I DO NOT THINK YOU KNOW THE MEANING OF THAT ZONE
THERE ARE FEW GUARANTEES IN LIFE. One, however, is a lock. Invite your veryfast friends to do a recon ride where everybody is "committed" to ride zone two. Then...
... let the mayhem unfold.
Here's the bad and the good of it.
I felt bad right away.
Yes, I was suffering, sure.
But I was really feeling bad for all the suckers like me who thought this would be chill with a few efforts.
Instead, the first three hours...
... was one massive effort.
- 248 watts normalized power
- Average HR 150 bpm
- 3000' elevation gain
Probably nothing for you,
definitely something for me.
The gravel roads are shift right now.
Ruts all over the place,
stutter bumps everywhere else.
Fortunately, I decided to do some tire pressure testing today.
I aired down.
26 lbs vs my normal 30 up front.
28 lbs vs my normal 32 in back.
I rimmed out a handful of times, both wheels.
Mainly sharp edges or rocks.
Tires held up great - Conti Terra Speed 45s.
I think I can go lower.
No doubt when the trails are as nasty as they are it is muchmuch faster.
I also tested having breakfast before riding.
What?
Yeah, true.
I usually wake up at the last second and eat as soon as I start riding.
This morning, I was so excited I woke with tons of time.
A full hour.
I fired up a bowl of oatmeal,
dropped in frozen blueberries,
plus macadamia nuts for some fat.
It stayed down great.
Shocking given the hideous zone too-dang-fast we were pushing.
Definitely going to try that again because I felt really good.
That's it...
... hope your weekend is epic.
---
---
165.1
7.5 hrs sleep
PullUps and PushUps only
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
89 (fitness still down 30% from last year, and darn happy to be back at it)
>
HOW DO YOU STACK UP?
BEING A COMMITTED ATHLETE pays all kinds of dividends. Which is cool. What's cooler is deconstructing what we do and...
... seeing how we stack up.
Not against each other.
Just riding
or running
or swimming
won't do it.
For example, we also...
- Eat
- Sleep
- Maintain our equipment
- Study the latest info
- Might have a coach
- Make sure we have proper fit of all our gear
- Fine tune our body mechanics
- Get as aero as possible
- Test hardware
- Train with other committed athletes
- Challenge ourselves, long and short-term
- Have our "day jobs" squared away and thriving
- Prioritize family and friends
... and all that plus a lot more stacks,
compounds and
combines.
What can we add, refine, improve so we are truly...
... Ready To Rip On RaceDay.
...
By the way, I'm getting ready to launch dog tags with one of our sayings on one side and personal info on the other.
Would you like to know when they are ready?
---
165.5
8.5 hrs sleep
PullUps and PushUps only
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
82
>
IN A MOOD FOR VIOLENCE
IT'S BEEN JUST OVER TWO MONTHS since being able to start training after my mishap. Prior to that, it was 6 weeks off the bike or anything but walking...
... my fitness was zip.
Why do base at all?
Because I was effectively starting from zero.
Sure, I had decades of consistent riding, running, etc. But, I couldn't just jump right back into it.
I needed to give my body a break...
... and a chance to recalibrate.
It's been fun.
I've been able to do some group rides...
... hanging on, then getting dropped.
Base training is good for that, for building the aerobic engine.
It's not good for putting a sting into our efforts...
... or responding in kind.
That only comes from...
- Intervals
- Racing
... there's no other way.
The racing could be the kind where we pin a number on, spicy group rides, or getting after PRs.
The intervals, well there's a million ways to flog ourselves doing those.
In short,
we gotta do the explosive efforts.
There's no way around it.
It's not for everyone.
Only those who want to find out what they're really capable of.
Me, I'm targeting two days a week for the carnage.
Tuesdays.
Saturdays.
The key to success will be...
... showing up fresh, in a mood for violence.
---
165.1
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
83
>
JUST BELIEVE THIS ONE FACT
THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF THEORIES: The Big Bang, Evolution, Creationism, even The Simulation. No matter which one, if any, you subscribe to...
... one fact remains.
This body is the only one we got.
I dunno why people treat 'em so badly.
Heck I've done plenty of bad myself.
But, there's nothing like racing to keep me on track.
Even just racing myself,
my times.
No matter what your beliefs...
... these bodies do their best when we eat clean.
Of course, there are a million beliefs on what that entails.
I keep it simple.
- No processed foods
- As much fresh veggies and berries as possible
- Plenty of protein
- Plenty of water
That's my belief of what actually works...
... and I think it's a fact.
Because every day we are building our bodies, it's important to remember...
... Every Day Is RaceDay.
---
167.1
8 hrs Sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
83
>
WITH ALL THY FITNESS, GET...
IS THERE MORE TO RACING, than racing? Well, yeah. Of course. A lot more, the only question is are we taking advantage of the opportunities. As the wise one said...
... With all thy fitness, get adventurous.
By that, I don't mean in a racy way.
The point is to go somewhere,
do something new,
unattempted.
We've got the fitness,
which too few people actually have,
so we can accomplish what most cannot fathom to attempt.
So, what's it gonna be...
- Ride across the country
- Travel to a remote destination
- Run the Grand Canyon rim to rim
- Go from hut to hut in Colorado
... pick something.
What's holding us back...
- A tour guide
- Language barriers
- Support in case things go wrong
... nothing that can't be solved.
Do it.
---
166.7
7 hrs Sleep
Pullups and Pushups
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
82
Tell us about it.
>
H0W ARE THEY SO EXPLOSIVE?
OK, WE GET IT THAT PROS ARE FASTER. Right? But, how they heck are they so explosive without racing? Asking for a friend, myself, and...
... anybody forced to train alone.
We gotta know.
- Personally, I enjoy the solitude.
- Others don't near other riders or group rides
- And, then there's those who's with uncooperative schedules
How are the outstanding pros doing it?
Not racing,
showing up and slaughtering their competition.
Intervals?
Well, personally I can't stand intervals for more than a few weeks without...
... wanting to take a hammer to my bike computer.
Riding and racing with the teammates?
That makes a little more sense, but only a little. Who wants to drill or get drilled by their trusted allies?
Way more rested?
Mmmmmaybe the non-racing leads to a more rested and ready body?
Healthier?
Because they aren't traveling so much:
- They aren't picking up colds and flues.
- They aren't eating whatever they can find.
- They aren't taking such large risks as when racing
E-racing?
Are they just getting on a trainer and duking it out with the online competition? If they are, don't they need to have fake profiles for privacy as well as less fitness?
Virtual racing?
Setting up race course segments on Strava and trying to beat the PRs?
I dunno, for me...
... ain't nothing like the real thing.
---
166.2
8 hrs Sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
80
>
GETTING PUSHED AROUND IN THE GROUP
THE RIDE WAS GETTING SPICEY. The pace increasing considerably, and the terrain going from flat to sawtooth. The legs were screaming, and...
... and I was moving backwards.
Then, it happened.
Just before the apex of quick power climb,
just when I needed it most...
... my pal, The Gambler, gave me some pedal assist.
Yep, he had the gaul to put his paws on my lycra and pushed me some.
And I loved it.
It was just the right amount
to keep me on.
Sly enough I quietly thought and hoped...
... Maybe nobody noticed.
That's thing about needing help.
When we could really use some,
we don't ask.
Good givers, like The Gambler, don't ask...
... the just give.
Without making a big deal about it.
---
165.8
9 hrs Sleep
No Strengthwork today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
80
>
SHOULD WE LEARN TO TUMBLE?
LIKE MOST OF US, we have a group of regular riders. So far, 3 of the 10 of us have broken bones this year. One hit a tree skiing, one crossed wheels today...
... and, well, you know my saga.
I was off the back over the top,
and rolled up on the mishap.
If you're a real rider,
you've broken your collar bone.
Ok, I don't know if that's 100% true.
But, I have broken one,
while riding.
So, it's common.
And I gotta ask...
... Should we take tumbling lessons?
Would it help?
Would it keep us from doing the natural thing vs...
... rolling out of danger?
Maybe, sometimes.
Not a guarantee,
perhaps a skill worth...
- learning
- practicing
- investigating
... got a thought on this?
---
166.7
7.5ish hrs Sleep
No Strengthwork today
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
82
>
IS THIS THE BEST RIDE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?
IMAGINE A RIDE THAT FEATURES all the beauty and wonder of Southern California. The beaches, the shaded prairies, the tall forests with ski runs...
... covering all of it in a single day.
Oh, and almost no traffic.
Impossible you say.
Not.
100% possible.
It took us years to scout it.
Here are some pics from 2023... route below.
Here's the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3216181932420212282
It's 120 miles, 15000' of climbing.
We start at Doheny State Beach and wind up in Big Bear, refueling at convenience stores and restaurants along the way.
It's almost all dirt most to Corona, then a 35-mile bike trail across the Inland Empire. At the bottom of the mountains, we jump on an abandoned logging road, and it's nearly all dirt to the top, and down into Big Bear.
Epic.
Insanely epic.
Are you game for the ride of the year?
Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/free-registration-for-the-surf-n-summit-california-5-18-24
---
Some of the FAQ's from a Zoom call yesterday.
Logistics:
1. Where to stay Friday Night? Dinner plans? Stay as close as you can to Dana Point, where we start… it’s only a few minutes drive to my house. We’ll have dinner at my place and go over last minute specifics.
2. Ride start time? Official Start is 6am, I highly recommend slower riders leave earlier to make sure we all get to Colton at the same time for the flat 35 miles across the Inland Empire – much easier in a group.
3. Where can we store bags? My van… Susie will drive it to Big Bear.
4. Confirm - unsupported? Any plan B options for repairs, crashes, etc.? It’s self-supported, be prepared.
a. Anyone we can hire to assist? Is there a way to transport overnight bag? Susie will drive it to Big Bear.
5. Big Bear
a. Anyone staying the night? TBD on this.
b. Transporation back to Orange County? TBD on this. Some ride back, some Uber back. We need a final head count.
5. Snow blocking trails? Currently yes, but it’s getting warmer and it’s a south facing climb, we should be fine.
People
1. How many people are coming and their capabilities? Unknown, people always commit and don’t show, others never commit and just show up.
a. We are locomotives not goats:). Likelihood of creating riding groups of different speeds (any forecasted pacing / finish times)? For sure start early, and KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD A ROUTE to your device. Any regrouping points? One for sure, in Colton at a convenience store… depending on pace, we might all meet up at Seven Oaks restaurant about 1/3 up the climb… some of us will do some extra climbing and single track at end of 35 mile bike trail, others will go straight to the climb, which is why we might end up there at roughly same time.
Nutrition
1. Where are the nutrition and water stops? ONeil Park is about 2 hours in, a campground with water and bathrooms. Do NOT dillydally at any stops. Next stop is Colton, about 4 hours away. These are my estimates for your speed.
2. Water stops on the final climb or is two bottles sufficient? At Seven Oaks restaurant, we can get water, soda, hamburgers, fries… depending on heat, 2-3 bottles. My bike holds 3.
3. Nutrition recommendations? 300-400 calories per hour. Whatever you like and sits well in your stomach. I like CarboRocket, 333 calories/bottle.
