I KNEW I WOULD HAVE TO GIVE UP CRIT RACING.  I loved it, was good at it, but there was something about leaning shouldertoshoulder into a tight turn at 30 mph...

... that brought out the worst in me.

I'm not proud of that.

Fortunately, I found mountain biking and was able to keep some fitness as well as get out into nature...

... a perfect marriage of my BMXy youth with the road's power and endurance.

This marriage would eventually give birth to 2 National Championships on the MTB, which was a lot of fun and very gratifying at the time.

But, there is another combination I'm even more stoke about.

After I designed the RaceDay Bag™, I began production in China.  It was cheaper.  Duh!...

... but, cheaper isn't always better.

And rarely, best.

So, I figured out how to make the bags ourselves in the proverbial backyard.  They were better.  Better materials and better workmanship...

... then we had the really cool breakthrough, which is powering us right by all our competition.

I figured out how to make everything on demand, which meant we could make custom bags one at a time.

Teams as small as 1 (one), could order customdesigned product.

From bags it was easy to go to ponchos to socks to gloves...

... right on up to amazing jerseys and bibs and jackets etc.

Now, we import all these incredible fabrics from Italy to make super high quality apparel...

... one at a time, just for you.

So, I'm going to make you this insane offer.  I'll design for you a custom ________ (your choice) for Free.  We normally charge $50 just for the designs.

All you have to do is email me personally, and we'll get started.  My address is todd@pedalindustries.com.

Can be for anything we make:  bags, jerseys, bibs, gloves, socks, 10x10 pop up canopies, etc.  

Remember, email me within 48 hours.  

XOXO,

todd (@pedalindustries.com)

---

163.6
7.5 hrs 
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats 
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

I GOT A HOT DATE WEDNESDAY WITH AN OLD LOVER.  Some of my friends are happy about it, most don't think I'm ready to face her again.  I think they might be right...

... but, you know how love is.

We all loved her at one point last summer, she's that hot!

Those warm summer nights...

heartrate jumpy with anticipation
favorite kit looking just so
then the hardbreathing
gasps of pleasure
and pain

... our lover's nickname?

HOT LAPS.

Oh Boy! does she have a bad reputation...

... for ruining riders and racers,
boys and girls,
confidence,
swagger.

Join us if you're local: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries

If not, start your own.

• Begin on time
• Do a parade lap so everybody knows the course
• Race laps should be 20ish minutes X 3 laps.
• Bonus, if you can make a loop where others can be seen
• Double bonus, for different loops each week.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

Use promo code: iSEEu

Saves you 20% on changing ponchos.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

---

164.5 (oops)
8 hrs (terrible night)
10 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 25 Heavy Squats 
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

WHAT IS THE PERFECT RACE?  Is it winning?  Returning unscathed? An insane adventure?  A performance breakthrough?...

... could be all of the above.

Or none.

For me, it's perfect execution of my plan.

Result recognition is a sideshow.

The plan has 3 parts.

Preparation

• Nutrition
• Recovery
• Time in the saddle
• Strength training
• Race Weight
• Bike Set Up

The Race

• Travel
• Accommodations
• Warm Up
• Racing

Review and Repeat

Sure we want the race to go well, but when it comes to reviewing our performance, it's critical to analyze all 10 aspects of what went into hitting the finish line as fast as possible.

We can always do better,
10 times better.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now

---

164
8 hrs (terrible night)
6 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats 
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

IT WAS A ROUGH ONE TODAY.  While I led my class up the long opening climb and down the riproaring singletrack.  It didn't last forever...

... and I was left questioning my identity.

Not because my legs felt dead, not because I was beaten by better men.  But, because I just didn't have it.

I didn't have what it takes to ride all out at a legit mountain bike race.

Halfway through I started to day dream, and tire out.

It can happen out here.

The terrain is gorgeous and the views expansive.  Due to the very twisty course you never really see anybody unless you're right on their wheel.  I found myself digging the vibe of nature...

... rather than blasting every berm.

And, just like that the fellas passed me and disappeared.

Which left me time to consider what kind of a racer I am at this point:

• Roadie
• MTBr
• Graveler

I'm not even sure because I'm spending 1-2 days each week on each bike.

Am I a triathlete then?  

Say it ain't so!

After a pleasant rest of the day, talking to friends.  Rehashing it all.   Hatching plans for the next one I had an interesting conversation with Nic Beeschan.

Nic beat everybody today, by a lot.

He's a pro.
Lives in a small mountain community.
He only rides MTB.

And there it was.

To perform at my very best, to get those last percentages of performance, I'm going to have to specialize, go back to my roots...

... it's pretty clear.

If you don't have "it",
you've got to get "it".

Or, maybe I should stop identifying as a 20y/o punk...

... and go visit my grandson?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

No, I don't have pics of what I'm about to share, you'll have to take my word.

There we were, chatting and eating some lunch and the ladies across the way roll in after their race.

Next thing we all know, much to our disbelief said ladies strip and change.

To each their own, but maybe they need to own a changing poncho?

Use promo code: iSEEu

Saves you 20% on changing ponchos, this weekend only.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

---

162.9
5.5 hrs (terrible night)
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats 
0 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING CHRIS FROOME RIGHT NOW?  Going years without a result.  Continuing to train your lycraclad buns off...

... and getting dropped again and again and again.

Of course you can.

We've all been there, some of us are there right now, and some of us, like Froome, may never get beyond that point of racing.

Racing is hard.

Everybody is at their best,
Everybody wants to win...

... everybody thinks they're a racer until they go months or years without a recognizable result.

And that's the difference between racers and riders.

Racers race.
Riders ride.

At this point, I'm more impressed with Froome than ever.  That's a low bar.  I was never a Froome fanboy.  He was too humblebraggie, too awkward in his style, too robotic, and he fell off his bike too damn much...

... but, I love racers.

Especially those that keep lining up, regardless the odds.

When the world doesn't notice our struggles,
and battles and trials,
when the shyte hits the fan
and nothing is going right..

... racers keep racing.

No recognition needed.

Race on.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now

Got this from one of the racers using the RaceDay Ready™ training protocol.

Have you checked it out?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now

---

162.9
7.5 hrs
2 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats 
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

SOME OF US ARE HAPPY TO BE RIDING, others are driven.  Today, I ran into two of my pals.  Each has huge, demanding events coming up this spring and summer.  One is supremely confident...

... the other has a long way to go.

The one who is confident is doing BWR San Diego, a hellacious test of endurance and bike handling skill.

He's been training all winter. 

When I saw him today he was on his race bike, a gravel rig. High up on the single tracks above our little town...

... ripping.

You ready?

Oh, yeah.  All the dudes are scared.  They know I'm coming for them.

We should all feel this sure of our selves before such a race.  

But, it takes a lot work.

Hard work.

Prepration.

The less confident of my pals called me up.

I got into Leadville.

Are you training?

No, I just got over Covid - again.

Dang.

Yeah, but I'm ready to go.

Ok.

You've done it a bunch, I want you to train me and get me ready.

You're sure you're healed and ready for this.

For sure, I'm in.

Is he really ready for this?

I dunno, but we're gonna find out real quick if he's just riding it.

To be honest, I'm not sure there's a right way to do it.  Both have their merits.

I only know my way, set an impossible goal and do everything possible...

... to make it happen.

If you're driven like us, check this out:

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now

---

162.4
7 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 12 Heavy Squats 
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

UNLESS YOU HAVE DONE A LOT OF SAILING, you really have a limited understanding of the wind.  Sailors learn to see it, feel it, hear it, taste it...

... and have a distinct advantage when road racing.

At one time, I was consumed with sailing.  

The family catamaran turned into an obsession with Hobie Cats, which morphed into windsurfing...

... to eventually teaching windsurfing to pay for school.

Knowing the wind is everything in sailing.

Here's what you need to know when it comes to riding bikes:

• The wind direction changes based on how fast you are moving.
• A breakaway with a tailwind is more likely to succeed than one with a headwind because the draft is effectively neutralized with a strong enough wind.
• With speed, a side wind becomes a headwind.
• When drafting, move around behind the rider in front and find the sweet spot, where the wind is marginalized.
• A proper pace line will have the fast side leeward (protected by the wind) and the pulling off side windward (taking the wind).
• The larger the group, the shorter the time spent on the front.
• It's usually easier to be in the rotation than trying to hang onto the back of the group.

The biggest of those is the first.  

In a group, or alone, the faster you are moving the more the wind will hit you in the face.  
It's not so much that the wind is changing directions as much as the pace of the riding has changed significantly.

Second, be aware of attacks with a tailwind.  
They are hardashell to bring back.

Crafty racers will look at the predicted wind on a weather app the day before a race.  
What part of the course will the group provide shelter?
Where might an attack happen?
And check it again pre-race.

Devilish racers looking to win, will "put the race in the gutter".  
This means if the wind is coming from the left they will race as far right as possible so there is little to no draft to be had behind them.

Racers who know what their doing...

... ride like the wind.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/ride-like-the-wind/527320131?i=527320136

Some months are windier than others.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

Sea Otter is coming up for me.

I've had some hellawindy days on the circuit race there.  Gonna do it again, and then hit the endurance MTB the next day.

