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THE CAVE
THE ANALOGIES we come up as endurance athletes can be so disconnected from reality because, if we're being totally honest...
... it's hard to explain to the uninitiated.
Let alone those closest to us.
They're things only we understand, and as soon as we hear it, we're like...
... Yeah, totally!
I thought about this today as we dropped into one our weirder family traditions...
- from 5 on up to 78
- wiggling into the openilng
- crouch crawling the first 30' in pitch black
... slithering down into Harris Cave.
Once we're far enough in, the lava tube opens up into a cavern, then...
... pinches down again for another cramped effort.
Before opening up to yet another cavern where we can stand and feel slightly less threatened by claustrophobia and...
... whatever might be lurking down there to get us, should our lights fail.
Which is analogous to ...
- forcing ourselves in
- adjusting and relaxing in the darkness
- before doing it all again to find out how far we can go
... the pain cave we all love and loathe.
===
165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
169/171/-11 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
LIFE IS PRECIOUS
TAKING RISKS these days ain’t what it used to be. Most of us live close to civilization. If we were to take a tumble, emergency medical services…
… would be helping us, whisking us a away.
Within minutes.
I thought about that, plummeting down a lonely dirt road in the middle of nowhere.
Life and death.
About 90 years ago, my relatives were working a sawmill they’d built (see pic).
A young cousin was manning a large log,
the timber bucked,
catching him.
His leg was gashed.
The others gathered to try and help…
- · 50 miles to town
- · horrendous dirt roads
- · no communications, no helicopters
… but there was nothing they could do.
He was dead in minutes.
Prior to stopping at the sawmill site,
I gotta ping on my cell phone.
Service is spotty at best out here.
Our daughter had gone into labor,
they’d easily made it to the nearby hospital,
doctors and nurses and all the supplies were ready.
===
Update: mother and baby are happy and healthy!
===
165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/168/-2 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE DIFFERENCE
KNOWING THE ORIGIN of things can be empowering if we can tie it into who we are and how we operate. But, in today's connected world...
... it's easy to operate unconsciously.
Asleep.
Which is why I've sold my rather large extended family on the virtues of trekking...
- no cell service
- rustic cabins
- tents
... out to the homestead.
Land my great great grandpappy lived on for 3 years to secure the title...
- where my grampa rode out the Spanish flu epidemic
- where my dad spend his summers cowboying
- where I spent a few days every other year
... over 100 years ago.
Some of the distant cousins still ranch,
most of us are city slickers.
Soft.
Unacquainted with the land.
How it...
- feels
- smells
- sounds
... when we're living unplugged.
You know what I'm getting at right?
The feeling we have when rolling with a group,
talking and sharing...
... because plugging in would distract from the experience.
Living.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
171/193/-23 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
LOOKING BACK AT TRANSFORMATIONAL
[as I prep for my A race, I thought I'd look back how I felt the last time I did it, in 2022]
IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but it might be for you. I came across this concept a bunch of times over the years. It never really sunk in until I heard it stated like this...
... I increased my volume a lot.
Yeah, we've all heard that. However, what followed hit deeply into my thought process and ultimately my training...
... It has been transformational.
Who doesn't want to transform their training?
Let me pause right here.
It might not work for you. The main reason is the timing of life just isn't right. For me, it's working...
... because I now have the time.
When I had less time, and less focus, a big week for me was about 12 hours...
... an average week, about 8.
These days, in fact this year, my biggest week ever has been 20 hours...
... the last four build weeks have averaged nearly 15, and 12 the rest of the year.
That's nowhere the 20-30 hours most pros put in. In fact, it's a challenge during this build session before Leadville. Frankly, I'm happy in the 12 range. Plenty fit...
... by making my average week equal my formally biggest week.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
In the end, it's about doing all you can do...
... a topic I cover in the 2nd chapter of my book.
Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
175/223/-49 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BAKING CAKES
HOW DO WE KNOW it's time to bring the high volume phase to an end, when preparing for the A race of the year? It's a lot like baking a cake...
... at some point we gotta put it the oven.
And, wait.
If we stretch out the build phase too long,
we run the very real possibility of over cookin' it...
... winding up burnt.
Crispy.
If we stop too far out from the A race,
well, then our training ingredients...
... might never rise.
Leaving us flat.
I'm sure there's some real science we could tap into,
or the wise voice of a trusted coach.
Barring those options, I lean toward...
- feeling exhausted
- not wanting to get outside
- residual, never-receding muskul pain
... as my top indicators.
I'm officially there.
Couldn't come at a better time.
I'll be spending an extended weekend...
- mainly talking
- hanging out
- relaxing
... at the family reunion.
Oh, that cake analogy...
... now is the time to give the training into deliciousness.
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
170/201/-32 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO BE STRONG
THE TOUR DE FRANCE took a big tumble today. Jonas, running in 2nd place, a previous winner and excellent bike handler failed to navigate a very tricky turn...
... and broke his clavicle.
Sucks.
Before the news hit, enlightening us all to one potential factor in causing him to go down...
... I was already thinking about why some crashes happen.
More importantly, why some hit the deck and shatter, while others...
... pop back up and keep racing.
My thoughts were self-centered of course.
The effort to do hundreds of...
- pushups
- pullups
- squats
... building up my body's ability to handle what is thrown at me, late into a ride or race?
It feels like it is,
as I feel in complete control 5 hours into a stout offroad ride.
At the same time,
am I putting body in a state where it is more likely to bend vs break?
These thoughts were going through my head as the skin and bones Jonas was clearly in massive pain.
Then, I heard the unthinkable.
After traveling hundreds of kilometers from yesterday's race to today's,
arriving very late in the evening...
... he was awakened for a drug test at 2am.
No matter what we are doing to keep our bodies in top shape to handle the demands of racing...
... missing sleep when we are already exhausted is a formula for disaster.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
174/228/-55 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY, IT'S ROUTINE
IN THE QUEST TO SQUEEZE IT ALL IN, we learn to develop and rely on routines. Do something consistently, and it becomes rote. Boring in the sense that...
... we don't have to think about it.
Saving us all kinds of mental energy, as well.
Here are a few examples that made today's ride, much better.
20 minutes into my 2 hour sprint to meet Smiley, I felt my rear tire losing a ton of air...
- added air with CO2
- noticed a leak
- plugged it
... took less than 60 seconds to diagnose and repair.
Thought I'd better text him to confirm my ETA, and noticed I'd left my phone at home.
Doh!
But, I have a reputation for being on time and it's routine for me not to wait, so...
- I pressed on
- arrived at Cook's at 9
- didn't see him there, waited 2 minutes at the trailhead
... and we blasted the climb together.
Mostly together,
he always starts out hotter than me,
becoming my top rabbit to chase and pace.
When I rolled up to the general store for my Saturday fix, 4.5 hours into the ride, parched and empty, without my phone to pay...
- popcicle
- Mexican Coke
... I didn't have to beg, because they know my m.o. and that I'm good for it.
And, that's just a smidge of routine evidence for operational mastery.
Carry on.
Oh, and in case your wondering...
- a mini tool
- 2 CO2s + 1 nozzle
- Dynaplug RacerPro (4 plugs)
... what's in my mini raceday bag.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
178/263/-86 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
PRUNE, FOCUS, EXECUTE
HOW WE ARRIVED AT OUR CURRENT LEVEL OF COMPETENCY is a matter of choice. And, that's the challenge. In a world where we can do anything...
... it's easy to reach the end of the day having done nothing.
We know better.
Starting with pruning the options...
- uplifting
- challenging
- beneficial to others
... leaving only the good stuff.
Then, we focus...
- attracting
- believing
- feeling
... with the blinders on, seeing only our end goal.
Executing daily...
... continuously improving.
Very nice you say,
but make it practical.
Ok.
Here's an example.
I really enjoy racing and riding my XC mountain bike.
Knowing that, I've built up a race-ready rig...
... and taken it to the next level.
Most recently, that meant rebuilding the suspension...
- removing the Brain
- replacing a bunch of parts
- and all new lubes and fluids
... which now is supremely supple and plush, fork and shock.
When we are unwilling to prune, focus and execute...
... we are in our comfort zone.
The case there would be comfort with absolute crap vs...
... demanding the best performance we can aquire.
Got it?
===
165lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/169/-9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY?
AT A CERTAIN LEVEL, the set up of our equipment is highly personal. The reason is simple, we are putting in a massive amount of time. And, the minutest adjustment...
... can muck it all up.
A lot.
Leading to anything from a niggle to a...
... Screw it, I'm done with this sport.
So it was with great care that a swapped out my cleats today.
They weren't completely warn out, but they were a little sloppy and replacing them now vs a week before my A race seemed prudent.
I scrubbed up...
- pictures had been taken of the current position
- the area around the cleats taped off
- tools and lube lay at the ready
... put on my operating apron.
The procedure went as expected,
no complication.
The patient was warned to take it easy the next few days,
and expect to feel some initial discomfort.
Physical therapy, in the form of bringing a torque wrench on the next few rides, was presribed.
Like the idiot I am, I promptly headed out for 90 minutes and a fair amount of climbing...
... stopping for many adjustments.
Got close to the old position,
gonna take a few more rides to reach nirvana.
PS... if this seems dramatic, or overkill, blame my dad burning this lesson into my young impressionable mind. his first lawyering job was as a malpractice attorney and the first case was defending a doctor who cut off the wrong leg.
===
163.6 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
6800 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/192/-28 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I SCREAM
DURING THE LARGEST BUILD PHASE, the miles and hours are waywayway bigger than our norm. It can be daunting, overwhelming...
... we need a reward.
Beyond kudos.
Something to see us through.
Which is exactly what I was thinking today,
halfway through what will like be my biggest week of the year.
Building for Leadville.
The route would be much longer than my usual Dirty Wednesday...
... and it hit my like a icy bolt from the Silver Surfer.
If I stayed on the pedals,
I'd have time to stop by the General Store.
A hundred year old building I usually only visit on Saturdays.
The point being...
... the always have the best selection of Mexican popsicles.
I was flooded with a memory of my dad, and his favorite saying...
... I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.
And that was all I needed to get me through the summer heat.
Today.
What will it be tomorrow?
165.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 110 push ups, 22 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 110 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/217/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS 'A' SUPER COOL CAT
MOST OF US DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY of the famous group rides. I'm not talking about the one 5 locals started a couple of months back...
... I'm talkin' the legendary loops.
And, their morphing iterations over the years.
I was reminded of how our heralded TMWC...
... took it to the next level by adding some extra credit.
Called the A loop.
About 10 years ago, Super Dave Koesel made a great suggestion.
We should add on to the ride.
Why?
So we have something to do vs waiting for the guys at the regroup.
It took us a few iterations,
carving our way through a neighborhood,
adding on two punchysprinty climbs.
Finally, we had it perfected,
arriving just in time to meet the crew...
... and keep rolling full gas.
Plus, since we had just started cracking the hour on the original TMWC, back then...
... now we had an updated hour goal.
We've hit it on the A loop multiple times,
even got closer than we've been lately today, 1:02:54 (for me)...
... could it be because Super Dave was back in town, after years of being gone?
===
ICYMI... Super Dave is an aero genius... Remember when 3T came out with their aero gravel bike, years before that was a thing?... yeah, that was Dave's project.
Here's a link to his current company... look to see top secret versions of these bikes at the Olympics.
===
167 lbs 12.7% (I keep telling myself I'm 10lbs over goal because of all the strength work, but we all know it's because
7ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
166/216/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT SONG!
WE AIN'T SERIOUS if we don't have a our own battle song. The one we can count on when...
... well, all the time.
Could be a playlist.
Mine, current fave for firing up...
... Born To Run, Frankie Goes To Hollywood version
On repeat.
Now Chuck shared a forgotten gem with me for raceday...
... Kickstart My Heart, by Motley Crew.
Surfergirl on vacation...
... Don't Disturb This Grove, by The System
To get pumped for motos in the desert the kids loved...
... Animals, by Nickleback
When I head off to the pearly gates, my beatbox will be humming...
... Low Rider, by War.
What's yours?
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
5900 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/181/-22 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT THE EFFORT THAT COUNTS?
WHEN TRAINING FOR THE 'A' RACE, if we're really all in, it's imperative that we prepare by doing the work demanded by the course. That means we have to nail the pace...
... we can sustain.
Or do we?
Lemme splainit.
Say, I'm training for a punchy event with lots of power climbs...
... short 1-5 minutes, repeating.
I could do intervals at a specified power output...
... or I could go for the burn I know I can barely handle for 1-5 minutes.
Or, take my upcoming Leadville MTB race, I know the pace I need to sustain to meet my goal finishing time.
Training the effort required...
... is part art and part science.
The science might say we need to put out an average of X watts...
- getting over a steep, short pitch
- hustling to catch a group
- tucking a long downhill
... the art is knowing when to go above or below the power needed.
Being intimately aware of the effort > callous commitment to pace.
===
165 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
163/209/-46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS POLARZING
THE DEBATE RAGES ON, whether or not polarized training is valuable for the unwashed or is it just for the uber elites putting in bigbig hours. To really get a grasp on the argument...
... let's look at from other perspectives.
Take marketing.
In marketing, we tout what makes us special, unique, desirable...
... while pointing out the enemies of our awesomeness.
For example, when it comes to bags I might communicate dome bags with everything piled inside are just complete trash and chaos...
... where as our RaceDay bags make raceday smooth, easy and successful.
In politics, the party we align with makes the others out to be stupid, incompetent and evil...
... where our party is full of benevolent geniuses.
It's the same with...
- religion
- sports teams
- abortion, climate change, guns, borders, etc
... topics never to be brought up at Thanksgiving dinner.
What does this have to do with training and us?
I'm just trying to set the stage....
- too much time in tempo
- not enough aggregate training
- inadequate or non-existent recovery
... polarized training has enemies, too.
I was thinking about that today,
because I had a great day with the fellas.
Here's how I set it up...
- Monday Z1
- Tuesday romping group ride, all zones all out
- Wednesday high Z2
- Thursday low Z2
- Friday Z1, barely tapping the pedals
- Saturday, 6 hours at Leadville pace with nearly 2 hours at threshold or above
... finishing the final ride, feeling pretty darn good despite 9000' in 80 miles.
If you disagree...
... then, I have succeeded in providing you some polarizing thoughts on polarization.
===
165.4 lbs 12.7% <- this blubber has got to go!
7.5ish hours sleep
600 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/241/-74 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S GOING TO BE HIDDI
TRAINING FOR AN EPIC ride or race is always tricky. It's so easy to over do it on the preparation when we want to be confident that we are ready...
... to go the distance.
Battle hardened.
So, when I put together tomorrow's route and added...
... It's going to be hideous.
I had to ask myself...
... What the heck are you thinking?!
This goes against my plan to prepare for Leadville this year by staying under
- 5 hrs
- 8000'
- 80 miles
... fresh and not torched.
Aiming for more power,
and efficiency.
We're going to over every one of those metrics tomorrow,
plus it's a group of hitters and we'll be hitting it.
Yes, I could pull the plug,
or just not show.
But, who are we kidding when we say stuff like that?
(Hideous rides call to my soul. How 'bout you?)
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/152/-1 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT WE ARE
LOOKING WHERE WE WANT TO GO takes great discipline. Not to be distracted by the lady in the red dress is...
... a skill that deserves mastery.
It's not easy.
Time and time again, ripping the course, we have to ignore the obvious perils and...
... stay focused on our goal.