Equipment
1. Tire recommendation? I am running Continental Terra Speed 45s, with 32lbs in the rear, 28 in the front. Lots and lots of sealant before we roll.
What are the gravel sections like? Pretty nice, a little more rutted from rain run-off, but totally 100% ridable and fun. There’s a little single track where trail is currently flooded close to the start.
2. Other gear that would be helpful (e.g. hydration pack, lights). Lights for sure, early start, and maybe a late finish. Be able to carry 3 large bottles worth of water. Get a BLACK mosquito net, bugs can be nasty… we learned the hard way that the white nets reflect light which was blinding as the sun was setting.
3. Clothing recommendations? (Temp change to expect)? May is a tricky month, I’ll carry my KOM Jacket which is great for wind and water and small enough to go in my Barrito Bag … my bike will have a Barrito for the KOM jacket, and food and drink mix supplies in my Day Ripper bag. Only other item I’d carry would be arm warmers… but highly unlikely we’ll need them. My Wahoo died 30 minutes from the top… bring a battery booster.
---
166
7.5ish hrs Sleep
Pushups and Pullups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH TO BE...
I POLLED THE RIPPERS and 100% of them lift weights or do resistance exercise year round. Well, I was shocked by that. I had no idea if we rubbing off on each other...
... just hope.
In the beginning, after our first day with real weight, we often echo the great Cheryl Crow song...
... God, I feel like hell tonight.
Why do it?
- Strong bones
- Good posture
- Improved ability to handle challenges
Why not?
- Takes time
- Potential to get hurt
Here's my current program,
takes about 15 minutes.
- 6 pullups
- 18 pushups
- 10 shoulder press
- 5 pullups
- 15 pushups
- 6 squats
- 4 pullups
- 12 pushups
- 20 toe raises, 10 heel raises
- 3 pullups
- 9 pushups
- 10 curls (vanity muscles)
- 2 pullups
- 6 pushups
In other words, mainly pullups and pushups with something extra to break up the sets.
The focus is on large muscle groups.
In Natural Born Heroes: Mastering the Lost Secrets of Strength and Endurance, there's a strong emphasis on tendon strength being key to true athlete prowess. We develop that moving heavy weight with large muscle groups...
... the stuff we need to be fast.
For the bar...
- Jump up to the bar, and let yourself down slowly.
- Use a pullup assist machine
- Giant rubberbands
For pushups...
- Figure out hand positions that are comfy on the shoulders
- It's cool to start on your knees
Squats...
- Do air squats and put that arse in the grarsse
- Go half way down
Start somewhere,
just start.
---
166
7.5ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses + other stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
79
>
HOW TO OVERCOME INJURY
I'VE BEEN ASKED TWICE TODAY if I had any feelings of Why me? after my brain injury. And, how did I overcome that? Well, good questions because...
... we all gotta battle through the shiz.
During the darkest days, I only had one thought.
How can I fix this?
We've all been dealt multiple bad hands over the years, and if we think about it...
... we often come through them stronger, better.
It never seems like it at the time.
Our challenges, I believe, are our challenges, for a reason.
As rotten as they appear...
... they are personalized gifts.
If they weren't for our benefit and didn't totally suck,
they'd be easy to overcome,
requiring little effort,
personal growth,
or change.
With that in mind, I set about studying and researching how best to recover from this unplanned set back.
There's plenty of improvement still to be made...
... and that's exciting as hell!
---
166.7
8ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses + other stuff
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
79
>
GIMME SHELTER
THERE AIN'T NOTHING LIKE A TAILWIND to blow the group to pieces. The palms were bending, for sure...
... this one was gonna hurt.
It's counter intuitive.
But, it goes like this.
Alone, a tailwind feels nice.
A chance to tap lightly on the pedals and fly along.
In a group, it's whole different game.
The strong go to the front and drill it.
'problem is, there's no draft,
no place to hide,
no rest.
Which is exactly how it went down today.
Three of us were rotating.
Hard pulls.
It felt terrible,
and great.
Nobody else was pulling through.
I didn't blame 'em,
it was hard as heck.
I glanced back...
... gap was 30 feet.
Then 300 feet.
Then, a slight bend in the road,
an every so tiny gap opened, and...
... I was ejected.
Just couldn't close it.
No draft.
How was the ride back up the coast into the wind?
Well, alone it woulda been a bear.
In the group, much easier.
Sure the brief moment pulling through stung a bit, then...
... it was right back to the shelter.
So, there you have it.
Tailwind, get on the front and get a gap.
Headwind, take it easy, nothings getting away.
---
168.4
9ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
DO LESS, AND OBSESS
CAN'T GET THIS CONCEPT OUTTA MY MIND, not because I've never considered it, because it's so darn rhymey. I coudn't say it better...
... Do less, and obsess.
Maybe I just needed to hear the message?
The idea of having 1 (one) 'A' race a year has always turned me on...
- It's more fun to have one focus
- dive into the nittygritty
- get granular
- geek out
... that's the shift I love.
Yeah, I might end up with a bike that's not good for much but a particular course,
training that is so specialized as to be worthless for everything else.
But, that's the point.
To be so singular,
to be uniquely prepared.
Then, and only then, I might have a chance...
... and that's all the hope I need.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to treat...
... all other races as distractions at best.
Places to test...
- equipment
- strategy
- training
... nothing more.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to commit...
... to training blocks and weight lifting.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to see...
... the big picture.
To do less,
and obsess.
---
168.7
8ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
76
>
HE'S TRYING TO KILL ME
THE POOR WOMAN WAS RED IN THE FACE, if looks could kill her guide/date would be dead. They'd just cleared a very overgrown jungle and were now pushing their bikes up a rocky stretch...
... who could blame her?
Who could blame him?
Sometimes our sense of adventure...
... is total nonsense.
I could only laugh.
Don't kill him here, you need to get home first!
They had a ways to go.
We have about 5 weeks to prep for the SurfNSummit.
Yeah, it's far.
Lots of climbing.
But, still I'm surprised at how many people misjudge what it takes.
Some, think it's just impossible to complete...
... usually my most fit friends.
Others, show up with what appears to be no business attempting it...
... but, hope and the desire to do something epic.
It's one of those Henry Ford moments.
Whether you think can, or think you can't...
... you're right.
So, if you think you can ride 100+ miles with 15,000+ feet of climbing...
... click here to check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/free-registration-for-the-surf-n-summit-california-5-18-24
---
168.2
9ish hrs Sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
76er
>
AN OBSERVATION ON UNEVEN POWER BETWEEN LEGS
ONE OF THE SETTINGS ON MY POWER METER shows the power put out by each leg. It can def ovewhelm for an entire ride, because we can...
... freak out about data we don't like.
It's on one of my Wahoo screens.
I see it from time to time on a ride.
Consciously trying to even out the power was annoying the heck out of me.
One leg was always stronger, unless I reallyreallyreallyreally focused.
Then, I had an idea.
Something to try,
that I used to do.
This came to me when I noticed standing and climbing,
power was always 50/50.
Hmmmm.
What's the difference?
Then I noticed,
same thing when it got steep and I really had to put out some power.
Well, that was nice to see...
... somewhat calming.
Hmmmm...
... how to do that all the time?
Welp, this is just an observation.
It might not work for you.
Meter could be mismonitoring, but this makes all the difference in the world...
... when I consciously focus on pedaling with the heels down.
What?
Really?
Yes.
What I think is happening is I'm eliminating a dead spot along the top of my pedal stroke...
... gonna verify with my genius bike fitter, Ashley.
---
167.3
8ish hrs Sleep
No Strength Work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
THE WHAT AND WHY OF A PROPER EZ SPIN
I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE LEGS TO COME AROUND, which means I had to actually dedicate myself to do some easy spins. Because, like most of us it's just...
... darn hard to go easy.
Or, is it just me?
First off, what constitutes an easy spin?
Two things:
- Low effort
- High rpm's
How low?
Very bottom of Zone 2, or anything in Zone 1.
How high?
90-100+ rpm's.
Why?
Well, one of my early coaches called it a Rinse Ride for a reason.
If we are really doing it correctly,
our legs feel all clean and springy because...
... we rinsed out the crud.
Why else?
- It's good on the brain
- Takes the pressure off, simply relaxing
- Great time to catch up with friends and chat while spinning
How long?
45-90 min seems about right.
The things we think about when we're just spinnin' ez.
---
166.9
8ish hrs Sleep
Just PullUps and PushUps today
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
73
>
EVER HAD THE CRUD BEAT OUT OF YOU, FOR REAL?
GROWING UP, we fought a lot. We were too weak to do much physical damage, but there was plenty of pride and shame on the line. It's not much different now...
... when we race.
If we truly get the crud beat out us by...
- the course
- the competition
- our worse, ourselves
... there is only one question.
Did we really get it beat out of us?
Or, are we destined to get pummeled over and over again because...
... the crud is still there?
Is our diet a joke?
Do our handling skills still stink?
Does our bike squeak and wobble?
'Cause if that crud is still there, then...
... it's not beat out of us.
We've just learned to live with mediocrity...
... and that's just plain cruddy.
---
167.8
8ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
74
>
IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER ROAD PEDALS FOR OFFROAD?
WHEN I WAS PRE-RIDING LEADVILLE a while back, the phenom who would shatter the course record floated by me as I labored. He made it look so easy...
... was it the pedals?
99% of MTB racers,
dismount on that course.
There is no way they'd sport road shoes and pedals,
even though they are...
- Lighter
- More aero
- Offer better contact and efficiency
... because once fouled they're VERY difficult to get engaged.
Gravel,
is another deal.
Unless we are pushing the boundaries,
ripping single track,
slaloming sand...
... we're not going to dismount.
The only time would be if crashed,
or unclipped to rutter a turn.
In most gravel races,
that's not likely.
So, should we run the road set up offroad?
I have multiple friends who roll the dice in local XC races...
... and even the long, epic stuff.
It almost always works out great.
Worth the risk?
Up to you.
Worth testing?
100%.
---
167.6
7.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
74
>
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TRAINING BIG BLOCKS?
A QUESTION CAME UP LAST NIGHT ON OUR ZOOM CALL. Have you ever trained big training blocks like Keegan Swenson just posted. Good question...
... does it work?
Maybe.
Here's what I can tell you from personal experience.
18 months ago, I was prepping for my insane time goal at Leadville.
I was really committed.
Holed up in Breckinridge all by myself,
for the month prior.
It's easy to be selfish with the time,
when you're by yourself.
The race is in August.
In July, I did..
- 20 hours
- 22 hours
- 25 hours
... a lot more than my normal 10-12 hours a week.
It was very race specific training.
Lots of Zone 2.
Recovery
was key.
I came out of that in awesome shape,
and had the best race
of
my
life.
Does it work for everybody?
I have no idea.
But, I'll definitely do it again when prepping for a once in a life quest.
----
168.9
7.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
73
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THINGS TO CHECK FIRST...
THERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT CAN MAKE OR BREAK a race, the chief being the bike. Bikes don't win races, but they sure can make things a lot harder...
... or a lot easier.
As I went through my checklist, I found a few issues:
- Rear brake pad smoked
- Sealant dried out
- Battery low
It's kinda nice to have brakes that work, especially with a ripping downhill like Saturday's.