All prepping for the ridiculous sub-8 Leadville quest.

You do have your RaceDay Calendar™, right?

Ships free.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

---

161.9
8 hrs
6 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats 
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

LIVE PERFORMANCES ARE THE BEST.  They are risky.  There's no faking, either you've got the talent of you don't...

... just like racing.

Sure you can crush the Zwiftoton,
destroy the groupie ride, 
steal KOMmies...

... but, do you have it on RaceDay?

 It's risky.

• Cash
• Time
• Travel
• Equipment
• Training
• Nutrition
• Fitness

So many things to coordinate.

And when all goes right, when you know you're ready, when you give every last bit of your body, mind and soul to delivering the performance of your lifetime...

... that's just dawgawn beautiful.

I'll watch that all day long.

Like this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voH11xV4AKI

skip to 1:30

If you're looking for an edge or just to get started.

Here's where'd I'd start: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now

---

163.4
7.4 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats 
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

I DON'T HIT THE BEAUTY PARLOR TOO OFTEN.  It's definitely, without a doubt, my very favorite indulgence in this wonderful quest to be faster.  Sitting and talking with my stylist...

... the time just flies by.

Today's beauty appoint was a bit of an emergency.

Like a total rookie, I swapped my cleats before the big AZ races.  That wasn't the rookie part, not marking them perfectly before the swap...

... was so unpro.

I made do, but it wasn't great.

In fact it got to the point of knowing if I went much longer I'd be risking long-term damage.  Not a good place to be when I have a big races two of the next three weekends.

The amazing Ashley may not have been...

trimming, 
adding color,
waxing my ears,
plucking my brows,
or giving me a mani and pedi...

... but, I just love sitting there and talking to him while he works...

... swapping saddles,
adjusting heights,
aligning cleats.

He's a wealth of insight and knowledge.  I always learn something, often a lot...

... he intently listens to all the drama in my life.

Before you ask what it costs, not you, but you the new racer just winging and eyeballing things...

... what is the cost of discomfort, untapped power and potential permanent sportending damage?

You don't know do you?

Exactly my point.

If you haven't, and most of you have, go find the best bike fitter in town.  Ask for referrals.  Eventually you'll find the hidden treasure you've been looking for...

...  and you will feel just as fast and sexy as hell I do right now.

If you're local to me, I got just the guy.

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Part of feeling fast and sexy is having a great helmet.

Blowing out the remaining inventory, save 40%.

Protone

1 Red Medium

Valegro

1 Light Blue Medium

Rapido

1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite

Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

163.4
7.7 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 32 Heavy Squats 
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

YESTERDAY WE ALL WITNESSED A MASTERPIECE OF TURNING.  It was brilliant.  Carving perfect lines, tires gasping for grip...

... captured on video.

Matej Mohoric's triumphant plummet off the Poggio was brilliant.

Did you notice how early he set up each turn?

You couldn't see it on the video.

You could see a lot...

... including the crazy two wheel drift he miraculously corrected, twice.

But, not the set up.

Not until the post victory interview.

I heard it, but it didn't register at first.  He simply  said, We worked really hard on the set up.

I tried to figure out what he was trying to explain...

... then it all came to light.

Already known as a death defying descender, he and his team mounted a dropper post on his road bike...

... which lowered his center of gravity and made him even more aerodynamic.

They set the bike up months before and then dialed in how the changes would improve his outstanding ability to get down the mountain...

... faster than anybody else.

This incremental increase gave him just enough additional speed to open up a gap of 8ish seconds...

... all he needed.

Racing the final kilometers the road was smooth and safe, a place where normally a fast descender would be caught.  

Not this time.

It was over.

Months ago Matej decided it was his turn to win Milan-San Remo.

As I quoted yesterday...

It is the will to prepare to win,
that is important.

Set your turns up early:

• Inspect the course if you can
• Choose you tires, and pressure 
• Set up your bike position
• and suspension

Cross the apex, and exit in a better position than you ever have before...

... stun you competitors.

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

And, for heaven's sake...

... wear a bitchin' helmet.

Blowing out the remaining inventory, save 40%.

Protone

1 Red Medium

Valegro

1 Light Blue Medium

Rapido

1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite

Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

163.4
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats 
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

I THOUGHT IT WAS THE GREAT BOBBY KNIGHT WHO SAID If ya ain't cheating you ain't trying, maybe because March Madness is on or maybe just because he said so many funny and profound things...

... and I did a little cheating recently.

I use to cheat a lot.

Every Sunday, and a lot of days in between.

Chips n salsa.

Sleeves of Thin Mints.

Dozens of doughnuts.

I think it was His Excellence, Tim Ferriss, who drove the concept home in The Four Hour Body.

While there is some good info in there...

... cheat days, as I've learned relearned and learned again, ain't one of 'em.

Even once a week.

Not if you're really committed to peak performance...

... and the reason is simple.  

• If you've laid back in your own personal dental chair 
• with a pair of greasy vice grips in hand
• yanked hard on that sweet tooth
• and tossed it down in trash
• you know what I mean.

Once it's out...

... it's like casting out the devil.

The shackles are broken, the cords loosened...

... you are free to roam about the house with zero temptation.

But, if you're anything like me, give that devil an inch and it's over.

Just this week, Surfergirl brought home a giant, fresh, delicious sourdough bread.

Golden crust.

Thick.

Want a bite?

Nah.

Sure?

Well, okay, just a bite.

Next thing I know I'm up in the middle of the night like a feverish, drug addicted rat searching all corners for that bread I asked to be hid.

Morning came.

Uh, Handsome did you find the bread?

Mmmmmaybe.

Did you leave any?

Uhhhhhh, you know I love you and how I begged you to hide it.

I did hide it!

Not good enough.

Uh-oh

By the way, we're out of butter.

This quote of Bobby's is a little more apropos:

The key is not the will to win.
Everybody has that.
It is the will to prepare to win,
that is important.
- Bobby Knight.

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Quote's like the above are thoughtful,
thoughtful people are smart,
smart people wear helmets,
this is a helmet blowout.

Protone

1 Red Medium
1 Black Small

Valegro

1 Light Blue Medium

Rapido

1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Large White
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite

Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

163.7
6.7 hrs
6 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 8 Heavy Squats 
10 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

ZONE 2 TRAINING HAS BECOME ESSENTIAL TO ME.  There is nothing better to build a huge cardio engine...

... but that is only the half of it.

Nearly all of my zone 2 training is alone.

Like most, my schedule can get hectic, and it is a challenge to meet others for a session more than once or twice a week...

... so, it's just me.

Not only am I riding in solitude, but the majority of the rides are off-road, in nature.  Or, off the highway on a bike path.

Here is where I tap into the superpower of zone 2...

... and maybe you do the same.

I noticed it long ago, when a certain infamous champion dominated cycling's collective consciousness.  As I rode along, I imagined I was him.  My posture changed, my cadence changed, my thoughts were elevated to those of a champion.

Years later, I realize zone 2 can be a meditative workout. 

Far from the distractions of life, I am with my thoughts.  Sometimes, for sure, I am envisioning a great outcome on the bike.  Reviewing what I'll do in preparation, and how I will perform at a given time...

..., but, that's not all.

I take this time to imagine all areas of life having the outcomes I desire.  My marriage, our kids and grandkids.  Our long-term physical and spiritual health. The people I serve.  And, most definitely, where PEDALindustries is headed.

That is how I do zone 2 training...

... how about you?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/bikeshop-dz-nutz-pro-chamois-cream-4oz-tube

When I'm out for a really, really, really long zone 2 sesh, I like to have a little lotion for my bits and pieces...

... and this is my favorite.  

Lasts longer and requires less than other brands.

Use promo code: ZTWO

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/bikeshop-dz-nutz-pro-chamois-cream-4oz-tube

---

163.5
7.6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats 
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

RACING IS ENDLESS BATTLE AND CONFLICT, and you cannot race effectively unless you can identify your enemies.  That's my twist on a great Robert Greene post...

... but who are your enemies?

It matters.

Because, choosing worthy adversaries and worthy races will bring about worthy training.

Which is exactly why I'm so excited to race the famous and awesome Sagebrush Safari next weekend.

Last year it kicked my butt.

This year it should have more tough competitors.

Do I have a chance at winning?  To be honest, I don't think so.  

And, I love that.  

To race against the best guys around these parts on a classic, long loop course that is technically challenging...

... that is a worthy endeavor.

When you think about it, having enemies is kind of an immature way to look at it.  Adversaries sounds a little better...

... I prefer bringoutmybesties.

And what about the enemy of my enemy is my friend?

That actually turns out to be very true in road racing. Figuring out who is likely to win and who is anxious to prove that wrong can work to the benefit of a calculating competitor.

It doesn't work so well in the dirt.  The speeds aren't high enough, the terrain too challenging.

Let's not leave out this maxim: a common enemy brings us all together.

The place I have seen this be most true is in regards to a beastly course like Leadville.  A bunch of us from around these parts are going this year and we'll definitely all be training together and sharing ideas about how best to go about slaying the monster.

A final note I feel compelled to share:

Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.

Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.

Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace.

On a lighter note, we made some really fun custom gloves for the promote of the Sagebrush Safari, Quick N Dirty.  They wanted a mustache on the forefinger.

