I WOULD NEVER DO THIS FOR A FRIEND:  put him on my favorite race bike, give him a brand new kit, slightly used helmet, new gloves, new socks, and barely used glasses. 

I'm just not that kind of friend, but I am that kind of dad...

... because if junior likes it, well hotdiggity - whatcouldbebetter?!

At the top of a twisty and tricky single track were three dads, and 3 little kids.  Shane and I cleared the last pitch of rocky trail, huffing and puffing.  It felt damn good, and everybody knew it.

This is the special stuff - spectacular view, prime weather, out in the wild for an adventure.

All the dads thinking... I hope he likes it.

Even me... thinking it for the 1000th time... and maybe this time it will stick.

Not only did I give him all that gear - not the bike - I introduced him to the goodness of Chamois Butt'r...

... but not the miracle that is PR Lotion, that is something I'll keep a secret... 'cause I'm gonna need every edge I can get if it sticks this time.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

 You my friend, if you have yet to try PR Lotion or the Butt'r, may use this promo code to save 50% on the second item:  LUBEMEUP

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

---

165.98 lbs 
Pullups and Pushups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2909778979

THERE ARE RIDERS WHOSE LUNGS ARE SO HUGE AND LEGS SO POWERFUL that they achieve perfection on two wheels to which no ordinary rider will ever attain.

There are other riders who cannot ride with any skill or power at all.

In between come the mass of riders of ordinary ability, who if they choose can become solid riders... even accomplished racers... through dedication to regular training, proper diet, and focused recovery.

I belong to this third group, the workers and hustlers... the industrious.

PEDAL... Industries.

And... if you working hard on and off the bike you probably like saving big bucks whenever possible... like PEDALposse member MS in AZ

Have you been dreaming about a new helmet for the summer season?  Got a few bones burning a hole in your jersey pocket?

Save 20% with promo code: KASK20

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Today, May 25th 2020, is the last day of the KASK helmet sale.

PEDALposse, you save more with your special code.

---

165.8 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3506576127

THERE'S A LEGEND AROUND HERE ABOUT THE GREAT D.M... how great?  Well, when John Tomac would come and visit DM would thrash him on the bike... really take him to the shed.  Yeah, that great.

DM, the story goes, had demons... he was once so far off the front of a local MTB race, that he startled the course marshal high up on the mountain.  The marshal didn't think racers would be there for at least another 15 minutes,.. but out in the middle of nowhere he hears a voice coming at him...

You think that hurts?  That's nothing!  Nothing, I tell ya... Quit whining you baby!  That's ain't pain... you're not even trying...

Now that's an enemy, self-conjured or not, pushing DM... getting every ounce of energy out of him.

The great JO once explained how he goes all out from the start of an MTB race... he pictures in his mind that the competitors are trying to get his family and therefore he must crush them... and so he does.

I've been known to line up at the start and just pick someone to hate on... then tell myself some ridiculous story to get fired up!... and if they're not in the hunt, I have no problem training my lens on the next sonofagun.

So, yeah, love your enemies... 

... especially the nice once that smile as they rip your legs off.

Which reminds me of Coach Loran, and how she laughs during the workouts she knows are killing us...

... looking for someone to hate because they make you feel weak?  Look no further than Coach Loran... her workouts are part of the PEDALposse subscription.

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

---

165.4 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.15 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3500359736

OKAY... TBH, YOU CAN'T REALLY MAKE WATTS WHILE YOU SLEEP, but you sure the heck can lose them.

Check out what happens when we get less than 8 hours of sleep:

Time to physical exhaustion drops by 10-30%
Aerobic output is significantly reduced
Faster rates of lactic acid build up
Reductions in blood oxygen saturation
Impairment of the body to cool itself through sweating
Weight gain through loss of hunger control
and... wait for it... a whopping100% increase in risk of injury

... and that's just the athletic stuff, there's a whole bunch more... but, who cares about max performance on AND off the bike?

Well, I do.