The course should be in pretty good shape, but that doesn't mean a small wire or piece of glass couldn't be a day-ender without sealant.
And c'mon...
... ya can't ride these modern bikes without good batteries.
And, I'm not just talking about the derailleur batteries. Many of the shifters have their own small batteries.
I have made the mistake of not checking the shifter batteries.
Heck, I didn't even know about them until the start of the Filthy 50 a couple of years ago. I didn't warm up, just saddled up and headed to the start.
Typically MTB XC start... everybody pinned to get to the single track first...
... I got there last.
Shifter was dead, I was spun out and then spit out.
15 minutes later, with some help from the mechanic on site, I was back at it.
Which is exactly why I came up with the RaceDay Bike Checklist, and made it into a sticker.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-checklist-stickers
For about a year now we've been shipping the stickers out with each RaceDay Bag purchase. They're great for tool boxes and benches.
Here's a link to check 'em out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-checklist-stickers
----
168.7
8.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
71
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE HEROIC MOVE
THERE'S A LOT OF GREAT RACING GOING ON. Locally, regionally, internationally. Sometimes we witness the unfathomable attack from impossibly far out, other times...
... a second or third wind, for the win.
By inches.
We shouldn't be impressed.
I'm mean,
it's cool.
We all cheer.
But the truth is the victory was secured long ago.
When nobody was cheering.
It was dark,
lonely,
cold.
The alarm was more drill sergeant, than fan.
In those moments...
... the heroes make their moves.
If we're lucky,
we witness the results.
---
169.1
9ish hrs sleep
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
72
>
IT'S LIKE THE SUN GOING UP ON ME
40 DEGREES, 80% HUMIDITY ain't nothing. Combine that with a dawn start, the sun hidden behind the hills, and, well, when you're going 20+ mph in your underpants...
... it's bonechilly.
I left the knee warmers behind.
No vest.
No jacket.
Just arm warmers,
a base layer,
skull cap.
It's risky,
we might freeze,
this is how we do it...
... when we know sunny times are ahead.
So are they?
Whether we are enjoying the longer days,
recovering from an injury,
just getting back at it...
... we hope and plan for...
- better fitness
- decreased fatness
- all things to improve
... it's a process.
And, we know it.
Just like the sun coming up,
we imperceptibly rise to the occasion.
That's how today was for me.
Still got dropped,
but made it a little further.
I'll take it.
Here's a snapshot of where things stand.
There's nothing like a good fitness journey.
How's yours going?
---
168.7
8ish hrs sleep
10 Pullups 30 Pushups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
73 (per training peaks)
>
MY DUMBEST PREDICTION YET
PARIS-ROUBAIX IS SUNDAY. I can't wait. It's always so fun to watch, and such a battle of machine, mind, and bike handling. Lots of drama, and this year...
... is starts before the famed Arenberg Forest.
The forest is always crazy.
Mud.
Cobbles.
A massive battle for the front ensues for those who want the best chance of getting through with the lead group...
... unscathed.
This year, the organizers decide a chicane right before entering the forest would be a good idea.
Less dangerous.
I looked at the layout.
Here's my prediction.
Rather than racing for the forest entrance to avoid carnage...
... they will race to the chicane.
And...
- have plenty of lycra on the pavement.
- or in the barriers
- or both.
... I hope I'm wrong.
Then, we have to wonder, at least I do, what is the point of racing?
Call me crazy, but I think part of it is to show bike handling prowess.
We're still gonna see it with the chicane.
Just seems like a little chicanery...
... to appease, who?
---
169.1
8 hrs sleep
15 Pullups 50 Pushups 40 Shoulder Press... no legs today.
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
BLOOD. WORK.
DON'T BE LIKE ME. Because I never get sick, I never go to the doctor. Which meant I never had my blood work done. You're too smart for that...
... here's why.
By regularly getting the blood work done, we have a baseline for "our" normal.
I don't have that.
When I had the brain injury a few months ago,
things changed.
The brain is our command center, telling the body what to produce and control and do, etc.
A brain injury often causes issues with how the body is regulated.
Today, we reviewed my blood work which was drawn a few weeks ago.
Some markers are out of range - too high on some, too low on others.
Bad news is...
... I have no reference point of "my" normal.
Could be genetic, could be from the injury.
Good news is...
... we know where I'm at, and have some corrective measures to take.
Bonus, most indicators are positive for my body, and with my overall health.
Dr. Cory King, my functional health doctor from Encinitas, went over it all with me.
Nothing too scary...
... but definitely areas to not ignore.
Things like cholesterol levels, vitamin levels, etc. that can have negative effects if left untreated.
So, we'll chock this up as another blessing from my brain injury.
Regardless of your awesome health.
Find out where you are at,
things can probably be improved.
Consider this a gentle and loving nudge from me to you...
... get the blood work done.
---
169.4
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
CHEAT CODE
HERE'S A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET. Okay, maybe it's not all that dirty but it is secret and fact is it's...
... a cheat code for life.
There's a reason we get out and do our thing.
Sure, it's great to be in shape.
Have that come what may attitude.
Fact is, even though the fitness is great...
... there's something better.
- The problems we solve
- Ideas we come up with
- Freedom to think
We often, nearly always, return...
... renewed.
Ready
To
Kicka$$
Even when,
especially when...
... we've rung out our body's energy supply.
---
169.1
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
STRUGGLING WITH WEIGHT... TRY NOT
SINCE MY AWESOME START TO THE YEAR, knocking myself out and spending a 5 days in ICU, my metabolism has changed. This is not uncommon, given the standard protocols...
... and now I'm pissed.
I didn't ask for this, and that is not the problem.
I haven't asked for a solution.
I have forgotten my own wisdom.
Well, on the eve of my bday, yesterday, I was asked...
... What do you want?
Get my lycracovered buns back in fighting shape.
I went to bed with a question...
... How do I get back to my normal, leanish self?
I woke up with an answer.
A book recommendation appeared on my Kindle.
Feast., Fast. Fit. by Fred Duncan.
It wasn't new information for me.
Heck, I preach it.
It's worked in the past.
I believe it will work again.
The lesson?
It isn't get on the diet train...
... it's ask the right questions,
and expect answers.
- How can I get lean?
- How can I climb faster?
- How can I stay cool in the blistering heat?
- How can I complete a century without bonking?
- How can I reduce the drag created by my bike and body?
Try not.
Ask or ask not.
---
170.3
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THOU SHALT CARE FOR THY HANDS
TAKING CARE OF THE HANDS is importante. Road, is pretty straight forward. So is MTB. Gravel, well, it's got it's own challenges...
... what can we do?
I've seen plenty of ruined hands...
- brutal gripshift blisters
- palms filled with asphalt gravelly stuff
- a thumb's skin pealed from under the nail past the first knuckle
... all of it could have been spared with gloves.
Personally, I prefer very lightweight fullfinger gloves.
But, that ain't gonna help on the gravel bike.
No suspension.
What can we do?
I double wrap my bars with a good soft tape.
- helps with vibration
- displaces pressure points across a wider area
I was reminded of how great this is just last week.
It'd been a while since I'd ridden the roadie, been riding the gravel bike on and off road a ton.
As soon as I got going the bars felt weird.
Sharp.
Oh yeah, the single wrap bar.
It's lighter.
More aero.
But, I'd never go back to a single wrap on the gravel bike.
---
170.5
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
WHICH NUMBERS ARE WE CHASING?
THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE between the kinds of numbers some of us focus on putting up. Some chase big power numbers, while others chase small numbers...
... what's the corresponding motivation?
You know.
Are we more interested in the low numbers: 1st, 2nd, 3rd...
... or, increasing our own personal power numbers?
Do we need everybody to see us on the podium...
... or, are we thrilled when we privately snag a new PR?
We can go out to the race,
or we can design our own incredible adventure.
We can train to beat everybody,
or our training can help us live our best lives.
They're not necessarily mutually exclusive,
there are four seasons for a reason.
---
169
8.5 hrs sleep
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
IS IT TIME TO STOP BINGING?
SATURDAYS ARE MY DAYS. All week long, I look forward to getting up early and rolling out with no particular plan but wasting time via hours in the saddle...
... I call it binge riding.
Not today.
It was raining
When that happens on the 6th day of the week,
my day,
I'm typically grumpy.
This time,
I was looking forward to it.
Why?
Honestly, I'd been binge riding too much.
Too many days in a row spent
slipping out after work
staying out too long...
... the time change being my enabler.
I was unconsciously due for a break.
Some call it overtrained...
... overbinged is more accurate,
for me.
---
168.2
7.5 hrs sleep
Lots of pull ups, pushups and squats.
10 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
68
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE OL' WHAT IF YOU KNEW...
THESE TWO PUNKS SHOWED UP TO MY HOUSE, and dragged their dear ol' dad out for his favorite thing. Riding MTBs with them...
... that wasn't the best part.
Sure, it was fun to keep up with 'em.
Mostly.
Then, completely overdoing it at Cheesecake factory.
The best part was dropping by the Audi store...
... and hotrodding around in a $70k RS3.
So.
Dang.
Fast!
It's good to get in the dream car, and throw it around some corners...
... to keep the dreams alive.
But, what if it wasn't a dream.
What if...
... you knew you could PR any segment, win any race?
What would it be?
If we don't know,
can't quickly answer the question..
... likely not going to happen.
But,
what
if
we
knew...
... then,
what would we do with today's training?
---
1680
7.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
JUST BECAUSE IT'S FREE MEANS...
SO MUCH INFORMATION, and so much of it free. Free is a weird price, because we know it's gonna cost time and there's probably...
... an ask down the road.
Don't be fooled.
Sometimes the really expensive stuff is great,
sometimes it's terrible.
Same for free.
Price is a signal.
Should we be swayed?
I recently got an offer to save 30% on a $6000 frame.
6K!!!...
... must be awesome.
Maybe.
But, how do we know?
Really?
The glossy magazine ad?
The pro riding it to a win?
It can be frustrating.
When it comes right down to it, most of us...
... are swayed by our friends' reviews.
Like these -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/reviews...
... which I'm extremely grateful for.
---
168.3
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
DOES YOUR DOG BITE?
THE GREAT INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU encounter with a dog is classic. The dog is off leash, he asks Does your dog bite? The answer is, No. He bends to pet the dog...
... only to have the dog viciously latch on to his hand!
I thought you said your dog does not bite?
That is not my dog.
I thought about that since Surfergirl has...
- demanded
- pleaded
- asked
... that I let her track me on my rides.
I feel like a dog on a leash.
The Jason Bourne in me wants none of that.
There's nothing to hide,
when I ride.
But, really?
She does have a point.
I often venture into the wild.
Signs with warnings of mountain lions and snakes about.
Trails are often treacherous to the bike,
and potentially me.
Humans few and far between.
If, if, if I should need a rescue,
which I never have...
... I'll just need two things.
A cell signal...
... and a friend who cares.
It's kinda romantic when ya think about it,
guess we're doing all right.
---
168.2
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
HOW MY LITTLE PRACTICE LOOP TOOK ME DOWN
I SET OFF TO POUND MY PRACTICE LOOP. The profile is jagged, lots of single track, and...