Going as fast as possible,
error free.
Oddly,
limiting our vision to the best path forward is relaxing.
Calming.
Requiring less energy.
Ultimately, a heckuvalot faster.
So, we practice the skill all the time and when we have those Oh shift! moments...
... we forgive ourselves, and reset.
Perhaps the great Emerson said it best...
... What we are, that only can we see.
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/98/-8 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
THE SLIGHT EDGE
BECAUSE WE USE OUR GEAR every day, we don't always notice the performance is degrading. It's gradual, and we are...
... more concerned with our own numbers.
But, the gear matters.
If we remember anything from the dominance of Team Sky it's...
... marginal gains.
They matter.
Not necessarily individually,
collectively they stack and become game changers.
So are the marginal losses.
I share this as a cautionary tale.
While in Park City a few weeks back,
bombing miles and miles of sweet single track...
... my fork went from finicky to very funked up
My pal Chad helped me get it working enough to enjoy the trip.
As soon as I returned, I rang up the local suspension whiz Mike and gave him the situation.
He ordered parts from Sram to rebuild and improve the fork by replacing the Brain.
Simple enough,
and 7 weeks before Leadville.
Dropped off the bike Monday, planning to have it back for the weekend and continue to perfect my oneness with my steed.
Hey Todd.
Hi Mike.
We gotta small problem.
Uh-oh.
Sram sent the wrong parts.
Dang.
Yeah, it's gonna be another 10 days.
Is the suspension torn to pieces?
Yes.
Ok, I understand.
Now, here's the part we all need to understand...
- we need to stay on top of the maintenance
- allow plenty of time for parts to arrive
- and for the mechanic's schedule
... in order to have the slight edge we need on raceday.
===
165.8 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 125 push ups, 25 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 125 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/103/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
2026 TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE LIT
ABOUT THE MOST FUN we can have is upping our game for the weekly group ride. The good ones all have memorable names. Just saying them sparks...
... anything from fear to fun.
Like The TMWC.
A ride we started 24 years ago...
- 30+ riders every Tuesday at 630
- most wearing the ride's kit
- with an annual throwdown
... and is still ripping today.
Today wasn't any ol Tuuzdee...
- the regulars
- the outta towners
- the first timers hoping to hang on
... it was the unOFFICIAL 2026 Championships.
4 categories...
- Women
- U35
- U50
- U100
... racing for glory.
Bragging rights for a year.
The course has never changed, but...
- fullgas from the start
- even paced 'till The Wall
- saving it all for the Corkscrew finish
... the raceday never plays out the same.
Today unfolded with bouts of massive power,
dropping to conversational,
and back at it.
The only thing that was the same was Alessandro...
... pulling off the first Threepeat.
He was so far off the front the camera crew mistook him as some cat who happened upon the course...
... except he raced up The Wall with god-like speed.
Put over a minute on lil' ol' me,
and nearly everyone else.
Insane.
Priscilla crushed the women's field,
snatching longstanding, legit QOMs.
It's not all about the wins, though.
Juan was voted most-improved,
and Eric picked up rookie of the year.
These aren't participation trophies ...
... they represent outstanding effort, week after week.
Congrats to these cats....
Overall
Alessandro
Kody
Andrew
Women
Priscilla
Maria
Vi
U35
Andrew
Eric
Scott
U50
Kody
Drew
Alfredo
U100
Alessandro
Rob
Mani
Still reading?
Wondering how we pull it off?
Our 4 rules are key...
- Leave on time
- Obey the law
- Make a friend
- Have fun
... plus, always be inviting.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/2024-tmwc
Use Promo Code TMWC2026 To Save 20% On The Gear
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/100/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHO HAS THE BEST TdF ANALYSIS?
THERE ARE A LOT of professional pundits pontificating the particulars of each stage of the Tour de Frants. Then, there's the amachurs. Us handlebar hams...
... handing out our homemade takes.
Who's best?
Certainly it's not Velo's...
Jonas Vingegaard was left choking in Pogi's exhaust and came to the line two seconds back after the 1.7km hilltop kick to Les Angles.
... latest retarded hyperbole.
Cycling News' take...
A devastatingly-long and sustained acceleration by Tadej... with a two-second advantage.
... wasn't much of an improvement.
Jonas said it better...
It's a shame, of course. But when we started the Tour, we expected to lose time... so it's a good starting point that I'm tied on time with Tadej.
... and more accurately.
But, he's not selling ads for eyeballs.
My eyeballs and ears like to take in...
- Chris Horner for pointing out the knucklehead moves of the day
- Lance's podcast for the entertainment
- GCN's breathy and breasty euroness
... if I have the time.
And then there's NBC's crew...
- I do feel for Brent and TJ having to educate the unwashed with silly cartoons and goofy bets
- No way I could ride the sissybar like Christian or do the man on the course stuff like Steve
- Amid correcting, Bobke does a good job as the straight man
-
Phil may miss a few deets, but that voice is still gold to me
... collecting a solid paycheck.
Nothing wrong with that.
For actual, pure analysis...
- concise
- relatable
- insightful
... I think Tom Danielson does it best.
He delivers it via blog, vlog and podcast.
You're probably thinking Nice job taking potshots at people just trying to do their jobs...
... to which I'll counter, I'm grateful we have so many real human points of view vs the AI slop sure to come our way.
Links to Tom's work:
https://cinchcycling.cc/blogs/news/tour-de-france-stage-3-tadejs-boxing-match
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/81/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING
MOST OF US have a test course, a segment that is our fitness barometer, where we lay down a valiant effort, then upload it...
... to see where we're at.
Sometimes years of data points.
When we're prepping for the A race we'll hit it hard.
The results are instructive...
- PR'd it
- on track
- woefully wanting
... from elation to devastation.
Gratefully, it's usually good and confirming info.
But, what about when it isn't?
Like my Leadville prep test up a similar climb to Columbine...
- 1:10 in May
- 1:14 in June
- 1:15 in July
... which is honestly, quite discouraging?
The May effort I was waiting for my friends,
in June I was chasing all the way,
in July I went alone.
July's effort was the shortest
June's was much longer,
May's the longest.
Big takeaway...
... my fitness is going backwards.
So, find the positives...
- I'm descending better than I have since the TBI
- the nutrition plan seems to be on point
- the bike is nearly complete
... and make adjust ments.
I still have 7 weeks to turn it around...
- stop shredding my legs with weight training
- get back to throttling Saturdays
- stack the Zone 2 miles
... and I have some definite ideas on how to do that.
Will it work?
I dunno.
What won't work is quitting.
Thoughtful, calculated perseverance is always the right answer.
===
165.6 lbs 12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/87/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HALF THE FREEDOM
WE KNOW where the 50% mark is on the course. The distance. The estimated time it takes to get there. The food we'll need to arrive and...
... finish with good energy.
But, is that enough?
Knowing vs doing,
totally different things.
The first half of 2026 is gone.
For some, it flew right by.
Others...
- bored
- unengaged
- beset by challenges
... had a different experience.
We are free to stay the course, or...
- 10x goals
- Committed mindset work
- Severing whatever is holding us back
... recalibrate and blow everyone's minds (ours included).
God, bless America.
===
Nowza good time to crack that journal open and document the amazing things we've accomplished to date.
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
Let's rip!
===
164 lbs 12.6%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/88/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GUITY AS CHARGED
THE EVIDENCE IS OVERWHELMING, there is no defense for the flagrant violations of society's norm...
... we've got a problem.
And, we don't care.
It's who we are...
- city limit sign? let's race
- KOM within reach? let's race
- event 700 miles away? let's race
... we're constantly on the lookout for our tribe.
We rarely watch sportsball,
we'll watch a TdF stage start to finish.
We do find comfort in the couch,
after an absurdly long day outside ripping.
We do devour ice cream and cookies,
but only when the calorie deficit is irredeamable.
We aren't normal...
... we're race junkies.
===
If that resonates,
you might want this shirt,
which I'm pretty sure we priced wrong at $20.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
I'll fix the price after the holiday.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
===
165 lbs 12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/96/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BROKE OR BROKEN?
IT'S AMAZING what we're willing to put up with. I suspect it's just in our nature and probably why...
... we thrive at the endurance game.
We tune it out.
And, here's the dill.
Pretending things aren't the way they are...
... can be demoralizing.
Yesterday, I had my cracked front windshield replaced on the van.
It wasn't huge,
but it was slowly growing,
ever since our trip to Sea Otter.
Neighbor Rick came out to chat and asked me why I replaced it.
Honestly?
Yeah.
It was making me feel poor.
The thingaboutitis, if I'd had the rock chip fixed immediately...
... the cost would have been minimal.
Which begs the question...
... what are we allowing to languish and bring us (our performance) down?
===
166.4 lbs 12.4%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING ON PEPTIDES
THE TEMPTATION to tap the pharmacy is getting realer every day. Call it the effects of the human genome project or clever marketing...
... lotsa people on the train.
I've been surprised.
Just in the last month or so, some of my much younger (30s and 40s) and generally healthy friends...
- trimmer
- slimmer
- sexier?
... have let me know their results from peptides.
They aren't athletes who compete,
just dudes wanting a better bod.
My response is always the same.
Dang...
... I can't do that because I'm a racer.
I know...
- the likelihood of getting tested is practically nil
- the evidence of peptides disappears quickly
- the help they deliver is real
... but, I'll know.
So I push on in the land of...
- working hard
- eating clean
- getting rest
... and I'm quite okay with that.
===
165.8 lbs
7 hours sleep
540 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RIDE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU WOULD RIDE WITH YOURSELF
EVERY NOW AND AGAIN we get an insight that touches our hearts and when we try and explain it to others they just don't get it. Not their fault. We just need an analogy...
... we can all relate to.
Try this one.
I'll do my best to share the change of heart I had recently...
- a homeless woman sitting on the corner of a busy sidewalk in front of a food court
- people, me included, waiting for the light to change
- ignoring her sad, red eyes like they didn't exist.
... it wasn't my finest moment.
We're all rich.
I'm on a stupidly expensive bike,
but no cash on me,
gazing ahead.
Ignoring the obvious hurt and loneliness.
I was ashamed...
... of my inability to see the once beautiful baby at my feet.
What would it have cost to acknowledge her?
And it hit my heart so hard...
... Love they neighbor as thyself.
Finally I got it,
and I'll do my best to share it with you.
If we really loved our neighbors as ourselves we might...
- be a little nicer, kinder more patient
- genuinely ask how they are, if they need a hand
- we might hold the bar a little lower or a little higher, out of love
... not the awkward, stumbling empathy that paralyzes us.
Genuine desire to help others as ourselves out knowing that...
- if we were raised differently
- made regrettable choices
- had terrible experiences
... but for the grace of God go I.
It reminds me of my good friend Todd Darley, a better Todd than I, who always rolls out with food.
One day we're ripping up Mulholland with a spicy group, gonna PR it...
... and Todd disappears.
Where'd you go?
Stopped to talk to the homeless hiker?
What?
Yeah, wanted to make sure he was okay. Gave him a bagel I had.
Last Saturday, a dude in a pick up with a trailer full of tools pulled up to me and Chad and flipped us the bird...
... I laughed and asked myself Now why would I do that? Having a bad day? PTSD from cyclists?
I'll never know that dude's literal problem...
... just hoping this change of heart stays with me forever.
===
165.4 lbs
8 hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/91/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS THIS CODDLING?
WE'VE ALL HAD to face the unbearable hot situations. Sometimes in training, others in a race. But, that's the thing...
... we've all had to face them.
That's life.
So, when the geniuses at Velo led with Extreme Heat Could Force Radical Rethink of the Tour de France...
... I sighed.
Stop the coddling.
They're professionals.
Then Surfergirl chimed in...
- 2013 Tour of California
- 4pm finish
- 114º
... But, remember Palms Springs.
We started early and rode the stage ahead of the pros.
Dropping down into the desert floor was like riding into a giant hair dryer.
Oppressive and awful.
My son and I staggered into a 7-11 and chugged giant Slurpees...
... finally lowering our body temps to be able to ride to the finish.
The pros came in and literally collapsed on the sizzling black and gooey tarmac.
She had a point.
It was horrific.
After wading through the Velo clickbait I discovered the "radical rethink" just meant considering starting the races at 9:30 vs the typical much later starts that finish in the hottest time of the afternoon.
You know the real tragedy isn't the coddling, it's that...
... I won't be able to go for an early spin and watch the race finish live.
I'm sure I'll find a "radical rethink" of my entertainment consumption.
===
163.4 lbs
9 hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/99/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MOVING THE COMFORT ZONE
IT CAN BE PERPLEXING to know a truth from personal experience, to share it because we care, and see it not be received...
... because it's scary.
Like ripping downhill.
I have a few friends who are training for a big event with me.
There will be a fair amount of climbing,
followed by a fair amount of descending.
None of it...
- steep double-track
- wide open hardpack
- a bit of chunky rocky stuff
... will give most mountain bikers any trouble.
Unless we're racing,
really going for it.
Even then, most will be fine...
... but, they could be so much better.
And here's the headscratcher...
... I can't get them to ride much harder trails in preparation.
They protest,
avoid,
skip.
Because I'm absolutely failing to ride home the point that learning to rip more challenging trails now...
- steeper
- chunkier
- twistier and slicker
... will move the comfort zone.
Moving the comfort zone means we are...
- more efficient
- relaxed
- calm
... saving all kinds of physical and emotional energy.
While others bog down with Oh shift! moments, we can turn those sections into...
- recovery
- relaxation
- moments of bliss
... something to look forward to, and potentially gain/make up time.
If we're into that.
I am.
You?
(Where else are we too fraidy catty to move the comfort zone?)
===
163.6 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/114/-23 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BUT, DOES HE REALLY CARE (NOW)?
ON RACEDAY it's fair to say nothing else matters but the race. The training, the fine-tuning, the sacrifices...
... they're all coming together.
We need to rip.
But, when it's all said and done...
... should anybody, ourselves included, really care?
Take a dude I heard about...
- inspired and helped millions of cancer patients to believe they had a chance
- single-handedly lifted a dying sport getting legions to pedal
- operator of a massively popular podcast
- successful investor and businessman
- father of five children
... does he really care that he's not recognized as winning 7 TdFs?
For all you haters that are now triggered, the unsubscribe button is above and below.
For the open minded, contemplating our own mortality and personal achievements...
- family
- race wins
- inspiring and helping others
... what would you prefer?
===
164 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/93/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of The Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all things marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
INNOVATION THROUGH IGNORANCE
IGNORANCE AND IGNORANT are such ugly words. And don't even speak ignoramus. Referring to anybody with those words...
... is just plain mean spirited.
Ain't gonna make ya friends.
Yet, the truth is, many of personal innovations come from ideas...
- never heard of
- never thought of
- never been exposed to
... we were completely ignorant to.
Here are a few of mine...
- swimming to control breathing
- lift heavy, low reps
- sprints for power
... that have helped improve over the years.
The swimming one I came up with on my own when training for Leadville in the early days. I wanted to control my breathing and keep my breaths deep.
The lift heavy, low reps I learned from one of the great Phil Mafetone books. He only pioneered Zone 2 training coaching Mark Allen to become the most complete and dominating triathlete of his era.
Lift heavy, low reps was also heavily preached in the fascinating book Underground Secrets To Faster Running, by Barry Ross.
Sprints for power came from the awesome Fred Duncan, a premiere track coach.
The idea that we are born to be athletic and should treat our bodies as such came through loud and clear in Christopher McDougall's book Natural Born Heroes.