So when my much smarter and much faster friend MG suggested Why We Sleep last year, I put it in the reading cue.

Result:  I've upped my average night of sleep by about 30 minutes - as many have noted, the very act of reading the book will send you straight to LaLaLand.

What won't send you to LaLaLand are the many options of the Wild Child Kit.

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

This is the Peace option, which I commissioned the great Joe Y to design for us... ya see I had a sneaky feeling we might need a bit more peace in our lives in 2020.

If you're wanting to spread peace use this code: PEACEOUT

The code works on everything in the store... but check out how snappy this kit looks.

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

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.2 lbs
Pull-ups
6.5 hours sleep - not my best night.

https://www.strava.com/activities/3496092166#comments

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL... who's the fastest of them all?

Let me see here... let's see... well, according to the actual score board... why...hmmm... well, it ain't you.

Are you sure Mirror?

Yep, quite sure... looking at the podium picture here.... it's def not you.

Well, Mirror, what about that one KOM I got?

Checking... checking... checking... ah yes, found it... yes, you did have a KOM on that one forgotten loop that only one other person ever rode... but, looks like someone stumbled upon it and stole it... no email on that?

No Mirror, no email.

Are you sad?

Yes, kind of.

Don't be.  You were never even in the running for fastest.  But, you're still the fairest... and ain't that the best? 

I'm not sure what inspired the above... maybe it's the awareness for ESPN's upcoming Lance Armstrong tell all?  

But, I am sure this is a fairly awesome offer that is ending in 4 days...

... my favorite helmets, huge savings.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

KH ordered a Protone for himself... ''cause of course we always think of ourselves first... then sent this text

Now, you may not have an old helmet that fits like a giant, sad mushroom on top of your head like KH... but if you do... this is a helluva deal...

Save 20% with promo code: KASK20

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Sale ends on 5/25.

PEDALposse, you save more with your special code.

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran Live + pull-ups
7 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3491440093

KUDO TO YOU... there's a lot I like about Strava, so much so that I've paid for their service for years simply to support them... 'cause honestly, I couldn't make helmets or shifters outta their premium offer.

But, the thing I like most is it to take a few minutes from time to time and comment on a friend's outstanding ride.  There's a lot of this going on on the Stravs and it's pretty darn cool... probably the best part, all that positivity.

I'm not sure if forcing people to pay for "their most popular feature" is the right way to go... but that's essentially what they've done by hiding all the segment times but your own and the top 10 should you not have the 5 bones a month they want from ya.

I think a choice ala Spotify to have paid/adfree or free with ads would be cool... even as a payer, I wouldn't mind seeing really relevant ads from time to time in my feed.  For sure kids, the budget conscious, and others would opt for the free with ads version.  

Without a quality free version, will Strava's domination of segment data be hollowed out?... leaving just richguy data?  Will another platform come forth?  Will people move to Garmin's app?

Time will tell...

... speaking of time, I'm really loving the longer days and the chance to ride long into the evening...

... and when I do, I roll out with 2 water bottles like this

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

 Which you can have delivered to your door for a whopping... sit down before I tell you how much this is going to set you back... I mean, you know we haven't been able to make bottles for 10 weeks now right?...

Use promo code:  KUDOS

Code expires after the next 10 sets of bottles have been ordered... except for the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

165.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3485751504

A FULL 18 MONTHS INTO MY PROFESSIONAL RACING CAREER... start young enough and it's impossible not to have this dream, for every single ride is faster and further... I met what seemed to be an old crusty cat running a forgotten bike shop, he was probably mid-30s.

He sagely whispered, It takes 3 years to find out what kind of racer you'll be.

I thought, Whatever dude, I'm going to race that big thing in France.

Many times I've considered his statement.  He meant I'd find out if I was a road racer or crit racer or circuit racer, for those were the choices at the time.

Surely I'd be a pro on the road... actually, I wound up a decent amateur on circuit courses.

But, maybe he'd meant something deeper?... for I'd learned a secret.