... I'm trying to crack 90 minutes.
Today's failure is why it's so important to practice racing.
Here's the dill.
This course is very hard to stay fueled on...
... almost impossible to drink, forget about eating.
Which meant I was tuckered out, with 4 miles to go. The last 30ish minutes are pretty dern steep.
With about 20 minute warm up,
winging it on 1/2 bottle and 100 calories was a weak effort.
Just not enough.
Strava called a Massive Relative Effort,
giving the workout a score of 192.
I'll try it again in a couple of weeks.
This time with 400 calories,
and 30 ounces of water,
in a Camelbak.
There just isn't time to suck on a bottle,
the bladder hose is easy to grab,
and once in my mouth,
handsfree.
Ya can't figure that out without simulating what ya might be racing...
... in real world conditions.
---
169.1 lbs (dropping some of these will speed things up, too)
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
SPEED AND BRAKES, NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS
THERE'S A TECHNICAL, ROCKY SECTION on part of a local trail. First-timers walk it, new riders use a slow approach, locals...
... let it rip.
They know something.
Speed makes it much easier to glide over the the treachery.
It's counterintuitive.
Disc brakes are the same way.
They rub.
We pry 'em apart and reinsert the wheel.
Soon into the ride they are rubbing again.
Why?
The pads are worn out.
You'd think they would stop touch the disc or barely work when running thin.
That's the way rim brakes work when the pads are worn down.
Not discs.
Counterintuitive.
Which why we alwaysalwaysalways check our brake pads before a race...
... so we hit the tricky stuff with speed.
---
167.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
66
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
DO YOU D.H.T.?
WE MAY NOT BE PRO. Our equipment may be lacking, our preparation woeful, our focus far from singular...
... which makes it all the more impressive.
When we, you and me...
... Do Hard Things.
Just like the pros,
but on a whole other level.
They level up,
get a pay check.
Our objective has nothing to do with money, and...
... everything to do with commitment.
Here's the cool part.
People see it.
Our family, friends, work associates, neighbors, etc.
They get inspired.
Maybe not to ride 100 miles or run a marathon or do an Ironman.
Doesn't matter.
The ability to D.H.T. can be applied to anything...
- changing diapers in the middle of the night
- studying instead of clubbing
- making 100 cold calls/day
- working 80 hrs a week for a season
- pushing a car off to the side of the road
- leading volunteers to repair after a disaster strikes
... once we learn we have it within us.
---
169.1 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
66
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
WE NEED A METRIC FOR THIS
THE FIRST TIME I SAW SHIMANO'S INTEGRATED SHIFTING, dubbed SIS, I knew there was no chance in a sprint without it. Sure we'd perfected the lost of art of...
... sprinting, letting go of the handlebars with one hand to shift.
But, what was the point?
It was useless.
Shimano changed the game, all because...
... Gripshift had changed the game.
Gripshift morphed into SRAM.
Shimano gave us electric shifting.
SRAM did it better with wireless.
How is that my new Kindle got me thinking of this?
Simple.
Kindle changes the reading game.
Which got me thinking about another game changer, Training Peaks.
It's pretty cool.
All kinds of data.
But, one metric is missing and would...
... be so funny to have.
A measurement for how bad a ride sucks...
- Freezing rain
- Frying pan heat
- Mile long hike-a-bike
- Gail force headwinds
- Countless mechanicals
... indicating our badassness for getting it done,
not quitting.
For example, we rolled the dice this morning on a 38% chance of rain.
No big deal, right?
3 hours in, we face another hour of driving headwind and relentless rain...
... the suckometer was needling past halfway.
- Hands were edging towards inoperable.
- Too wet and involved to eat carbs
- Feet sloshing
Not terrible.
But, somewhere on the ride data it woulda been nice to see...
... the badassometer read out.
Just fer fun.
See where the day's suckiness ranked against other such rides over time.
Time to go back the Kindle...
... under the blankies.
Me still cold.
---
167.9 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
Just pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
LEARNING TO RIP FROM MARCH MADNESS
BALL AND STICK SPORTS are typically concerned with, and built around, offense and defense. How do we...
... apply that thinking to our endurance addictitions?
Do we have offense?
Defense?
Yep.
Offense
- Riding, running swimming time
- Weight lifting
- Racing and competitive group rides
- Upgrading equipment - new, shiny stuff
- Hiring a coach
- Fine tuning the bike fit
- Developing our handling skills
Defense
- Recovery work
- Sleep
- Proper nutrition
- Accountability partner(s)
- Equipment maintenance
- Stretching
- Allies to work with when falling behind
And before you say I've misplaced one of those, we all know...
... the best defense is offense and visa versa.
That's not the point.
The point is to figure out...
... how to incorporate a great offense and defense in our limited time.
---
167.8 lbs
8.25 hrs sleep
Just pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
TWO OF LIFE'S MYSTERIES
THERE TWO MYSTERIES THAT SCIENCE can't explain. AI doesn't have the answer, either. But's they are facts just the same. For example...
... why do beginners get all the flats?
Riddle me that one LycraMan.
You know it's true.
You know if you invite a new, excitedtobethere, rider along, there's gonna be a flat.
Waywaywayway more often than the experienced riders will experience.
Makes no sense.
Just like why more bike shops don't have a comfy couch to wait for that...
.... just a few more minutes...
repair.
Maybe a coffee table showcasing
- A colorful catalog of their favorite products
- Samples of their go to sports drinks or things to chomp
- Gotta have tools to check out
I was thinking of another mystery as I swapped out my worn disc brake pads...
... why more of us don't learn the basics of maintenance.
---
168.7 lbs (the struggle is real)
8.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
63
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE PRIDE CYCLE QUEST
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE THAT YOU'RE PROUD OF? Could be anything, but let's stay on point with athletic endeavors because it's important...
... to harness this concept.
The Pride Cycle Quest.
It's also dangerous,
if we let it get the best of us.
For me, at least, it's all about the quest.
Can I do it?
And, it's a cycle...
- Pick the outrageous result to chase
- Train for it.
- Do it.
... and pick another quest.
I don't really care if anybody else thinks it's cool,
so few understand us anyway.
It's internal.
Am I proud of that result?
It's only dangerous if we are chasing likes and kudos and cheers...
... from the world.
It's not about that.
It's about the quest.
It's personal.
I'm happiest when I have at least one per year.
That's my cycle of pride.
---
167.9 lbs
7.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
CHASING GHOSTS
PATHS BECOME TRAILS, trails become roads, roads become highways. It's evolution, and underneath it all are the ghosts...
... who got it started.
We think we're blazing a trail,
when we are really just going along with the crowd.
I was thinking about the day my longgone granpappy came to watch me race a criterium.
It was all new to me.
We wizzed past him every lap.
But, the laps were long...
... and he could barely see at that stage.
Afterwards, he told me how it was years before, when he was young.
I thought it would be in a velodrome and I'd be able to see you entire race.
Clueless me had no idea velodrome racing was the only bicycle racing 100 years ago.
Prior to that, it was racing bicycles long distance, on dusty...
... gravel roads.
In other words, we gone from...
- gravel
- to velodrome
- to road
- to bmx
- to mtb
- to gravel
... so why is gravel "new"?
It's not.
We're all just chasing ghosts who've gone before.
---
168 lbs
8.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THIS AIN'T NO TIME FOR FOOLING AROUND
WHAT IS THE BASELINE? The minimum effort to do and consider the week a win? It's important to have the least acceptable effort in mind...
... and make it happen.
Riding in the rain will make you think things like that.
Like, why the heck am I doing this?
Which is exactly what I was thinking as the skies opened an hour away from home.
Because I made a plan.
A public commitment.
Accountability.
Yesterday, in the sunshine and 72 degrees I committed to do the following this week:
- 15 pull ups, 50 push ups, 10 squats daily
- Ride 14 hours this week
- Drop 3 lbs
Easy to do when the weather is good,
and the day lazy.
The public commit was to the RaceDay Rippers,
who also hold me accountable each week when we check in.
I'm two months out from my next quest, the SurfNSummit.
The plan is on my RaceDay Calendar.
Some say Show me your calendar and I'll know what important to you...
... and yes, Date Night better be on there each week.
We have a few of the Giant RaceDay Calendars left, and you can save 25% since a quarter of the year is nearly past by using promo code:
CAL25OFF
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2024-giant-raceday-calendar
Here is the code:
CAL25OFF
Nod to the great Talking Heads for the inspiration
This is ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no time for foolin' around
---
168.9 lbs
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
59
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
HOW TO STAY SLOW...
IT'S SUPER EASY TO STAY SLOW, and just as easy to stay fast. To stay slow, do what your slow friends do and...
... expect to get fast.
The problem with actually getting fast,
nobody gives you credit.
For the most part, they can't see or appreciate, and will never know...
... how hard we work.
And, we've got to be okay with that.
To commence,
recognition be damned.
To be fast, do what you fast friends do...
... and expect to get fast.
Do.
Expect.
168.4 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
58
>
WWDGD?! - 25 WEEKS TO GO
I FELT GOOD ENOUGH THIS WEEK TO DREAM of getting my fitness back and setting unrealistic goals. Is there anything better than that? Getting to a place to...
... dare to go for it.
After pushing hard for nearly 3 hours, we had a choice.
Take it easy or do the hurtful climb?
500' in a mile doesn't sound like much...
... unless it's the last climb of a fast day.
We were gonna skip it, and then Love Watts yelled...
... WWDGD!
Huh?
What Would David Goggins Do?!
There was no choice at that point, because all of us have streeeeeeeeetch goals this summer.
It was fine.
Slower than I'd like...
... but, compared to last week waywayway better.
And so the journey begins.
The countdown to Gravel Nationals.
Here's where I'm at.
You can see my fitness score at the very bottom.
Down from over 50%, 18 months ago.
Weight, 168ish.
Up 10 lbs, 18 months ago.
Vision is still messed up.
Way off from what I considered one of my few advantages racing off road.
Can I be ready September 8th, 2024?
It's gonna be fun,
and frustrating.
WWDGD?
Go for it.
Every
single
freakin'
opportunity.
168.2 lbs
8 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
60
>
WHEN THE RACE PLAN GOES TO HECK IN A HANDLEBAR
IT WAS A ROUGH START, things weren't going smoothly at all. It was causing a lot of stress and internal turmoil. Energy I'd hoped to reserve for...
... more important sections of the event.
Ayyyy, what to do?
What I always do...
... but, forget to do.
Think of of the things going right...
- I felt good
- I'd started on time
- My prep was perfect
... other words be grateful for the good.
My energy shifted.
I calmed down.
Focused on getting down to business.
Wound up having a spectacular day...
... at the office.
Tomorrow's race should go a lot better, and if it doesn't...
... I know what to do.
168.2 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
600 minutes reading + Journaling
56
>
YOU INSURED FOR THAT?
WELL, THE BILLS ARE COMING and I'm thinking about you and me. For years I've looked at health insurance as lame. Struggled mentally, sometimes economically...
... to pay that everlarger bill.
Why?
I never get sick.
