the PEDALposse, I should let you know the price is going up soon.

_____

163.8 lbs
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3089585174

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

THERE'S ONLY 1 KIND OF BAD TRAINING DAY...

It's not fell and got a booboo,
Not rode too hard,
Nor rode too easy,
Not gotta a flat,
Not had to cut 'er short,
Not no one else could go,
Not got stuck in the rain,
Not lost Zwifting,
Nor any kind of weatherforced trainertime,
Not resting, if that was your plan...
... the only way, is to not train.

Today I rested, according to plan, and took a walk along the beach.

It also rained, and I loved that. The sinisterside of me relished the thought of the locals who'd planned a big day staying off the bike.

I hope that wasn't you... but, if it was maybe you just needed an extraawesome windandwater resistant KOM jacket?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/komglove

If that's the case, and you're the patient type, then I'd like to make you one of these awesome jackets.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/komglove

And we'll throw in a pair of these gloves for free when you use this promo code: KOMGLOVE.

Go here:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/komglove

Use this:
KOMGLOVE

Who loves ya?

---

163.8 lbs
Stretching
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3086679887

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

IT'S 650AM, SUB-40 DEGREES, FOGGY AND WET... I'm smartly outfitted in what some might consider pajamas. I'm also late. Going full gas. Railing the turns. Jumping curbs. Shortcutting through ShoreCliffsElementary.

If I don't catch the crew at 705, I'm... How do you say in this country?... Ehscrewed!... chasing 20+ miles, just to catch the even faster group.

So started the first 70 miles of my ride... of which I felt absolutely fantastic.

I'd woken up with pleeennnnnty of time. PLENTY!. 530AM. But, I was so groggy I completely lost track.

There was one thing I did right. I got that darn PR Lotion on, and thick. No, this is not a commercial for that magical potion... but, it is a tiny lesson for me to check the source.

Last night I was skimming YouTube and noticed I had a few notifications. One was from Tony and it was a nasty review on my review of said lotion. It really bugged me, because I have shared the product with so many people and all results are 2thumbsup. I tossed and turned all night, which is probably why I woke so early. Then I had this genius idea...

... is he even a customer of ours?

No.

I'll leave it at that.

Anyway, that first 70 was pretty magical. I felt really good.

There's a longcut on the ride called Old Mojeska. It's a real kick in the teeth, coming after a lot of climbing. Few do it, though I sell the hell out of it any time I do the ride. It's very, very steep.

It's smack in the middle of a 17.25 miles stretch with 2000' of climbing, called RR-Old Moj-Silverado.

I knew I was going good, and I'd done my best to surf the fast guys to the longcut. Most of them went straight to regroup at the big oak tree. I turned right with 2 bravecourageous souls. We hit it as best we could, dropped down the other side... little Rayan, can't weigh more than 110 lbs, struggled to keep up on the decent. We came around the corner, saw the resting group taking a smoke break... and I dieseled on.

They eventually caught me, and we worked hard to finish the last big climb of the ride.

I PR'd it!

But I don't want you think this is a commercial for PR Lotion... because there's a tiny lesson for you my friend.

All that climbing?... I felt strong and connected.

So get if you haven't already drop and give me 20!... seriously, do your push ups and pull ups.

Because even if you do succumb to my Jedi marketing tricks and in a moment of weakness purchase PR Lotion...

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

... you're still going to be a weakling riding around looking like a T-Rex... and we can't have that can we?!

Friends don't let friends ride weak.

Usually I insert some sort of promo code to go along with blatant sales pitch... but this wasn't blatant, it was just me telling it like it is.

You know what though? I really like telling it like it is... if you buy the lotion this t-shirt will ship free - you just need to purchase them both and apply this code: PRsRULE

We do a lot that tellingitlikeitis stuff here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

Oh, I forgot to tell you how long and lonely the last 35 miles were of the ride...

They weren't!... because I fueled up, in remembrance of our Hawaiian Nana.

---

165 lbs
Just stretching today
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3083723694

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

MY SWEET, SWEET MOTHER-IN-LAW passed away last night. It was overdue, but we will still miss her uplifting spirit.

I rode alone, mistyeyed and laughingtomyself... all the emotions, reflecting on her influence in our family's lives. These are the rides we all need from time to time, and they're best solo...

... stopping along the way.

---

Good things happened all day long, credit to her.

Scott called to say he'd received 2 bags... one should have gone to Alvin... which was great because Alvin called to say he couldn't track his order. They live nearishby each other.