So, if you've to an idea for a custom glove for your team or event or shop or company, etc.

Click here and we'll get a design going for you, the minimum is only 50 pair:

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/start-a-project

---

163.5
7.6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats 
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Get RaceDay Ready™

ON THE START LINE IT’S INEVITABLE TO ASK, What the heck am I doing here?  We know the pain ahead, the unknown treachery of the elements and competitors.  There is only one way to remain calm and feel serene…

… as the announcer counts down.

Close your eyes, say a little prayer if you like, and envision your RaceDay Calendar™.

You knew back then what it would take to get you to the line, ready to slay the day.  Like a general at war, you marshalled your most valuable commodity, time, and made this happen.

You...

Registered and did

All you could do.

Committed to the process.

Expect good things happen.

Reviewed every training ride and low-level race to get here.

You’re a RACER.

Some of you, knowing things would get hairy, tapped into our training and accountability…

… the dynamic daily check in.

• For 10 minutes, you jumped on a call with 9 other racers.
• Reported your stats from the day before
• Your plans for the day ahead.
• As you listened to the 9 others, your motivation grew.
• You made new friends and allies.
• You became bulletproof.

You’re ready my fine, inspiring friend…

… RaceDay Ready!™

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now

There are 3 tools I use to achieve maximum success.

1. The strategies in my book, The Way of The RACER.
2. The RaceDay Calendar™
3. The RaceDay Ready™ training and dynamic Accountability call.

Check it out here:  https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now

---

163.5
7.2 hrs
1 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats 
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

I'M WELL ACQUAINTED WITH TWO NASTY HABITS.  You might have your own demons, too.  But, these aren't drinkin' er smoking' er foolin' around...

... there just plain nasty.

You might not have developed these habits, but you might want to.

I work on 'em all the dern time.

The first I was reminded of when one of my padwans checked in after the weekend's race.  He hadn't raced in a few years, and certainly not a crit.  Since I'm helping him get ready for Gran Fondo Nationals, I want him to race as much as possible...

... because there are some really nasty racers out there.

How'd it go Satterdee?

Oh, not too good.

Wha' happened.

They started real hard and I got dropped.

Nasty habit numero uno:  start fast, make it hard, eject the unprepared.

The second nasty habit I was reminded of riding tonight.  I'd run into the great Hoffy.  I've never trained with or witnessed up close a racer more capable of this...

... lowdown, no-good, sunnuvagun maneuver.

If you ever managed to get in a break with him, heck if you just did training rides with him, he'd subject you to the worst experience of your life by blasting so hard over the top you'd swear he just might lift off and keep going to the moon.

Nasty habit numero dos:  always, always, always crush it over the top.

There you have it, two nasty habits that if perfected can crush the spirits of any racer.

How do I practice them?

Sometimes I leave the house (not always on purpose) with no option but to go full gas from the very first pedal stroke because if I don't I know I won't make it to the meet up with the posse.

And, when training alone I love to really push hard over ever climb simply because

... it hurts a lot.

Remember...

... If they ain't gonna lead, make 'em bleed.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now

Do you have my to 3 tools for success on RaceDay?

You should.

Shouldn't ya?

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---

162.5
7 hrs
18 Pull Ups + 32 Power PushUps + 32 Heavy Squats 
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

OK, I'VE BEEN A FUNK ALL DAY.  Could just be getting back in the swing of work things after a week of racing, but I think it's more.  To be perfectly honest...

... I'm ticked!

It started with the 2 second places at the road stage race.

I know what you're thinking.

You should be happy with second.

I'm not.   

I have collected an otherworldly amount of 2nd place finishes.  It's to the point Surfergirl hesitates to ask...

... yes, it's that freakin' bad.

Of course, I would be thrilled if I didn't think I had a chanceinhell of winning.  

But, I won both of those stages 3 years ago.  It was pretty much the same guys except for Dougie... and I know his M.O. is to attack and get away.  I really screwed it up when I let him get away and gambled on the others chasing him down...

... I mean really screwed that up on the road race.

The subsequent circuit race had a $#!|show ending.  

There was nothing I could do about the race official's terrible decision to stop us 2 miles before the sprint vs a lap earlier.  I don't think I could have handled it any better than I did.  Going from a near standstill, with a target on my back, was difficult...

... it just stung to get pipped at the line.

The icing on the cake, of course, was not listening to my spidersense and rolling with only 20lbs in my rear tire at The Cactus Cup MTB race Saturday.  I'm just too much of a charger to pussyfoot it across the rocks.

Instead of a hardearned podium on a tough course against some real MTB ninjas...

... I did a 3 mile walk of shame.

Pushing my bike while my competitors mockingly (in my mind) rushed by, along with every other man, woman and child...

... really. really, really, really stunk. 

To add to my pain, I have learned that Mavic, the makers of this fine rear wheel which I have absolutely loved...

... apparently isn't even operating in the US at the moment.

Am I screwed regarding their advertised lifetime warranty????

So, there you have it...
... I'm an angry old man today.

It has nothing to do with disrespecting my competitors and everything to do with...
... my high expectations for myself!

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

Good thing we received a new shipment of gloves today...

... retail therapy is real, even for me the maker.

Sometimes I wonder if you realize how much I put into every product we develop and sell.  

Take these gloves

• 5 iterations until I was satisfied with the fit
• Real leather palm, perforated for breathing
• Heat sensitive thread on the fingertips for operating phone screens
• Stretchy, breathable mesh on the top.
• Fit so good, you'll forget you're wearing them.

And, yes, we can make them for your team... check out the bottom pic

The last pair we made for our friends at Quick N Dirty, promoters of some of my favorite MTB races.

So, yeah, I kept a pair for myself.

Remember, all gloves are buy one get one... just add them to your cart and the discount is automatic at check out.

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

---

164.7
8 hrs
18 Pull Ups + 16 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats 
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THE LAST 10 DAYS FOR ABOUT A YEAR.  Racing two 3-day stages races on back to back weekends in AZ...

... what could be better?!

The rolling terrain means fast, fast racing.

Nothing slow.

No grinding.

That's the way I like it.

Home now, I'm feeling super blessed to have been able to pull it off.  

• To realize my latest training tweaks are real breakthroughs
• To hang with friends I only see when traveling
• To do some fun riding between the races
• To camp out in the middle of nowhere
• To get some pretty good results

I'll miss the quiet mornings and evenings, the expansive vistas and the clear, clean air...

... yep, feeling very fortunate.

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---

163ish (no scale)
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
0 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling 

I WAS SO SMUGLY CONFIDENT IT WOULD BE A GOOD DAY.  I'd held back in the TT, legs felt great, bike was perfect...

... but I ignored my spider sense.

And, it cost me.

Before I get there, here's a quick run down of the race. 

As our group advanced towards the start line for our wave, an official stopped us.  

We're gonna call up the top 10 first, the next 20 fastest can fill in behind, and the rest of ya's after that.

Gotta be honest, it's pretty cool getting called up to the start line.

1 minute!

30 seconds!

5-4-3-2-1...

... the local AZ stud pins on Go!

The first mile or so, it's one long charging centipede.

After the first, and only, stinging climb, it's pretty much over.  Six of us are out of site...

... I feel great.

Historically, I'm shelled at this point.  Not today.  

Rider 5 blows.

Rider 4 blows.

I close gaps, but the pressure is just to much.

FluorescentGreenJerseyGuy rolls by and I jump on, and we're off.  Nobody else is even close...

... the lead 3 are pulling away, the two of us are rocking.

In review, I see a lot of PRs.

I still feel really good, and I'm very happy to not have the Wahoo... 

... racing on feel and an occasional glance at my Apple Watch.

Here's where the pride brings me down...

First,

The Mini RaceDay Bag™ 2.0 turned out really great.  It's just super clean the way it mounts.  I love the way it holds everything silently.  I'm real proud of the way it looks on my bike.  Racy.

One problem.

I had it all set up for road, meaning all the dynaplugs were road ready.  Sure I had the fat heads for MTB, but they weren't locked and loaded.

Second,

FluorescentGreenJerseyGuy sits on my wheel for a long, long time.  To be fair, I'd done the same.  But, when I gallantly pulled through I was sure to do it at a pace he could latch on.

When he passed me, after 40 minutes of following, he went hard.  Gapped me.  It happens, you rest and rest and rest and ya just can't resist making a strong move.

I know that.

So, I watched him ease ahead...

... then stop gaining...

... with the top of a 1 mile, rocky climb in sight, I closed the gap and jumped him for the equally rocky down hill.

Went as fast as I could.

He is a really good bike handler and stayed glued.

There was only one more really rocky descent and I was still in front.  I purposely went as fast as I could hoping he would flat.

Oops.

Not a good idea.

I flatted.

Are you keep track of my pride?  Didn't check my equipment set up and figured I could force him to flat because I have had such good luck with my tires.

That's just stupid.

I got busy fixing the flat.  It took 6 or 7 minutes, 1.5 air cartridges, 4 dynaplugs.

After about 3 minutes 5th and 6th place went by.

3ish minutes later I finally got the tire to hold air.

And here comes the greed.