Rarely, and I mean rarely, do I see a doctor.
I'm already doing all they would recommend to get better...
- eat good
- skip sugar
- get plenty of rest
- and workout regularly
... why would I spend the $ on insurance?
It feels like I'm being duped.
Well, there are these events called...
... accidents.
They happen,
and are almost completely unplanned.
So, yeah, my bills are coming in and I'm happy as being at the to of the podium at my A race...
... 'cause it looks like almost all of it covered.
Sucks to be out 1000s...
... but, way better than being out 100s of thousands.
Just putting this out there 'cause I love you...
... get covered, if ya ain't.
====
Side Note: has anybody tried insurance for bike like BikeInsure? Asking for myself, just found out about 'em
167.2 lbs
7.8 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
56
>
DO YOU LET POWER OR HR DETERMINE YOUR HARD VS EASY DAYS?
I HADN'T WORN MY HR MONITOR FOR DAYS. It wasn't working consistently, so I left it parked in the drawer. Until today, I gave it a shot and it actually worked...
... it got me thinking about the levels of easy.
There's so easy...
- I can barely feel the pedals
- I can sing a song
- I can easily talk
- I am not sure
... and maybe a few more levels.
My goal today was to ride as close to the top of my Zone 2 as possible, without going over...
... the I'm not sure range.
I wasn't sure, because my heart rate was bouncing at the top of the range. Meanwhile...
... my power was definitely over into a higher range quite often.
This is how I trained for decades, when I just had a HR monitor.
What's more important then...
... HR in Zone 2 or Power in Zone 2?
I'm gonna say, for me at least, HR is more important. It is more reflective of how all systems are working given the effort and absorbs the little efforts when the terrain or other elements require a few more watts.
Here's a real world application.
When I'm racing something epic, like Leadville, I'm going off heart rate for my pacing, and using the power meter to keep things in check when I have to dig a little deeper to close a gap or clean a technical uphill section.
The reality is, for peak performance on the long efforts...
... it's good to have both.
If it's a short race, under an hour, well, you know...
... put the dadgum gadget in the back pocket and race on feel.
Same for a long day of adventuring, who cares about the data when we're out there.
Enjoy the ride.
We can analyze later.
---
168. lbs
7.8 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
57
>
SHOULD WE DO A HUNDRED RACES IN A YEAR?
YA WANNA GET GOOD, be a boss, strike fear in your frenemies, be the maker of things that happen...
... instead of wondering what happened?
Race.
A lot more.
100 times/year.
Think I'm crazy?
Think it's immmm po siiiiii ble?
Then don't do it.
Don't even try.
Keep wonderin',
misreading the moves.
Or, commit.
Do:
- 2 zwifties
- 2 local races
- 2 group rides
- 2 of your own personal courses for PR
We all have 52 chances a year,
to race twice a week.
No excuses.
Nothing but upside.
Heck, even a brain-damaged guy like me can do it.
This week...
- hammering my xc race loop Tuesday
- group ride on weekend
... slaying myself today, getting crushed by the fellas Saturday.
Gotta start somewhere.
Gonna do what hurts and what I'm comfortable with.
Twice a week.
Oh... I know you're askin'...
... Why 100 times a year?
Because, every race is different.
We'll see a lot of different situations.
We're trying to see 'em all, or have a reallyreallyreally good feel for what is going to happen.
Simple as that.
Experience counts.
Get some.
It's free.
---
168.6 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
55
Are you ready to Rip On Raceday?
>
NOT GONNA LIE
WHEN I FINALLY CAME TO, I had one thing on my mind. Not after first being knocked out, not after the morphine and other meds wore off, days after being home...
... I wanted to say one thing.
Not gonna lie.
I was hurting.
Stunned.
How could my crazy good health take such a drastic turn in seconds...
... this wasn't what I had planned for 2024.
8 weeks later, I'm improving.
I'd leave it there, but...
... not gonna lie.
I'm nowhere near where I was just prior, nor 12 months ago, nor 2 years ago.
I'm off.
I can work 4-5 hours,
then my brain needs a break.
I can ride my bike,
but I have no power,
off-road vision is shift.
I can talk to friends,
until I can't.
Something even more weird happened though.
Something few will admit or acknowledge or maybe even notice...
... when I took that blow to the noggin' it felt like my spirit left my body.
There's a disconnectedness.
I know things aren't quite right.
Will they return or is life just going to be different?
Not gonna lie...
... this is new territory.
Now, I'm being as honest and transparent as possible in all I do.
My friend battling cancer taught me that,
the freedom of being honest.
Yes, I hid it from Surfergirl that on one of my first bike rides alone I was going down the road and thought I saw 4 ducks crossing the road in front of me...
... it was just two,
that's troubling.
Not gonna lie.
I kept riding.
Lying to myself it was all good,
hiding the truth if asked.
What is easier, being honest with ourselves and those around us or pulling the lycra over our eyes and theirs?
To remind myself of my new commitment...
... I made a special kit, see above.
That's the kind of thing I was looking forward to in 2024.
New designs,
new patterns,
new fabrics.
The good newsy stuff.
If you're into the rawness of honesty, maybe you'll like this too.
It's patterned after one of my all-time favorite Porsche's.
Check the full kit here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ngl-collection
Use this promo code on this kit to save 30%: NGL30
Code expires on 3.15.24.
---
168.6 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
54
>
HE SWITCHED TEAM, AND IT...
TODAY AN AMERICAN WON PARIS-NICE, an 8-Day stage race in France. A youngun, 25 years old. He'd never done it before, and wasn't picked as a favorite...
... except he picked himself.
A long time ago.
When riding for a less professional, less scientific team he was spending his own cash on equipment and training to up his game.
Something the top teams covered and pursued relentlessly.
He jumped at the chance to upgrade to the current dominant force in European road racing this season.
Would it matter?
I'd say it is clear.
What's interesting is how many of are trapped like a monkey...
... failing to let go, when we know we should.
Not only did he upgrade his team and training, but placed a huge bet on himself in a daring and startling breakaway with fellow US racer Brandon McNulty.
When you are a pro...
... winning actually is everything.
Way to go Mateo Jorgenson.
---
168.4 lbs
9 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
53
>
HOW TO GET FASTER FOR DUMMIES
APPARENTLY, LOVE WATTS FORGOT our commitment to go easy on the way up the coast. Which meant we had time to do the biggest climb I've done this year...
... 2 hours and 2000' of climbing for our "warm up".
At the usual time, riders flocked in and we were off.
It felt good to do my first group ride of the year...
- to see the guys
- get whooshed along
- and see some higher power numbers
... until the first overpass.
Where I was off the back.
Caught on at a light.
Off again.
On again.
My breathing and wheezing needed a muffler.
On the next power climb, normally 2ish minutes...
... I needed an extra minute or three.
They were gone.
Yeah, they are nowhere near as fast as I am...
... they're a heckuvalot faster.
Am I good with that?
Yeah, they've always been faster than lit'l ol' me.
Now I just need patience to close the gap to where...
... they are less faster.
So, here's the plan that I've used many a year...
... pick a spot beyond where I got popped today.
Make it just a little further each week.
Corner by corner,
Hill by hill.
Progress > Perfection
---
167.6 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
54
>
#PEDALPOSSE
WE DON'T HAVE CUSTOMERS.
Yes, we do.
No, we don't. We have a posse.
We aren't into one-time transactions.
We are planning to ride together forever.
When things go sideways and when things are great, the posse lets us know.
We got each other's backs.
Do you want to be a customer, or do you want to be part of a posse?
_____
THE SKILLS
THE SKILLS NEEDED TO GO FAST ON A BIKE MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK THEY ARE.
The number one skill is time management. Putting in the time, means finding the time. If you need to get up early, do it. If you need to ride the trainer at night, do it.
Number 2 is commitment. Commit to riding no matter what. It's cold, go ride. It's dark, go ride. Nobody else is going, go ride.
Number 3 is friendship. Find your posse. Inspire each other. It's a heck of a lot easier to get out there if you know the rest of the kids are gonna meet ya at the corner.
Number 4 is keep it fun. No matter what. Ride a wheelie. Stop for a Coke.
_____
REFLECTIONS
IF YOU'RE TRAVELING TO A RACE THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SPIKE YOUR CONFIDENCE. My favorite, was actually shocking today. In fact, my heart skipped a beat. Such was my concern.
Exiting the shower I turned to face a full body mirror... only it wasn't my body.
Yikes!
I know I've dropped about 8 lbs since last year, but the stick creature staring back at me looked more like a resident of Pandora.
So yeah... stay at a foofoo hotel with skinny mirrors to get your climbing on!
_____
I JUST LIED TO A GIRL SCOUT
THERE SHE WAS, ALL OF 4 1/2 FEET TALL, MOM BACKING HER UP. Would you like some Girl Scout cookies?
I'd been prepping for this day. After many near misses at the grocery store, here I was face to face with the most powerful sales force in America.
Who would win?
I almost choked trying to spit our my prepared speech.
Oh darling, I'm allergic to cookies.
The beaming smile flattened. Mom frowned, she knew. I could hear her inner thoughts: scumbag!
But, it's true... I am allergic to cookies.
Want proof?
Every time I eat one, I get fat.
And the Thin Mints... forget eating one, I eat 'em by the sleeve.
And I'm racing this weekend.
And the season is on.
And I worked so hard to shed 8 lbs this winter.
And...
_____
HOW LONG UNTIL WE LONG?
THERE'S JUST A HINT OF SUMMER IN THE AIR. I know it's early, but it's there.
More heat.
More light.
How long until the summer scorchers have us longing for winter?
_____
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Pictures were taken by Tosh Clements
#feefastridefast
YA DON'T STOP!
WHAT YA READ IS NOT A TEST...
I was geeked up, pumped up, ready to rip.
Bikes loaded, boys loaded, on a trip.
Truck bouncin', phone bouncin', hit the road.
Turn around?, say what?!
Go back?
Naaaaaah....
We ridin', not callin'.
THIS IS TRUE LOVE
NOTHING SAYS LOVE LIKE A VALENTINE'S DONUT... and the fact that she didn't get one for me says even more. It says she gets me.
_____
GO MOD
WE WANT TO CHANGE YOUR WORLD WITH MOD. MOD is Made On Demand. For you, that means no more minimum orders and no more long lead times. Just go into the store we create for you and order gear as you need it.
Simple enough?
FAQ's
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If you're ready or have questions, click here.
GRIT. HOPE.
REMEMBER WAY BACK TO YESTERDAY WHEN I BRAGGED ABOUT HOW GRITTY WE (YOU AND ME) ARE? Well, check out my morning.
1. Still super exhausted from Saturday's Rock Cobbler.
2. Leave house 4 minutes late.
3. Get 5 minutes down the road and cleats will not engage... Tell me why??????... oh, yeah, Thursday I crammed them full of muddy clay and it hardened in there.
4. Back home for 20 minutes of surgery.
5. Leave again... now 30 minutes late.
6. Hustle, and start making all the short cut calculations... cut through golf course, skip Melinda, make light at Marguerite...
7. As I'm rolling past Rock N Road I see a group turn the corner. It's just the right size I can't tell if it's the A group or the B... but, I miss the light and have to wait.