I could go on...
- crusty old curmudgeons calling me out
- lessons learned through experience
- defeats whose sting was wicked
... but that's not the point.
The point is we've got to continually expose ourselves to new ideas and concepts and experiences in order to...
... keep innovating and growing.
Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Socially.
===
1664 lbs
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/102/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE VISION BORED
VISION WHILE RACING isn't everything, but it's right up there with oxygen. We gotta breathe, we gotta see...
... to move forward.
I was thinking about that today while zipping down a twisty trail.
If I let my eyes start to focus on what's up close...
... my speed drops and I become much more reactive.
When I'm focused far ahead...
... I go much faster, slipping into a state of flow and things are magically easier.
The thing I was thinking about was my vision board.
Mulling over the things already accomplished, as well as what is in the works.
The vision board seems to work the same way...
... focusing on the outcome, not how I'm going to get there.
Some of you may be thinking Dude is nuts,
others nodding your heads That's right.
Either way, I'll leave you with this thought from King Salomon...
... Where there is no vision, the people perish.
===
166.2 lbs
8 hours sleep
620 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/108/-19 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TUCK AND ROLL!
AERO. The term is like a science fiction blob that oozes it's way into everything, eventually killing everything in sight and taking over the world...
... with no end of it's pervasiveness in site.
Can we escape the creepiness?
The thingaboutitis, once we go slip down the aero tube...
- positioning
- equipment
- apparel
... it's almost impossible to stop.
That list falls short of the whackiness...
- hands on the mtb fork crowns at Leadville
- hydration bladders stuffed in front of jersey
- dropper seat post for bombing road descents
... which actually works.
I was thinking about that this morning as I crested The Wall, about 15 seconds behind the leaders.
Pedaling till I was spun out...
- butt hooked on end of saddle
- hands next to the stem
- chin on the Wahoo
- elbows in
- knees in
... I assumed the position (I'm not a butt on seat tube believer).
Would I, could I catch before the bottom?
Being on my lessthanaero gravel bike...
- spun out with gravel gears
- rolling shallow depth road wheels
- rockin' a well ventilated KASK helmet
... I needed every aero advantage I could get.
After rolling up on the 3 in between the two leaders...
... we rotated, taking short and speedy pulls.
It took forever to catch,
all the way to the final curve.
I'm already thinking about next week...
- actual aero helmet
- clean shave on the legs, face, arms(?)
- and, yeah, gonna bust out the Speedsuit
... what else I can do to improve my aeroness.
On my previous road bike, I clocked 51 mph...
... today's set up shows 47.4 mph.
Tuesday can't some soon enough.
===
168 lbs
7 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs
89/113/-24 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CUI BONO?
THERE ARE A LOT OF DEALS that get cut on the race course. Some are obvious, some hidden. Many between competitors...
... for money, glory and pride.
The worst deal of all?
Well, that depends on Cui bono?...
... Who benefits?
Deals between competitors kindasuck, but...
- hang on for camera glory
- work to stay in break
- straight cash
... we can usually tell who benefits,
and who pays.
No, the most insidious deals...
- staying up late
- backing off the finishing sprint
- starting the new diet "tomorrow"
... are the ones we cut with ourselves.
Because nobody benefits,
'cepting our competitors.
===
167.4 (Happy Fatter's Day - sheesh!)
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
85/90/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY INSANE CULT
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
86/98/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TODAY WAS A ROUGHIE
SOME BIG TRAINING DAYS are better than others. The reasons are myriad. Which means when it goes sideways...
... it's up to us to figure it out.
Like today.
I knew it was going to be a big day...
- 7 hrs
- 87 miles
- 10,500' of vert
... on Monday.
There are only 8 weeks to get our Leadville legs, and me and Let's Go need(ed) to do some simulation.
For me,
today,
I just never got comfortable.
Never felt that feeling of being on top of the pedals and...
... smoothly moving like a Singer sewing machine.
It was much more like a broke down pumpjack one might see in the hot and dusty oil fields of Bakersfield...
... in desperate need of lube and love.
Clunk.
Clunk.
Clunk.
I've narrowed it down to a few things...
- going too deep on Thursday after solid Tuesday and Wednesday
- rolling the gravel wheels vs road wheels on Friday's BRO ride
- hitting the legs with resistance Sunday-Thursday
... and I should know better.
I'm gonna add to that...
- probs too much tire pressure
- def hotter today than our last attempt
- carrying a third bottle to be safe on hydration
... some I can control, some I can't.
In the end, I think it really comes down to not being sufficiently recovered.
On a positive note, given the fatigue level...
... we averaged 12.7 mph with zero drafting over a similar profile to Leadville.
Not bad.
Not great.
But, we can work with that.
Oh, and I'm feeling quite extra speedy on the downhills.
Time for...
- In-N-Out burger, fries and shake
- some good sleep
- and a day off
... to set the pins up to be knocked down next week.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
89/113/-25 per Strava (someone's tired!)
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT TOPSECRET SECRET
THE IDEA OF A PUBLIC DECLARATION is not new. Lots of people have proclaimed they will accomplish X goal and gone on to do just that...
... because it works.
There is a hitch.
The haters,
the perceived haters,
hating the idea of haters.
There are plenty of famous athletes who have made the call and fallen flat on their face...
... sometimes by knockout.
Which is why most of keep our plans secret,
denying ourselves the power therein.
I'm onboard with that.
There is also power in keeping our intentions unknown.
Wherein lies another hitch.
If we're posting our stats with the Strava lords,
that might be considered a passive-aggressive statement.
Which begs the question...
... if we're keeping our mouths shut, do we keep our training private?
Personally, I'm open book on that, except for my top secret racing agenda which scrawled in code...
... on my vision board.
===
164.6
7iah hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
83/84/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IMAGINE THAT!
WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, can ya even remember that?, we had tremendous imaginative powers. From games to friends to travel to faraway places...
... our lives were boundless.
What happened?
Did reality set in?
Did we set conditions on our dreams?
Did some kind old bag of wind tell us not to have our heads in the clouds?
The thingaboutitis...
... when we register for an event or race, all bets are off.
We've already imagined...
- the trainging
- the equipement
- the travel and accomodations
... to start.
More importantly, if we're really on our A game, and you and I are!...
... we can see the finish line, and exactly how we'll be at that moment.
Which isn't child's play.
It's actually...
- life
- business
- relationships
... how doers get it done!
As I'm writing this I'm reminded of the gloves I wore today...
and the shirt I'm wearing right now
This is gonna be a total marketing faux pas because we're neverever supposed to make too many offers, but...
... I imagine more than a few of you will want this reminder to Rip!
Order the Gloves, get the Shirt for FREE.
Use this code: LET'SRIP
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lets-rip-buy-t-get-gloves-for-free
===
162.6
8 hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
85/91/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EMBRACING THE BURN, DAILY/OFTEN
WE'VE ALL FELT THE BURN. Some of us love it, some of us hate it. No matter where we are on the spectrum...
... the burn is coming for us.
Is it minimizable?
Maybe.
If yesterday is any indicator, I may have stumbled upon something.
For the last few weeks, I've been steadily increasing my ATG air squats.
From reps of 10 to reps of 30.
If you haven't done them lately, or ever...
- standing
- to full "ass to grass"
- to standing
... it's quite a shock to learn our trusty bottom half may not be as durable as we think.
When I started 10 burned,
then 20 really burned...
... the last 5 of 30 were a massive struggle.
Back to yesterday's hammerfest, when the burn came on it was like my body saying...
... Oh, we're gonna burn now. Buckle up buttercup, I've got this.
Rather than pulling the plug at the onset of burn, I embraced it and powered on.
Best I've felt in weeks/months.
Now, I'll be the first to admit it could just be that I was supertapered going into last weekend's BWR UT and I might just be having a good response to the taper followed by the 3.5 hours of racing across the high desert.
But, even if that's the case...
... the burn of 30 ATGs feels so good.
Gonna keep upping it,
apparently 100 is a thing.
(yes, on top of split squats and probably bringing back box jumps)
===
165.2
8 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 90 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
85/96/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE TOOK ME BACK
IT'S REALLY HARD TO LET GO of something we love. The fear we won't get it back is legit. Yet, the opportunity of enjoying something new...
... is real, and tantalizing.
The known vs the unknown.
Once we move on, that thing we left behind might...
- forget about us
- reject our return
- change and move on
... it's risky.
No, Surfergirl didn't leave me or vice versa.
But!...
... I did leave my beloved TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships) for another ride: Wednesday Worlds.
The main reason, and it's very valid, waking up at 5am and rolling out in the cold, dark, pre-dawn was leaving me almost worthless for work the rest of the day.
The lesser reason, I was thinking the blazing intensity of WW would be a better work out.
Well, a funny thing happened when a downloaded the Tuesday vs WW data...
- significantly more time above threshold and VO2 max
- much higher average and normalized power
- and, the best, all my pals were there
... to smack me in the face!
For sure, it helped that the sun was up when I rolled out.
And, I was putting down power on the road vs battling dust, rocks and terrain.
The fellas were all welcoming...
... probably because they knew they'd dump me up The Wall and send me home with a good lycra whipping.
Gawd, I've missed this ride and these awesome cats.
===
165.2
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
84/83/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVE ME 10 WEEKS
HOW LONG DOES IT REALLY TAKE to get into top shape for an A race is a question we'd all like answered. For an Olympian, it might be years. For us...
... we might have a few months.
Or less.
Depending on when we sign up, and the vagaries of life.
But, let's just say we are fitter than most,
not as fit as some.
Then our focus will be...
- long climbs or power climbs
- slogs into the wind or a million turns
- finishing in ones and two or a ripping bunch sprint
... more on race specific training.
Given a good baseline of fitness, my general rule is...
- our bodies
- our equipment
- our travel and logistics
... it takes 10 weeks to really sharpen the saw.
For me, aiming for Leadville on 8.15.26, I've got time...
... but, no time to waste.
And, so it begins.
===
164.6
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 60 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
81/72/9 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: The Search, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PREPARATION/EXPECTATION EQUATION
DECONSTRUCTING OUR RECENT PERFORMANCE is critical for improvement. The longer we wait, the foggier our recollection. Details we were sure of...
... become memories full of bias.
It's natural.
Who wants to remember what went wrong, when we can glory in all that went right?
Other than screwing up yet another sprint for the line, nothing really went sideways for me at BWR UT.
And, if I'm being honest, Billy tested my legs on the overpass coming into to town. Whether or not he knew it, and I stayed glued through the the pain...
... I was hurting.
There are a few things that went really right...
- The chef's pasta the night before at Chef Alfredo's, with Danny and Lisa, was delish and just what I needed.
- The AirBNB I found at the last minute - a 3-bedroom house was perfect and the beds wonderful.
- The 8:30 start was a little too late to skip breakfast, so I went with my gut and mowed down a couple of chocolate Entenmann's donuts, half an apple, and a couple of cups of my trusty mushroom hot chocolate.
- I picked up Skratch Super High Carb and ran 6 scoops in my 2-liter pack and another 3 in one bottle.
- To stay ahead of cramps, I ate a Salt Stick chews.
- For the bike set up,
- Ceramic Speed chain held up really well to all the dust, even after getting doused with cold water by Smitty at the final aid station.
- The tire pressure was pretty low, 22lbs in back 20lbs up front. I rimmed out a few times over the random chunky stuff while in a paceline. That's always risky. But, I also felt like I was much more comfortable than other competitors who dropped off the group over time.
... the last was mindset.
Preparation vs Expectation.
I came in pretty rested having spend the previous 2 weeks on my MTB in Park City.
Because of the altitude, it was difficult to put in hard efforts of any meaningful time. Hours in the saddle were solid, but even a lot of that was spent ripping down hill.
I'd give me preparation a B, which was fine for a B race.
Knowing that, my expectations were quite low.
Here's the point...
... poor preparation with high expectations is a formula for frustration and a crummy day on course.
Whereas...
... awesome preparation with low expectations always makes for a fun race and often surprising outcomes.
===
163.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 70 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
82/74/7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
IF THINGS AREN'T ENDING UP as we'd like them to, the obvious thing to do would be dong something different. But, that can be a hard pill to swallow because...
... we're comfy and don't wanna change.
Hope isn't a strategy.
Or, a tactic.
So, even though I was hoping I'd be able to fend off the change with a few hundred meters to go at BWR UT, the mofo I'd been working with for the last 30 miles...
... stuck a shiv in my back.
There was nothing I could do.
Had no answer.
Surfergirl, bless her little beating heart, could see I was frustrated with myself and...
... accidentally twisted the buried blade.
What are you going to do about it?
I think it was an innocent, honest, loving, caring question due to the fact that she's seen me frustrated with something...
... then, draw up a solution and make it happen.
Truthfully, does it really matter if close out a racing effort by taking some cat on the line who I may never see again?
Not even.
What matters, to me, is that I execute the plan.
In this case...
... having something left at the end, to rip a fast finish.
The kool kids call that durability.
I call it having your shift together when it counts, which means I'll be needing to...
... wrap up long rides with sprints that sting.
===
164ish no scale
7.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/86/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THE RACE TOMORROW?
THE NIGHT BEFORE any race is not a normal night. No matter how practiced we are there's always something different to our routine. Sometimes...
... we just make it up.
Why not?
It might work,
or not.
Surfergirl keeps asking me are you excited?
I wanna say yes,
and I know I will be tomorrow...
... about a millisecond after we start.
Until then,
my energy tends to be low.
Not depressed low.
Hybernation low.
Lethargic.
Slothy.
Trying to amp me up, she asks...
... have you looked at reg to see who's going to be there?
That's the kind of thing that...
- if I glanced at it now
- the night before the race
- when I'm trying to chill and sleep early
... would def keep me up and tossing and turning.
No, that's not my agenda.
I prefer to...
- lose all hope
- ditch all desire
- punt all pretense
... and shut 'er down with my favorite pint.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/70/11 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOSTALGIA
WE ALL STARTED this endurance journey somewhere, likely not where we are today. Introduced by a friend, sometimes on purpose, others inadvertently. While we may change locales, and the friends become distanced…
… we’re still here.
In the game.
We may have the opportunity to go back to where it all started.
For me, it was…
- my roommate’s bike
- a finagled purchase of my own
- secrets of sprinting revealed by Bret, who raced track nationally for San Jose Bicycle Club
… in Provo, UT.
I rearranged my classes…
- to start as early as possible
- so I could ride every afternoon
- before cruising the library to cruise the cubicles in search of a “study” partner.
… because I had priorities to attend to.
Today I hit a climb I’d always wanted to check out, Cascade Springs, but it was a battered gravel road back in the day.
Now, it’s pristine pavement all the way up over 8000’
Followed by a plummeting descent that is as magical now as it was 40 years ago.
I’ve moved,
but, I never really moved on…
… and, I’m quite okay with that.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/68/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE TRUE PRICE OF FREE ADVICE
A WHILE BACK, I connected with the COO of a well-known bike brand. We were working on a collaboration at the time. I asked him for some...
... advice on what we're doing over here.
Today, we met for lunch.
Looked at from now to the end of the year,
the objectives I want to accomplish,
what I think is possible.
No different than...
- capabilities
- weaknesses
- peak seasonal events
... planning the race season with a coach.
After some yummy tacos,
and back of napkin calculations...
... we came up with a solid methodology to implement.
Like any great coach,
my friend made it so simple to understand...
... and gave me the confidence to go for it.