Nancy and Neal joined the PEDALposse.

Two new teams took the time to email me and let me know how lovely it is to work with designer Rocky.

... and Shane reminded me that he and Abbey and friends are coming over tonight to watch Abbey dominate on Ellen's Game of Games - it's finally airing.

As I wind down the day, I'm feeling very blessed to have known a great lady... her gravelvoiced husband parted long ago and I'm reminded of Johnny Cash's rendition of In My Life.

---

... a while back, she told us a new story...

I used to sunbathe in the nude on top of our house.

No!

Yes, I was always worried Momma would catch me.

Such a Wild Child!

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

If you're feeling a little wild, this is a pretty good place to start

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

If you've never heard this version Johnny recorded it just after June passed... it's an old Beatles song.

164.4 lbs
180 push ups
6 sleepless hours
https://www.strava.com/activities/3079938325

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

I HATE DOING THE DISHES, and I hate doing pull ups. Taken individually, they go straight to the back of the procrastination line.

So, how did I do 50 pull ups today?

Before I get there, let me share a few of the countless benefits to doing pull ups.

Posture.
Yep, you my deskboundstaringatglass friend will experience better posture doing pull ups. I'm not sure if it's the actual pull ups or just the confidence one gets by being a badass pullupper.

Another...

Climbing powerfully on the bike.
No more sitting back down in defeat after 2 pedal strokes - especially effective when combined with push ups.

More...

Sprinting speedily.
Grab those bars and feel a bigbrawnyconnection as you unleash your mighty fury.

Back to my hack...

1. Have a pull up at home, mine is upstairs jammed between a bathroom door.

2. Do as many as you can.

3. Unload some dishes.

Repeat until dishes are done and body is smoked.

Here's my breakdown - switching between palms out and palms in.

9-7-5-5-4-4-3-4-2-3-2-2-1 50

All that may sound silly,
or maybe you're just so dedicated already,
possibly you're in love with the T-rex look of many cyclists...

... but if any of that resonates, you really ought to check out the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

But, before you click over there...

My friend BC shot me a text: What's the posse all about?

Honestly, I'm not sure.

Should I join?

No.

Now why wouldn't a want a longtime, raploving pal like BC to join? For the simple reason he's not sure. If you're not sure, don't even hover over the link...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

... might accidentally click it, but if you're sure you're down for something different then join us.

---

163.8 lbs
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3078456037

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

THERE'S A CERTAIN MISPLACED CONFIDENCE one can get with a high level of fitness. I'm unsure as to whether it's healthy or not... I mean it is healthy, well healthy related... I guess it's just ego.

Before you go spiritualbuddhamystic on me... just admit it... you feel it too.

For instance, I remember - distinctly remember - when all the ladies were fawning over my massivefootballstar friend thinking to myself... Yeah, he's cool and has big manly muscles but ladies I can drop him any time I want on a bike.

Or, the time I compared myself to myself to Mike Tyson... Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth/I unleash my sprint.

One of my favorites was the time young Miles joined us on the Saturday Hour of Power... he was quite sure he'd stick it to us and I was thinking... you're sizing us up based on age and you're about to get a lesson in cardiokungfu bikestyle.

Confidence is one of Miles great traits.

I remember how confident he was that within no time he'd pay me back on the bike - which he did, and I loved. Better, I remember how confident he was that he'd overcome his visual challenges and turn them into a plus thereby pursuing his dream as part of the US Navy.

It's the kind of confidence that only comes with miles on a bike, or time spent on any endeavor.

The more dense the training, the more dense the the results...ConfiDense.

Of course another definition of dense is stupid, and yes I know it's stupid to compare myself to others... I still do it more than I care to admit.

Want more confidense?

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

You don't even have to wear this shirt to gain confidense... just having it your drawer and seeing it is magical.

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

---

163.8 lbs
arms/shoulders/legs
8 hours sleep
no time to ride

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

PART OF THE SECRET SAUCE OF A STANDING GROUP RIDE is always riding the same course. We never detour, never wait and always start on time.

But, not today.

Our detour wasn't to escape the wind, we'd have slept in if we wanted to escape it... and let the record show, a wholelotta the gang slept in... those that were up for the challenge know that sometimes it's hellawindy in a race and a good thing to practice...

... and the rest of us, me especially, were there to say farewell to one of our ride's OGs, Backpack Kevin.