8. Catch Dan on bike trail. A or B, I gasp. A. Ugh (A's are chasing B's... and I'm escrewed).
You may be wondering why didn't I stay in bed to begin with... it was 39 and dark and I was tired?
Because of that previous post.
Why didn't I go back to bed when I came home vs shoe surgery?
Because of that darn post.
Why didn't I just do my own ride vs chasing all morning?
Because of that post.
Why do we do what we do?
Because we've got grit!
... and hope. I was hoping I'd make up the 4 minutes, I was hoping the cleat fix would be quick, I was hoping I'd make all the lights, I was hoping I'd catch... and eventually I did catch Dan and then my neighbor Mike who'd flatted... and so, Mike and I and Isaac finished it up strong, and then Mike and I rolled home and caught up on life.
... another great ride!
(yes, this is worth your time)
GRIT
I KEEP HEARING ABOUT GRIT, that it's grit that makes the difference between success and failure.
Looking at tomorrow's once again dark and cold start, I know I'll be among the few with the grit to do it.
Why?
Habit. For sure, that's a big part.
Results. I prefer the result of riding vs not riding.
The sunrise... is there anything better?
(6:38AM tomorrow)
_____
AND THEN IT STARTED TO RAIN
10 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE ROCK COBBLER IT STARTED TO SPRINKLE. In unison, the temperature began dropping. I ripped off my jersey threw on a base layer.
The sprinkle turned to drizzle. Back to the van. Off with the jersey and base layer, on with the vest.
I rode 100 yards to the Start area.
Now it was raining. Dark, full clouds lie ahead. I'm freezing.
Back to the van, again. Off with the vest, off with the jersey, on with the base layer and jersey and vest.
It's all of got...
... and I can hear the singer giving it all she's got...
... and the hommmmmmme, of theeeeeeee, BRAAAAAAAAVE!
A yank the van door shut, hide the key, jump on HVY MTL, and catch the group as it leaves Lengthwise Brewery.
It's 42 degrees, raining, I'm basically wearing underwear, the group is barely moving during our 14 mile neutral roll out. I start to shiver. The bars shimmer.
Is this brave or stupid? It's the Rock Cobbler 6.0... and it's exactly what we all signed up for: an adventure, a test, a tour... through beautiful open country, accessible only because Sam Ames makes it happen.
We finally survived the neutral, got up to speed, and hit the first long climb. The day before, when I test rode it, it was dry and hard and slippery. I thought a light rain would help. Ha!... it was slop. While I cleaned it many were already walking.
... and I was warm, finally!
I was about 30 guys back. Little groups of 3-5 guys slicing fast gravel and single track for the next hour. We could all see each other, and where to go.
(NOTE: when gravel racing, part of being prepared... of being "pro"... is downloading the map onto your Garmin. I did not do this. I will never skip this step again.)
About this point we took a narrow, shallow tunnel under a highway. Into the daylight, the guy ahead of me turned left. Just like the guy ahead of him, and the guy head of him... I have a maxim: the closer we get to the finish line, the dumber we get... and the left turn was a perfect example.
We raced on... up a hike-a-bike so steep I locked my brakes then pulled myself up a few steps. It was brutal. My calves burned. Lots of guys were collapsed at the top, a number of others scraping mud off their bikes so their wheels would spin.. the aid station guys didn't seem surprised to see us. They should have been. I refilled a bottle and got going.
There probably isn't a funner section of racing anywhere than down the slot canyon with huge banked turns that led us to the pavement.
We got a train of 4 guys, started swooping more guys, and barreling back towards Bakersfield. Full gas!... when some hill billy in a pick up rips past us, slams on his brakes, jumps out and starts yelling. I'm thinking, great a kook that wants off the road... but he's yelling, you're going the wrong way, turn around. We didn't hear that though and kept riding. He speeds past us and does it again. We can't believe it. Crest fallen, we turn the train around. We chug, neither speeding up nor slowing down.
We yell at the other groups still heading the wrong way... eventually we get back on course and just deal with it. We're about a half hour behind schedule.
It's a cow trail, above the mighty Kern river... a known killer in the spring and summer, a timid friend today. It's green and lush and slippery. In some places the trail is a foot wide, and 15' straight down into the drink.
I love it. This is my kind of riding. I forget about the extra miles and get back to racing. My buddies from home, Tim and Jeff, and I are up to full speed. The mud is real: thick and slow; then, sandy and gritty; fast and splashy. So fun!
The next aid station we are begging for lube. None. But, plenty of food. Tim whips out a teency, tiny lube sampler and saves us. Many people at this point bail out. Their bikes a barely working, the legs are gone.
We get on with it, and I'm so glad. Sure, we had a hideous 20 minute brutal climb. Many pitches to steep to ride. Mud sticky enough to pull your shoes off. But sooooo worth it.
Beautiful green pastures. Cows. Streams. Earth at it's best!
And it's getting warmer and dryer. It hasn't rained for 2 hours. This is the desert, and it's going to get faster every single minute.
I summit by myself. Blow through the aid station the bottom of a Dolomiti-like road descent, start up the next climb where I see a group of 10 about 2 minutes up the road.
It's Diesel time!
15 minutes later, after surfing through their shelled riders I catch.
Hallaflippinluyah!
There's still a lot of road and gravel and single track and whoops to go, but I'm able to recover a bit and eat. My buddy Q is here. It's a good group riding at a fast clip.
I know what's ahead. They don't. I've done it. They haven't. They're going to. I'm not.
It's the terrible hike-a-bike us rookies already did.
They head for it, I head for the finish. It's still 20 miles away, and the 84 mile ride I signed up for is going to wind up being 96.
Would I do the Rock Cobbler again? For sure... with the map on my Garmin.
____
A few tips: download the course so you have it - can't say this enough; bring extra lube; spray non-stick spray on your pedals, shoes and parts of your frame the collect mud... I'm sure next year will be totally different and I'll have all new mistakes to learn from.
TOMORROW WE COBBLE
I'VE BEEN WANTING TO DO THE ROCK COBBLER FOR YEARS... Sam is known turning the fun up to 11.
Wade suggested I reset my expectations to entertainment... be prepared to be bombed by beach balls.
Dave said to spray my shoes and pedals and down tube with non-stick spray... that mud and those hikes are real.
Tim and Chris said they're just here for the miles... its Tim's 5th and Chris' 1st.
I checked out the first miles today... straight up!
What have I gotten myself into?
_____
SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR
THERE I WAS, SHAKING DOWN HVY MTL BEFORE SATURDAYS ROCK COBBLER. It had all gone so well.
Chain was quiet.
Paint was sparkly.
Had to go all terrain to do it right. Hit some pavement, hit some gravel, hit some chunky asphalt, hit some dirt.
But, the dirt was sticky. Not too sticky, just sticky enough to give my treads a light glaze of brown.
As I climbed along the final dirt pitch, I could see in my mind the other side. It was steep, the rain for sure would have dug some deep grooves. I'd have to bunny hop a bit. The big question was the 50' of flat from the bottom of the hill to the pavement.
How bad could it be?
The grooves turned out to be more trench-like. I worked my way jumping and sliding quickly. I could see the flat section. Smooth as can be.
I pinned it... full speed... I got it, I got it, I... the pinning turned to spinning... harder, faster became deeper... and stuck.
New shoes ankle deep in California clay... almost lost 'em.
Turns out this was a good thing... I double checked the weather for Saturday: rain from mid-night so sunrise. I called Super Dave, who's raced it many times...
Bro, will road shoes work at The Cobbler.
No, way... BWR yes... but, Cobbler has a solid hike-a-bike.
Yikes!
He gave me three more solid tips to make it through this crazy course Sam has cooked up.
... I can smell the mud from here... mmmmmmmmmm
_____
A NEEEEEW BIKE!
THIS MUST BE WHAT MONTY HALL FELT LIKE... her shock, way back on Christmas Day; then her joy today, when it was finally ready for a ride.
It'd been years since her last new road bike... which was preceded by the arrival of Trevor, making us a party of 3.
Oh, there had been plenty of mountain bikes and motorcycles and surfboards during that time... as well as our party growing to 5 with Shane and Shelby.
But, no road bikes.
It was probably my doing... we lived in a mountain bike mecca and that's all I rode for years.
Then, I got into the road scene via Trevor's passion for it.
He got out of it, I stayed fully immersed... loving it.
She didn't seem to care.
Did she?
Did she mind being a road widow?
Didn't seem like it... but, I'm a dude... and dudes can be sooooo clueless.
The last month has been like watering a dry plant.
I may not be the be the quickest of riders,
but, I got this one right.
_____
IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL
IN THE MIDST OF ALL THE CHAOS LIFE SERVES UP, there waits our humble bike.
Through launching a career or business, starting a family or raising teenagers, caring for each other or an elderly parent, in good times and bad times... it waits.
Sometimes, too long.
Tires get splashy, or flat.
Chain gets stiff, or rusty.
The helmet and shoes dusty, or lost.
The gear buried, or given away.
But that bike, it waits.
Like an old dog, we can't give it away. Not while it longingly looks up and hoping today's the day we get back outside... escape the garage... and put a great big giant smile on my master's face.
In the midst of it all, when it's all a little too much...
... go ride your bike.
_____
I DON'T ALWAYS BONK...
I DON'T ALWAYS BONK, BUT WHEN I DO... sometimes it's a work.
I just get jamming, and in the zone, and "lunch time" passes by... and then it's mid-afternoon or later... and I'm hungry like a wolf!
More of the time I've got a bar or two stashed in my desk or glove compartment.
Just another reason to be grateful to be a bike rider.
Am I weird?
_____
OUR LENS
OUR LENS.
Will it be an adventure?
Will we be tested?
Will we meet some cool people?
Will it require our best?
Will we make a difference in someone's life?
Will we learn a ton?
Will it be fun?
Will we go fast?
Will it be dangerous?
Will we need new skills?
Will it be unpredictable?
Will it change us?
We're in.
_____
THE OLD N +1
THEY SAY EVERY RIDER SHOULD HAVE ALL THE BIKES HE OR SHE NEEDS, plus one more. Or something like that.
But, what if we had N - 1.
What if there was always a need for one more bike?
Oh... right... that's exactly how it is.
Right now my "- 1" is a full suspension XC racer. I'm feeling a need to get back to the dirt, back to my roots.
How 'bout you?
_____
MAKE UP PULLS ARE NOT THE SAME AS MAKE UP LOVE
COVER YOUR EYES KIDS... sometimes mommy and daddy aren't getting along, and then someone eventually tosses an olive branch, and soon enough sparks are flying like never before... but, that's not how it works in a pace line.
Look, I know you've been skipping pulls. Everybody in the pace line does, and nobody is happy about it.
Don't make it worse!
Don't wander up to the front and think, Well I feel pretty good now that I've rested I better make up for it by doing a monster pull. Doing a big, long, fast pull will not ingratiate yourself. It's not make up sex... it's more like, well... I don't know exactly... but, I do know you're going to tick everybody off with these shenanigans.
Resist.
Do this.
Roll through like the gentlemen or lady you think you are... take a normal pull... slot back in... and do it again and again and again...