I was prepared to pay a minimum of $1,000.
In the end it could be way more expensive than that...
... if I don't take action.
It could cost me 100s of 1000s.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/77/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE SUFFERING AND EPICCING TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?
WE ALL KNOW that group workouts are torturous by nature. It's not a secret. Yet, we continue to show up beating after beating because...
... suffering loves company.
Alone, for most of us, is no good.
We won't see it through,
we'll ease up when we should be hardening up.
The bonds we end up forming are often unbreakable...
... we're in agony together.
Suddenly people who barely knew each other are fist bumping and ready for the next one.
What's the opposite bondforming experience?...
... when we're pushing geographic boundaries together.
Like today.
It wasn't the 90 minute climb topping out at 9160'.
Nope.
It was the 60 minutes of downhill...
- ripping through the trees
- sliding around gorgeous berms
- jumping rocks and roots and stumps
... feeling like we were cheating life.
Epiccing, like suffering, loves company.
We set off in search of adventures that will push beyond the comforts or riding around the block...
... the unknown and undiscovered beckoning to be shared.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/71/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COOCOO FOR CLIMBING
IF WEIGHTED SQUATS are a lot better than air squats, is climbing a lot better than riding on the flats? And, if climbing is better...
... is climbing with a weighted vest mo' bettah?
Things one wonders.
And takes to extremes.
I remember backintheday, rolling out with 100oz hydration pack on my back and 2 large waterbottles filled with sand.
It seems so silly now,
almost as all the ruckers.
On a bike we can measure power.
So, we know.
We know we don't need to stress our backs with extra weight or stupid add ons...
... we can just pedal faster.
Velocity X Force - Power
Which taken a step further...
... climbing aint gonna train us any better than flats.
We gotta put out the power.
There is a caveat, if we like...
- climbing big mountains
- ripping punchy stuff
- pounding the flats
... our bodies will adapt and become more efficient at the one we love and gravitate towards.
Me personally?
I'm coocoo for climbing,
and bananas for bombing.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/63/17 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HEAR ME OUT
SOMETIMES IT'S JUST PLAIN FUN to make fun of Velo, "powered by Outisde". Whether it's their clickbaity titles, AI drivel, or soulselling advertorials...
... there's at least one good laugh a day.
Here's my current favorite.
Stop Complaining About Sound, These Are The Best Headphones for Cycling
Roight!
Because decreasing our ability to engage with our surroundings when traveling 20+ miles per hour in our underwear on...
- trails
- gravel
- pavement
... is a great idea.
Genius.
Next up...
... Stop Complaining About Night Vision, These Are The Best Sunglasses After Sunset.
There is no best.
At best, assuming it's not clickbait or advertorial would be...
... These Headphones Least Worsen Your Ability To React To Danger When Riding.
Or, for the trailrunners...
... These Earbuds Reduce Getting The Shift Scared Out of You When A Bike Rider Has Been Saying 'Hey There' For 5 Minutes and Finally Gives Up and Passes You.
Now for you in the back jumping up and down ready to tell me to not be so closeminded...
... I hear you.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
>
POP TART POWERED, BEE STUNG... ATHLETE unINTELLIGENCE
SOMETIMES, we just gotta change it up. Do something different just fer fun. Go against...
... conventional wisdom.
I thought it had been a good week...
- 177 miles
- 17:26 hours
- 20951' of vert
... given I'd been knocked down by a 24 hour bug.
Mostly in the dirt,
mostly with friends.
Yet, every single ride Strava's Athlete Intelligence...
... scored it as recovery or recovery and endurance.
Apparently, the AI couldn't account for the fact this sea leveler was suffering at 7000-10,000 elevation.
Rolling out this morning...
- a few scoops of Envy
- 4 pop tarts
- 1 Carbs gel
... I grabbed what I had + 100 ounces of water.
While I hoped to put down some power, since all I'd done was "recovery and endurance" rides...
... I knew the truth.
Leaving with a simple plan,
ride until I ran out of food and water.
It was an epic day in the mountains...
... topped off with a bee sting in the gut a few miles from home base.
Memorable.
===
164
9 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ADVENTURE
SOMETIMES, the road really is better than the inn. We realize that whatever we are aiming for may not be all that great, but...
... putting in the work gives outsized returns.
Gratitude blooms.
Like today.
My pal Charles charts out this loop...
- 32 miles
- 4700' of vert
- topping out at 10,000'
... which seems really cool.
Until we hit our first massive fallen tree and bushwhack around it.
Then, patches of snow,
too long to ride.
Followed Puke Hill.
The view...
- The Great Salt Lake to the west
- Park City to the East
- Not a soul around
... stunning.
Somehow the goals seem weak, lacking...
... when beauty abounds.
If we'll just stop to look.
===
165ish, no scale
7ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN TRAINING ISN'T ACCORDING TO PLAN
THE BEST LAID PLANS can go sideways for a variety of reasons. I'm not gonna list 'em since I don't want to poison your mind and have you...
... manifesting awfulness.
'Cause I'm questioning just that about myself.
Did I manifest...
- 3 days off at I Do Epic
- riding with friends short on time
- puking my guts out last night after a miserable 70 minute ride
... or, is it just life?
Doesn't matter too much,
except part of my GrandMasterRipOnRaceDay plan...
... was a massive training week this week to make up for last week
and leave me slightly buried for BWR next week.
I consulted AI all night...
- possibly caused by using pure table sugar on my rides
- hydration via room temp peppermint tea
- a few Tums
... while Surfergirl laughed at me and secured the remedy.
Arose after 10 hours, feeling a lot better.
Energy seems good enough to day...
... to meet up with the local slayers.
The prudent thing would be to skip the meet up,
spin at most, or sleep...
... a proper adjustment.
But, screw it...
... I've got plans, too.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/57/22 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RACEDAY READY™ IN 10 WEEKS
Sep 10, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO I PUT OUT A POST ASKING FOR VOLUNTEERS. Guinea pigs really. I wanted to Beta test a 10 week training program I've been using for many years, and see how others would respond...
... well, pretty darn good.
They're being challenged,
held accountable,
getting ready!
I was reminded of this today when PEDALposse rider Jeff touched bases. He was asking about tomorrow's local ride and made the off-handed comment...
... the posts have been really good lately.
They all seem good to me, so I dug deeper.
Why?
Well, they're extra relevant.
Can ya give me an example?
Yeah, that one about getting your sleep right the night before. It was a really good reminder.
Ah, they've been inspired by the RaceDay Ready 10 program. I've been thinking about these cats getting ready for their big races and what they need to know. Some of it share with everybody.
Keep it up!
Can't help myself.
That is truth. I can't help thinking about how I can help these cats be super prepared on RaceDay...
... because when you're prepared,
you can handle anything life throws at ya.
We've got a lot to do to launch the app.
It'll will be included with the PEDALposse membership.
Speaking of saving a lot of money, one of my all time favorite pieces is the RaceDay Wallet™.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
First off, it's small.
Second off, the innertube rubber is so grippy it really stays put inside a jersey pocket.
Third off... it's a great place to keep a goal or mantra.
I kept this very wallet with me for nearly a year prepping to break my PR. It worked for me, might work for you.
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
SAVE 25% Join The PEDALindustries POSSE.
Click here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
---
167
8 hrs Sleep
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
13 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5932703805
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
---
166.8
7.8 hrs Sleep
20 PullUps 40 PushUps + gym work
Stretch and Hypervolt
12 pages + journaling
No ride today.
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
WE DO THIS FUN THING OUT HERE... AND Y'ALL SHOULD DO IT, TOO
Sep 09, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE LOCAL GROUP RIDE. Every town has one or two or more. Some are club only, others the more the merrier. It's where most of us learned to ride in a group...
... and got the taste of racing.
Some groups take it to a whole 'nother level. It's still renegade all the way, but there are logos and kits and awards and parties and shirts and fundraisers...
... grass roots at it's best.
Our is called The Tuesday Morning World Championships. We've moved the meet up corner several times, but the course has remained the same...
... for 18 years!
If you're wondering how to get one of these going in your town there are 4 key rules:
- Leave on time
- Obey the law
- Make a friend
- Have fun!
That's it. Ya just have to be cold-hearted about leaving on time. And, we never stop as a group for a flat. I've found rides that are erratic don't last because people can't plan around them.
Ours is coming up... you should join us.
It's real tame.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/unofficial-tmwc-2021
More of a social ride.
If ya can't make it and just want the t-shirt and fundraiser, we'll mail you the t-shirt.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/unofficial-tmwc-2021
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---
167
8 hrs Sleep
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
13 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5932703805
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE PERFECT RIDE BEGINS WITH THE PERFECT...
Sep 08, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I'M NOT EVEN SURE THIS IS TRUE. Well, I'm pretty sure based on my experience. The perfect ride begins with the...
... perfect night of sleep.
But, we all know the night before a big race can be challenging.
Our minds are racing,
our bodies are anxious,
our accommodations unfamiliar,
our support crew may have questions,
... here's how I do it.
Race Saturday? Get great sleep Thursday night. This really works, getting the great sleep early. It makes a huge difference if you get great sleep...
... the night before the night before.
Just knowing the previous night was spot on makes sleeping the night before the big ride a lot easier. At least, for me.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
Of course, my RaceDay Bag™ is packed as early as possible, which also takes off a bunch of stress.
And what goes in my bag was tested and checked out well in advance.
Did you know we picked out the very best products to put in our bags, and you can purchase them right off our site? Yep.
Click here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
---
165.2
5 hrs Sleep
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
8 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5929854703
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
IGNORE THIS AND YOU MAY NEVER RACE AGAIN
Sep 07, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IGNORE THIS AND WE MAY NEVER RACE AGAIN. Bold I know, but sometimes it's gotta be that way because too often I've neglected to do the following...
... take some time off.
After a big training block, after the A race, after the event of the summer it's important so schedule a break.
It could be a few days to a couple of weeks of no riding. You'll know, and you'll know you need it when...
... the zest is gone.
You, me for sure, might think all is well. Just need to train a little more, that the results and fire will return...
... not likely.
I've seen cats ignore this. Keep going. Charging. Getting weaker and slower...
... until the love is lost.
Consider this: In surfing we have what is called the soul surfer. This cat doesn't compete, but is better than most pros. Surfing for the simple joy of surfing. For years. For life.
Take a break when needed...
... start back with some soul riding.
The best kind.
Always.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
This is one thing I never stop doing. The amazing HyperVolt. Nearly every night.
It just feels so darn good... well, not after a brutal race like tonight or a giant training ride. The first few minutes hurt, then it gets better...
... until the legs feel magical again.
Want to save 25%?
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---
165.8
8 hrs Sleep
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
16 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5924330656
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
HOW TO OUTWIT THE DEVIL
Sep 06, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR BIKE. You can choose your kit. You can choose who you ride with and which races to focus on. Just remember one thing...
... those choices will hypnotize you.
Which is not a bad thing or a good thing.
It's just a thing.
Choose wisely.
---
Just one of the many nuggets I found in this very strange book, Outwitting The Devil.
The environment we live in is determined by the choices we make. That's kinda obvious. But, the idea that our environment hypnotizes us and keeps us hostage is powerful, even scary.
Yet, it's true.
For example, years ago we set up our Tuesday Morning World Championships. For decades I've been hauling my butt outta bed at o'dark thirty to meet the fellas.
It was hard at first.
But, a habit was formed. Friendships were made. Events were planned.
Here we are, a million years later, in better shape than 99% of our contemporaries.
Happy.
Healthy.
Having fun.
A trifecta of goodness, because we chose to be part of the environment of bike racers...
... and most of us don't even "race"!
We're just race ready.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts
It's one of the reasons I like to wear this t-shirt.
Imagine if we all got just one more person to ride a bike.
$20 for the t-shirt, delivered!
... ships free through Sept 7th.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts
Want to save 25%?
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---
166.2
8 hrs Sleep
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
37 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5916345713 PDDL
https://www.strava.com/activities/5917564216 RIDE
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
WHY IS IT SO INSPIRING, AND WHY IT MATTERS!
Sep 05, 2021
by TODD BROWN
SATURDAY, WAS THE MOST NAILBITING STAGE OF THE MOST EXCITING GRAND TOUR THIS YEAR. La Vuelta. It's been my favorite for years because it is far less predictable...
... far more exciting.
I don't know if it's because it's the last chance to score big wins, the shorter stages, the steeper gradients, or some combination..,
... I always find it inspirational.
Like yesterday, when 3rd place overall lost his mind and quit the race. He was gapped by 4th place who had forced the move to leap frog him. This was instigated because Ineos rolled the dice to try and get one of their riders on the final podium...
... meanwhile, some 23 year old cat punks the superstars and wins his first race ever.
But, why is it so inspirational?
Because we believe if we we're in their cleats we'd choose the same outlandish moves...
... to get the win!
If you're gonna sit on your bum and watch TV, get inspired: race tactics, drama and courageous moves.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts
Who knows, maybe you'll make the move and become a Local Legend.
$20 and the Local Legend Tshirt is yours... ships FREE this week.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts
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---
166.8
7.5 hrs Sleep
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
52 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5911671230
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE HIDDEN BENEFIT TO HELLISH TRAINING.
Sep 04, 2021
by TODD BROWN
GIVE ME SOME WATER! It's furnace hot. The head wind, a giant hair dryer from hell...
... blasting us.
We're barely moving.
I grab a bottle from the downtube.
Bite the valve, pull.
Raise the bottom, suck.
Hot, rancid Tanglike yuck burns my throat.
But, it's all good...
... because this is the kinda training that does a body good.
Ya know why?
I mean some know about the hidden benefit to hellish training, and you might, too. But, if ya don't or if y'ave forgotten...
... training in the heat increase blood plasma.
More blood plasma = More VO2
More VO2 = More aerobic power
And, it doesn't just have to be a scorcher like today...
... could be indoor training with the fan off
... could be jumping in the sauna post ride.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/skratch
As the most interesting man in the world says, Stay hydrated my friends.
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---
165
7 hrs Sleep
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
4 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5906528067
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
BLIND SQUIRREL WINS BIKE RACE
Sep 03, 2021
by TODD BROWN
EVEN A BLIND SQUIRREL FINDS A NUT EVERY NOW AND THEN. My friend Glenn taught me that, and I was reminded of it last night. There I was, first time on the new road bike...
... and I go All Blind Squirrel.
Now, I don't normally do this. Certainly not in a race...
... but, maybe I should?
There I am, feeling a little spicy. I'd been out for a few test rides, always on my "easy" days and never really hit it hard.
Well, you know how that new bike feeling can make ya go kinda crazy right?
That was me.
Really feeling it.
They didn't seem like legit attacks, but I'll be dawgawned if I didn't keep rolling off the front of the group.
We came to what I call Heartbreak Hill. It's a right hand sweeper that climbs up a bit. There is always a stiff breeze from the left, resulting in a fight for the gutter...
... so, like any blind squirrel would, I pegged the gutter.
No room for drafting off me.
Sometimes I'm evil-crafty that way.
There's a shadow of a rider behind me. I look back, it's Dave. And, clawing his way on is Henry...
... I keep rolling.
We rotate a bit.
I look back again.
Huge gap formed.
We press on.
And on.
All..
... the friggin' way
... to the line!
About 30 minutes, pegged.
I've done that ride close to one million times and made the long, attacking break stick exactly zero times.
On the cool down, Justin asked me...
What's the name of that bike?
It's a BMC.
No, the name?