After the races, there are more races. 

Each race presenting new challenges, requiring new skills.  A chance to improve.  To find harder races, against faster competition.  To set larger goals that butt up to the impossible, and get after it.

Sure, wanting to win... but more importantly, knowing that each race leaves me a better version of myself...

... eagerly awaiting the next race.

The next chance to strap on my helmet and see who I've become.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/25)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3480225660

I LOVE MY FRIEND Kevi.  I was shocked to see him in December.  Shocked, I tell ya.  Here was a man who once weighed a scant 155... tbh, I didn't even recognize him when he rolled up to me... in fact, I cleared the area for fear he'd take me out like a lone bowling pin.

But this is what I love about him... he has more determination and will power than any person I've ever met.

He ordered a few kits... after squeezing into an XXL top and XL bottom, and I mean like hold your breath squeezing.

Then he started getting these dern emails from me.

Bought some PR Lotion.

Started riding hard again.

Noticed my weight... he knew I was 20 pounds heavier when he lived 'round here.

Got inspired.

Read about my passion for graveling.

Set a financial goal to merit a new bike.

Ordered Large kits a couple of weeks ago... down about 50 pounds.

Got the new gravel bike... giggled like a kid.

Shot me a message today... Can we change to Medium kits?

Did I feel bad pointing out his huge potential energy?  Nope.  I love him... want him to be around a long time.  We've got a lot riding to do.

And now that he's joined the PEDALposse, I can't wait till he starts seeing the benefits of Coach Loran's workouts...

... just hope he doesn't giggle when he drops me next time he's in town.

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

I'm not going to promise you the same results as Kevin... I don't know if you have that far to go, or if you have that kind of drive and determination... but, I will promise you a proper butt kickin' by Coach Loran... the kinda thing that will have you feeling S-T-R-O-N-G on and off the bike.

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

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3474731048

MY FRIEND JEFF JUST LOADED UP HIS BIKE AND WENT FOR A LITTLE 322 MILE JAUNT... sleeping trailside from 11pm-5am along the way... and didn't even invite me, or anybody else.  

Did it alone.

On forgotten gravel roads.

In bear country.

It's the kind of thing I only dream about or threaten to do.

Which reminds me of the most compelling advertisement I've ever read, placed by the great Ernest Shackleton... captain of the aptly named Endurance.

What calls men and women to engage in such quests is one thing.

Why aren't we all so engaged is another.

What are we waiting for?

Should I ever heed the call of the wild, what some may consider lose my mind you, bank on me going all in on style and efficiency from head to toe.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/25)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3463307446

PAY ATTENTION AND YOU START TO NOTICE SKID MARKS ALL OVER THE PLACE.  If you're the one laying down the rubber or carving up the dirt you're tapping into your rebellious side... and if your execution is flawless and graceful... well, that's a helluva feeing.

Carving up the local fire roads on my gravel bike today, I remembered one of the best bike lessons I ever got.  And it was free, from my friend Brett.

Bret had race flat track motorcycles professionally... they're the original drifters... and he was the best skidder I've ever seen.

He kindly let me know I sucked... well into my 30's, 20+ years of skidding...

... and I'd been doing it all wrong. 

Rather than share the many wrong ways... lemme just share the right way to skid through a turn.

The most important thing Brett taught me is to start your skid before you're turning, it's the only way to keep the back end from sliding away below you and leaving on your arse or worse.

Got that?

Start the skid while you're still going straight, then steer through the turn and the back end will come right around under control.

Why skid?

It's fun.

It can be a lot faster way to get through a tight turn off road.

It looks cool.

It kicks up a ton of dirt making it harder for trailing riders to see... I'd never do that.

If you're going to be working on your stylish skidding... wear a good, stylish helmet.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/31)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3463307446

NO ONE IS BORN A RACER.  No one is born knowing how to ride a bike.  Training is like spokes in a wheel.  One spoke is useless.  Many spokes, properly tensioned, make a strong wheel.