Eventually, we'll forget and forgive your previous misdeeds. That's how to kiss and make up in a pace line.
XOXO
PS... no, this isn't about you... 'cause I know you, you think it's you, but it's not you... it's someone else : )
_____
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HEY MAN, YOU GOING IN LATE TODAY OR TAKING THE DAY OFF?
Going in late.
Cool. We never get you on this ride.
He neglected to mention it was his birthday! Somebody who knew happybirthdayed him.
Yeah, Happy Birthday man! You really going into work?
Yep.
Well, can't think of a better way to start the day off!
_____
OUR A TEAM IS GROWING, AND I'M STOKED!
WE MAKE NEARLY ALL OUR GEAR IN THE U.S. of A 'MERICA! It's freakin' awesome. We have so much more flexibility as a manufacturer of custom products than we did when were offshoring.
Which for me, personally, is hellavalotta fun!
And, for our customers, hellavalotta convenient.
It's more fun because it's so much easier to create new products, control quality. There's nothing like hands on. Plus, we're employing Americans.
It's more convenient because our design team is here. Customer's team stores never close now. They can order 1 thing or a 100. And get their orders in less than 4 weeks.
American. Awesome.
_____
HOW'S THE WEATHER?
WHEN I'M RACING I LOVE WORTHLESS DATA. I don't use a power meter, but I do use h.r.. But, I don't... when I'm racing any way. I used to.
Now, I prefer nonsense.
Before nonsense, I would toss the Garmin into my back pocket.
Now... give me the weather.
Whether or not...
if I can't keep up, what's the point of knowing?
Do or do not...
Rather than think of all the pain, or how intense the effort is...
In a road race, nothing matters...
Except being the last guy to lead.
THE FIRST TIME
OVER THE YEARS, I'VE BEEN TO A LOT OF RACES. I've always wanted to do what I did today, but had never done it.
It's always been...
Go to my race, go home.
or
Go to my race, hang out for a bit, go home.
But, today it was...
Be the first one at the venue... because I spent the night there. Watch a few races. Do my race. Watch the rest of the races. Catch up with a lot of my friends I don't see often enough.
It was fun to see so many people having fun racing bicycles. More than just my peers. From what I could tell all got their money's worth. They were challenged. Some won. Most didn't. But, it didn't seem to matter.
One of the winners was my friend Doug. He took off on the last lap, the same exact spot he took off on 2 years ago. That time we caught him about 30' before the finish line. Today when he jumped ahead of the group, I was hoping he'd make it... granted, we raced in a combined race today and we weren't in the same group otherwise I met have felt different... but, to his credit, he went for it. Did a massive solo attack with about 5 miles to go and made it stick.
Personally, I had a great day. After being sick last week, and not being able to ride much I was not sure how I'd do. My strategy was pretty simple... wait until the last possible second, then go. It worked pretty darn good.
My buddy Dave Letttieri, finished right behind me. Woulda been even cooler if he'd been able to stick around for the photo.
BREAKING IT DOWN.
TOMORROW WE RACE.
It'll be a gun fight for sure.
A few will draw early, only to miss wildly.
A few more will shoot out the back due to simple physics.
Then the rest will draw and fire.
One will hit the mark.
It's 1/3 to 1/2 a mile to the finish, depending on where the line is... up a hill that hits 11% mid-way, then backs off to nearly flat.
My prediction:
Lap 3, it's probably all back together.
Lap 2, multiple breakaways will be attempted.
Lap 1, most likely feeling things out.
Neutral roll out down the hill we finish on.
For me it'll be 3 laps - 42 miles. About 2 hours.
Preceded by a solid night of sleep.
On a belly full of tacos.
Then
GO. PRO.
IT HAPPENED TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US. We got on a bike. Liked it. Rode the next day... a little faster, a little further. For the next 50 or so rides we were better every single time.
We were going pro!
Eventually things leveled off.
Adrenalin.
New friends.
Superior health.
Never-ending challenges.
These are the things that keep us hooked.
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FLOOPIN' A!
I GUESS WE HAVE 3 LOOPS ON OUR TUESDAY RIDE NOW: A, B AND F.
The B loop is our original, amazing 20.67 mile course that has 2000' feet of elevation gain.
The A loop, has a little extra credit that adds about a mile with a couple of stiff little pitches.
The F loop.
Today was very windy, pretty cold and definitely dark.
We had 3 riders on the B loop, down about 90%. 12 riders on the A loop, down about 15%. And, about 35 riders on the F loop, up about 1,000,000%.
The F loop is that loop you do when you get out of bed realize it's windy, cold and dark and Fall back in bed... because Fair weather will be back soon.
How would you grade your loop today?
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IT'S NOT CHILDISH, IT'S EVERYTHING
TWO THINGS YOU CAN BANK ON WITH AGE: some will continue to dream and hope, some will give up.
Over here we keep dreaming, and making dreams come true.
Rolling into 2019 a big part of our dream has been put into place... we can now manufacture all our cycling gear in under 4 weeks, with no minimum, in the USA. Something we've worked on for a solid year.
We keep putting the pieces in place, and I'm more excited than ever about what's going on at PEDALindustries. So much more to do.
On the fitness side, I dreamt last year I could roll into '19 at my college weight on 162. 10 lbs shed and holding very steady.
Every day I pray our family will be close and continue growing and learning and loving. Every day is like a dream.
What does 2019 hold? In years past, I've crafted it all on MLK Day... my favorite holiday!... but, this year I'm going deeper and clearer... should be done in about a week.
Are you a dreamer?
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THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN
WE GOT THIS SATURDAY RIDE THAT KICKS @$$... we don't always ride it, but when we do... damn I'm happy. Happy to see the boys. Happy to see the beautiful coast. Happy to know it's gonna hurt.
It's got everything
Fast rollers.
A 3.5 mile, 1000' climb up NPC
Skimming the Back Bay.
Hooking up with the Food Park hammers.
Shattering speed on Hwy 133.
Punishing power climbs through Aliso.
Soft pedaling PID, just for fun.
But, the best part is it's got the boys. Our band of brothers. Slaying dragons for our families, batting life's twists and turns together... letting loose for a few hours together as the sunrises.
It's the boys ride: https://www.strava.com/routes/16848778 ... join us some time.
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JUST THINKING OF YOU...
SOMETIMES I'M JRA, MAKING AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE HR LOW AND MY MIND WANDERS... I start thinking of the next race or next time I'll be in over my head on a group ride or maybe even reliving an unpleasant experience and bam!
...my heart rate shoots up 10-20 beats a minute...
way out of my zone
But, nothing is like the start line of an actual race. Road isn't too bad, a crit is a little worse, but an honest XC race is unbelievable. My heart rate will be 120+ bpm, and I'm doing nothing. Trying to act cool, like no big deal.
... Just in my head?
taking me out of the zone...
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WHAT'S YOUR ONE THING?
IF YOU COULD BE GOOD AT ONE THING ON A BIKE WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Sprinting?
Climbing?
Skidding?
Valverdeing? You know, that thing where you don't do any work then out of nowhere you snag the V.
Saganing? You know, otherworldly bike handling skills.
Frooming? You know, looking like a praying mantis while actually preying on the lessor ectomorphs.
Schurtering? You know, dominating MTB for years.
Youing? You know, just being your awesome best self.
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MISSED IT BY THIS MUCH
STRAPPED INTO MY SWIVEL CHAIR EARLY. Plan was to grind hard and be done by 3 because that's when the mostlytrusty weather app said it'd be clear.
But, sometimes the grind goes a little long.
We, you and me, we aren't afraid of long hours or riding in the dark - bring it.
But me, and maybe you, call it quits when the socks are soaked and the crack is squishy... which happened 30 minutes in.
Actually, if it's gotta rain 4 days in a row... this is a perfect time to have a cold. Congratulations to me and all the others snuffling at the moment.
There's always Zwift. I know the bandwagon is going strong... so many friends are on it and loving it. If it's good enough for Bahati, maybe it's good enough for Brownie too... in the meantime, I'll pray for sun.
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THE WHEELBUILDER
WHEELS ARE EVERYTHING. Save your money, get great wheels... before you get a great gruppo or great frame - get the wheels.
Had a chance to drop in on Wheelbuilder today. It'd been a few years. No particular reason for the gap in time.
But, I had a very particular issue with my race wheels.
Last time I was there, well it wasn't there. It was a tiny, dingy building. Today, it's a beautiful new building.
How'd they grow like that?
Probably like this... I walk in, Benny greets me. Assesses my situation. Gets stuck... brings in Rich - the owner. Rich gets right on it and fixes me up in no time... taking time to explain to me how and why they do the things they do.
It's not too tricky... be great at what you do, take care of your customers.
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HOW ARE YOU STILL TALKING?
ON THE RIDE SATURDAY, we talked about taking the ladies out for dinner. It's the least we could do after spending the morning on our bikes.
The ladies were in.
We all went out.
Socially, this was a first for the 6 of us. It was great. The food was amazing. The conversation rich and fast.
Plates were cleared... I started selling 31 flavors and walking it off down to the pier... we kept talking. Good company.
Then, one of the ladies asked How are you still talking? Didn't you talk all morning on the ride?
So we talked about what we talked about on the ride.
A CLOUD TOO FAR
TODAY'S RIDE PLANS SHIFTED FROM MORNING TO AFTERNOON AND BACK TO MORNING... from Friday to 5am today. The Weather Channel was in control, and their nifty little radar map would chart our course.
First, I had to roust the posse. A few responded, most dreamt on... of drier days.
Second, pick the meeting points and ride. We opted to catch up with Canyon Velo.
Nothing went according to plan.
First, nobody showed for Canyon Velo... NOBODY! What is the world coming to??? This ride is powered by some of the gnarliest cats in town. But, cats don't like water.
Second, we rode over to the Start/Finish of the '84 Olympic road course. Mike and Eric had never done it, so we did it. Decent time, too... big cup top 10s... shout out to Peter Aquino for owning the KOM. No way could I sustain that pace for the 118 miles they road 35 years ago. (I need to write about how that race got it all started for me.)
Third, we scrapped the plan to pound Robinson Ranch because when we got close it was covered in clouds and raining.
Fourth, I put in a call to C.Hill. Bro, is it raining over there? No. Think we loop through Coto. Yes, I think so... come by and get a cinnamon roll and cookies... I forgave him for opting to ride later in the day.
Fifth, our plan to skirt the rain was perfect except for about 5 minutes when a rogue, black cloud broke loose. Shoes full of water wet.
Some times the best laid plans are nothing compared to a good adventure.
Looking for CV
This loop is awesome
A cloud to far
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SLOW DOWN, YOU MOVE TO FAST
ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF OWNING A SLOW BIKE is getting the heart rate up while going slower.
It's perfect for riding with a slower rider, when you still want to get a decent workout in.
It's great for riding along the bike trails where low speed is encouraged.
It's reminds you how fast your race bike really is.
Speaking of race bike, Sagan is slated to race an aluminum, disc bike at Down Under... I'm sure it's to sell more aluminum bikes, but why not? I love mine.
WILL. POWER.
WILL POWER IS LIMITED... It's a lot like a sprint. Everybody can go all out for 2 seconds, some for 10 seconds, others for 30 seconds, a handful for a minute. But eventually, that will power is gone and so are all our plans for victory.
Finding the peanut butter cups in the cupboard today was a sign. A sign that I know my weakness, and Surfergirl's hiding skills need sharpening.
Hiding my kryptonite isn't the only thing I do.
I prep my clothes and bottles and lights and bike the night before, knowing this will eliminate the magnetic pull of my blanky when it's dark and cold and early.
I commit to the crew that I'll be on the corner at 5:50am, knowing how fun it is to ride with them... and the shame of sleeping in.
I put the pull up bar in the bathroom door jam instead of out in the garage - she's not thrilled with this.
The weights and Bosu ball are in the family room where calling to me - also not popular.
Going to the front of the group ride repeatedly until I blow ain't fun, but it's the only way I can do intervals... I have zero interest in doing them alone.
What are your tricks?
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FOR GRAVEL, IT'S ROAD
AFTER MUCH DEBATE WITH MYSELF, I've determined road pedals and shoes are better than MTB for my gravel bike. Having previously determined gravel is a terrible name for a bike that will zip you quickly down the pavement or easily handle smooth single track it's not surprising this debate lasted a while.
If we referred to the gravel bike as a do-anything road bike, the choice would be obvious.
But, it wasn't.
A funny thing happened on the way to answering my question of which set up was better.
I was reminded of how much better the road solution is: the shoes are lighter, the connection is much stronger.
The real debate is when, if ever, should we run MTB shoes and pedals? Unless we're hiking up Columbine at Leadville or some other terrible thing we've signed up for the answer should always be road.
Anyone want to debate that?
ALL IT TAKES
FOR ME, IT'S MORE THAN JUST REGISTERING FOR AN EVENT. Nothing really happens in terms of focus or energy totally geeking out until I look at the course. Then it's on!
Everything changes.
I start thinking about my equipment choice.
Counting the days for tuning up the bike.
Making sure the shoes/cleats are ready.
Thinking about race specific training.
How much will my weight matter?
Dialing in my food for the day.
Fretting on where I'll sleep.
Which kit will feel fastest?
Are my lenses perfect?
It's so energizing once I commit.
I LOVE IT!
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THAT'S ENOUGH
HOLIDAY ARE OVER. The college football championship is over. My weight is well over what it should be.
That's enough.
Time to get serious.
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SOMETIMES IT IS BETTER TO EMBRACE THAN RESIST.
THREE OF US DROVE DOWN TO DO SWAMI'S LONG. 2 made it, 1 was dropped. With Cav out again, along with Cal, and some cat from Bora Hansgrohe the energy was high and the group was large. Those 3 pros looked around at us commoners and drilled it up Levante, all the way through Elfin Forest.
It was over early for many.
I checked my phone at the church regroup. Nothing.
Friends as we are, we left him and hit the long course.
The sad, lonely text finally came in. I felt bad him. It's no fun getting left behind.
The only question that remained was if he'd wait for us at the car... he was our driver. If he left us, it would be a long 20+ miles into a stiff headwind... or, a quick LYFT ride.
He embraced his doom. Rode with the Short group. Pulled into Starbucks. Sucked down a hot drink and a toasty bagel. Pulled out 40 minutes later and graciously drove us home.
It's not always easy, just better.
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TIME KEEPS ON SLIPPIN'
THE BEST RACERS ARE THE BEST TIME MANAGERS. Sure there's the race itself... and the best racer is spending the least amount of energy until just the right time. That's the surface, but there's so much more.
The best racers, show up early with plenty of time to warm up and get to the start... wasting little to no emotional energy while they're at it.
The best racers, make time to stretch and work on their core. They make time to prepare healthy meals. The little stuff matters and gets the time deserved.
The best racers, schedule their work and work their schedule so there's time to ride. No excuses. Most of them, that I know, get up early and get it done.
And the very, very best make time for the most important people in their lives.
We've only got one shot, make time.
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NICE RACK...
WHETHER YOU RIDE ROAD OR MOUNTAIN OR BMX OR CROSS, whether your weekends are filled with races or beach cruises, whether your car is worth more than your bike or your bike worth more than your car...
If you've got a bike rack I know we're part of the same tribe. Our interests in bikes might be on opposite ends of the spectrum, but it won't matter at the company barbecue or giant family reunion. We'll eventually find each other and we'll connect and hang out.
We'll talk about things nobody else will understand or care about...
We're bike riders.
We've got racks.
You're not.
You don't.
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WHEN YOU'RE IN TOWN
IT'S HARD. You're in town for a handful of days, and you want to sneak in a few rides. But, the whole family came and they wanna go to Disneyland. What's a boy/girl to do?
One, call a friend. Preferably one who won't sympathize with you, but will ridicule you. This is to balance out the pull to Disneyland.
Second, remember this isn't home. You're someplace either new or rarely visited. Think about all the rides you love at home, but are now kind of routine and realize you are very likely to go find a fantastic ride that is all new.
Third, be honest. You and the rest of the team know you'll be a whole lot more fun and engaged knowing you'll get in your own Disneyland bike ride or two.
So do it.
Come to sunny CA.
With the whole team.
And go on ALL the rides.
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OLDLY COMMITTED VS NEWLY COMMITTED.
NEW YEARS DAY, 'round here people get out... regardless of what happened the night before. So out we went, I took HVY MTL she took her MTB.
As expected, there were two kinds of people enjoying the trials: us, the oldly committed; and them, the newly committed.
For us, the question isn't should we get some exercise... it's where shall we ride? There were lots of us out there. We saw lots of friends. Some running, most riding. Some alone, some with the whole family.
They were out there, too. New bikes and new shoes having a brand new experience. A beautiful site.
For us, it never gets old...
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HOW OLD WILL YOU BE NEXT YEAR?
GOT A TEXT FROM ONE OF MY "HIGH SCHOOL" FRIENDS TODAY... kids are so refreshing.
Adults usually want the latest and greatest. Every advantage they can buy, and maybe a little look at me...
Kids wanna have fun. Kids don't have much cash.
They say the sport needs more kids... I couldn't agree more, starting with me.
Let's have some fun!
LET'S JUST PUT THIS TO REST, SHALL WE?
IF YOU'VE EVER WONDERED IF YOU COULD KEEP UP WITH THE SPRINTERS WHO DANGLE OFF THE BACK AT THE TDF... If you've ever thought, Hell, even I could hang on the flat stuff... If you've been foolish enough to think professional sprinters can't climb...
This post is for you.
Rumor had it... well Cal (worth clicking) basically promised it - My mate from the Isle of Man, where real men ride all bikes real fast, will be here for a few weeks...
In other words... CAV (the winningest rider in TDF history) would be on our little ol' group ride this morning.
Cav's done it in years past. My son Trevor rode with him and came home all smiles and story tellin' a few years back. How could we pass it up?
Back to that wondering thing...
If you've ever wondered if the pros are cool, the answer is YES for Mark. Super nice and thoughtful and gracious. Took pictures with us. Chatted as we rode. Even yelled Hold up, we've got a puncture! when Chris' tire caboomed at the store we stop at.
If you've ever wondered how strong a sprinter is I can tell you resting my arm on his shoulder for the picture it was like touching The David incarnate. But it wasn't just that... here's something you'll never see on TV. We pull up to a light and we all unclip right? Well, yeah. But when Mark unclips the entire bike wobbles and shifts and whimpers... such is the tension in his pedal/cleat connection.
I know you'd never be stupid enough to wonder if you could to all those things in the intro. I would, you are much too smart.
But, you may have wondered Could our Goliath hang on the climbs and flats?.. well, we can put that to rest too. We hit Wolhford pass - 2 miles and 10 minutes of pain - and I'm thinking I gotta chance. Then Steve, our Tuesday morning hero, our pro mountain biker, our best climber makes it clear I don't have any chance. He moves to the front and drills it. Guys peeling off left and right.
They were gone.
When I pulled in at the store, he had a big grin. That was the best ride of my life.
Did you drop Cav?
No.
Really?
Not even, he rode up to me like it was a Sunday cruise with his wife.
Wow.
Yeah, but you know what?... when we got to the kicker before the store, I told him how fun it was for me to ride with him.
And...
He smiled.
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Cav left, Cal right
The usual suspects and a few more.
Poor Chris... I don't think I've ever seen a more self-conscious tire changer. (You're only holding up the fastest man in the world buddy!)
We have a new post-ride favorite stop.
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RIGHT DAY, WRONG BIKE.
THERE I WAS SOFT PEDALING, HEART RATE 115 BPM, 27 MILES AN HOUR... a regular ho hum day. Hahaha... I wish that was my norm.
The wind was blowing strong and steady from the northeast and I was all by myself on the bike trail heading southwest. If only I was on The Marvel instead of HVY MTL. Today was a day to smash the KOM.
The Marvel is my aero road racing machine. HVY MTL is my heavy, slow, un-aero, giant-tired, adventure bike.
Right day, wrong bike.
I was movin'.
Still havin' a blast.
Maybe it was the right bike... sure seemed right when I left home, in search of a mostly car-free route. I'd already put in 8 hours this week, and I could feel a touch of burnout approaching.
Riding HVY MTL is always fun, always different.
Far fewer constraints.
See a curb, jump it.
See a trail, take it.
Feel the wind...
STRAVA CUTE. ANALOG REAL.
STRAVA, CUTE. ANALOG, REAL.
MOST OF US GOT A STRAVA EMAIL THIS WEEK TO WATCH OUR YEAR IN REVIEW. It’s a cute little video of the top moments according to STRAVA. They, the app, the AI have no clue what really happened this year and what motivates us.
Take our friend Ryan, on the day he separated from his wife he planned to meet us for a fun showdown ride and wound up breaking his neck… a freak crash that altered his life forever.
His road to recovery, posted on SoCal Cyclist, is a riveting tale we can all learn from. (I highly recommend reading this.)
We all had moments on the bike this year that we will never forget. It’s about the getting out, the living. These moments are the glue that hold our community together. I can't imagine life without them.
Like the time we took Justin out for his first mountain bike ride on the San Juan Trail, known for its ability to draw blood nearly every ride from even the most experience mountain bikers. He’ll never forget it, nor will I.
Or, more personally, the Santa Barbara Road Race where I forced a break when the wind shifted and went on to podium. I’d wanted to do a move like that for years… successfully.
STRAVA is cute. Analog is real.
What’s your top analog moment?
BIKE SHOWROOMING
WE WENT TO BUY A BIKE FOR SURFERGIRL TODAY, and I realized bike shops aren't really bike shops anymore. They are showrooms. Mostly gone are the days of driving down and picking up a bike.
Is this a good thing?
It's not good if you want something quick and cheep and mostly adequate.
But, we - you and me - we don't want that anymore, and neither does she... thank God Adam Smith's 'Invisible Hand' knows this...
We want something beautiful,
in just the right color,
with just the right components,
at just the right price.
So, "the hand" delivers us just what we are looking for once we scope out the basics at the bike showroom.
Takes a little longer, and we like it that way.
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... I'm willing to bet this video will be the best 2 or so minutes you'll spend today.
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