Most of the current generation don't even know him.
Don't know he was one of the truly elite local MTB racers in the 90's.
Don't know he used to join us on his work commute, with a loaded back pack and ride us off his wheel.
Don't know his kindness and always happy outlook.

Jim brought a cake, I brought a TMWC tshirt, the rest of the guys brought their love...

... and that's what I cherish about this little social ride, the love.

If you want to share the spirit of this ride, check out this year's kit

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/our-sample-team-store

If you have a ride of your own and want to appropriate this design, we're down for that too...

For a few days, you can save 20% with this code TEAMTMWCCODE

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/our-sample-team-store

---

164.8
173 Push Ups
6.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/3071370443

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

THERE'S NO WAY I COULD WATCH THE SUPERBOWL without chips 'n Surfergirl's guac. And things would have been ok if I'd stopped there. Even better if I hadn't prepped my gord with giant apple fritter to get things started. But I Suiperbowled myself all dawgawn day... topping it off with bowls of ChicBoomPop with every KC touchdown, such was the state of my handtomoutheyesonscreen coordination.

How much did I pack on?

The better question is how quick can I pack it off?

Before I get to that... I checked in with Littlepants on her progress with the Whole30 diet.

How's that working?

I quit.

Really, why?

I read a book that dieting isn't a healthy relationship to food.

So now what?

Now I listen to my body.

No help from my college kid.

So... let me be completely honest - I'm always honest with ya, just feels extra honest to say that - the only reason I know that poundage and more is coming off is because I just looked at the calendar...

... and in 7 weeks, it's on!

... 7 weeks is all it takes.

... 7 dedicated weeks

... focused on beating my nemesis!

Now, before ya go say... But, Diesel you said PRs were better than KOMs!...

... I hear ya, and that's true, but for me, and possibly for you, it's a lot more juicy packing my own can of whoopass to beat a guy I know I have almost no chance of beating...

... in fact, it would be a complete miracle if I was within a mile, a mountain bike mile - which is a lot longer than a gravel mile and hellalonger than a road mile - of this cat, such is his godgiventalent and monklikededication...

... so I began this morning, with decent ride on my MTB... because it's time to go all in training the position... and I followed up tonight with pull ups till failure, which I'm doing between paragraphs here... and I'll keep doing it until that deadly day when I shall spring on said unsuspectingnemesis my viciousnastyhomemade can of whoopass..

... sure I could listen to my body like a sweet college kid,
or I can look at the calendar like the ragingdiesel I plan to be...

- here ends another episode of Crazytalk with TheOldDiesel

In honor of such crazytalk, I'm gonna be wearing this tshirt all the time

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

You know the drill, for a mere twenty bones you too can rock crazytalk

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

---

167
50 pull ups
7.75 hrs restless, tossnturn, atetoomuch sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3068563492

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

A FEW CARS AHEAD A LONE RIDER WAIT FOR THE GREEN. USACyclng redwhiteandblue jersey, USACycling black shorts.

Is it a real racer?

Can't tell, looks like an oldish bike and wheels.

Sure looks lean.

Might be a real one.

The rider shot out Supermanlike, leaving now doubt. We eased by a lane over, too far to yell...

... Hey Andrew!

Yep, 98% sure that was Andrew Vollmer. Known him since he was a stringbean under a giant helmet racing NICA.

I'd heard he and his friend Kevin Vermaerke were in town training. Closing in on 20, they're both working hard to make it.

Fitting that this week I'd finally gotten around to starting PhilTheThrill Gaimon's book, Pro Cycling On $10 A Day.

If you've ever wondered what kind of life these young pros are living, I highly recommend the book. Phil is a great story teller... sharing tidbits of truth and wisdom mixed with background info on many riders you may have heard of.

... I tried to write that paragraph above for about 10 minutes... let me try one more time... it's a helluva entertaining book for bike racing nuts like myself.

Which brings me back to young Andrew, training alone... Phil asks the question in his book, What is it about bike racing and loner weirdos?... my answer, maybe that's part of the superpower all racers have... being okay enough with ourselves to enjoy being alone?

Maybe we enjoy the peace?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/peace-speed-jersey-short-sleeve

I know I enjoy the peace I find logging solo, soulful miles... if you're the same you might enjoy them more clad in this jersey or it's wild child fraternal twin.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/peace-speed-jersey-short-sleeve

Just for this week, we'll say buy the Peace or Wild Child Jersey, get the socks free use promo code: WILDPEACE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/wild-child-sublimated-sock

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165.2
0
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3067040915

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

SOMEWHERE ALONG THE TRAIL MY SOULBROTHER PETE AND I misappropriated a line from The Man From Snow River. There's a scene where the young buckaroo cowboy shows up the villains, and the allknowing wise old man says...