A Teammachine.
NO... the name you gave it.
Pure Energy!
I think it's fitting.
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If you liked this little ditty, you'll probably love this.
PEDALposse members, you'll be getting this in your September shipment. No need to order the first copy.
If you're not in the PEDALposse yet... well, you probably don't like
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- Saving 25%
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But, it you do...
then... Click here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
---
165
6 hrs Sleep (unacceptable)
20 PullUps 40 PushUps + gym work
Stretch and Hypervolt
16 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5901259347
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
TOP 5 REASONS TO HIT THE GYM
Sep 02, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FIRST, I HATE HITTING THE GYM. But, ya know it's the thing to do. Especially, in the off season. I try and keep it manageable...
... I hit the home gym.
Pull Ups and Push Ups are my main stays, and here are the top 5 reasons.
- Strong core
- Strong back
- Strong grip
- Better posture
- Much improved bike handling
- Much improved out of the saddle climbing and sprinting.
If you're not into that stuff,
if you're too busy to spend 5-10 minutes a day,
if you prefer looking like a T-Rex...
... then skip it.
But, really, it's less than 10 minutes most day.
Way less.
And yes, I know that was 6...
... I like to overdeliver.
Talk about overdelivering...
... have you checked out the PEDALposse?
Click here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
165.3
8 hrs
20 PullUps 40 PushUps + gym work
Stretch and Hypervolt
22 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5891143024
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
WE DON'T HAVE ONE MORE DAY
Sep 01, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ABOVE IS PIC FROM COMPETITOR MAGAZINE, circa 2000. It's an article I wrote about my first Leadville experience. The highs, the lows. I wanted to share the stoke and get others to go. Many have gone...
... and many have said some day.
That's the problem. We think we'll be here forever. We put off the big events, the things we want to do, that could be lasting memories or even life changing.
Surfergirl reminded me of that today when I showed her a link to a new product.
Remember the magazine articles you wrote.
Yeah.
I have them saved.
Where?
We pulled out a box of mementos. And there they were. So cool to look back through some of the fun things we've done on bikes over the years. Trips, races, and some writing...
... unforgettable memories.
If you're hesitant to do your first race or event or if you're looking for a fresh approach...
... this is what sparked Surfergirl's memory.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
After year's of her encouragement, it's done.
PEDALposse members, you'll be getting this in your September shipment. No need to order the first copy.
If you're not in yet, tomorrow never comes.
Join now.
Click here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
---
165.3
8 hrs
20 PullUps 40 PushUps + gym work
Stretch and Hypervolt
22 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5891143024
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
A WORD ON WARMING UP
Aug 31, 2021
by TODD BROWN
HOW LONG SHOULD I WARM UP, DIESEL? The question reminds me of the old Benz turbo diesel SSB drove. It had glow plugs which needed to heat up before the engine would fire...
... we’re a lot like those old diesels.
We need to warm up. A proper warmup can be the difference between winning and losing, PRing and flailing.
But, before we get to answering the warmup question, the part a lot of us foul up – I know I have – is arriving late to the venue. Not only do we arrive late, we waste all kinds of emotional energy stressing about it...
... energy lost, perhaps costing the win.
I like to arrive at least an hour and a half early, sometimes two and half hours. How long I’ll need to warm up will determine how early I should arrive.
Here’s the formula, the amount of time spent warming up is inversely correlated to how long the race will last.
Track racers, whose race might be as short as 60 seconds, often warm up for an hour or more. Endurance racers, who might race for 9 hours, don’t warm up at all.
Tonight, I’m racing for about an hour. I’ll warm up for nearly that long. Leadville, no warmup at all.
In a nutshell...
... the longer the race, the shorter the warmup.
Play with it.
Master it.
How to warm up I’ll save for another day.
I should point out the main advantage of a proper warmup...
... hitting it hard the second the flag drops.
Depending on the course and the style of race, it's not uncommon for an early gap to form and the leaders never seen again.
Just something to think about.
My friend Char always arrives early. She's a National Champ on the track, so she's used to showing up way early and getting a proper warm up.
Note, she's also sporting a sweet and very custom RaceDay Bag™.
I'm pointing this out for two reasons:
- If it's good enough for a champ, you probably need one, too.
- If you have one, you probably have a friend who could use one and trust me, you'll want to order that way before Christmas this year.
Go here -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
---
165.7
8 hrs
10 PullUps 30 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
18 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5885674867
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
IT WASN'T LUCK, IT WAS TRAINING.
Aug 30, 2021
by TODD BROWN
A GOOD RACE IS LIKE A GOOD BOOK. They have a hook. Something that grabs ya. It could be the name, this history, the location, the recommendation. If they don't...
... we rarely start 'em.
So, when my riding pal, TTB, suggested a book after I suggested a race I said...
... let me check it out.
I'm hooked.
How's this for an opening scene...
... I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die.
A battle.
A young kid, in the thick of it. Shoulder to shoulder with grisly vets. A brutal enemy approaching fast.
He survives.
Wounded.
With this wise observation...
... It wasn't luck, it was training.
Sure sounds like my first race to me. It was a crit. The speeds were astonishing and the angst to win palpable.
That first turn did feel like I could die.
Soon, I was shot out the back.
Wounded ego wounded.
My veteran friends finished laughing and happy with the effort. There was a big difference between me and them...
... it wasn't luck, it was training.
I'll close with a quote from the Purple One...
Train wisely my friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
And when you go to battle, look sharp, and protect thy hands.
This month... buy the gloves and the socks are free.
No promo code needed.
---
166.9
7 hrs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
38 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5880065545
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE ONE THING ALL RACE WINNERS DO
Aug 29, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO LOSE THE RACE. Some of them have cute little initials we pronounce as verbs. The two most popular are DNF'd and DNS'. Did not finish, did not start. They can be found at the bottom of any start list...
... the other you won't find anywhere.
Yes, the third and most insidious way to lose a race is the saddest of all.
When you think about it, DNF can be for a variety of reasons. Straight up quit because didn't want to post a bad result...
...Ugh!...
... to crashed out, had a mechanical, bad stomach, cramps, lost my mind, felt like taking a nap. It's. a long list and often very valid.
That's why they are above DNS.
DNSing has it's own reason...
... life, priorities, work, sick, etc... also, generally worthy.
For the most part, I'm down with all the reasons we might not finish because shiz happens. We prepare, we do our best...
... so, forget the rest!
But, the third is DNRing. Did not register.
This one never shows up in the record books...
... there is no record for not trying.
So, get registered.
It's what all winners do.
There's an old tshirt touting the virtues of Life Behind Bars, the bars being handle bars.
If you're gonna do that, you'll need a firm grip.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
This month... buy the gloves and the socks are free.
No promo code needed.
---
166.9
8.5 hrs
15 PullUps 30 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
65 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5875046262
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
I DIDN'T ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING
Aug 28, 2021
by TODD BROWN
NEARLY 9 YEARS AGO MY BEST TRAINING PARTNER SHOWED UP. He hadn't ridden since he was a kid. He wanted to get serious, really give it a go. Sweeter words were never heard...
... Hey Dad, I wanna try racing.
I picked up an MTB for him, Sponsored By Dad was still a thing then. But, the road was calling. I hadn't raced road for decades...
... I'd forgotten how exciting it was to put down the power and have traction.
The training was so fun that next summer. Lots of time riding side by side.
Then the racing started. Mostly he raced. I met him all over the West - Bend, SLC, Phoenix, Tucson. Supporting, driving, occasionally kitting up to give it a go. He charged through the categories...
... I was inspired to get back at it, too.
Time passed.
School got busy.
Career got started.
Bike got sold.
Recently, he moved back to SoCal.
They decided to settle down here.
His old MTB, from way back when, came into the shop to get some major servicing done.
An order went in for a serious BMC MTB racing rig.
Being the sneaky sunuvagun that I am, I suggested You should train for Leadville and do it with me next year...
... figuring it will go nowhere.
We met at Laguna Wilderness today, some of the best singletrack around.
I'm numbering my rides on Strava.
Whadaya mean?
This is ride number 5 since I'm back at it.
Was it wrong of me to enjoy him huffing and puffing while I cruised along?...
... not after him shelling me for those brief years of racing.
Was it inappropriate to try and drop him on the downhills?...
... not when I looked over my should to see him smile and say I'm drafting.
Was it bad of me to sell him on an upcoming race?...
... not when he says he just wants to be able to keep up with me.
Back at his car, he uploaded.
I didn't accomplish anything.
Huh?
First time here, no cups or PRs.
I could have said...
No, you didn't unless you count your dream career, marriage and carving out your own place on the planet.
... before I could get a word out...
Next time will be nothing but PRs.
I hope I can keep up.
One of the things I loved about those racing days was talking about what was working.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
For sure, this works.
It's like magic, which is exactly what I'm gonna need.
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Best trail sign ever.
---
166.7 (this isn't going to help)
6 hrs (nor this)
0 PullUps 0 PushUps (or this)
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5868352991
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE RHYTHM IS GONNA GET YA
Aug 27, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE THINGS I MISS ABOUT HAVING A POWER METER is seeing my cadence. Pre-power meter, I would geek out on cadence, then I got a way from it. And then, I got back into it with my previous MTB...
... looking at those revs.
There's something satisfying about seeing that little strip of data. Comforting almost. Easily controlled...
... yes, the rhythm can be easily lost or found.
Sometimes we're blasting up a hill. In the zone. The pitch increases, or maybe it's the lactic burn...
... suddenly, we're going nowhere.
Seemingly backward.
We're tired.
Not thinking.
Just grinding.
That moment right there, yeah... that'd be a good one to see our cadence. Realize it's all wonkadoo..,
... and shift the dern gears.
It's like the magnetic Gloria Estefan says...
... The rhythm is gonna get ya!
The only question is...
... Is it going to be a long grind or a quick zip to the top?
I've found 90 revs a minute to be my sweet spot.
What's yours?
---
Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?
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---
164.7
7 hrs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5863547791
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
FOOLISH OR STUBBORN?
Aug 26, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND JEANA SENT ME THIS PIC with the words You were too fast!. She was referring to my half my head missing from the image. I wasn't. In fact, I was working my way backwards from first to fourth...
... that's the truth.
I like the sentiment nonetheless because I was going a lot faster than I had gone the previous two weeks. These short, 1 hour efforts are really demanding. I rarely ever ride like this.
Was I bummed to falter at the end, sure.
That's normal.
But, only a fool would focus on the scoreboard vs the positive results.
We're out for mastery, and as the great Leonardo DaVinci preached it's going to take...
... Ostinato rigore.
Stubborn rigor.
Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
164.7
7 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5859420217
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
HUSTLE AND GUILE, FOR THE WIN!
Aug 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MY OTHER DAD PASSED THIS EVENING. He came into my life when I needed a strong father figure. And boy, was he strong. Like you just knew he wasn't to be trifled with and at the same time...
... he had the biggest heart ever.
He had no business getting involved with us. He and our mother were on and off at best, but he was always on as far as we were concerned. We had a bond, an unexplainable one that lasted a lifetime.
He taught me tennis, a sport he fell in love with later in life. I wasn't very good. I was weak, and gangly, a true late bloomer. He told me that was an advantage...
... I'd be forced to learn proper technique and my mind.
Always looking for the good in any situation.
But, the best thing he taught me when it came to life and sports was that was okay to be underestimated...
... he'd been underestimated his entire life.
He was a Mexican immigrant, he wasn't very big, his own father had been largely missing...
... and yet, he'd built a wonderful life for himself...
... because he was a fighter.
So many times I saw him take the court against larger, younger, faster players and drive them absolutely crazy...
... he won through hustle and guile.
He knew it,
they knew it,
I knew it...
... and I loved it.
It was simple and raw and pure.
He was, and remains, a true hero.
A mentor.
A giver.
A father.
As I write this, I'm not sad. We had a lot of good times during the past year. Cancer can be kind that way.
He'd lost so much weight the boyish features in his face returned. He looked like the young man he once was, full of life, shipping off to Korea - cigarette in mouth, a t-shirt, rolled jeans. Black hair, big confident smile...
... hustle and guile.
Till we meet again, Roberto Alcaraz Gomez.
---
Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?
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---
165.1
9 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps + Gym work
no stretch no hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5854294696
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
TOP 3 REASONS I RACE MY BIKE
Aug 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN RACING FOR DECADES. Some years a lot, most years a handful, others just once. I don't think I've missed a year since 1997...
... but that hasn't been the goal.
By that I mean racing in and of itself was never the driver. Don't get me wrong, I love it...
... and here are the top three reasons why:
- Having a big race or ride on the calendar keeps my base fitness up. My fatness may increase during the year, my miles may dip, but there's a standard to be maintained if I'm racing at some point. That has requires great health year round.
- I've been fortunate to be able to have a regular midweek ride that doubles as a race and triples as a support group. These cats become, over time, my confidants and trusted friends.
- The last is figuring out what it's going to take to have a great day on the bike. This is one of those constant curiosities that keeps me fascinated. What can I do? What is possible? What's it gonna take to accomplish X?
That's it.
That's why I race.
Stay in shape, friendship, the personal challenge.
Why am I racing tonight? Get used to intensity again, see my pals, hang onto Chris' wheel as long as possible...
... I got so excited by this prospect I neglected to send the email.
Race recap: led first half lap, forced break with Series Leader Kurt and the alwaysfast Chris, lost contact with them on final lap and blew the sprint. Kurt won. The great part about losing is realizing how much improvement there is needed.
Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
165.1
7 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
no stretch no hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5848549818
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
ABSOLUTELY SOLID ADVICE ABOUT TOMORROW'S WORKOUT
Aug 23, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I KNOW IT'S LATE AND YOU'RE TIRED, or maybe it's cold and your cozy, or possibly it's early and dark. Whatever it is, here is some really solid advice about tomorrow's workout...
... you should skip it.
I was thinking about that when I got a text from Lane. He told me he's down 65 lbs. since joining the PEDALposse and needed to change his shirt size. Then he added this...
... It's time to go PR LoToJa.
That's a 200 mile bike race, not a ride. Through 3 different states...
... guess what Lane hasn't been doing.
Skipping the workouts.
He's been skipping the donuts and ice cream, but not the workout. Which is why I highly recommend you skip tomorrow's work out...
... but today, get your buns in gear.
Same goes for tomorrow, which will be today when you wake up.
And the next day.
I like Lane's chances, do you like yours?
There are a lot of reasons to join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
Here are the top 4:
• 25% Savings On Every Order
(15-20% on bikes & wheels).
• Surprise Swag Every Month
(you know you deserve it)
• Referral Rewards
yep, I'm gonna pay ya when you spread the word
• Special Events
me and you and who knows who?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
165.8
7.5 hrs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps + other stuff
10 min Stretch, 20 min HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5840331447
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
ANOTHER KEY TO RIDING A LOT FASTER
Aug 22, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I'M ALWAYS AMAZED AT THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT CONFUSE WISHBONE WITH BACKBONE. It really doesn't matter the topic, but we see it all the time in with cycling abilities...
... I wish I could ride as fast as you.
Ok, come and ride and stretch and eat and lift and do what I do...
... Oh, I didn't mean it like that.
What I want to say next is something like,
Well, just how the hell did you mean it? Don't you realize all good things require work? What kind of a child are you anyway?
What I end up saying is something like,
Well, let me know when you really want it.
if we're going to be great at something, anything...
... we've got to do it with real intent.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
When we have real intent secrets are unfolded.