We train our legs.

We train our minds

We train our core.

We train our upper body.

We learn basic maintenance.

We study the greats.

We ride with faster and slower riders.

We practice handling skills.

We dial in nutrition on and off the bike.

We master rest and sleep.

Strong wheels roll over all obstacles... and so we attack the race with vigor and confidence that we are prepared...

... and that same preparation rolls into everything we do.

The wide road, the rockless trail... we learn nothing there. 

We seek the fast turn, shoulder to shoulder... the steep, cliffside trail.

Mens sana in corpore sano - sound mind in strong body.

And we know it'd be a shame to not keep that mind protected and that body stylish so we don excellence atop it all.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/31)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166 lbs
Office move
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2909778979

I FELL OVER HALFWAY THROUGH MY FIRST VISION QUEST.  Landed on my side.  Unable to move.  I wasn't hurt, but I was being crushed by extreme heat and an ungodly amount of climbing.  Falling over when I stood on the pedals because my legs cramped simultaneously wasn't part of the plan.

I lay there shocked, such was the speed by which I'd been cut down.

Just hours earlier I'd been full of confidence... thinking all was well, what could possibly derail a great day racing in the mountains with my pals?

It wouldn't be my only disastrous day on a bike.

But, it would define my response.

I would summon the will to finish...

... long after the winners and quitters had gone home...

... a victory of my own.

---

Shiz gonna hit our spokes for sure... and will continue to do so... and so we plan for that...

prepping better
adjusting expectations
persevering
loving what the trails and roads throw at us
turning inward for strength
accepting the shiz
and pedaling on

---

Speaking of pedaling on...  if you're heading out for a big adventure be sure and lube up your body too

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

Here's the dealio... buy any one of these products and the second product is 50% off when you use this code:  LUBEMEUP

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

—

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

—

166.6 lbs
Coach Live - ouch! 
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3452950880

They say rules are made to be broken... break these at your own risk.

6.  If you're going to lead, be the last one to lead - win the damn race!

7.  Thy bike may be dirty, thy drivetrain must be pristine.

8.  Always invite the ladies - they're nicer and don't smell - they may politely decline, keep inviting.

9.  Group rides start on time - failure to heed leads to ride death.

10.  Thou shalt not show thy butt crack via thread barren bibs - and if thou shalt be subjected to such offense thou shalt shame the offender without mercy.

Speaking of threads, I found a pile of these superlight socks while prepping for our upcoming move... and I'd sure like to find a home for them.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

This particular sock was only made in the size OFSM - one size fits most which is 9-12.

So, if you're that size... and you like gray... and have 8 shekels that need a home... that's all it takes to get these delivered to you.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll 
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3447809783

PERHAPS THE MOST OVERLOOKED SKILL IN BIKE HANDLING, and the cause of many an ohcrap moment, is the ol' hangloose, holdtight. I think it's overlooked, because it's rarely taught... 

I was reminded of it yesterday when I received this message from PEDALposse member Michael F.

Just got a gravel bike, have had a few break in rides.  I've quickly learned that it's not a simple as pedaling hard.  There are obstacles, you can't just get into a zone (have to look and think ahead all the time).  That said, it's fun (at times), and I know it will become a lot of fun after I develop a more "gravel" skill.  Any tips for a pure road cyclist (no MTB background) looking to enjoy the trails around Santiago Canyon?

First tip is hangloose, holdtight, and it's applicable to all riding.

Your upper body should be loose, your arms especially.  This will let the power of the terrain flow through you and be energizing vs jolting.  Think of your arms as wet spaghetti noodles.

Your hands should have a firm grip on the bars, with noodle arms.

I learned it reading Zen And The Art Of Archery - it's short, and profound... about an American archer who travels to Japan and gets his schooled by little old men, and the secret he learned about recruiting just the right muscles.

Second tip is look as far ahead as you can. 