'Im n 'is 'orse are mountainbred.

Any time we raced, any time we rode on the edge of oblivion, we'd pump up with our best 'strailyun accents

'Im n 'is bike are mountainbred.

But, it was true.

We were mountainbred.

It was all we rode.

At the time, I didn't even own a road bike. And it showed.

Everything was second nature.... jumping, skidding, turning, no-braking, ridiculous speed... it was easy, flowy and relaxed...

... and the climbing, oh lordy, the climbing was effortless.

But that was then, and today was... painful.

The first mile or 2 of our 9mile3000foot time trial climb was discouraging. The position felt off. The power, limited. It was just a grind. Not fun. It had been too long.

... what am I thinking proclaiming that this is going to be a mountain bike year?...

But, a funny thing happened on the way to the top... as Chris and I climbed and chatted about "life"...

... I started to feel better, I settled in, found my groove, and got a glimpse of that mountainbredness.

... the last 2 miles were exquisitely awful, perfectly terrible... a sensational sensation, confirming this very real fact...

... there is betterness with specialization, maybe not greatness, but clearly to get a lot better it takes a lot more focus.

The great Eddy Merckx encouraged piles of miles, to that I add -> on the bike you'll be racing... only then will it all become second nature, only then will I once again be mountainbred.

---

One thing I've always loved from my original MTB days is a superlite fullfinger glove... you know the kind you can wear even on a hot day, the kind that are so thin you forget your wearing a glove at all...

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

I know we shouldcould and onedaymight increase the price on these by 50%, but until then you can get 'em delivered for less than 20 bones.

Crazy, I know.

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164.8
0
6.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3063107998/segments/75976170969

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

I COULD BARELY HOLD MY PHONE. My arm was quivering. My chest was too.

What was wrong?

Should I be concerned?

... no.

I was holding the phone at just the right angle to activate the muscles I'd thrashed an hour earlier doing push ups to failure.

160 of 'em, in this order:

36-21-17-12-12-9-8-7-7-6-5-4-5-5-5-4-3–160

... all because Jeff Kabush said you'll never win a mountain bike race if you can't do 50 push ups in a row.

I'm getting closer, because Jeff inspired me...

You know what else is inspsiring?

Riding on a well organized team... if you're on a team, and you need a new canopy or just a new top... the pro canopy special is going, reply to this and we'll get cracking.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/canopies-flags

---

165.2
160 pushups
7.25 hrs sleep
no time to ride : (

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

RECENTLY I WAS TALKING WITH MY BUDDY WHO IS AN UP AND COMER IN HIS FIELD OF WORK.

How do you do it, perform so well?

I get a lot of rest, plenty exercise, and purposefully relax my brain.

And...

And that's how I can be at my peak at for the few truly important hours of work...

Ah... peak performance, not constant performance.

Yes... exactly!

Makes sense.

Can't always be hammering on the bike. Everyday can't be all out. Not all rides, should be races.

One thing I do on my non-peak days to improve my speed is give my drivetrain a some love with these 2 products: Wend to clean, Smoove to lube.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

Takes just a couple of minutes, and makes a world of difference. You'll easily gain 300 watts/kilo... well, maybe not that much... but when you hear that chain spin, you'll be confident in your ability to be a silent assassin.

If you're ready to kill it on the next ride, click here...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

... they won't ship free, for a mere 30 bones, forever...

... and remember, Peak performance, not constant performance.

---

165.2
46 pull ups
7.25 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3058132343

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

Todd's Blog

DIS COMFORT FOOD

COMMANDMENTS FOR SPEED

JUST ONE GOOD DAY

GIANT ADVICE

MY SCREWYOU FUND

PAYSHUNCE

A WINNING FORMULA

JUMP RIGHT IN

DON'T BELIEVE ME

NO SUCH THING AS BAD TRAINING?

GOT THAT RIGHT

I NEEDED A DAY LIKE TODAY

HACKS FOR HACKS

CONFI-DENSE.

WE NEVER DETOUR

SUPERBOWLED

LONE.

'IM N 'IS BIKE ARE MOUNTAINBRED

I QUIVER

PEAK. PERFORMANCE.