I was concerned the tire might not seal, so I didn't use that last 1/2 of the canister. 

I should have.

While I was back up to speed, going as hard or harder than I did on the TT yesterday, I passed 6th place then I passed AZ stud who'd also flatted.  

Back up to 4th.

If only I hadn't been so greedy and anxious to make up lost time.  I would have heeded that rear wheel's screams for more air.

Instead, I nailed another rock with such excellent precision that a shattered the rim.

Lessons learned:

• Check, doublecheck, triplecheck all equipment.
• Slow the heck down and repair the bike properly before hauling off.
• Always listen to the Spidersense which was yelling You need more than 20lbs for this course!!!

In the shouldacouldawoulda world, there was a podium spot waiting for me.  3rd for sure, but I'm pretty sure I'da won a sprint up the long straightaway.

Oh, one more lesson...

... I do better ignoring the data and just racing my dern bike.

The Wahoo (which I found in the wrong pocket of my RaceDay Bag™) is great for training rides, but I am confident I'm faster without it during really intense racing.

That's just me.

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You might be asking why I don't have a Mini RaceDay Bag™ 2.0 for each bike.  The answer to that is, I'm running the prototype and the first batch is in sewing right now.

Doesn't that look sharp!

That black strap is printed, and yes, absolutely yes, we can print it in your team colors.

Order here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0

163ish (no scale)
7.75 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling 

WE ALL HAVE OUR SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS.  Some are rituals we Have to do, others drinks or foods or warm ups.  Even if we think we are rational...

... we aren't, as much as we think.

I'm okay with that.

Conceiving is believing is achieving.

It's a well worn trail to enlightment and confidence.

But, when one of our Gotta haves is missing it can throw us off our game...

... really mess with our heads.

Then we have a choice.

Believe all is lost or potentially breakthrough to a new way of doing things.

I have found breaking the superstitions to generally be a good way to develop what was once a potential skill into something I know and can depend on.

Case in point:

During my travels to these races I've managed to misplace my Wahoo.  How you ask? By not putting it back in the proper pocket of my RaceDay Bag™.  Oops.

If there was ever a time to use a computer to track our efforts, it's Saturday's 40 miles MTB race.  From experience, I know there will be hours when I'm alone.  That would be an ideal time to lean on the HR monitor for pacing.

I do have my Apple Watch.  I can glance at it occasionally, but not as easily or safely at speed, off road..

TBH, I wish I had the Wahoo.  It's useful.  I trust it.

There are two choices:

• cry, Wo is me, all is lost
• or, F' that... it probably kept me from going fast enough anyway.

By now, you know me well enough to know how I'll play... 

... and how I recommend you play it.

As I state in my book, Expect good things to happen. 

---

I wrote the above earlier today, before the TT in the afternoon.  

Riding purely on feel, I started out slower than last year but managed to PR the course.  I'm pretty happy with that, and encouraged to ride on feel tomorrow.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer 

Dominic, from New Jersey, introduced himself to me at the Cactus Cup venue this morning.  He had one of my book flyers in his hand, wrinkled.

Do you have any books?

Oh man, no I don't.

Shame on you.

I'm sorry, and thanks for the reminder.  You can always order it and pay the shipping.

I know, just wanted a signed copy.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer  

163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
1- minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

PROS ARE SO GOOD AND TRAVEL SO MUCH, they often don't pre-ride a course.  They don't need to.  We do, and here's how to do it...

... in a pro way.

Nearly all of us have had the exhilarating and nerve-racking opportunity to be in a school/community play.

We get the line(s) and memorize at home.

It's all great until the dress rehearsal.

That's where we find out just how nervous we are, how hard it is to remain focused...

... and deliver that dang part!

We go home, practice some more.

The next dress rehearsal goes better.

Repeat they cycle a few more times...

... and a star is born!

Think of your intervals, your bike prep, loading your RaceDay Bag™, etc as memorizing your lines...

... perfect all of it.

Get out to the course as early as possible and pre-ride it as close as possible to your raceday set up...

... this is your dress rehearsal.

Take note of everything:

• Weather
• Angle of sun
• Terrain surface
• Exit and entrance angles on turns
• Final miles
• Duration
• etc

And, if possible, repeat the cycle a few more times.

Can't get out there early?  Read up on it.  Look for videos.  Search out others who have raced the course.  There is a lot that can be done remote.

Too many of us forget our lines on raceday...

... lose our minds and blow it.

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

I was happy to see a lot of PEDALindustries gloves and socks on the warm up today.

Lots of colors to choose from, in Men's and Women's sizes.

Perfect for your next dress rehearsal and on sale right now...

... buy the gloves and socks, and the socks will be $0 at check out.

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

163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE IS A THICK LINE BETWEEN TRAINING and Whattheheck are you doing to our relationship?  If it was a fine line, we'd be fine.  But, it's thick...

... and easy to ride on.

Which can be a problem because riding that line sends all the wrong signals to those we love.  

If it were skinny, like a parking lot line, we'd fall one way or the other.  It is a lot more like the road paved to hell...

... wide and welcoming.

I was reminded of that today when the above pic came in.  Surfergirl and EasyE's lover shot us a picture of them suffering through another day without us...

... just look at those smiles.

They are beyond missing us and our goofy diets, obsessive resting, and wandering in and out during the day from bike to work to gym to work, and so on...

... a break is good from time to time.

I was careful to schedule a surf trip with her before I left, and have time set aside to surf with her in preparation for the adventure...

... she's never been more supportive.

Of course, it's planned right in between a giant racing block and the start of my insane Leadville quest...

... just don't tell her that.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

The giant RaceDay Calendar™ isn't just for plotting out world domination...

... it's great making sure all the important stuff happens all year long.

Have you ordered yours yet...

... or are you the type that wings?

Plan your work, work your plan.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

SHOULD EX-PROS BE RACING AMATEUR AGE GROUPS?  This came up twice over the weekend.  And, I have a definite opinion which I'm guessing...

... 50% of you are going to hate.

In the 40+ men's race, an ex-pro crushed the time trial, soloed most of the road race, and did the same thing in the circuit race.

It wasn't close, at all.

That's an ex-pro road racer.  

We also have many ex-pros from other sports who pick up bike racing and start ripping it up and blowing everyone away. 

My opinion?

First, I think it's weird that anybody regularly signs up for any kind of competition and handily destroys all comers.

Where is the fun in that?

Battling is fun.  Being pushed to your limits is fun.  Winning is fun...

... but, not when it's a lock...

... unless it's your livelihood.

To me, that's just weird.

I think that's why you see many "older" lifelong bicycle racers, Ned and Tinker come to mind, who still race pro.

Second, I flipping love seeing these "seasoned" racers still killing it.  Whether it's as an age-grouper or racing pro...

... it freakin' inspires the helloutta me, and gives me hope to maintain what the good lord gave me to work with.

Third, there aren't a million of these cats anyway.

Which means, we all have a very good chance of sharing the podium with a legend...

... and that is about as cool as it gets in my book.

I searched and searched for the podiums with me and Tinker, no luck, you'll have to trust me. 

That's Jeff Ward above, Supercross World champ and Indy car racer sharing the podium with me last year at CritCross...

... and I'm dang happy to rub shoulders and become friends with this caliber of athlete.

Who knows, maybe I'll outlast them, 
or they'll have a really bad day,
or a mechanical breakdown,
and I'll get the V.

Which brings it all back to this...

... stop comparing yourself.

Winning is nice, PRs are better...

... only you know if you gave your best.

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if you're looking for massive improvement,

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163ish (no scale)
8.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling 

I COULD ONLY LAUGH.  After chasing down multiple attacks, and doing my galdarn bestest to keep things together and fast...

... I was called a wheelsucker.

Oh, the horror!

A sprinter, with no teammates, and limited timetrialing ability accused of being a wheelsucker...

... no shyte Shylock.

But, really, what is a wheelsucker?

Sure, it's someone who is trying to spend the least amount of energy possible and get a good result...

... which everybody does to differing degrees.

If someone is sucking your wheel, it sucks.  Totally.

You're working, they aren't (as much).

You're strong, they're cautious...

... or trying to wear you down
or get in your head
or intimidated by your reputation of dispatching mere mortals
or they're just hanging on as best they can.

How do you get rid of a wheelsucker?  

• Just like Dougie did on Saturday, attack attack attack until you get away.
• Sit up, let them by and suck their wheel.
• Send teammates on the attack to wear the suckers out.

Whatever you do, don't get mad.

They're racing their race, you race yours.  Make you're own luck...

... and heavens sakes, realize it's a compliment to your obvious superior power.

Which reminds me, I have a brutal XC race on Saturday.  3ish hours.  There's no wheelsuckery in mountain biking...

• Strongest rider
• With best handling skills
• Who's bike stays together
• And has a superior nutrition strategy

... always wins.

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---

163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling 

WELLLLLLL, AFTER A HOT SHOWER AND SOME TIME TO REFLECT, I've driven back to the circuit race to soak in the vibe.  We had an interesting finale, leaving many heads shaking...

... and me asking, how could we fix it?

It's not just the issue we had, it's bigger.

But, here's a specific example.

On the final lap, after 90 minutes of racing, after covering moves and fighting for position the pro field came by us...