Your body will remember what to do.  Most people new to riding offroad look straight down.  It's a bad habit that will have you focusing on the obstacles rather than the goals... never bueno.

I learned that from Moses - Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Another reason people perish is because their tires are in terrible shape... and guess what I don't want to move to the new location?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires

Here's the dealio... the one promo code that is better than the PEDALposse code... the buy one get one free code:  CONTIBOGO 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.6 lbs
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3442652996

A LONG RANGE ATTACK USUALLY FAILS, it's often attempted by a racer who is feeling outnumbered or outclassed. And, usually ends up with the attacker being shot out the back.  But, there is one kind of long range attack that if done correctly can reshuffle the deck in your favor.

Here's how I use it.

The last 5-10 miles of any road race are always heated. 

The last 3-5, the adrenalin pump is a pumpin'.

Earlier this year, I pulled such an attack. 

4 miles out.  

I lead into a very fast 150 degree turn and sprinted hard out of it.  There was a little gap, and I kept it at 9/10ths.  As planned, I was caught about a 1/4 mile later.  The charging train blew by me.

When rider X chided me with The race won't be won here, I knew it was mission accomplished.

I slotted in 10 guys back and kept an eye on all the players.  It was a gradual 1-2% grade with a kicker at the finish.

That tactic can backfire.  

They can leave you dangling off the front.  So, go 9/10ths.  If the gap keeps opening while you're getting closer to the finish, you can up it to all out... but it better be a helluva gap.

When that happens it's usually because they know you and think you don't have it and they let the gap get too big.  Which is a really sweet move that I saw executed at LoToJa.  I was keying of the regulars, and they figured Steinfelt didn't have it.  Wrong. He won, we lost.

It works best when nobody knows you, like if you're in town just for the race.  They'll think you're some kook making a bad move... you might be, so be careful.  Usually, they'll chase you down, heckling you... leaving you in the catbird's position, latched on to the back of their lead out trains, forgotten.

While their egos are jousting, you are patiently resting and waiting to unleash your mighty fury...

... always be the last one to lead the race.

But, don't be the last one to check out our close outs... I added a couple of new things today.  Found one of these sweet t's

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

Plus a few other things.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

 ---

167 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3437267779

A FEW YEARS AGO, I HAD THIS CRAZY DREAM  to start a racing format called HUNKR.  It stood for Hundred Kilometer Race.  I learned the expensive way that race promotion is a tough way to make a buck.  That was the bad part, but I also learned a ton of things along the way.

Yes, we had hundreds of people race...
Yes, the local speedsters - pros and national champs showed up...
Yes, the courses we spectacular.
Yes, an after party.

Yes... terday, I had a few hours midday and ripped around the county.  Just over three hours later I came in super stoked.  On a high.

3ish hours, stomping on the pedals is my sweet spot.  

The route I'd put together as I went along, linking bike trails and little used roads, had only a couple of obeythelaw stops.  Which left me in the zone the entire way. And, wound up to be exactly 100k.

The Old Clydesdale commented on my Strava post with one word: Hunkr.

Which reminded me of the point of HUNKR... to give people a way to race each other as well as chase their PRs.  Runners do this all the time - sign up for mass start race, train together, then go race and reach for their PR. 

The number one thing I learned is people really like the HUNKR format... we just don't have that in bike racing.

I wish we did.

Will I ever resurrect HUNKR?

Probably.

In a renegade, undertheradar, nopermits, inviteonly, braggingrightsonly, badass sorta format.

Until then, we are closing out the remaining jerseys... practically giving away the classiest event jersey I've ever seen or made... so we don't have to move them to  our new, shiny location.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

---

166.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3426929762

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A SPECTACULAR FAIL FOR LEARNING.  Whether or not Thursday was a true failure is questionable, the fact I fell off the athletewagon is undoubtable.

Exercise:  lazy walk on beach

Diet: donuts for breakfast, a giant serving of PickUp Stix for lunch, Domino's for dinner, and multiple servings of Oreo ice cream pie while watching Revenge Of The Sith.