My friend Kurt said to me at recent race... I read the blog all the time. I've learned a lot of your secrets. Then proceeded to rip my legs off.
I'm guessing he knows about PR Lotion.
Save 25% when you join the PEDALposse -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
166
9.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
20 min Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5837713912
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
RIDE PAUSED.
Aug 21, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS MORE THAN MISTY, LESS THAN RAINY, OCCASIONALLY DRIZZLY. About an hour in and my socks, gloves and butt were soaked. I wasn't cold, just drenched. My Wahoo screen's message was only a wish...
... RIDE AUTO-PAUSED.
While stopped at one of the few lights on the route, I thought to myself...
... I wish.
We rode on.
I would say it was more of a commitment to the plan than joy to be riding. A lot more. But, there was something else...
... something to be overcome.
First, there's the obvious If I can't handle the rain on a training ride, how am I gonna deal with it racing?
- Flats. We saw a lot of cats pulled over fixing flats. Fortunately, the four of us are all running tubeless set ups and this wasn't an issue.
- Traction. I dropped my PSI a bit and felt confident all day except one turn where I found myself on our extraslick road paint. A minor slip, a great reminder to stay off the paint, all paint.
- Being soaked sucks, but before long we adjust and adapt.
- Lube, my UFO lube got pretty noisy after 3 hours.
- Food. Still gotta eat and drink, but we drank a lot less - we weren't hammering.
- Glasses. Love my photochromatic lens for all light conditions.
Seeing far fewer riders on the today reminded me why the rain never bothers me in a race, because I know most aren't nearly as prepared...
... one of the greatest superpowers of all is experience.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
It's always good to have lights on board, especially as the days shorten.
Use promo code: LIGHTS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
---
165.3
9 hrs (Vuelta induced nap)
PullUps 0 PushUps
20 min Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5830782031
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
IS THAT LIKE PELOTON?
Aug 20, 2021
by TODD BROWN
A DUDE STOPPED ME OUTSIDE OF CHRONIC TACOS. I was getting lunch and he saw the van. Asked, What is PEDAL industries, is it like Peloton? I had a lot of responses run through my mind...
... I settled on the truth.
Because the truth of the matter is that Peloton for all it's swanky swagger and dressed up drama...
... has managed to get a lot people on bikes.
Yes, they are indoors. But, who cares? Really?
Especially since a lot of those fancied up trainer riders are moving outdoors and riding long distances and doing gran fondos and tours and...
... they are even doing races.
Yep.
As far as I'm concerned, we're just one big happy family...
... spinning our ways to better health and more fun.
Who knows, maybe they'll be like you and join the incredibly awesome PEDALposse?
Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
165.5
7.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
10 min Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5824021222
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
IT'S NOT JUST A NUMBER
Aug 19, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FOR SURE, THE FASTEST I EVER COVERED THE DISTANCE THROUGH CAMP PENDLETON MARINE BASE WAS NEARLY 30 YEARS AGO. I know what you're thinking, that it would be impossible because today's bikes are so much faster...
... not as fast as this bike.
First off, it was powered by not one rider but two. Not just any two riders, but John Howard and some other superstar...
... and the bike had a fairing!
Yep, and tandem with a fairing.
This was on the world famous Swami's Wednesday ride - still one of the fastest rides around. Back in those days all the top pro triathletes hit that ride: Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, Dave Scott.
On this particular day, it was said tandem on the front doing major damage.
Tacked on their wheel was the incredible Kenny Souza, World Champion duathlete.
Behind him, little ol' me.
We burst through the final gate into San Onofre Campground, pegged the whole way over 30mph.
It was all I, or Kenny, could do to hang on.
Nobody was sharing pulls.
As we cleared the gate, I looked back...
... mainly to see if I could fall back a few wheels and recover.
Nobody there.
50+ cats, gone.
Obliterated.
Now, I think about that fairing a lot. To this day, it's an impressive memory.
Every time I zip tie a numberplate on my bike I put it as vertical and square as possible. There is absolutely no science behind it, just the memory of that insanely fast bike...
... until today!
A company called Ribble announced a bike with a handlebar designed to create drag to break up the air around a racer's leg. Kinda like a handlebar acting like a mini-fairing.
I suppose I could do some low budget wind testing coasting with and without a plate down a local hill.
But, I think the real point is not to fret that our aero bike just got slower because the race promoter wants a number plate up front...
... or maybe it's just a way for me to share a story about the fastest I ever rode that famous section.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Hard to believe, but this was pre-helmet days. Maybe a hairnet. These days I'm all for helmets, especially KASK.
The Protone is a great all arounder. The Valegro I like for MTB. The Utopia for speed. The Rapido a great value.
Use promo code FAIRING
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
165.4
7.25 hrs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
10 min Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5818778356 paddle
https://www.strava.com/activities/5821338971 spin
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
A NEW ROUTE FOR RAAM
Aug 18, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ON A BIKE RIDE, YEARS AGO, I MET A MAN TRYING TO BUILD THE STATUE OF RESPONSIBILITY ON THE WEST COAST to balance the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast. It wasn't his idea, it's Victor Frankl's, he was tasked/called to make it happen...
... I wanted to know more.
Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning, had, and continues to have, a great impact on my thinking. In fact, I would say it is the basis of my belief that PRs are better than KOMs...
... why I'm always happy with any race result as long as my best efforts were given.
But, that's not Responsibility.
The statue is based on the concept that we have a responsibility to reach down and help those who need a hand.
It's beatiful,
stunning.
I think this is a noble idea. However, I propose it should be anchored with the wisdom of another great man I learned about after a ride once, talking to my friend Dan...
The best thing you can do for me is to take care of you.
- Jim Rohn.
We all have the liberty to ride bikes.
We have a responsibility to maintain them, ride safely and carry the appropriate tools and nutrition to complete a successful outing...
... at least you do if you want to ride with me.
Accidents will happen, parts will fail, food will be forgotten and those of us who can will help out...
... much more willingly if you've done your part.
Funny thing is, the best help never comes from a sense of duty or responsibility or coercion...
... it comes from love.
Maybe we need a Statue of Love in the center of the country.
What if we had a new RAAM route, from Responsibility through Love to Liberty?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Here's what I'd be fueling with on such a ride.
Use promo code RESPONSIBILITY
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
164.7
8.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps + Gym work
20 min Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5816063953
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THAT'S NOT COURAGEOUS, THIS IS COURAGEOUS
Aug 17, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHAT MOST DIDN'T SEE IN THE FACES OF THE RACERS TONIGHT IS WHAT LIES BENEATH THE HELMET. Trust me on this, because I know a lot of these cats, there are amazing stores of triumph and defeat...
... these are the real spokes in our communal wheel.
We develop them over the miles we share together. We listen, we talk, we console...
... and we help...
... because we see real acts of courage and bravery.
Here's a glimpse: parents of a severely handicapped children, spouse relapsing with cancer, job loss, addiction battles, etc.
The questions people ask us and the answers we never give.
Why do we race?
Part of it is straight up self-medication.
Isn't that hard, to ride up a mountain like that?
Try ________, that's hard.
How do you go without cake/candy/donuts?
Look, I'm dealing with _____ I need every advantage I can get.
Yes, I was overcome with love for our people tonight. Seeing them covered in dirt and grime and sweat...
... and still smiling and happy and congratulatory.
These cats are truly courageous and brave...
... I bet you are, too.
---
Tip of the hat to Rod Stewart's Forever Young for the title.
---
If there's a local legend in your life...
... maybe they need this limited edition t-shirt?
I'm making a very limited run of these for the PEDALposse, which they will receive for free...
... and you can purchase here
https://pedalindustries.com/products/local-legeng-t-shirt
Orders MUST BE PLACED by 8/18, end of day.
This is dirt and grime and sweat
These are smiles, covered in dirt and grime and sweat (courtesy Crazy Mike)
Chris brings the Jarrito's every week.
Bow sent me this, talk about a climb that stings
---
165.4
7 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch
No reading, No journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5810592052 (the race)
https://www.strava.com/activities/5807638668 (the morning ride)
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
OUR LOCAL LEGEND!
Aug 16, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I REALLY DON'T LOVE RECOGNITION AS MUCH AS THE NEXT GUY. Do you? Maybe I've been at this too long. Maybe I'm a grumpy old cat. Maybe I'm just awesomely well adjusted, nah. Whatever it is, about once a week...
... I'm reminded of how much I loathe participation awards.
You know what I'm talking about right? You get 'em all the time, don't you?
The worst part...
... as much as they disgust me, it's kinda true, but not for their reasons.
I reckon you are just as worthy.
You're the cat all the neighbor kids ask about bike stuff.
What should I get?
How do I ___?
Where should I ride?
Who will win the Tourlympics ___?
When should I upgrade?
Congratulations. You really are a Local Legend, for all the right reasons.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/local-legeng-t-shirt
If you've got a sense of humor,
or an under appreciated friend
I'm making a very limited run of these for the PEDALposse, which they will receive for free...
... and you can purchase here
https://pedalindustries.com/products/local-legeng-t-shirt
Orders MUST BE PLACED by 8/18, end of day.
---
166.2
7.5 hrs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5802361804
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THAT POINT OF VIEW STINKS
Aug 15, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH CAMERAS IN BIKE RACING. Sometimes we do, most times we don't. As a result, it can be hard has helk...
... to know the result.
It all depends on our point of view.
Take a sprint finish.
The head on view is nearly impossible to gauge who won let alone how it went down.
Add a side view and we get a sense of the tremendous speed at which the cats are racing.
Bring in a top view and we get an idea of how it's unfolding.
With a GoPro mounted on a bike the danger and explosiveness gets revealed.
Slow it all down and we are immersed in the drama.
Most decisions are infinitely better with various points of view.
Yet another reason to have an awesomely accurate pressure gauge.
Most pumps are moderately accurate.
Use promo code: POV
---
166.4
8.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
No stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5800164009
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
MENTALLY SENSITIVE
Aug 14, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT A YEAR AGO I RAN INTO MY FRIEND JOHNNY O'MARA ON AN MTB RIDE. (O'Show, as he's known, is a former World Champ MX racer and multitime MTB National Champ.) He was training with a young kid, 17ish, Jet Lawrence. Fast forward to today, searching for La Vuelta, I landed on a motocross race...
... and there's Johnny coaching the same kid to a huge pro victory.
Jet looked incredibly at ease and relaxed...
... which is exactly what we look for in a coach, someone to help get our heads straight.
I finally found La Vuelta, and the last man off in the TT is last year's winner Primoz Roglic. Sure, he just won a gold medal in the Olympic TT but this course was super technical. I wondered if his string of nasty crashes at The Tour would factor...
... you'd never know by the way he attacked each corner.
Spoiler alert: he destroyed his competition and won the stage.
Later I pulled up the Leadville100 results. I was anxious to see how my pals fared. It is so hard to race at 10,000'...
... they all ripped it up.
Earlier in the day, I'd been riding the ridge opposite one of our local trails. It's a steep single track that can easily get out of hand if you're not paying attention...
... appropriately named Mentally Sensitive.
You can't really tell how steep it is from this angle, but I think that's the thing about watching someone winning and ripping...
... it's hard to appreciate the mental battle they conquered long before the victory.
Part of that mental battle is daily...
... specifically, what are we doing to be strong?
I posted already about this book, but it deserves a reminder, and it's emphasis on the holy trinity of strength: PullUps, Burpees, Squats.
Thought about all ride, as I indoctrinate the initial group of Slayers.
A few shots I took along the way to my favorite reward.
Rewards are a big part of the mental game.
So is confidence, and I can't say enough about how confident I am with these Pirelli Cinturato gravel tires.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
Use promo code: MENTALLYSENSITIVE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
---
166.2
7.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
20 min Stretch and HyperVolt
16 pages/3 sentences
https://www.strava.com/activities/5793298060
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
TRAINING VS PRACTICE, IS THER A DIFFERENCE?
Aug 13, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE PROBLEM WITH GOING TOO FAST isn't actually going to fast. Unanticipated problems can crop up for sure, from equipment failure to plain ol' loss of control. But, the real issue is...
... how we see speed.
If it's the first time we've ever hit 50, on bike with not much more than underpants for protection, that's gonna look different than if we've done it 100 times.
---
Sometimes I think it would be better to call our riding between races Practice instead of Training.
Training, stressful.
Training feels like we know what to do and we are just grooving it in.
Practice feels more playful, like it's okay to try several different approaches into a turn or off a jump.
Practice, fun.
---
How we see a problem, like too much speed, determines how we react.
How we react determines quality of life.
---
I hope you get in some good practice this weekend.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
When I practice, I always want a good firm connection to my bars.
That's why I love these gloves.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.9
7.5 hrs
20 PullUps 40 PushUps
15 min Stretch and HyperVolt
17 pages/3 sentences
https://www.strava.com/activities/5786890928
SLAYER SUPER POWERS
Aug 12, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AS THE INITIAL GROUP OF GUINEA PIGS GOES THROUGH THE PEDALslayer PROGRAM, I thought I'd riff on some of the things we're doing. One is keeping track of our weight and sleep...
... what's get measured gets managed.
There are obvious and not so obvious reasons to measure these two metrics.
Obvious:
Tracking weight and sharing it with each other is a motivator by itself. It's gratifying to hit our power to weight goals.
Not so obvious:
Weighing ourselves each day gives immediate feedback on our diet choices in the previous 24 hours. There's a lot to learn there.
Obvious:
Well, is this obvious to you? Sleep, proper sleep, is a super power. Too often we discount the affects of sleep on physical performance. Those that have fitness trackers like Whoop are keenly aware of the affect of sleep on their overall readiness to compete.
Not so obvious:
We are measuring time in bed, just the act of getting to be on time goes a long way to getting proper sleep.
If you're reading this in the morning, weigh yourself...
... in the evening, get into bed on time.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Speaking of lifestyle changes...
... modest is hottest...
... check out the vintage photo version collab with the Horton Collection.
Use promo code: MEASURE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
163.4
7.5 hrs
15 PullUps 30 PushUps
20 min Stretch and HyperVolt
20 pages/3 sentences
https://www.strava.com/activities/5783944469
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE FIRST THING I DO AFTER A CRASH
Aug 11, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I RAN INTO MY PAL WOODY LAST NIGHT AT THE RACE. His arm was in a sling.
What happened?
Crashed.
Where?
Big Bear.
Racing?
Enduro, first one I ever did.
You probably would have won.
I know.
How? (He's super fast and talented)
I have video.
Let's see it.
We watched it. Regular speed. SloMo. Backwards.
There it was, clear as a new Oakley lens, coming out of a turn he clipped a little rock which changed his exit angle sending him shoulder first into an immovable pine.
Ouch!
3 broken bones.
Surgery?
Nope, just take it easy.
So, did you catch the first thing to do after a crash?...
... and I'm talking about after taking stock of body and bike.
The first thing to do is figure out the cause. He happened to have actual video, but we all have our own video running all the time in our heads.
Rewind and review.
Learn from it.
Take note of the surface you were riding on. Tire pressure. Cats you were battling, if you were. State of your equipment. State of mind, distracted or focused.
Figure it.
Catalog it.
And move on.
If we don't stop and pause and reflect we are destined to repeat our errors...
... which reminds me of the number one mistake I see people make...
... their heads are down, not looking far enough ahead.
A wise man once said, Where there is no vision the people perish.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
The funniest lesson I ever learned was when I rolled out sans helmet. I was barely moving. Looking straight down adjusting something and ran straight into a parked car, launched forward and rang my bell good.
Now, I'm always covered in style and comfort.
If I had to chose one, it'd be the Protone. Super comfy.
Use promo code: REVIEW
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Beautiful evening.
---
163.4
7 hrs
Gym work
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5778512867
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
WHAT'S UP WITH WILL?
Aug 10, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I GOT WHACKED TONIGHT. It's the local MTB race - 700+ racers every week. Halfway through the season and I thought I'd stick my head in an give it a whirl...
... nearly had it removed.
But, that's the thing about racing. We all have a the will to win. It's not enough. Read on.
Then the gun went and my pal Kurt, the series leader, went to the front and drilled it.
We never caught him...
... especially me.
I was actually feeling really good on the first lap. With some really good guys, in the top five. So much so I thought I could bridge up to Kurt if I wanted, or that with our rotation we'd eventually catch him.
The second lap, hurt a bit more.
These short races, under an hour, are hell. All out, not at all what I've been working on. Trust me, these cats are battle hardened halfway through the season.
The third lap, hurt a lot...
... I pulled the plug halfway through and promptly lost 2 minutes.
The will to win, that's easy...
... the will to prepare, that's difference between the champions and the pack fodder.
I rode a fourth lap, just to contemplate how bad of a beating I'd received.
From 2nd to 7th in one lap. That's an impressive move. The question I was asking myself was this...
... do I have the will to prepare for this kind of racing?
At a minimum, I need to finish strong.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion
Probably, especially since it will help me prep for Sea Otter.
And of course, I'll be lathering up with PR Lotion for the race and the race specific training.
It's that good.
If you haven't tried it...
... are you crazy?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion
There is nothing like the afterglow of a good beating. I sat long after everyone was gone, soaking up the moment and enjoying the sunset
It's always great to see so many friends.
---
164.7
8 hrs
15 PullUps, 30 PushUps
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5659594965
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
10 WEEKS TO SLAY IT
Aug 09, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH THE SAME PROVEN SYSTEM FOR NEARLY A DECADE NOW. Whatever event is on the horizon, I use the same10 week program to get my buns toughened up and in racing shape...
... I just plug in a few data points and out pops a specific recipe.
It's not just miles in saddle. It's off the bike training. Food. Recovery. The whole kit and kahelmet.
I like to think of it as baking.
Pre-heat.
Mix the ingredients.
Put in the oven.
Wait 10 weeks.
Let cool.
Slay the course.
Before I make it available to the masses...
... I'd like to test it with a few lads and lasses.
If you're interested, LMK only looking for a handful.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion
In the meantime, I'm going over my checklist for tomorrow night's local MTB race.
The first time I ever used this I had an amazing night, now I don't race without it.
If you haven't tried it, that's okay. The rest of us like slaying the course.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
165.9
7 hrs
15 PullUps, 30 PushUps
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5659594965
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
JUST 4 LEFT, DON'T WASTE 'EM
Aug 08, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AS WE ROLL TOWARDS FALL, I can see my calendar could be jam packed. There are a million events. Some are normally in the Spring but were pushed back, some are new, some I've done a bunch...
... and some I've never done.
That said, it's time to pick and chose.
Can't do 'em all.
Can't all be A's.
I've narrowed it down to BWR Cedar City, a gravel race. Sea Otter, the mega event. And Sagebrush Safari.
September.
October.
November.
None of which includes OverTheHump, our weekly MTB series; nor The unOFFICIAL TMWC, our once a year throw down on the weekly group ride.
BWR is one I've always wanted to do. It's a gravel race. To be honest, I don't know what to make out of gravel racing. Is it really racing? It doesn't seem like it. The few I've done have felt more like survival contests.
Sea Otter I've done many times, but we're thinking it would be fun to add the Enduro on the first day. Then the Circuit Race. After that, it's a toss up at this point between the Gravel race and the XC. Either way, 3-4 days or racing will be fun.
Sagebrush Safari is another I've always wanted to do. We pre-rode it 2020. Super fun and long MTB race with miles of singletrack.
Which is the A?
For sure not BWR because... gravel. I still don't get it. Love riding it, just don't get the racing component.
Sea Otter's Circuit Race is by far the best race on the calendar for my natural abilities. But, it's so short and so far away I'm not sure I can call it an A.
Sagebrush's opening 7 mile fire road climb is far from being one of my strengths. However, the miles and miles of singletrack that follow make it very intriguing because it's much more my style when it comes to MTB.
This week I'll start filling in the RaceDay Calendar™.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
Yep, the same one where I committed to two big goals already this year: snag a Silver Corral for Leadville - mission accomplished; Win LoToJa - which I'm not going to attend this year.
4+ months left...
... to chase 1 giant goal.
I'm not sure what it will be yet...
... but I'm dawgawn sure if it doesn't get written down...
... it ain't gonna happen.
Use promo code: LETSRIP
To save 50% on remaining 2021 calendars.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
---
165.4
8.3 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5760210047
WHO IS THIS KID?
Aug 07, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FUNNY HAIR, LOWERED BITURBO MERC 450. I'm thinking, look at this young kid. He gets out, grabs a coffee and sits next to me.
How's that car?
Amazing, it's my first major purchase.
New?
2016, I wanted it for year. When I scored a big part I went for it.
Nice.
Right then, I knew this was going to be more than a casual convo. This kid had cracked the code at a young age.
Turns out he learned the hotel management biz, wound up in Thailand for a year building and managing a 5-Star hotel before returning stateside to pursue acting.
I love traveling.
The world has much to offer.
That year in Thailand changed my life. We have incredible opportunity and bounty. They make $10/day.
What's next?
I want to score 1 big part, use that to travel the world's coffee shops and come back and build a shop with the best coffees in the world.
Yep, he's cracked the code alright.
It's the same code we use to shred singletrack, focusing only on the trail and none of the dangers or obstacles.
Which is why this is part of the PEDALposse mantra...
I look only where I want to go, and move as if I'm already there.
One of the joys of riding alone is the people we meet along the way, riding or not...
... funny thing is there's usually a riding connection. Turns out Austin Klenk's mom is an avid mountain biker.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
I wanted to tell Austin about how much his mom would love a RaceDay Bag™, but I figured we'll be meeting again when he's in town next...
... would be fun to make her a custom bag. Is there a better gift for bike riders and racers?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
We all make a of choices along the ride through life, the secret is to keep moving towards what we want. The perspective isn't quite right, but I had a choice to make here both trails are rippers. I chose left.
Rode with the characters for the first 90 minutes.
---
164.9
8 hrs
11 Pull Ups 22 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5755069622
IS THE JOKE ON YOU?
Aug 06, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S AN OLD JOKE, one that is totally on those who don't get it. It's such a most excellent retort to the shock of someone who doesn't comprehend what we're up to that every now and then...
... they wake up before they're pushing up roses.
I can't believe you spent that much on a bike?!!
If you think the bike is expensive, try our poor physical and mental health.
It can be too blunt for some, but they're the ones who need it the most...
... remember, it ain't mean if delivered with love.
The pic above shows a new split in a local trail.
The right side is the original route, it goes up and does a turn. It takes longer, it's harder and more demanding.
The left side is a short cut, straight and smooth, and requires much less effort.
I thought this rock summed it up best.
I hope you can get out for a great ride this weekend...
... may your tires be properly pumped
No kidding, one of my favorite gadgets...
... especially since my pump's gauge accuracy is a little shaky.
If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
162.9
7 hrs
25 Pull Ups 50 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5748593699
HOW TO FINISH STRONG
Aug 05, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I ASKED MY DYING FRIEND IF HE HAD ANY LAST WORDS TODAY. He's 93, and has been a dad to me for nearly 50 years. Much of that time he was the best athlete in my life, a natural who might have gone pro...
... instead, he chose to serve his adopted country.
He was quiet.
I don't have anything to say.
That's a first.
Reverential silence. A bite of donut, a sip of coffee.
Ok, remember to treat yourself well. You never know when He's going to take you.
I like that. Thank you.
It pretty sums up his approach to everything. He's always treated himself well, and I think that's part of the key to the vigorous and productive life he has led up until recently...
... it's also the key to finishing anything strong.
So many times during those final miles we (me for sure) forget to drink and eat. Or, we just don't want to. We're exhausted, it doesn't sound good...
... yet, if we'd just treat ourselves well by eating and drinking we'd finish much stronger.
But, it's not just there during the race.
It's in the prep, the training, the recovery, the equipment, the coaching, the reading, etc. All that adds up to getting us in the best shape of our lives...
... so we can kick arse in everything we do.
The PEDALposse mantra begins with, I determine my results on and off the bike.
My friend Eric treated himself well today when he purchased my favorite lube.
I can't say enough about how well this lube performs and how long it lasts.
Truly amazing.
If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
163.4
8.5 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5746087806
FINISHING WITH THE BEGINNING IN MIND
Aug 04, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE GREAT STEVEN COVEY IMPLORED US TO BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND. It's terrific advice. Visualize the end we want to accomplish and move forward accordingly. But, when shyte gits real, like the middle of a big race...
... the end can seem too far away.
For me, when that happens, the only way forward is to remember how things began.
Full of hope and promise,
Healthy and happy,
Ready to roar.
This seemed like a good idea not too long ago. I know I started off right. I know I want to finish right. Let's get it on.
Those ideas and thoughts can center me when doubt and fear and pain creeps in.
But, there's one more thing I'm having a hard time putting into words. It's that moment when it seems unbearable and I ask myself...
... If I'm going to finish as planned, what is the next thing I need to do I need right now? What do I need to change? How can I be better? What is the outcome I really want?
Maybe I'm not talking about racing specifically?
Maybe it's anything difficult we've committed to see through?
Whatever it is, I know there is a moment when quitting seems like the better option and every single time I've pushed through and made the changes I needed to make there has been a beautiful prize on the other side of that I never would have received if I'd relented for the briefest of period of time.
ALWAYS finish the race is part of our PEDALposse mantra...
... and when you finish, change in style.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
164.5
8.5 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5738332624
A PR SECRET I USED LAST WEEKEND TO RIP IT UP
Aug 03, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S SOMETHING I DID LAST WEEKEND AT THE LEADVILLE STAGE RACE THAT YOU OUGHTA KNOW ABOUT. I ripped PRs on almost every section of the course. Granted, it was a stage race vs the normal 1 day 100 mile format, but still...
... a PR is a PR.
I doubled down, tripled down?, on PR Lotion and Lactigo. Before 'xplain it, let me just say when stage racing...
... recovery is key.
Not only did I feel great every day, but I had a truly great performance on the last day...
... because I was chasing a ghost.
Matt, from San Diego, and I connected at the start line. We'd been riding together on and off throughout the weekend.
He took off hard at the start with the leaders. I couldn't quite hang on, and found myself with a couple of other cats. We came around a corner 12 minutes later and there he was on the side of the road. I encouraged him to hurry - no way I was stopping.
The three of us were rotating pretty good. I was starting to get my legs and settle in. Looking back, I could see Matt was closing.
He caught us, recovered a bit, and pulled through. A gap opened so I closed it. We never saw the other two again. Instead, we started rotating and closing in on riders ahead of us.
Fast forward to the feared Powerline climb...
... Matt drops me, slowly, rocky by rock.
Finally he's out of sight. But, I'm still going strong and I am pretty sure I can descend faster than him.
At the top, I uncork it all and really hammer...
... I'm hellbent on catching him.
Up the paved climb to Carter Summit I'm feeling amazing. Stomping on the pedals, out of the saddle. I drop a youngun' about the size of a toothpick...
... it's on.
Down St. Kevin's on a blistering pace, bursting out into the valley, I'm in a full aero, TT position putting down the power...
... where is that cat?
At the bottom of the Boulevard, the watts are still strong.
How much further?
'bout 3 miles.
Three miles from the last aid station to the finish.
I'm flying. A light drizzle tickles my cheeks. It feels so good to be ripping up this gravel road that has broken my heart so many times...
.. but still no sign of Matt.
Up the final climb, into the rodeo corral, across the line...
... in record time.
So fast, in fact, that I've wildly exceeded my expectations and cracked 7.5 hrs aggregate time.
Gasping for air, with my finisher's medal around my neck...
... Matt crosses the line, 5ish minutes back.
I waive him down.
Where'd you go?
I stopped to help the kid with the broken chain.
You're a freaking stud!
He must be, because I doubt he used this double/triple secret.
Each morning, at 630am I put on a thick coat of PR lotion. Then, put on a second layer about 815am when I slipped on my kit.
That's the double part.
Here's the triple.
After each stage I showered, dried, and put on Lactigo.
Then, lay on my back with my legs against the wall. As I lay there, I reached up to my legs and dug my fingers in and pulled/squeezed down from ankles to nethers. The lactigo is real slimly until it dries.
Of course, I also got a good 20 minutes of HyperVolt on the legs after that and pounded a bottle of Skratch Recovery after each stage.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
I guess if you look at it like that, I quadrupled down.
If you want to save about $100 on those products, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
166.9
7.5 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
No ride today
TIME TO DECOMPRESS
Aug 02, 2021
by TODD BROWN
A LOT GOES INTO AN EPIC EVENT. The training, the travel, the bike, the rest of the gear, it is all important. Nothing is left to chance, which is why when you come upon another cat doing the race...
... there's an instant bond.
Whether it's a chance meeting en route or rubbing shoulders on the start line there's a deep appreciation for what it takes to be there at that moment...
... because it's stressful.
Whatever our aspirations, we want all to go well for ourselves and everybody else. In fact, we usually end up helping a fair amount of people along the way. Could be just sharing the load against the wind or sharing salt tabs or a tube.
When it's over, regardless of the outcomes it's time to decompress.
Give the bike a day off, or more.
Ride with no intent, or not at all.
Eat less monk-like.
Sleep. In.
Rest.
It's also time reflect.
What would I do different?
What went right?
Wrong?
Answering these questions now, while the memories are fresh, is not only helpful for the next event...
... it's the only way to truly decompress.
At least for me, I'm much more likely to relax and reset knowing the insights and knowledge have been stored and cataloged for future use.
Then again, looking at these pics, maybe it wasn't that stressful?
Finally got the small town, greasy spoon breakfast I was craving all trip.
Have you checked out the PEDALposse?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
163ish?
6 hrs
Massage
No ride today
THE FINAL STAGE – LEADVILLE
Aug 01, 2021
by TODD BROWN
A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE PLAN TO WIN LEADVILLE. I’m not one of them. The rest of us are going for time, because if you go fast enough you get...
... a giant belt buckle.
To get to Leadville you have to qualify or lottery in. Those who qualify get lined up in corrals at the front of thousands of others...
... they also get a cool gold coin.
That was my goal this weekend, get the coin.
After stage 1, I thought I could get a coin but getting a coveted frontish corral seemed out of reach.
Yesterday things swung around and it looked pretty good.
Then, as I was tidying up the bike last night, I noticed 2 lugs had been torn off the sidewall and I could see some of the rear tire’s casing.
These are things you do not want to notice the night before a race,
far from home,
without all your tools.
Not too fear, I had just replaced, and kept, my old front time. All I have to do is scoot over to the start early and have the mechanic there hook me up.
No problem.
Except, 30 minutes before the race start, my bike is hanging in the stand and no tire.
Can’t get that old tire to seat.
Ok, let’s put the original back on.
It’s not seating either.
Did you pull the valve core out?
He shuffles through his toolbox and removes the valve core. It airs right up and seats.
How much pressure do you want?
22lbs would be great.
I slipped him $20 and thanked him for his efforts.
But, it got me thinking...
... isn’t awesome to have great support when it’s time to deliver?
Which brings up how well today went.
Surfergirl and I went over the logistics, we drove the course, we marked up the map. Covered it all forward and backward. This is what you do...
... when you want the gold coin.
The tire held, I got my bottle handups, and had the best ride of the 3 days. 10th overall, 3rd in my age group, gold coin, and the silver corral with 2 and half minutes to spare.
Hellyeah!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
I rode all of today's stage with my KOM in my back center jersey pocket.
Couldn't even feel it.
It's that light.
Because the KOM jacket was made for climbing mountains.
A breathable membrane that repels water and wind.
Use promo code:
KOMjacket
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
DID I MAKE A BIG MISTAKE?
Jul 31, 2021
by TODD BROWN
PREDICTION FOR THIS MORNING WAS RAIN. I went to bed happy. Weather doesn't usually bother me. The only question I had was...
... was changing to an oval 32 from a round 34 wise?
I have experienced many bad days on Columbine, today's climb. It tops out at 12,500', and the top is very steep and somewhat rocky. I've never cleaned it...
... I've always had to dismount.
We started with a burst, racing a half mile up the jeep road with the aim of getting to the rocky single track early.
It hurt.
Within 10 minutes we were on the climb. Groups of 3-6 riders were working up the straight, barren road.
A left turn, and into the trees.
Aspens and pines.
No more groups.
Single riders.
Slowly passing and being passed.
Being from sea level, I still can't get my h.r. up over 160 without going into oxygen debt. When I do get near 160, I'm panting like a dog.
The good news is the overnight rain left the climb packed and fast...
... and the weather was perfect.
Standing up on a climb like this and having traction to put down power is a unique opportunity.
It felt good.
And that new oval ring felt terrific, no adjustment period at all.
Rounding the final turn in the trees, the road gets very rocky. One lineish. I could see solo riders up the final exposed 2 miles.
Just ahead a rider dismounts.
I know that feeling, so I think. But, actually, this poor cat busted his chain. I grind on.
It's slow going.
I think back to the Crusher In The Tushar earlier in the month. Like then, I swear there is now way I'm getting off this bike.
No cramps today.
About a half mile from the top is a straight section. It's very difficult. I've been slowly catching the cat in front. He's been walking and riding as the terrain steepens. If I can just get up this last section...
... yes, cleaned it all.
Now for the fun stuff, ripping all the way back to the start.
The traction was so good.
Coming back up the last single track I felt really good. The recovery strategies are working.
Nothing changed in the standings. 13th overall on the day, 12th with both stages, 3rd in my age group.
It's raining again, tomorrow will be great.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
If it does rain during stage 3...
... no big deal.
Because the KOM jacket was made for climbing mountains.
It's extremely light.
A breathable membrane that repels water and wind.
Use promo code:
KOMjacket
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
163ish?
8 hrs
Stretch & HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5717148587
DAY 1 IS DOWN
Jul 30, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S EASY TO FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE AFTER A RACE. I wish I would have done this differently, I can't believe I was so slow on that section, what was I thinking try to do?...
... so, let's focus on the positive.
I finished with a smile.
Bike worked perfectly.
PR'd a few of the climbs.
I'm just off my time from '19.
12th overall, 3rd in my age group.
6th on Powerline DH.
I took no chances and had my bike on the front of Start Line at 830am. Hit the dirt in top 20. Settled in and let the Old Diesel do his thing on the climbs.
The thing that was so much harder today, on the stage race, is there are only 300 racers. Which means, if you're in the top 20-30 places there aren't the big draft trains along the paved and flatter sections.
I rode alone from the base of Power Line until the dirt at Pipeline. Lots of wind. On the big 100 miles in 1 day, that is a place where you can really fly because you're in a group of 10-15.
The coolest part of the day was having racers from all over the country come up and introduce themselves and tell me about how life changing the RaceDay Bag™ has been...
... totally made my day.
Just awesome athletes from all over the country. Connecting.
Okay, here's the crazy thing I'm going to do.
I don't recommend this at all, but I feel the need for a smaller chainring.
Cycles of life has a 32, I currently run a 34.
The 32 is not a big deal...
... but, it's oval.
I've ridden oval rings before. I didn't see it as a game changer, I have a pretty smooth spin, and didn't go with it on the BMC.
There is only 1 reason to make this change...
... the climbs here are long and steep and I was in my 52 and 44 quite a bit.
The massive Columbine climb is tomorrow's stage. 11 miles up to 12,500', and 11 miles down.
Then Sunday is the hideous Power Line climb, which I've only cleaned once. That was in training. All the other times I've done the walk of shame.
Like I say, I would never recommend such a change. But, I ran a 32 x 10-50 last time and I felt like I was grinding just a bit in the 42 and 36 today... and I def remember struggling with the 50 last time.
It's not a huge risk, and could be a huge pay off.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
Speaking of paying off...
... there is no better value at PEDALindustries than the fast growing PEDALposse.
25% savings
$20 gift each month
... and a lot more.
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
This cat from Kentucky and I worked well together... our group of 8 blew up after Pipeline.
Caught a few in the parking lot as we geared up.
Jackson from UT.
The Rooster Racers from AZ
Mike, from Indiana, tracked me down at the finish. His video on Insta is classic.
The McKinney boys got custom bags, gloves and socks.
---
163ish?
8 hrs
Stretch & HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5712088452
I AM A RACER
Jul 29, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE BOONDOCKED IT LAST NIGHT. Just passed Minturn we found a little gravel road and parked at wide spot. It was pitch black, no moon yet. It can be a little spooky...
... but the morning brought us glory.
It was inspiring.
So much so that I wrote the PEDALposse mantra.
I AM A RACER
I DETERMINE my results, on and off the bike. I deserve to win because I put in the WORK. I AM POWERFUL. Time is my ally; I am CONSTANTLY IMPROVING by treating ever day as prep for raceday. I celebrate and ENCOURAGE everyone’s success. I am a natural born ATHLETE consuming only the best for my body, mind and soul. I LOOK WHERE I WANT TO GO and move as if I’m already there. I ALWAYS FINISH the race. Winning begets winning. PRs are the greatest of all wins. I am GRATEFUL for every result. When chaos rains, I know a breakthrough is coming soon. With my excellent health and racer’s wisdom I MASTERFULLY care for those I love. I radiate POSITIVITY. My ATTITUDE determines my altitude. I choose INTEGRITY over ease. I share the racer MINDSET with everyone. Sharing is GROWTH. I am HUNGRY like a wolf. I FLY like an eagle.
I AM A RACER.
If that resonates with you...
... check this out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
Not bad for free.
Wouldn't this inspire you? I posted the video on Instagram.
Looking the other direction
Grabbing some serenity at the top of the St. Kevin's climb.
These are the course markers, and my palms sweat just thinking about them
Just need to repeat the mantra, especially the close...
... I'm hungry like I wolf, and I fly like an eagle.
You really oughta check this out...
... I'm updating the page all the time:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
163ish?
8.5 hrs
Stretch & HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5707958936
THE SAME AS IT NEVER WAS
Jul 28, 2021
by TODD BROWN
OTHER THAN THE 2ND AND 3RD TIMES I RACED LEADVILLE, I've always done it on a different bike. A soft tail, a hard tail, and lots of fulls...
... the experience is always slightly different because of that.
This time I'm rocking the BMC 4Stroke. A very similar bike to the Scott Spark from 2 years ago.
Twin Lock is basically the same on each bike, and a game changer over other suspension approaches. With the flick of my thumb I have 3 different suspension settings: fully rigid, fully open and plush, and a mid point called traction control.
The BMC geometry is slightly more raked, which is awesome for fast steep stuff. At Leadville, there is plenty of fast steep stuff.
Being newer, 2021, the BMC gets the electric shifting which I have learned to love and trust. It's fast and precise
The last difference of note is the integrated dropper post. Not only is it great when the terrain gets tricky and snappy, but there is something else awesome. Tucking on the dropper is way faster than without it. The aerodynamic advantages are real, and I'll be using it a lot.
But, here's the thing.
The biggest difference this weekend, which I have no idea how I'll react to, is that we are racing the 100 miles over 3 days instead of 1.
Do I just go for it on the first day, holding back nothing?
Do I keep it somewhat in check, unleashing everything I've got on Day 2's huge ascent up Columbine?
Or, do I save it all for Day 3, where based on the recorded times, everybody seems to fade.
I have no reference point for this other than the Cactus Cup. But, those 3 stages are very different: a short TT, a 3 hour MTB XC, and an enduro. Where this weekend is 3 solid XC races of 2.5-3 hrs at an elevation over 10,000'.
This unknown is one of the things I enjoy so much about racing.
There is only one factor that hasn't changed over the years...
... the desire to do my best, regardless of the outcome.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
I like to bust out the red helmet and red socks on raceday. There's something about it.
Use promo code: REDFORRACING
The code is good on any of the helmets... and if get gloves, the red socks are free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
PS... We stopped at Glenwood Springs for dinner at The Pullman. I've eaten here successfully many times - the food and the racing.
The pic below is where I set up to write. That's the Colorado River down below and the famous hot sprints on the other side. Those train tracks are for the Zephyr, which runs between here and CA.
---
---
162.7
7 hrs
Stretch
no ride today
3 DAYS OUT AND I'M FEELING LIKE...
Jul 27, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AT 4PM YESTERDAY I COULD FEEL IRRITATION IN MY SINUSES AND A TWITCH IN MY THROAT. I looked at my daughter, pail and clearly suffering a summer cold...
... dawgawn kids.
She knew my only A race of the summer is in a scant 3 days. As she left to go home and sleep, she looked at me and said...
... Don't worry dad drink a lot of water and get some vitamin C.
She was calm.
I was in a full panic.
Her advice was solid, but there was one more tool to add to the mix...
... Zicam.
I went immediately to the grocery store and scored a pack. And, I've taken the max dosage, plus gallons of water and handfuls of vitamin C...
... and a solid night's sleep.
This afternoon Surfergirl wanted to go for an easy spin,
Ugh.
Ok.
I kitted up in a hurry, hustled out the door and looked at my Wahoo.
116 bpm.
No bueno.
I settled in behind the wheel and drove to the trailhead. Looked at the Wahoo again.
55 bpm
That's more like it.
Now it would be a question of watching it as I lazily climbed up the mountain. If it dropped fast, things were good. If it stayed pegged...
... the h.r. rose and dropped with the terrain.
Perfect.
Now it's just a matter of getting the rest, staying on the regimen and thinking positive healthy thoughts...
... yes, I'm woowoo with positivity.
---
This was such a relief to see.
We've been getting rain every afternoon... the trails are excellent.
So, I had to uncork it a bit on the way down.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
Made myself a tall, chocolate goodness when I got back.
Use promo code: REKUVR
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
---
1643.6
8.5 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5698044136
LOVING YOUR ENEMIES IS EASY
Jul 26, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S GOOD TO HAVE AN ENEMY, even if it's made up. Someone you can single out and say No matter what, that cat ain't beating me today. They can bring out the best in us...
... but, you know what's even better?
Wanting and helping your friends to win,
to snag the PR,
to qualify for the big race.
It's like a superpower.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/easy-rider
And, if you have a super power you might want a flashy kit like the one we named Easy Rider
Use promo code: EASYRIDER
Check out the entire kit here:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/easy-rider
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164
7.5 hrs
Lots of PushUps today
https://www.strava.com/activities/5690445825
IT'S ABOUT TIME
Jul 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE ONLY TIME I CARE ABOUT HOW MANY MILES I'VE RIDDEN is when I'm trying to work out how many miles remain to the finish line. The rest of the time...
... I only care about time.
How many hours I've ridden that block or week or day.
That's it.
Time modifies everything.
This is one of the greatest lessons endurance athletes learn early on...
... more time equals more speed.
And it's corollary...
... better time equals better speed.
I was reminded of that at dinner with a friend tonight.
I've reached my limits.
How so?
I can't get faster.
Really?
Kind of, yeah. The only thing I can do now is eat better.
He's right, he will get faster by eating better. It just takes some time to show up.
He's also wrong, there is always something else to improve.
Always.
Isn't that great?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
Like tubeless tires, way faster and way more durable.
Especially, when combined with the amazing Dynaplug.
The Dyna plus system is super light and takes up very little space in my Mini RaceDay Bag™.
Use promo code: OUTLAW
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
---
163.6
7 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
GRAVITY, YOU'RE BRINING ME UP
Jul 24, 2021
by TODD BROWN
GRAVITY, YOU'RE BRINING ME DOWN sings the great John Mayer. In the physical world, that is, of course, true. But, you and I know...
... gravity also brings us up.
On our ride today, I learned one of the crew is checking in for their first round of chemo on Tuesday - no, I'm not going to tell you who. I just happened to be lucky enough to tag along.
These are things we do when one of us has an untimely breakdown.
We get together.
We go for a ride.
The gravity of the situation is alleviated by the good vibes of the ride, the love and respect of the riders for each other...
... while busting the ups and ripping the downs.
This one tough cat, and will come out of chemo and head on to do the full LT100 in a few weeks.
Gawd, I love that.
In the live version of the aforementioned song, Mayer opens with...
... I have dreams.
We all do...
... sometimes we need little gravity to get us through the gravity.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
4 out of 5 riders agree...
... PEDALindustries gloves and socks are the best in the world.
What are you waiting for...
... look at that deal up there ^^^^^^
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
If you haven't checked out our PEDALposse lately, click here.
Perfect conditions in Park City
Found my friend Jess Cerra's bars at the shop on the mountain
Expansive views abound.
We've been coming up here for 20+ years to ride in the summer... I've never seen lines like this, so good to see! (no lifts for me today, but they are great for all levels)
Things can get a little frisky on the lift if you're not careful.
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164
7 hrs
Lots of pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5674969650
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE TWO REASONS I RIDE THE WAY I DO
Jul 23, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT, there are two main reasons I ride the way I do. And I mean as an adult, because, like most, I'm indebted to Santa Clause for the red tricycle that gave me my start. The first reason happened during the Fall of '85 and the second about 10 years later...
... today we had a grand reunion.
Not at a hotel or a clubhouse, like most reunions.
This was our kinda thing.
High in the Uintas.
On pristine gravel.
Talley, who in '85 brought a road bike into our college dwelling, and Jeff who in '94 got me back racing at a 24 hr MTB race... and who for years told me how wonderful gravel riding is...
... and yours Diesel, who has been paying it forward ever since.
About today's ride...
First, we met in Park City then drove east. In my excitement to ride with the fellas, I managed to forget my phone and left my Wahoo on the MTB. Not to fear, the data is easily sharable on Strava.
It had rained hard last night, which meant the roads were in great shape. No dust, plenty tacky.
We had one long, somewhat gentle climb up to the high hills and meadows. It's hard to imagine they exist. Up near 10,000'. But, there they are...
... rolling hills with grassy meadows.
It's quite magical.
The views are forever...
... just like our friendships.
The pace was slow enough to talk and catch up on life and fast enough to put the hurt on each other...
... 'cause that's what we do, amiright?
I think that's what I enjoy the most out of our PEDALposse. We've all been invited and nudged to start riding and maintain lifelong fitness, and we're all known as the cat who everybody turns to for help amongst our diverse communities.
If you haven't checked out the PEDALposse lately, click here.
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164
7 hrs
Lots of pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5674969650
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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