... with 2 miles to go.

I'm a sprinter, and as any sprinter can tell you, the final 2 miles have a lot of drama.  Everybody with a shot wants to be in the perfect position, and we're all counting on the speeds to remain high...

... instead the race official reined us to a near stand still.

When all the pros and their caravan of cars were final through, we had about a mile to go.  Frankly, I didn't care to much because we were still all in about the same position...

...  but, that's not how a lot of guys felt.

There was much yelling for a protest finish.  Their big idea was to slowly roll in together.

And, I'm thinking What the hell?  Protest what?  We invested a lot of money and time to be here:  entry fees, travel, lodging, training, gear and bikes. All told, it's an embarrassing amount...

... to let go to waste.

Meanwhile, the 60 guys behind the boisterous, whiney lead 20 have no clue what's going on up front, and when we make the final turn and the road opens up they come galloping through like an unruly herd of buffalo.

Not ideal.

So, what would I do if I was king of USA Cycling?

I would expand my kingdom and take care of my people.  

Here's how:

Bring in professional staff

In most cases, races are put on by a local promoter who knows the community and the ins and outs of getting things done.  Bonus points for those promoters able to obtain significant sponsorship cash.

The execution of the event on race day can be overwhelming, this I know from personal promoting experience.  Having professional staff come in and take care of logistics would be an incredible help.  More importantly, it could standardize the product being offered.

Most promoters are part-time at best.  They are awesome in every way.  However, it's an awful lot to ask volunteers with little to no knowledge of racing to take care of hundreds of wound up competitors on raceday.

How to do this?  Charge more.  

As pointed out above, the entry fees are minuscule compared to everything else we put in to it as competitors.  

What about  promoters who have enough races to have staff?  Listen to the input and ideas they have to bring everybody's offering to a new, higher level.  

Most of us have been to an event like Leadville or BWR or QuickNDirty or OverTheHump or CBR and know what a quality experience it can be.  Those events, and many others are thriving.  They aren't cheap and it shows in the product delivered.

In addition to staff, I'd bestow the local promoters with sponsorship dollars from our national parters and let them keep any local sponsorship money for themselves.  In other words, I'd do everything possible to make sure a reasonable profit was turned vs. a stinging loss of cash.

Own Community and The Data

Part of this equation would be to have ALL races in one database.  Easy to find events, with a standard format for navigating everything from Registration to arrival at the Start line.

Further, all racers would listed there.  We could easily see who our competitors are and this wouldn't be just for seeing what they are up to.  It would be the place for racers to connect.  So many times I've met a really cool cat at a far away race and never been able to easily stay in touch. 

How to do this?  Offer this for technology free to the promoters and racers.

Use an ad driven model to boost the hundred or so we already kick in.  It doesn't have to be spammy, carefully curated ads from companies who love what we do and make things we would love to have could be wonderful.

Race Numbers

Can't we all have a permanent race number?

3 characters - numbers and letters.

Then, we can have a standardized race number size and print it right on our jerseys.

No more pins.

No more giant numbers covering our pockets.

No more ruined jerseys with a million pin holes and tears.

No more race officials yelling at the poor racer who failed to follow their particular race's peculiar number placement.

Racer check in would be much smoother, too.

A Final Word

We all love our sport.  All our lives have been changed and generally improved.  We are healthier than most of the population and have made terrific friends.  

We all want it to grow.

Everybody.

Promoters.

Racers.

Fans.

You.

Me.

Oh, and for those of you still reading, with all the chaos of the final mile I managed another 2nd place...

... and I'm pretty happy about that.

Got a different opinion?  Something to add?  I'm down to collect all ideas and consolidate before sending to the real king.

---

Pulled off the dark desert highway.  My head heavy, and my sight dim.

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

This changing poncho always reminds me of my times racing in the desert.

Grab any poncho by Monday and save 15% with this promo code: KING4ADAY

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---

163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE ARE TWO THINGS I LOVE ABOUT RACING IN TUCSON, things we don't have in my parts.  There are also things we do have, and I was reminded of them as I pulled into Waffle House...

... at 5am.

A shadowy figure had crossed road and headed towards the same door I was pointing for.  

He got there first.

Opened the door, but didn't go in.

As I squeezed past, I could see he was young.  The dark circles under his eyes needed rest.  Tattoos encircled his neck.

I ordered my usual, which is only my usual here because no Waffle House in CA.

He stood looking in, his dark skin and hair barely visible.

I opened the door.

Are you hungry.

A nod.

Come in.

Order whatever you want.

He was silent. Was it the fatigue, the cold?  I don't know.

Miss, please double my order.

This early, they only prepare orders to go.  

I sat back and listened to the sweet, soft spoken voice of this young man.

Do you have a phone?

In the car.

He turned to the server.

Do you know how to get to the halfway house?  A church, for rehab.

Eventually, the cook pipped up with directions.

My food was ready.  I hesitated, should I give him a ride?  What kind of delay would that be for my race? Shamefully, I drove away...

... thinking of my own kids.

Would they have ended up on this troubled path if they'd had a different upbringing?  I thought about him, would he have a degree and an enjoyable career?  A stable, loving relationship?

I'll never know because I'm just racing through life right now, feeling like I've done my part...

... but, maybe there is more to do?

The race went well.

My pal Doug did his thing and eventually broke away, putting 2 1/2 minutes on us.  I did my thing and snagged 2nd place and moved up to 6th on GC...

... which only served to remind me, everybody needs a second chance.

The desire to reach out to the less fortunate when I return is strong right now.  The pressures of running a business are sequestered, and I'm an emotional guy.  I know for a fact my own church has just the place for me to plug in and do what I can in my own town...

... just gotta commit.

Oh, and that other thing I love about Tucson...

Now this is chicken soup!

Do you know what is so powerful about an accountability call?

Being accountable.

Exactly the kind of thing I'm going to use when I get home...

... and the kind of thing you could use to dynamically improve your life.

Use this promo code: ACCOUNTABILITYDEMO

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---

163ish (no scale)
6.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
40 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Want to update your email preferences to weekly or monthly delivery?  Click here -> {% unsubscribe %}

THE LAST TIME I RACED TUCSON, the opening stage was a short time trial.  Today it was even shorter.  A real prologue...

... 8ish minutes, all out.

Who ever practices that?

Not me, but apparently some do...

... and they were really fast.

Unless you are a true specialist, or at least practice it a bit, doing any kind of prologue or time trial is a total mind screw.

• You know you're not great, why try?
• You know it's short, why not go for it?
• You know stages races are usually one by ripping the timed event, why not save it for the other days?

I don't think you get the picture.  You think you do.  But, you might not.  Because those thoughts aren't just entertained during breakfast.

They start as whispers the moment you sign up.  Very quiet.  Easy to ignore, but they come back.  And, if you're a not a specialist you dissuade yourself of believing you have a chance.

Unfortunately, with an hour to go the thoughts return.  Not quiet.  Yelling.  Commanding you to make up your mind.

You warm up, trying to avoid engaging your thoughts.

Do it.
Don't do it.  

Go for it.  
Take it easy.  

You have a chance!
Save it for tomorrow.

When you roll up to the line and the official clock is counting down, it's deafening. Which devil is going to take control...

... the charger or the lackey?

You hear the beep, stop on the pedals and say to yourself...

... F this, I'm going for it!

A few minutes in, it really starts to hurt.  The lackey tries to come up for air, but the charge in you throttles him with every racing thud of your beautifully beating heart...

... gawd, I feel fantastic!

So, here's what I learnt:

• I am ok at this
• I should practice it a bit
• I'm in pretty good shape considering the last few months
• And... 15 seconds out of first with a very, very slim chance of still making the podium in the overall.

  https://pedalindustries.com/pages/share-our-mission-earn-a-commission 

I saw quite a few RaceDay Bags™ at the venue.   One by one we are making raceday better for so many people.

It makes me happy.

If it makes you happy too, become an affiliate.  

You'll get a code to share with your friends that saves them 10% and you'll also get 10% cash on every purchase.

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https://pedalindustries.com/pages/share-our-mission-earn-a-commission 

---

163ish (no scale)
8
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
40 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling 

PULLING INTO TUCSON THIS EVENING, I WONDERED IF THIS WOULD BE MY LAST ROAD RACE?  I mean, I just drove 7 hours to do a road race...

... there just aren't any options in SoCal.

Kinda makes ya wonder, what if tomorrow was your last race...

... and you knew it?

In fact, what if you'd known for a few months...

... tomorrow is the very last one, ever?

Would you be kinder to the volunteers or more dismissive?

How early would you get to the start?

How intensely would you train?

Would you embrace your long-time competitors or be aloof?

Would you attack from the gun or patiently wait for things to unfold?

Would you focus on the wheel in front of you or drown in the sounds of hubs, chains and rims?

If there was a mishap would you stop or hammer on?

Would you leave nothing to chance or be nonchalant in your prep?

Would you bike be pristine or worn out?

How important would it be to win?

What if you lost?

And that's the problem with the last race...

... it could always be tomorrow.

---

162.9
7
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE REALLY IS A CULTURAL DIVIDE.  You notice when talking with others, particularly if they haven't see you for a while...

... and don't know what you've been up to.