Why the fall:  son Shane's bday + all kids in town for Mother's Day = party time.

The failure feedback:  2 lbs heavier than previous morning, and some karaze dreams

Without that feedback from the scale and dreams, nothing would be learned.

Racing, with a number or just amongst friends, has been a great source of feedback.

But, I think chasing PRs has been the best teacher because I experiment more.   

Tinkering with tread patterns and tire pressure,
bike position,
nutrition,
pacing,
apparel,
time of day...
oh, it's an endless list... and chasing a PR is endlessly fascinating... figuring out what is holding me back - often it's the blubber, my homegrown ballast, that needs to be cast off.

Speaking of casting off, we're moving to a new location this month... so if you have a hankerin' for some deals, there are a number of things we are closing out

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.

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165.8 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3426929762

I HAD THIS WHOLE POST ABOUT LEARNING FROM FAILURE READY TO GO, then I read this quote from Egan Bernal who learned from winning.

Bernal:

At the moment, it's a question of having cold blood, focusing on training, trying to do things as well as possible, get to the Tour and then things will fall into place.

That's his answer to the question of who will lead his team... himself, being the reigning champ, his teammate Geraint Thomas the previous winner, or Chris Froome who won before Thomas.

And, I freakin' love it... it's a question of cold blood... ie: getting your buns in gear, the world ain't waitin'.

We ain't waitin' over here either, in fact we're movin'... and rather than move it all, we're puttin' some of it on clearance... can ya help a brother out?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.

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166.6 lbs 
Coach Loran Live Workout 
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3421857164

THERE IS SO MUCH CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT ON A BIKE.  I love to admit it, some of the very best is when a friend flies off the trail and lands in the tree below... clipped in, upside down... with a sliced shin.

If you're a rider, and you're tough, and you signed up for said adventures... shiz like that be really funny.  Whether it's you or your pal.

So, there we were laughing our helmets off only last night!

Poor unnamed rider X.

Don't tell my wife, I'll wear pants for a few days.

Copy that cowboy.

Just like that we rode on... bleeding, smashed shifter dangling... doing our thang.

I was reminded of that story this morning when I got an email from my Aussie mate Tony.

Hi Todd,

Every ride where I use your XL RaceDay bag I am reminded of you. ( I always laugh when someone say  SH@T I left my gloves at home and point to my bag).

Yep... that's super funny, and happens all the time.

Reminds me of the time I forgot my kit and raced a crit in surf trunks and a tank top.  Really wanted to win that won after all the shaming.  No luck.

I've laughed a million times thinking about that race.

Even funnier was when my friend got kicked out of a race for doing a towel change in the pits... by the Sheriff!

Too bad she didn't have a changing poncho... hahahaha!

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

You know what they say... Modest is hottest!

Use promo code: CHEAPENTERTAINMENT

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

Pedalposse... use your super code.

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165.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3414501436

WE HAVE THIS OLD IBIS TANDEM COUSIN IT.  The attention to detail is awesome.  From the matching Silca pump to the little forged hand that holds the brake cable.  After 25ish years, it's in good shape... not worn, not rusted.... because we haven't ridden it for the last 10+ years.

Which reminds me of this quote:

We must all either wear out or rust out, every one of us.
My choice is to wear out.
-Theodore Roosevelt

While our contemporaries slowly rust out, we are in the big gears.  Charging ahead.  Setting karazy goals.

Which reminds me of this qoute from my distant cousin:

I don't know karate,
but I do know karazy.
- James Brown

Whatever your karaze biking goal is, if you have some base bikefitness you can be karaze ready in 10 weeks.

Right now, I'm working on a new book...10 Weeks To Speed... the premise is you don't need a full-time coach, you just need 10 focused weeks.  

Get out your calendar and sip on that.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

Less than 20 smackers, delivered to your door... yes, both bottles.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

PEDALposse, remember to use your special code.

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165.2 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3411138895