Happened to me just the other day.

You're really skinny.

I'm lean.

I mean you've lost a lot of weight.

It was mostly fat.

I bet it was hard to do.

Not really.

I hate working out.

I can tell.

Did you have to give up a bunch of food?

Yeah, all the crap that was killing me.

(silence)

Any other questions?

Isn't it great to be weird...

... totally different from them!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo

Want to take your weirdness to a whole 'nother?

Try the Accountability Call for free.

Yep, a free 2 week demo.

You have to do the following:

• Be willing to give something up if you fail to show up each day.
• Have a big Why
• Have a clearly defined result you want to achieve

If that's you, click the link below.

I'd love to have you join us.

We start on 3/15.

Do it!

Use this promo code: ACCOUNTABILITYDEMO

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo

---

163
7.25
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

WHO CAN PREDICT A RACE?  Sure there are journos who get way deep into the lives of racers, but rarely do they pick a Tadej...

... before he slaughters everybody.

It's easy to pick him to win now.

When I signed up for the race this weekend and saw the Race Predictor tab I was curious...

... what predictions could it possibly make accurately.

• Most of us haven't raced regularly for 2 year.
• It's earlier season, few have raced this year.
• How could it factor in my having the 'rona in January
• What about work stress
• Family

I scanned the list.  

My friend Doug is on there, 6 predicted places below me.  He's been whacking me every weekend this year.  Leaving me for dead on the group rides.  Plus, he's raced already this year, and 11 times last year...

... compared to my zero.

Wait..

... hold on.

Race Predictor somehow has me winning 2 fat bike time trials in 2021...

... in Iowa!

Never been there, never ridden a fat bike.

All I can say is...

... don't believe the hype.

Nobody really knows how ready you are but you.

Sure, I can and will, look at the Race Predictor but only for the purpose of looking up the most recent results.  Like this year.  

Even then.

It's a race.

The unknown is what makes it so dadgum fun!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo

Accountability is one of the keys to getting results.

That's why I've created this new Accountability Call.  If you have a big race on the horizon.

... you ought to take me up on this offer.

Try the Accountability Call for free.

Yep, a free 2 week demo.

You have to do the following:

• Be willing to give something up if you fail to show up each day.
• Have a big Why
• Have a clearly defined result you want to achieve

If that's you, click the link below.

I'd love to have you join us.

We start on 3/15.

Do it!

Use this promo code: ACCOUNTABILITYDEMO

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo

---

162.5
7.25
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, not only did the steel rod go through my tire and through my rim tape, but right on through the side of the sexy deep dish...

... perfect time.

Because nothing says Yipee like a trashed race wheel a few days before what will likely be the only road race I do this year.

Who doesn't wanna be scrambling for parts when they could calmly be sipping a cool drink on the coach?

I called Enve.

Ya think I could ride it? (the hope in my voice was pathetic).

No sir.

You're sure?

Yessir.

How long to get a replacement?

Oh, 2 days to process your claim and get you an RA number, then 2 days to ship it here, 4-5 days to lace up a new wheel for ya, couple a days to get it back to ya.

Hmmmm.

When do you need it?

In two days.

Sorry man.

Yeah, me too.  I'll get it up to you as quick as possible.  Thanks for taking care of it.

You bet.

I've put the feelers out for a loaner, and I'm actually hopeful my gravel wheel isn't too wide.  The hubs are the same, so is the disc.  I'll figure that out tomorrow.

Is there a lesson in there?

Yeah, I think so.  Purchasing product from a serious company will always lead to a good warranty solution.  It may not be as quick as we'd like, but to think Enve is going to get me a new rim at no cost is flipping unbelievable.

Will it matter at the race?

I hope not.

Can't imagine anything coming down a half a second...

... only one way to find out.

Now, some folks might use this as a reason not to race.  Or, perhaps, dog it.  Not me.  I'm holding myself accountable.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo

Accountability is one of the keys to getting results.

That's why I've created this new Accountability Call.  If you are looking for a way to stay on track, keep progressing, and not backslide...

... you ought to take me up on this offer.

Try the Accountability Call for free.

Yep, a free 2 week demo.

You have to do the following:

• Be willing to give something up if you fail to show up each day.
• Have a big Why
• Have a clearly defined result you want to achieve

If that's you, click the link below.

I'd love to have you join us.

We start on 3/15.

Do it!

Use this promo code: ACCOUNTABILITYDEMO

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo

---

164
7.25
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

YOU HAVE A CHOICE TODAY, and it's not do nothing.  Do nothing is for donothings and that's not who we are...

... we are doers.

Which means we can pick one of three, but we gotta pick one:

• The minimum
• A good amount
• World class.

There are times when we just can't put in the miles we want to put in.

Don't fret.

The minimum will suffice.

Things will change, open up...

... and we'll get to those good amount and world class days.

Figure out your minimum and make it happen, no matter what.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

Speaking of minimum, the KOM jacket is very minimalist.  

Perfect for those days when you just want to keep the wind off of ya...

... it's my goto this time of year.

Saturday, I had it tucked in my pocket going up the climb.  It was chilly, and gusty, but I was working hard.  

Didn't need it...

... until I headed back down.

Best part, it's very aero for a jacket.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

Looking for a discount?

Become and affiliate: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/share-our-mission-earn-a-commission 

---

162.4
8
12 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 12 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
20 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling 

I PULLED OVER TO LET A TRAIN OF RIDERS COMING DOWN PASS.  The etiquette is to allow the uphill rider to continue, but the trail was skinny with a good drop to the side...

... the riders were struggling.

Pressing upward would be pressing my luck and theirs.

They were gripping for their lives.

Who hasn't been there?  

Who hasn't enjoyed showing off their new MTB skills while their friends panic...

... cheap entertainment at it's best.

Some never return.

The rest repeat until perfected.

Which brings me to my adjusted workout plan.  Original plan was a vicious road group ride, nixed by a small steel rod I discovered buried in my rim.  Too late to fix that, I quickly altered a backup plan...

... repeats on said 1 hour 2500' climb.

Here's what happens when you do repeats:

• You learn the trail better each time
• Which allows you to clean the technical sections
• Resulting in being able to look further up the trail
• Looking further ahead always smooths out our riding

Repeats = Speed

One objective I had was to go as fast the second time up and back as I did the first time...

... no, I wasn't doggin' it.

1:35:28 the first time

1:36:59 the second time.

Not bad.

I considered a third attempt, at a more moderate pace, then elected to keep it to a 4 hour ride...

... mainly because I'm racing the next two weekends.

And, yes, I plan to get out there early and ride some or all of the courses because...

... repeats = speed.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready

If you need some help staying on track, or want to take it all up to the next level check out the new RaceDay Ready™

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready

---

161.4
7.7
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

IF YOU'RE NOT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF CROSS-POLLINATION, you're missing out big time.  Every sport has it's freak who is obsessed to push the boundaries far beyond what was thought possible...

... Bannister get's the most credit.

But, I love what Eliud Kipchoge is doing today with the sub-2hr marathon.  He's a really cool cat and super inspirational...

... can you even imagine running that fast for 2 hours?!!!

Or Alex Honnold free climbing the most challenging routes in the world, dangling thousands of feet in the air by his finger tips...

... what if you were nothing but pure muscle, what could you do?!

A few I've incorporated:

• God-like Herschel Walker got me to do pushups.
• Christopher McDougall's Natural Born Heroes, pull ups.
• Knees Over Toes Guy's 40" vertical leap, squats.
• Phil Maffeton, doing all three every day.

Sometimes I get a product idea, like the Giant RaceDay Bag™ I'm working on.  It started as a project for football players.  Yeah, and they have even more gear than we do...

... it's gonna be big!

I know some of you are going to want this new Giant size.  Stay tuned for the release.

In the meantime, remember to do those 3 exercises every day.

Every, day!

Your bones will be strong, you core stable, and your sprint devastating.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready

If you need some help staying on track, or want to take it all up to the next level check out the new RaceDay Ready™

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready

---

161.7
7.5
12 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

WHEN RACING, REALLY RACING AND GOING FOR IT.  Not trying hard, not along for the ride, but all in racing...

... time does not exit.

There is no past.

There is future.

Only racing.

That intensity is magic...

... a great present.

--- 

Looking to improve your results?  Want to save a few bucks?

Check this out: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready

---

162.5
7
18 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 12 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling 

WE ALL HAVE OUR LIMITS TO JUST HOW MUCH TRAINING WE CAN REALLY DO.  Focused, committed, nose to the bar grinding. Then, comes a time... 

... and we're drifting.

Don't wanna do it no more.

We're done.

I'm there now.

10 weeks is 'bout all I can handle.

I'm 9 weeks in.

This is always the week when I'm most tiredest, when the joy of a quick rip around town...

... turns to work.

And, it's right where I want to be. 

10 days out from back to back 3-day stage races.

After this week, there's nothing left to do but recover and prep the bikes and gear.

But, there is still this week.  

It was freezing this morning.  A chilling wind blowing in off the ocean.  Scattered squalls punching, pummeling and pouring.  

I wanted to stay inside, instead I met up with a few other crazies, and pushed it hard.  With a mile to go, we were trading pulls and working out the sprint.

I needed this test of speed...

... not the flat tire on a lonely road.

Bonus points for not brining my phone.

That's when you know it's coming to an end,  When you go out regardless of desire and deal with a shifty hand...

... and then go out at sunset to make up the lost riding time.

Can't wait to go racing.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0

This is one of the bags I'll be prepping.

The Mini-RaceDay Bag™ 2.0

The first batch is in production and will be able to ship in about 3 weeks.

That strap can be customized with your team colors and logo.

Holds all I need for racing:

• 2 20 oz canisters
• 1 nozzle
• 1 multitool
• 1 Dynaplug system and some extra plugs
• plus, I always have a $20 in there just in case.

 Use this promo code to save 20%: RACERSDO

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0

--- 

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

162
7.4
30 Pull Ups + 42 Power PushUps + 42 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling 

ARE YOU A RIDER OR A RACER?  A lot of people ride, many of them race.  But, they aren't all racers.  Racers are different...

... it's an internal thing.

Not their astonishing heart rates, but their heart.  They are singleminded.  Reading, studying, watching, practicing, training..

... a totally different level of commitment.

They elected to be their absolute best, racing is a byproduct and a place to find out how good they really are.

Some of the best racers I ever rode with have rarely, if ever, pinned on a number.  But, ask them...

... their PR up to local hill and they'll give it to the second along with the backstory.

... their tire recommendation and they'll ask you the terrain, your weight, etc.

... their food strategy and it'll depend on weather, distance, time and intensity.

Being a racer is who they are, and it shows in everything they do.

Sometimes our past needs to step down, like the previous mayor, 
and let the new us run the show.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0

That's the kind of thinking that keeps me constantly creating and improving our products.

Like the Mini-RaceDay Bag™ 2.0

The first batch is in production and will be able to ship in about 3 weeks.

That strap can be customized with your team colors and logo.

Holds all I need for racing:

• 2 20 oz canisters
• 1 nozzle
• 1 multitool
• 1 Dynaplug system and some extra plugs
• plus, I always have a $20 in there just in case.

 Use this promo code to save 20%: RACERSDO

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0

--- 

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

162.9
7.7
36 Pull Ups + 36 Power PushUps + 36 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

THEY'RE LEAN, POWERFUL AND FLY DOWN THE MOUNTAIN.  You can smell the confidence steaming from their kit.  Watching them jump the large hill at the Olympics...

... is breathtaking.

That was Primoz Roglic's dream.  To fly farther and more gracefully than any other jumper, but it didn't work out that way...

... he was injured.

Like so many of us, he found a passion for the bike via rehab...

... then, something switched and he became a cycling champion.

Which brings me to a conversation with MH today.

How was last week?

It went great.

I see you hit your hours target.

Yes.

How do you feel?

Really good.

Anything else?

Yes.  Something shifted.

What do you mean?

Something shifted in my mind.  I went from trying to qualify for World's to I'm definitely going to World's.

What changed?

Well, I realized I'm really committed.

Darn right you are, let's get there!

As the great Bruce Lee said, The possession of anything begins in the mind.

So...

... what are you going to own this year?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training

Here are a few products that might help you... stay tuned for a new product coming online soon.

Let me know if I can help.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training

--- 

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

164.5
7.7
42 Pull Ups + 42 Power PushUps + 42 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

WHY DOES EVERYBODY WANT A GUARANTEE?  I received two messages today that I appreciate...

... but, can't relate to.

One cat is bailing out on the stage race in AZ next month.  Says he's not ready and is holding off for a race later in the month.

The other messaged me about the awesome Surf N Summit in May, concerned he doesn't have the skills to clear the final climb.

For AZ, I get it it.  Really, I do.  Had the 'rona in January and am just now starting to feel good again.  I'm at least a month behind in my prep. 

Here's the even sillier part, one that really has me questioning how well I'll do.  The first AZ road stage race mixes 3 age groups...

... I won't even know who I'm racing against.

Then, the second AZ MTB stage race, I really thought I had a chance since I'm aging up this year.  One problem.  The promoter, bless her heart, bases the ages on the age you are on raceday vs the more traditional age you are on 12/31.  Instead of being the youngest guy in my class...

... I'll be the oldest.

As for the doubts about completing the Surf N Summit, I don't even know if I can finish it.  This will be an amazing adventure, one never to be forgotten, quite likely the longest day I've ever had on a bike.

Of course we want to win,
and hit our goals,
and finish stuff

It's the unknown outcome that makes it so exciting...

... because it demands our best.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

Our best doesn't happen by accident.  It takes planning and commitment, which is why so many love this calendar.

 If you don't have one, what are you thinking?

They ship for free.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

--- 

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

163.5
8.25
12 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 18 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling 

AS I POSITED YESTERDAY, you have to know the terrain to be able to make the map.  And, I think that's part of the problem with all our digital conveniences...

... they don't show us the terrain.

Yes, we see the turns and the elevation changes and that's certainly helpful.  But...

... it's not enough.

Today was case in point.

I had the map, but there were a million potholes that could ruin your day and not all were pointed out.  I didn't know the cat in the gray jersey was gonna be the fastest and snag the sprint.  Nor did I know my backed up bladder would get relief right before I was ready to detach and take care of business.

On a vicious ride or race, there is so much more to know:

• who are the hitters?
• who are the fakers?
• how is the traction?
• which tires mean the difference between winning and losering?
• is there shade?
• is the road smooth or decaying?
• is dust an issue?
• is there a prevailing wind?
• how much speed can we carry without tapping the breaks
• in other words...
• ... what do the locals know that we may never figure out?

That is knowing the terrain.

Just because you have the map, doesn't mean you understand - at all - how it's gonna go down?

Sometimes it matters.

Other times it doesn't because we are out for and adventure.

When it matters here are some obvious things you can do:

• talk to anyone and everyone who's been there before: friends, coaches, write ups, local shops and teams... most people will be helpful
• look at the start list
• look up their results
• figure out their team colors and mark 'em when racing
• look at historical weather patterns and for sure start looking at the weather as the race gets closer
• get there early and pre-drive or pre-ride the course - as much as you can

 https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit

The adventure of the year is about 10 weeks away...

... The Surf N Summit.

And guess what... I don't even have all of the map yet.

I can promise you this:

120ish miles over gravel and paved roads, plus some single track.

12,000ish feet of vert.

All at a moderate tempo until we get to the base of the rugged San Bernardino mountains which we will summit and descend to Snow Summit.

More details are here: 

 https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit

--- 

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

162.5
7
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS THE THUGFATHER SENDS OUT THE MAP.  It's different every week.  The only thing that matters is...

... everyone knows to be at the corner at 815.

He uses MapMyRide.

Sometimes I look at it.

Most times I don't.

I don't know the roads well enough for it to matter.

He does.

That's why he can make the map...

... you can't make a map if you don't know the territory.

I was thinking about that today while coaching LL through my 10 week program.  For him, the territory is all new and he's having these amazing breakthroughs.   For me, I know it like the back of my gloved hand...

... that's why I can provide an excellent map for him to get ready.

If you're looking to jump start things, check it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training/products/program-to-get-you-started

---

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

163
7
18 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

SINGLESPEEDING IS A LOT OF FUN.  I rode religiously for a while.  It's simple, quiet...

... and a heck of a work out.

Your entire body is involved, it takes a lot to keep moving in the same gear.  Plus, you develop all kinds of pedal cadences...

... slow grinding to completely spun out.

It's fun, but it's not efficient.  
It's not faster.

I was thinking about that today, because today we took a big leap forward in the business.

It wasn't easy.

I resisted it.

A shift.

We'd long outgrown our little warehouse and capacity to ship.  It didn't happen in a flash.  Over time, we went from our first few online orders per week to per day to per hour...

... to the point of overwhelm.

Now, we've outsourced all shipping to a larger facility.  On the one hand, it's a little scary.  On the other, it's extremely liberating.

Why do we stay stuck in the same gear sometimes,
when we could easily shift and be much more efficient?

Because in life there is no guarantee that change will be successful.  So, we stay stuck...

... slowly grinding, completely spun out.

Is it time to shift gears?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

I get so many compliments on the KOM Jacket.  Just tonight the coach of the local High School MTB team was over.

That KOM jacket.

You like it?

I love it, it's awesome.

Have you checked it out?

This is one of my very favorite creations:

• Aero
• Packable
• Breathability
• Wind and water proof

Use promo code: KOMjacket

And save 20%.

---

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

164.7 (late dinner with trophy wife)
7
5 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 20 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling 

SOMETIMES WE FORGET HOW FAR WE'VE COME, until we casually mention what we did over the weekend...

... not bragging, just saying.

Oh, I rode my bike.

How far?

I dunno, 50-60 miles.

What?!

It's not weird that we can easily ride 50 miles,
no weirder than a runner can click off 10,
or a swimmer 3.

What's weird is that most people can't.

That ain't right.

Everybody should be RaceDay Ready™.

Always.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

Even if it's cold, we gotta get out and move.

This morning was chilly, low 40s and high humidity, the kinda thing that goes right into your bones.

Which is why I wore the KOM jacket to the start...

... then stuffed it in my back pocket before we got rockin'.

This is one of my very favorite creations:

• Aero
• Packable
• Breathability
• Wind and water proof

Use promo code: KOMjacket

And save 20%.

---

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

162.5
7.5
15 Pull Ups + 18 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 25 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling 

EVERY NOW AND AGAIN I'm legit jealous of my snowed in comrades. I reminisce back to the earliest of times when I lived in cold country, trainer set up by the TV...

... roommates occasionally mocking me.

There's just something about being inside,
spinning the legs,
spinning the stories,
spinning the reasons,
and knowing one day Spring will arrive and these beautiful, sinewy muscles shall unleash the glorious power that was fashioned over the winter.

Those are the wondrous results of a physical pain cave, which translate to the ability to endure suffering and inflict anguish on others.

Repeatedly.

We can all train and race year round now,
the only question...

... is are you ready for the pain cave?

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Maybe you'll be ready for the very first Surf N Summit.

Riding from the sand, across gravel, through a concrete jungle, with some single track thrown in, to the slopes of our local ski resort.

120ish miles, 15,000'ish vert.

And, some of us might even ride back the next day.

Are you in?

Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit

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Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

163.5
8.2
20 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 35 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE ARE 9 WORDS YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR A FRIEND SAY, and they aren't what uncle Ronnie uttered way 30+ gears ago...

... because these will come from a friend.

Just last week I heard them.

The horror.

I had to bust out all my Cialdini persuasion techniques.  Time was of the essence. Could I save this soul before it was to late?

I think I'm going to buy a hybrid bike.

No.

No?

NO!

Why?

Look at any suburban garage.  What do you see?

A bunch of...

Not that, you see 2 hybrid bikes.  Looking like they've never been ridden.

Should I buy used then?

No, no, no, no, no.

Well...

Well, schmell... wash your mouth out with soap, and try again... I want to get a bike, what should I get?

I want to get a bike, what should I get?

A gravel bike.

What's that?

It's like a hybrid bike but faster, funner, more capable... just the most goto bike you'll ever own, and it will never, ever be collecting dust in the garage.

Which gravel bike should I get?

At that point I knew I could rest.  My mission on Earth was complete.  I'd saved another soul from the hybrid wasteland.

Do I really believe that?  Yeah, I do.  My gravel bike gets the most time.

Even though I don't race gravel?  That's the point, gravel bikes are for adventure and meandering and just riding where the wind blows...

... they are made for base miles, the zone 2 stuff.

Nothing better.

Which one should you get?  Doesn't really matter.  I wouldn't spend a ton.  An old cross bike would do, or an entry level gravel bike.  

Tomorrow it's supposed to rain.

Do you think I'm taking my race bikes out in that?  Hellno.  But, the gravel bike...

... loves that kinda stuff.

Plus, if you have one then you can do crazy stuff with me.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit

Like the first of it's kind, Surf N Summit.

Riding from the sand, across gravel, through a concrete jungle, with some single track thrown in, to the slopes of our local ski resort.

120ish miles, 15,000'ish vert.

And, some of us might even ride back the next day.

Are you in?

Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit

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---

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

163.5
7.7
10 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 50 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

I FOUND AN AMAZING DOCUMENT THIS MORNING.  The rare, pure autobiographical journey of how Van Der Poel broke 2 World Records and earned 2 Olympic Gold Medals...

... not Mathieu, Nils.

I GOT DONE WITH THE RIDE.  Stopped the timer.  Hit upload.  Grabbed the recovery mix from the fridge...

... and waited.

Soon I'd have feedback on just how fast we'd gone, and more importantly...

... if I'd flown as quick as it felt.

Of course, there would be a million badges.  It was only my second time on the route.

Would they be 1s or 2s?

Kicking the doors of routine down ain't easy.  

Easy is waking up and doing the same thing.  Same ride.  Same cats.  Driving a bit and joining some unknown quantities on their route, that they know...

... more challenging, more fun.

It pays to be a bit cautious.  

Not knowing all the players, the turns, or the kick in the bibs climbs, can find ya shot out the back quicker than an e-tap.

I clung like an insecure lover up the first climb.  It's longish, 20 mins.  I wasn't too surprised to make it with the leaders because there was a solid headwind taming the front...

... it felt good to be there.

Later was where I was focused.

The wall that had thrown me out the back three weeks prior loomed ahead.  

It isn't straight up.  It curves.  It's not insanely steep. Nor too long.  The problem is...

... it comes late, and hard.

When we hit it today, and the eagles flew on and up...

... a minute from the top, they were over.

I wasn't.

There was only one way back, and I had to make it back, because...

... where the hell was I?

That's the motivation that comes from doing new rides.

I pressed hard over the top and charged down, carving every single turn.

Which brings me to the one thing I can bank on, and which often works out, I'm pretty damn aero, and the goodLord blessed me with great vision.

I expected to go faster, having previously done the descent once before.

I didn't expect this, though... a big boy cup, right behind my pal Brett.

I sent him a screen shot and a teasing Damnit.

While reveling over the silly Strava trinket, he fired back his own screenshot and Damnit.

Which is why I always say, two damnits do make a ride.

So, what are you doing this week to mix it up, slaughter the routine?

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---

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

162.5
7.8
10 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

ONE REASON PEOPLE QUIT, OR FAIL TO PREPARE BEFORE A BIG EVENT, is they don't truly understand how training works.  I have three analogies...

... maybe they'll help someone you know.

• Training is like baking a cake.  You heat the oven, mix the ingredients, put in a pan, insert into oven... and wait for the heat to do its thing.
• Training is like archery.  You insert the arrow into the bow, pull back, aim... and let tension to its thing
• Training is like a bridle.  While we want to do all sorts of random acts of fitness... let the bridle do its thing.

You know I can't leave you without a bonus analogy.

• Training is like a bridge.  We leave where we are to get where we want to go... and let the bridge do it's thing.

None of that might make a lycra of sense to you, but this might...

... trust your training.

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And, trust me when I tell ya...

... it's mighty powerful to have a reminder on your wallet.

Order you own personalized, customized and optimized wallet here:

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---

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

162.5
7.8
10 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE IS NOTHING QUITE AS FOREIGN TO THE NEW RACER than a grizzled old cat yelling Hold your line!...

... usually spit forth in the heat of sprint or carve of turn.

The bewildered wouldbe ripper eases up, often swerving, to decipher...

... whatthehell is that cat yelling?

Which spurns yet a more tempestuous snarl...

... Hold your friggin' line!

Here's the problem.  Exactly what is the line?

In this case, it means to keep riding straight and not veer all over the place.

But, there is another line I'm more interested in today.

The finish line.

Last year, or somewhere in the past, there was a clear point where a goal was achieved.

Maybe your own,
maybe someone else's.

Let go yesterday's finish line,
make it today's starting line.

Keep challenging yourself!

Break out your calendar,
hopefully it's a giant RaceDay Calendar™,
and make a bold statement to accomplish the unthinkable this year.

I'm looking for 10 people that want to accomplish something extraordinary.

If that's you, let me know.

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I highly, highly recommend you engage this powerful tool.

Still a few in stock, still shipping free.

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---

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

163.3
7.2
25 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 30 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

PULLING ON MY CHEST STRAP THIS MORNING I WAS STABBED BY A SHARP THORN, remnants of yesterday's digger.  I'd gone down on a slippery piece of single track...

... early in the ride, there was now way I was stopping.

I took stock, straightened my bars, and rode on.

Thorns covered my left side and the right wrist hurt pretty good...

... blood oozed into my sock for bonus points.

That was a nice follow up to Saturday's unsealable flat, where I could only keep just enough PSI to soft pedal the last 5 or so miles.  Airing up, then borrowing pumps along the way.

It was also a solid hint of today's complete shattering.  

We'd managed to ride south to the bottom of the first hill before the boys from down that way hit it...

... that was the plan.

Also in the plan, was to hit that hill hard.

But, when 2 kids from LEGION and a handful of champs snuck off the front...

... well, they were gone.

So much for that.

3 days, 3 unexpected detours.

One could weep, Wo is me...

... but, that ain't what we do here.

We recover and plan for more exceptional days.  

Before you go, let me point out the not so obvious...

... these are the kinds of things that happen at the end of a big training block.

Rest up, buttercup!

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Got a cool pic of our gloves for Origin Cycling today...

... let's be honest, with VMO's like that you really do need a firm grip on the bars.

It's good to see our SuperLight gloves are up to the test.

... and yes, you can still get the buy 2 get 1 offer.

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

---

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

163.7
7.5
15 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 30 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

WHILE PLAYING AROUND WITH DIFFERENT SADDLES, I got to wondering why we call 'em saddles to begin with...

... we aren't riding horses.

But, it kinda makes sense.

Because there is a whole lotta taming going on.

Our...

terrain
appetites
schedules
competitors

... to name a few.

I've come to really like the stubby saddles.

There's just something about them that I can't really put my finger on.

I think they look pretty cool on the bike...

... and it definitely looks cool when I look down see nothing buy lycra and legs.

Sometimes I scoot a little to far forward and my power drops, and I've come to like that because it keeps me in the proper position.

If you're looking for a Fizik saddle let me know...

... giddy up!

---

Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady

---

163.9
7
20 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling