IN A MOOD FOR VIOLENCE
IT'S BEEN JUST OVER TWO MONTHS since being able to start training after my mishap. Prior to that, it was 6 weeks off the bike or anything but walking...
... my fitness was zip.
Why do base at all?
Because I was effectively starting from zero.
Sure, I had decades of consistent riding, running, etc. But, I couldn't just jump right back into it.
I needed to give my body a break...
... and a chance to recalibrate.
It's been fun.
I've been able to do some group rides...
... hanging on, then getting dropped.
Base training is good for that, for building the aerobic engine.
It's not good for putting a sting into our efforts...
... or responding in kind.
That only comes from...
- Intervals
- Racing
... there's no other way.
The racing could be the kind where we pin a number on, spicy group rides, or getting after PRs.
The intervals, well there's a million ways to flog ourselves doing those.
In short,
we gotta do the explosive efforts.
There's no way around it.
It's not for everyone.
Only those who want to find out what they're really capable of.
Me, I'm targeting two days a week for the carnage.
Tuesdays.
Saturdays.
The key to success will be...
... showing up fresh, in a mood for violence.
---
165.1
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
83
>
JUST BELIEVE THIS ONE FACT
THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF THEORIES: The Big Bang, Evolution, Creationism, even The Simulation. No matter which one, if any, you subscribe to...
... one fact remains.
This body is the only one we got.
I dunno why people treat 'em so badly.
Heck I've done plenty of bad myself.
But, there's nothing like racing to keep me on track.
Even just racing myself,
my times.
No matter what your beliefs...
... these bodies do their best when we eat clean.
Of course, there are a million beliefs on what that entails.
I keep it simple.
- No processed foods
- As much fresh veggies and berries as possible
- Plenty of protein
- Plenty of water
That's my belief of what actually works...
... and I think it's a fact.
Because every day we are building our bodies, it's important to remember...
... Every Day Is RaceDay.
---
167.1
8 hrs Sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
83
>
WITH ALL THY FITNESS, GET...
IS THERE MORE TO RACING, than racing? Well, yeah. Of course. A lot more, the only question is are we taking advantage of the opportunities. As the wise one said...
... With all thy fitness, get adventurous.
By that, I don't mean in a racy way.
The point is to go somewhere,
do something new,
unattempted.
We've got the fitness,
which too few people actually have,
so we can accomplish what most cannot fathom to attempt.
So, what's it gonna be...
- Ride across the country
- Travel to a remote destination
- Run the Grand Canyon rim to rim
- Go from hut to hut in Colorado
... pick something.
What's holding us back...
- A tour guide
- Language barriers
- Support in case things go wrong
... nothing that can't be solved.
Do it.
---
166.7
7 hrs Sleep
Pullups and Pushups
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
82
Tell us about it.
>
H0W ARE THEY SO EXPLOSIVE?
OK, WE GET IT THAT PROS ARE FASTER. Right? But, how they heck are they so explosive without racing? Asking for a friend, myself, and...
... anybody forced to train alone.
We gotta know.
- Personally, I enjoy the solitude.
- Others don't near other riders or group rides
- And, then there's those who's with uncooperative schedules
How are the outstanding pros doing it?
Not racing,
showing up and slaughtering their competition.
Intervals?
Well, personally I can't stand intervals for more than a few weeks without...
... wanting to take a hammer to my bike computer.
Riding and racing with the teammates?
That makes a little more sense, but only a little. Who wants to drill or get drilled by their trusted allies?
Way more rested?
Mmmmmaybe the non-racing leads to a more rested and ready body?
Healthier?
Because they aren't traveling so much:
- They aren't picking up colds and flues.
- They aren't eating whatever they can find.
- They aren't taking such large risks as when racing
E-racing?
Are they just getting on a trainer and duking it out with the online competition? If they are, don't they need to have fake profiles for privacy as well as less fitness?
Virtual racing?
Setting up race course segments on Strava and trying to beat the PRs?
I dunno, for me...
... ain't nothing like the real thing.
---
166.2
8 hrs Sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
80
>
GETTING PUSHED AROUND IN THE GROUP
THE RIDE WAS GETTING SPICEY. The pace increasing considerably, and the terrain going from flat to sawtooth. The legs were screaming, and...
... and I was moving backwards.
Then, it happened.
Just before the apex of quick power climb,
just when I needed it most...
... my pal, The Gambler, gave me some pedal assist.
Yep, he had the gaul to put his paws on my lycra and pushed me some.
And I loved it.
It was just the right amount
to keep me on.
Sly enough I quietly thought and hoped...
... Maybe nobody noticed.
That's thing about needing help.
When we could really use some,
we don't ask.
Good givers, like The Gambler, don't ask...
... the just give.
Without making a big deal about it.
---
165.8
9 hrs Sleep
No Strengthwork today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
80
>
SHOULD WE LEARN TO TUMBLE?
LIKE MOST OF US, we have a group of regular riders. So far, 3 of the 10 of us have broken bones this year. One hit a tree skiing, one crossed wheels today...
... and, well, you know my saga.
I was off the back over the top,
and rolled up on the mishap.
If you're a real rider,
you've broken your collar bone.
Ok, I don't know if that's 100% true.
But, I have broken one,
while riding.
So, it's common.
And I gotta ask...
... Should we take tumbling lessons?
Would it help?
Would it keep us from doing the natural thing vs...
... rolling out of danger?
Maybe, sometimes.
Not a guarantee,
perhaps a skill worth...
- learning
- practicing
- investigating
... got a thought on this?
---
166.7
7.5ish hrs Sleep
No Strengthwork today
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
82
>
IS THIS THE BEST RIDE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?
IMAGINE A RIDE THAT FEATURES all the beauty and wonder of Southern California. The beaches, the shaded prairies, the tall forests with ski runs...
... covering all of it in a single day.
Oh, and almost no traffic.
Impossible you say.
Not.
100% possible.
It took us years to scout it.
Here are some pics from 2023... route below.
Here's the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3216181932420212282
It's 120 miles, 15000' of climbing.
We start at Doheny State Beach and wind up in Big Bear, refueling at convenience stores and restaurants along the way.
It's almost all dirt most to Corona, then a 35-mile bike trail across the Inland Empire. At the bottom of the mountains, we jump on an abandoned logging road, and it's nearly all dirt to the top, and down into Big Bear.
Epic.
Insanely epic.
Are you game for the ride of the year?
Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/free-registration-for-the-surf-n-summit-california-5-18-24
---
Some of the FAQ's from a Zoom call yesterday.
Logistics:
1. Where to stay Friday Night? Dinner plans? Stay as close as you can to Dana Point, where we start… it’s only a few minutes drive to my house. We’ll have dinner at my place and go over last minute specifics.
2. Ride start time? Official Start is 6am, I highly recommend slower riders leave earlier to make sure we all get to Colton at the same time for the flat 35 miles across the Inland Empire – much easier in a group.
3. Where can we store bags? My van… Susie will drive it to Big Bear.
4. Confirm - unsupported? Any plan B options for repairs, crashes, etc.? It’s self-supported, be prepared.
a. Anyone we can hire to assist? Is there a way to transport overnight bag? Susie will drive it to Big Bear.
5. Big Bear
a. Anyone staying the night? TBD on this.
b. Transporation back to Orange County? TBD on this. Some ride back, some Uber back. We need a final head count.
5. Snow blocking trails? Currently yes, but it’s getting warmer and it’s a south facing climb, we should be fine.
People
1. How many people are coming and their capabilities? Unknown, people always commit and don’t show, others never commit and just show up.
a. We are locomotives not goats:). Likelihood of creating riding groups of different speeds (any forecasted pacing / finish times)? For sure start early, and KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD A ROUTE to your device. Any regrouping points? One for sure, in Colton at a convenience store… depending on pace, we might all meet up at Seven Oaks restaurant about 1/3 up the climb… some of us will do some extra climbing and single track at end of 35 mile bike trail, others will go straight to the climb, which is why we might end up there at roughly same time.
Nutrition
1. Where are the nutrition and water stops? ONeil Park is about 2 hours in, a campground with water and bathrooms. Do NOT dillydally at any stops. Next stop is Colton, about 4 hours away. These are my estimates for your speed.
2. Water stops on the final climb or is two bottles sufficient? At Seven Oaks restaurant, we can get water, soda, hamburgers, fries… depending on heat, 2-3 bottles. My bike holds 3.
3. Nutrition recommendations? 300-400 calories per hour. Whatever you like and sits well in your stomach. I like CarboRocket, 333 calories/bottle.
Equipment
1. Tire recommendation? I am running Continental Terra Speed 45s, with 32lbs in the rear, 28 in the front. Lots and lots of sealant before we roll.
What are the gravel sections like? Pretty nice, a little more rutted from rain run-off, but totally 100% ridable and fun. There’s a little single track where trail is currently flooded close to the start.
2. Other gear that would be helpful (e.g. hydration pack, lights). Lights for sure, early start, and maybe a late finish. Be able to carry 3 large bottles worth of water. Get a BLACK mosquito net, bugs can be nasty… we learned the hard way that the white nets reflect light which was blinding as the sun was setting.
3. Clothing recommendations? (Temp change to expect)? May is a tricky month, I’ll carry my KOM Jacket which is great for wind and water and small enough to go in my Barrito Bag … my bike will have a Barrito for the KOM jacket, and food and drink mix supplies in my Day Ripper bag. Only other item I’d carry would be arm warmers… but highly unlikely we’ll need them. My Wahoo died 30 minutes from the top… bring a battery booster.
---
166
7.5ish hrs Sleep
Pushups and Pullups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH TO BE...
I POLLED THE RIPPERS and 100% of them lift weights or do resistance exercise year round. Well, I was shocked by that. I had no idea if we rubbing off on each other...
... just hope.
In the beginning, after our first day with real weight, we often echo the great Cheryl Crow song...
... God, I feel like hell tonight.
Why do it?
- Strong bones
- Good posture
- Improved ability to handle challenges
Why not?
- Takes time
- Potential to get hurt
Here's my current program,
takes about 15 minutes.
- 6 pullups
- 18 pushups
- 10 shoulder press
- 5 pullups
- 15 pushups
- 6 squats
- 4 pullups
- 12 pushups
- 20 toe raises, 10 heel raises
- 3 pullups
- 9 pushups
- 10 curls (vanity muscles)
- 2 pullups
- 6 pushups
In other words, mainly pullups and pushups with something extra to break up the sets.
The focus is on large muscle groups.
In Natural Born Heroes: Mastering the Lost Secrets of Strength and Endurance, there's a strong emphasis on tendon strength being key to true athlete prowess. We develop that moving heavy weight with large muscle groups...
... the stuff we need to be fast.
For the bar...
- Jump up to the bar, and let yourself down slowly.
- Use a pullup assist machine
- Giant rubberbands
For pushups...
- Figure out hand positions that are comfy on the shoulders
- It's cool to start on your knees
Squats...
- Do air squats and put that arse in the grarsse
- Go half way down
Start somewhere,
just start.
---
166
7.5ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses + other stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
79
>
HOW TO OVERCOME INJURY
I'VE BEEN ASKED TWICE TODAY if I had any feelings of Why me? after my brain injury. And, how did I overcome that? Well, good questions because...
... we all gotta battle through the shiz.
During the darkest days, I only had one thought.
How can I fix this?
We've all been dealt multiple bad hands over the years, and if we think about it...
... we often come through them stronger, better.
It never seems like it at the time.
Our challenges, I believe, are our challenges, for a reason.
As rotten as they appear...
... they are personalized gifts.
If they weren't for our benefit and didn't totally suck,
they'd be easy to overcome,
requiring little effort,
personal growth,
or change.
With that in mind, I set about studying and researching how best to recover from this unplanned set back.
There's plenty of improvement still to be made...
... and that's exciting as hell!
---
166.7
8ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses + other stuff
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
79
>
GIMME SHELTER
THERE AIN'T NOTHING LIKE A TAILWIND to blow the group to pieces. The palms were bending, for sure...
... this one was gonna hurt.
It's counter intuitive.
But, it goes like this.
Alone, a tailwind feels nice.
A chance to tap lightly on the pedals and fly along.
In a group, it's whole different game.
The strong go to the front and drill it.
'problem is, there's no draft,
no place to hide,
no rest.
Which is exactly how it went down today.
Three of us were rotating.
Hard pulls.
It felt terrible,
and great.
Nobody else was pulling through.
I didn't blame 'em,
it was hard as heck.
I glanced back...
... gap was 30 feet.
Then 300 feet.
Then, a slight bend in the road,
an every so tiny gap opened, and...
... I was ejected.
Just couldn't close it.
No draft.
How was the ride back up the coast into the wind?
Well, alone it woulda been a bear.
In the group, much easier.
Sure the brief moment pulling through stung a bit, then...
... it was right back to the shelter.
So, there you have it.
Tailwind, get on the front and get a gap.
Headwind, take it easy, nothings getting away.
---
168.4
9ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
DO LESS, AND OBSESS
CAN'T GET THIS CONCEPT OUTTA MY MIND, not because I've never considered it, because it's so darn rhymey. I coudn't say it better...
... Do less, and obsess.
Maybe I just needed to hear the message?
The idea of having 1 (one) 'A' race a year has always turned me on...
- It's more fun to have one focus
- dive into the nittygritty
- get granular
- geek out
... that's the shift I love.
Yeah, I might end up with a bike that's not good for much but a particular course,
training that is so specialized as to be worthless for everything else.
But, that's the point.
To be so singular,
to be uniquely prepared.
Then, and only then, I might have a chance...
... and that's all the hope I need.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to treat...
... all other races as distractions at best.
Places to test...
- equipment
- strategy
- training
... nothing more.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to commit...
... to training blocks and weight lifting.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to see...
... the big picture.
To do less,
and obsess.
---
168.7
8ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
76
>
HE'S TRYING TO KILL ME
THE POOR WOMAN WAS RED IN THE FACE, if looks could kill her guide/date would be dead. They'd just cleared a very overgrown jungle and were now pushing their bikes up a rocky stretch...
... who could blame her?
Who could blame him?
Sometimes our sense of adventure...
... is total nonsense.
I could only laugh.
Don't kill him here, you need to get home first!
They had a ways to go.
We have about 5 weeks to prep for the SurfNSummit.
Yeah, it's far.
Lots of climbing.
But, still I'm surprised at how many people misjudge what it takes.
Some, think it's just impossible to complete...
... usually my most fit friends.
Others, show up with what appears to be no business attempting it...
... but, hope and the desire to do something epic.
It's one of those Henry Ford moments.
Whether you think can, or think you can't...
... you're right.
So, if you think you can ride 100+ miles with 15,000+ feet of climbing...
... click here to check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/free-registration-for-the-surf-n-summit-california-5-18-24
---
168.2
9ish hrs Sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
76er
>
AN OBSERVATION ON UNEVEN POWER BETWEEN LEGS
ONE OF THE SETTINGS ON MY POWER METER shows the power put out by each leg. It can def ovewhelm for an entire ride, because we can...
... freak out about data we don't like.
It's on one of my Wahoo screens.
I see it from time to time on a ride.
Consciously trying to even out the power was annoying the heck out of me.
One leg was always stronger, unless I reallyreallyreallyreally focused.
Then, I had an idea.
Something to try,
that I used to do.
This came to me when I noticed standing and climbing,
power was always 50/50.
Hmmmm.
What's the difference?
Then I noticed,
same thing when it got steep and I really had to put out some power.
Well, that was nice to see...
... somewhat calming.
Hmmmm...
... how to do that all the time?
Welp, this is just an observation.
It might not work for you.
Meter could be mismonitoring, but this makes all the difference in the world...
... when I consciously focus on pedaling with the heels down.
What?
Really?
Yes.
What I think is happening is I'm eliminating a dead spot along the top of my pedal stroke...
... gonna verify with my genius bike fitter, Ashley.
---
167.3
8ish hrs Sleep
No Strength Work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
THE WHAT AND WHY OF A PROPER EZ SPIN
I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE LEGS TO COME AROUND, which means I had to actually dedicate myself to do some easy spins. Because, like most of us it's just...
... darn hard to go easy.
Or, is it just me?
First off, what constitutes an easy spin?
Two things:
- Low effort
- High rpm's
How low?
Very bottom of Zone 2, or anything in Zone 1.
How high?
90-100+ rpm's.
Why?
Well, one of my early coaches called it a Rinse Ride for a reason.
If we are really doing it correctly,
our legs feel all clean and springy because...
... we rinsed out the crud.
Why else?
- It's good on the brain
- Takes the pressure off, simply relaxing
- Great time to catch up with friends and chat while spinning
How long?
45-90 min seems about right.
The things we think about when we're just spinnin' ez.
---
166.9
8ish hrs Sleep
Just PullUps and PushUps today
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
73
>
EVER HAD THE CRUD BEAT OUT OF YOU, FOR REAL?
GROWING UP, we fought a lot. We were too weak to do much physical damage, but there was plenty of pride and shame on the line. It's not much different now...
... when we race.
If we truly get the crud beat out us by...
- the course
- the competition
- our worse, ourselves
... there is only one question.
Did we really get it beat out of us?
Or, are we destined to get pummeled over and over again because...
... the crud is still there?
Is our diet a joke?
Do our handling skills still stink?
Does our bike squeak and wobble?
'Cause if that crud is still there, then...
... it's not beat out of us.
We've just learned to live with mediocrity...
... and that's just plain cruddy.
---
167.8
8ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
74
>
IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER ROAD PEDALS FOR OFFROAD?
WHEN I WAS PRE-RIDING LEADVILLE a while back, the phenom who would shatter the course record floated by me as I labored. He made it look so easy...
... was it the pedals?
99% of MTB racers,
dismount on that course.
There is no way they'd sport road shoes and pedals,
even though they are...
- Lighter
- More aero
- Offer better contact and efficiency
... because once fouled they're VERY difficult to get engaged.
Gravel,
is another deal.
Unless we are pushing the boundaries,
ripping single track,
slaloming sand...
... we're not going to dismount.
The only time would be if crashed,
or unclipped to rutter a turn.
In most gravel races,
that's not likely.
So, should we run the road set up offroad?
I have multiple friends who roll the dice in local XC races...
... and even the long, epic stuff.
It almost always works out great.
Worth the risk?
Up to you.
Worth testing?
100%.
---
167.6
7.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
74
>
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TRAINING BIG BLOCKS?
A QUESTION CAME UP LAST NIGHT ON OUR ZOOM CALL. Have you ever trained big training blocks like Keegan Swenson just posted. Good question...
... does it work?
Maybe.
Here's what I can tell you from personal experience.
18 months ago, I was prepping for my insane time goal at Leadville.
I was really committed.
Holed up in Breckinridge all by myself,
for the month prior.
It's easy to be selfish with the time,
when you're by yourself.
The race is in August.
In July, I did..
- 20 hours
- 22 hours
- 25 hours
... a lot more than my normal 10-12 hours a week.
It was very race specific training.
Lots of Zone 2.
Recovery
was key.
I came out of that in awesome shape,
and had the best race
of
my
life.
Does it work for everybody?
I have no idea.
But, I'll definitely do it again when prepping for a once in a life quest.
----
168.9
7.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
73
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THINGS TO CHECK FIRST...
THERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT CAN MAKE OR BREAK a race, the chief being the bike. Bikes don't win races, but they sure can make things a lot harder...
... or a lot easier.
As I went through my checklist, I found a few issues:
- Rear brake pad smoked
- Sealant dried out
- Battery low
It's kinda nice to have brakes that work, especially with a ripping downhill like Saturday's.
The course should be in pretty good shape, but that doesn't mean a small wire or piece of glass couldn't be a day-ender without sealant.
And c'mon...
... ya can't ride these modern bikes without good batteries.
And, I'm not just talking about the derailleur batteries. Many of the shifters have their own small batteries.
I have made the mistake of not checking the shifter batteries.
Heck, I didn't even know about them until the start of the Filthy 50 a couple of years ago. I didn't warm up, just saddled up and headed to the start.
Typically MTB XC start... everybody pinned to get to the single track first...
... I got there last.
Shifter was dead, I was spun out and then spit out.
15 minutes later, with some help from the mechanic on site, I was back at it.
Which is exactly why I came up with the RaceDay Bike Checklist, and made it into a sticker.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-checklist-stickers
For about a year now we've been shipping the stickers out with each RaceDay Bag purchase. They're great for tool boxes and benches.
Here's a link to check 'em out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-checklist-stickers
----
168.7
8.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
71
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE HEROIC MOVE
THERE'S A LOT OF GREAT RACING GOING ON. Locally, regionally, internationally. Sometimes we witness the unfathomable attack from impossibly far out, other times...
... a second or third wind, for the win.
By inches.
We shouldn't be impressed.
I'm mean,
it's cool.
We all cheer.
But the truth is the victory was secured long ago.
When nobody was cheering.
It was dark,
lonely,
cold.
The alarm was more drill sergeant, than fan.
In those moments...
... the heroes make their moves.
If we're lucky,
we witness the results.
---
169.1
9ish hrs sleep
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
72
>
IT'S LIKE THE SUN GOING UP ON ME
40 DEGREES, 80% HUMIDITY ain't nothing. Combine that with a dawn start, the sun hidden behind the hills, and, well, when you're going 20+ mph in your underpants...
... it's bonechilly.
I left the knee warmers behind.
No vest.
No jacket.
Just arm warmers,
a base layer,
skull cap.
It's risky,
we might freeze,
this is how we do it...
... when we know sunny times are ahead.
So are they?
Whether we are enjoying the longer days,
recovering from an injury,
just getting back at it...
... we hope and plan for...
- better fitness
- decreased fatness
- all things to improve
... it's a process.
And, we know it.
Just like the sun coming up,
we imperceptibly rise to the occasion.
That's how today was for me.
Still got dropped,
but made it a little further.
I'll take it.
Here's a snapshot of where things stand.
There's nothing like a good fitness journey.
How's yours going?
---
168.7
8ish hrs sleep
10 Pullups 30 Pushups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
73 (per training peaks)
>
MY DUMBEST PREDICTION YET
PARIS-ROUBAIX IS SUNDAY. I can't wait. It's always so fun to watch, and such a battle of machine, mind, and bike handling. Lots of drama, and this year...
... is starts before the famed Arenberg Forest.
The forest is always crazy.
Mud.
Cobbles.
A massive battle for the front ensues for those who want the best chance of getting through with the lead group...
... unscathed.
This year, the organizers decide a chicane right before entering the forest would be a good idea.
Less dangerous.
I looked at the layout.
Here's my prediction.
Rather than racing for the forest entrance to avoid carnage...
... they will race to the chicane.
And...
- have plenty of lycra on the pavement.
- or in the barriers
- or both.
... I hope I'm wrong.
Then, we have to wonder, at least I do, what is the point of racing?
Call me crazy, but I think part of it is to show bike handling prowess.
We're still gonna see it with the chicane.
Just seems like a little chicanery...
... to appease, who?
---
169.1
8 hrs sleep
15 Pullups 50 Pushups 40 Shoulder Press... no legs today.
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
BLOOD. WORK.
DON'T BE LIKE ME. Because I never get sick, I never go to the doctor. Which meant I never had my blood work done. You're too smart for that...
... here's why.
By regularly getting the blood work done, we have a baseline for "our" normal.
I don't have that.
When I had the brain injury a few months ago,
things changed.
The brain is our command center, telling the body what to produce and control and do, etc.
A brain injury often causes issues with how the body is regulated.
Today, we reviewed my blood work which was drawn a few weeks ago.
Some markers are out of range - too high on some, too low on others.
Bad news is...
... I have no reference point of "my" normal.
Could be genetic, could be from the injury.
Good news is...
... we know where I'm at, and have some corrective measures to take.
Bonus, most indicators are positive for my body, and with my overall health.
Dr. Cory King, my functional health doctor from Encinitas, went over it all with me.
Nothing too scary...
... but definitely areas to not ignore.
Things like cholesterol levels, vitamin levels, etc. that can have negative effects if left untreated.
So, we'll chock this up as another blessing from my brain injury.
Regardless of your awesome health.
Find out where you are at,
things can probably be improved.
Consider this a gentle and loving nudge from me to you...
... get the blood work done.
---
169.4
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
CHEAT CODE
HERE'S A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET. Okay, maybe it's not all that dirty but it is secret and fact is it's...
... a cheat code for life.
There's a reason we get out and do our thing.
Sure, it's great to be in shape.
Have that come what may attitude.
Fact is, even though the fitness is great...
... there's something better.
- The problems we solve
- Ideas we come up with
- Freedom to think
We often, nearly always, return...
... renewed.
Ready
To
Kicka$$
Even when,
especially when...
... we've rung out our body's energy supply.
---
169.1
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
STRUGGLING WITH WEIGHT... TRY NOT
SINCE MY AWESOME START TO THE YEAR, knocking myself out and spending a 5 days in ICU, my metabolism has changed. This is not uncommon, given the standard protocols...
... and now I'm pissed.
I didn't ask for this, and that is not the problem.
I haven't asked for a solution.
I have forgotten my own wisdom.
Well, on the eve of my bday, yesterday, I was asked...
... What do you want?
Get my lycracovered buns back in fighting shape.
I went to bed with a question...
... How do I get back to my normal, leanish self?
I woke up with an answer.
A book recommendation appeared on my Kindle.
Feast., Fast. Fit. by Fred Duncan.
It wasn't new information for me.
Heck, I preach it.
It's worked in the past.
I believe it will work again.
The lesson?
It isn't get on the diet train...
... it's ask the right questions,
and expect answers.
- How can I get lean?
- How can I climb faster?
- How can I stay cool in the blistering heat?
- How can I complete a century without bonking?
- How can I reduce the drag created by my bike and body?
Try not.
Ask or ask not.
---
170.3
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THOU SHALT CARE FOR THY HANDS
TAKING CARE OF THE HANDS is importante. Road, is pretty straight forward. So is MTB. Gravel, well, it's got it's own challenges...
... what can we do?
I've seen plenty of ruined hands...
- brutal gripshift blisters
- palms filled with asphalt gravelly stuff
- a thumb's skin pealed from under the nail past the first knuckle
... all of it could have been spared with gloves.
Personally, I prefer very lightweight fullfinger gloves.
But, that ain't gonna help on the gravel bike.
No suspension.
What can we do?
I double wrap my bars with a good soft tape.
- helps with vibration
- displaces pressure points across a wider area
I was reminded of how great this is just last week.
It'd been a while since I'd ridden the roadie, been riding the gravel bike on and off road a ton.
As soon as I got going the bars felt weird.
Sharp.
Oh yeah, the single wrap bar.
It's lighter.
More aero.
But, I'd never go back to a single wrap on the gravel bike.
---
170.5
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
WHICH NUMBERS ARE WE CHASING?
THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE between the kinds of numbers some of us focus on putting up. Some chase big power numbers, while others chase small numbers...
... what's the corresponding motivation?
You know.
Are we more interested in the low numbers: 1st, 2nd, 3rd...
... or, increasing our own personal power numbers?
Do we need everybody to see us on the podium...
... or, are we thrilled when we privately snag a new PR?
We can go out to the race,
or we can design our own incredible adventure.
We can train to beat everybody,
or our training can help us live our best lives.
They're not necessarily mutually exclusive,
there are four seasons for a reason.
---
169
8.5 hrs sleep
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
IS IT TIME TO STOP BINGING?
SATURDAYS ARE MY DAYS. All week long, I look forward to getting up early and rolling out with no particular plan but wasting time via hours in the saddle...
... I call it binge riding.
Not today.
It was raining
When that happens on the 6th day of the week,
my day,
I'm typically grumpy.
This time,
I was looking forward to it.
Why?
Honestly, I'd been binge riding too much.
Too many days in a row spent
slipping out after work
staying out too long...
... the time change being my enabler.
I was unconsciously due for a break.
Some call it overtrained...
... overbinged is more accurate,
for me.
---
168.2
7.5 hrs sleep
Lots of pull ups, pushups and squats.
10 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
68
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE OL' WHAT IF YOU KNEW...
THESE TWO PUNKS SHOWED UP TO MY HOUSE, and dragged their dear ol' dad out for his favorite thing. Riding MTBs with them...
... that wasn't the best part.
Sure, it was fun to keep up with 'em.
Mostly.
Then, completely overdoing it at Cheesecake factory.
The best part was dropping by the Audi store...
... and hotrodding around in a $70k RS3.
So.
Dang.
Fast!
It's good to get in the dream car, and throw it around some corners...
... to keep the dreams alive.
But, what if it wasn't a dream.
What if...
... you knew you could PR any segment, win any race?
What would it be?
If we don't know,
can't quickly answer the question..
... likely not going to happen.
But,
what
if
we
knew...
... then,
what would we do with today's training?
---
1680
7.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
JUST BECAUSE IT'S FREE MEANS...
SO MUCH INFORMATION, and so much of it free. Free is a weird price, because we know it's gonna cost time and there's probably...
... an ask down the road.
Don't be fooled.
Sometimes the really expensive stuff is great,
sometimes it's terrible.
Same for free.
Price is a signal.
Should we be swayed?
I recently got an offer to save 30% on a $6000 frame.
6K!!!...
... must be awesome.
Maybe.
But, how do we know?
Really?
The glossy magazine ad?
The pro riding it to a win?
It can be frustrating.
When it comes right down to it, most of us...
... are swayed by our friends' reviews.
Like these -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/reviews...
... which I'm extremely grateful for.
---
168.3
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
DOES YOUR DOG BITE?
THE GREAT INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU encounter with a dog is classic. The dog is off leash, he asks Does your dog bite? The answer is, No. He bends to pet the dog...
... only to have the dog viciously latch on to his hand!
I thought you said your dog does not bite?
That is not my dog.
I thought about that since Surfergirl has...
- demanded
- pleaded
- asked
... that I let her track me on my rides.
I feel like a dog on a leash.
The Jason Bourne in me wants none of that.
There's nothing to hide,
when I ride.
But, really?
She does have a point.
I often venture into the wild.
Signs with warnings of mountain lions and snakes about.
Trails are often treacherous to the bike,
and potentially me.
Humans few and far between.
If, if, if I should need a rescue,
which I never have...
... I'll just need two things.
A cell signal...
... and a friend who cares.
It's kinda romantic when ya think about it,
guess we're doing all right.
---
168.2
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
HOW MY LITTLE PRACTICE LOOP TOOK ME DOWN
I SET OFF TO POUND MY PRACTICE LOOP. The profile is jagged, lots of single track, and...
... I'm trying to crack 90 minutes.
Today's failure is why it's so important to practice racing.
Here's the dill.
This course is very hard to stay fueled on...
... almost impossible to drink, forget about eating.
Which meant I was tuckered out, with 4 miles to go. The last 30ish minutes are pretty dern steep.
With about 20 minute warm up,
winging it on 1/2 bottle and 100 calories was a weak effort.
Just not enough.
Strava called a Massive Relative Effort,
giving the workout a score of 192.
I'll try it again in a couple of weeks.
This time with 400 calories,
and 30 ounces of water,
in a Camelbak.
There just isn't time to suck on a bottle,
the bladder hose is easy to grab,
and once in my mouth,
handsfree.
Ya can't figure that out without simulating what ya might be racing...
... in real world conditions.
---
169.1 lbs (dropping some of these will speed things up, too)
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
SPEED AND BRAKES, NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS
THERE'S A TECHNICAL, ROCKY SECTION on part of a local trail. First-timers walk it, new riders use a slow approach, locals...
... let it rip.
They know something.
Speed makes it much easier to glide over the the treachery.
It's counterintuitive.
Disc brakes are the same way.
They rub.
We pry 'em apart and reinsert the wheel.
Soon into the ride they are rubbing again.
Why?
The pads are worn out.
You'd think they would stop touch the disc or barely work when running thin.
That's the way rim brakes work when the pads are worn down.
Not discs.
Counterintuitive.
Which why we alwaysalwaysalways check our brake pads before a race...
... so we hit the tricky stuff with speed.
---
167.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
66
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
DO YOU D.H.T.?
WE MAY NOT BE PRO. Our equipment may be lacking, our preparation woeful, our focus far from singular...
... which makes it all the more impressive.
When we, you and me...
... Do Hard Things.
Just like the pros,
but on a whole other level.
They level up,
get a pay check.
Our objective has nothing to do with money, and...
... everything to do with commitment.
Here's the cool part.
People see it.
Our family, friends, work associates, neighbors, etc.
They get inspired.
Maybe not to ride 100 miles or run a marathon or do an Ironman.
Doesn't matter.
The ability to D.H.T. can be applied to anything...
- changing diapers in the middle of the night
- studying instead of clubbing
- making 100 cold calls/day
- working 80 hrs a week for a season
- pushing a car off to the side of the road
- leading volunteers to repair after a disaster strikes
... once we learn we have it within us.
---
169.1 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
66
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
WE NEED A METRIC FOR THIS
THE FIRST TIME I SAW SHIMANO'S INTEGRATED SHIFTING, dubbed SIS, I knew there was no chance in a sprint without it. Sure we'd perfected the lost of art of...
... sprinting, letting go of the handlebars with one hand to shift.
But, what was the point?
It was useless.
Shimano changed the game, all because...
... Gripshift had changed the game.
Gripshift morphed into SRAM.
Shimano gave us electric shifting.
SRAM did it better with wireless.
How is that my new Kindle got me thinking of this?
Simple.
Kindle changes the reading game.
Which got me thinking about another game changer, Training Peaks.
It's pretty cool.
All kinds of data.
But, one metric is missing and would...
... be so funny to have.
A measurement for how bad a ride sucks...
- Freezing rain
- Frying pan heat
- Mile long hike-a-bike
- Gail force headwinds
- Countless mechanicals
... indicating our badassness for getting it done,
not quitting.
For example, we rolled the dice this morning on a 38% chance of rain.
No big deal, right?
3 hours in, we face another hour of driving headwind and relentless rain...
... the suckometer was needling past halfway.
- Hands were edging towards inoperable.
- Too wet and involved to eat carbs
- Feet sloshing
Not terrible.
But, somewhere on the ride data it woulda been nice to see...
... the badassometer read out.
Just fer fun.
See where the day's suckiness ranked against other such rides over time.
Time to go back the Kindle...
... under the blankies.
Me still cold.
---
167.9 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
Just pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
LEARNING TO RIP FROM MARCH MADNESS
BALL AND STICK SPORTS are typically concerned with, and built around, offense and defense. How do we...
... apply that thinking to our endurance addictitions?
Do we have offense?
Defense?
Yep.
Offense
- Riding, running swimming time
- Weight lifting
- Racing and competitive group rides
- Upgrading equipment - new, shiny stuff
- Hiring a coach
- Fine tuning the bike fit
- Developing our handling skills
Defense
- Recovery work
- Sleep
- Proper nutrition
- Accountability partner(s)
- Equipment maintenance
- Stretching
- Allies to work with when falling behind
And before you say I've misplaced one of those, we all know...
... the best defense is offense and visa versa.
That's not the point.
The point is to figure out...
... how to incorporate a great offense and defense in our limited time.
---
167.8 lbs
8.25 hrs sleep
Just pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
TWO OF LIFE'S MYSTERIES
THERE TWO MYSTERIES THAT SCIENCE can't explain. AI doesn't have the answer, either. But's they are facts just the same. For example...
... why do beginners get all the flats?
Riddle me that one LycraMan.
You know it's true.
You know if you invite a new, excitedtobethere, rider along, there's gonna be a flat.
Waywaywayway more often than the experienced riders will experience.
Makes no sense.
Just like why more bike shops don't have a comfy couch to wait for that...
.... just a few more minutes...
repair.
Maybe a coffee table showcasing
- A colorful catalog of their favorite products
- Samples of their go to sports drinks or things to chomp
- Gotta have tools to check out
I was thinking of another mystery as I swapped out my worn disc brake pads...
... why more of us don't learn the basics of maintenance.
---
168.7 lbs (the struggle is real)
8.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
63
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE PRIDE CYCLE QUEST
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE THAT YOU'RE PROUD OF? Could be anything, but let's stay on point with athletic endeavors because it's important...
... to harness this concept.
The Pride Cycle Quest.
It's also dangerous,
if we let it get the best of us.
For me, at least, it's all about the quest.
Can I do it?
And, it's a cycle...
- Pick the outrageous result to chase
- Train for it.
- Do it.
... and pick another quest.
I don't really care if anybody else thinks it's cool,
so few understand us anyway.
It's internal.
Am I proud of that result?
It's only dangerous if we are chasing likes and kudos and cheers...
... from the world.
It's not about that.
It's about the quest.
It's personal.
I'm happiest when I have at least one per year.
That's my cycle of pride.
---
167.9 lbs
7.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
CHASING GHOSTS
PATHS BECOME TRAILS, trails become roads, roads become highways. It's evolution, and underneath it all are the ghosts...
... who got it started.
We think we're blazing a trail,
when we are really just going along with the crowd.
I was thinking about the day my longgone granpappy came to watch me race a criterium.
It was all new to me.
We wizzed past him every lap.
But, the laps were long...
... and he could barely see at that stage.
Afterwards, he told me how it was years before, when he was young.
I thought it would be in a velodrome and I'd be able to see you entire race.
Clueless me had no idea velodrome racing was the only bicycle racing 100 years ago.
Prior to that, it was racing bicycles long distance, on dusty...
... gravel roads.
In other words, we gone from...
- gravel
- to velodrome
- to road
- to bmx
- to mtb
- to gravel
... so why is gravel "new"?
It's not.
We're all just chasing ghosts who've gone before.
---
168 lbs
8.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THIS AIN'T NO TIME FOR FOOLING AROUND
WHAT IS THE BASELINE? The minimum effort to do and consider the week a win? It's important to have the least acceptable effort in mind...
... and make it happen.
Riding in the rain will make you think things like that.
Like, why the heck am I doing this?
Which is exactly what I was thinking as the skies opened an hour away from home.
Because I made a plan.
A public commitment.
Accountability.
Yesterday, in the sunshine and 72 degrees I committed to do the following this week:
- 15 pull ups, 50 push ups, 10 squats daily
- Ride 14 hours this week
- Drop 3 lbs
Easy to do when the weather is good,
and the day lazy.
The public commit was to the RaceDay Rippers,
who also hold me accountable each week when we check in.
I'm two months out from my next quest, the SurfNSummit.
The plan is on my RaceDay Calendar.
Some say Show me your calendar and I'll know what important to you...
... and yes, Date Night better be on there each week.
We have a few of the Giant RaceDay Calendars left, and you can save 25% since a quarter of the year is nearly past by using promo code:
CAL25OFF
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2024-giant-raceday-calendar
Here is the code:
CAL25OFF
Nod to the great Talking Heads for the inspiration
This is ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no time for foolin' around
---
168.9 lbs
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
59
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
HOW TO STAY SLOW...
IT'S SUPER EASY TO STAY SLOW, and just as easy to stay fast. To stay slow, do what your slow friends do and...
... expect to get fast.
The problem with actually getting fast,
nobody gives you credit.
For the most part, they can't see or appreciate, and will never know...
... how hard we work.
And, we've got to be okay with that.
To commence,
recognition be damned.
To be fast, do what you fast friends do...
... and expect to get fast.
Do.
Expect.
168.4 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
58
>
WWDGD?! - 25 WEEKS TO GO
I FELT GOOD ENOUGH THIS WEEK TO DREAM of getting my fitness back and setting unrealistic goals. Is there anything better than that? Getting to a place to...
... dare to go for it.
After pushing hard for nearly 3 hours, we had a choice.
Take it easy or do the hurtful climb?
500' in a mile doesn't sound like much...
... unless it's the last climb of a fast day.
We were gonna skip it, and then Love Watts yelled...
... WWDGD!
Huh?
What Would David Goggins Do?!
There was no choice at that point, because all of us have streeeeeeeeetch goals this summer.
It was fine.
Slower than I'd like...
... but, compared to last week waywayway better.
And so the journey begins.
The countdown to Gravel Nationals.
Here's where I'm at.
You can see my fitness score at the very bottom.
Down from over 50%, 18 months ago.
Weight, 168ish.
Up 10 lbs, 18 months ago.
Vision is still messed up.
Way off from what I considered one of my few advantages racing off road.
Can I be ready September 8th, 2024?
It's gonna be fun,
and frustrating.
WWDGD?
Go for it.
Every
single
freakin'
opportunity.
168.2 lbs
8 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
60
>
WHEN THE RACE PLAN GOES TO HECK IN A HANDLEBAR
IT WAS A ROUGH START, things weren't going smoothly at all. It was causing a lot of stress and internal turmoil. Energy I'd hoped to reserve for...
... more important sections of the event.
Ayyyy, what to do?
What I always do...
... but, forget to do.
Think of of the things going right...
- I felt good
- I'd started on time
- My prep was perfect
... other words be grateful for the good.
My energy shifted.
I calmed down.
Focused on getting down to business.
Wound up having a spectacular day...
... at the office.
Tomorrow's race should go a lot better, and if it doesn't...
... I know what to do.
168.2 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
600 minutes reading + Journaling
56
>
YOU INSURED FOR THAT?
WELL, THE BILLS ARE COMING and I'm thinking about you and me. For years I've looked at health insurance as lame. Struggled mentally, sometimes economically...
... to pay that everlarger bill.
Why?
I never get sick.
Rarely, and I mean rarely, do I see a doctor.
I'm already doing all they would recommend to get better...
- eat good
- skip sugar
- get plenty of rest
- and workout regularly
... why would I spend the $ on insurance?
It feels like I'm being duped.
Well, there are these events called...
... accidents.
They happen,
and are almost completely unplanned.
So, yeah, my bills are coming in and I'm happy as being at the to of the podium at my A race...
... 'cause it looks like almost all of it covered.
Sucks to be out 1000s...
... but, way better than being out 100s of thousands.
Just putting this out there 'cause I love you...
... get covered, if ya ain't.
====
Side Note: has anybody tried insurance for bike like BikeInsure? Asking for myself, just found out about 'em
167.2 lbs
7.8 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
56
>
DO YOU LET POWER OR HR DETERMINE YOUR HARD VS EASY DAYS?
I HADN'T WORN MY HR MONITOR FOR DAYS. It wasn't working consistently, so I left it parked in the drawer. Until today, I gave it a shot and it actually worked...
... it got me thinking about the levels of easy.
There's so easy...
- I can barely feel the pedals
- I can sing a song
- I can easily talk
- I am not sure
... and maybe a few more levels.
My goal today was to ride as close to the top of my Zone 2 as possible, without going over...
... the I'm not sure range.
I wasn't sure, because my heart rate was bouncing at the top of the range. Meanwhile...
... my power was definitely over into a higher range quite often.
This is how I trained for decades, when I just had a HR monitor.
What's more important then...
... HR in Zone 2 or Power in Zone 2?
I'm gonna say, for me at least, HR is more important. It is more reflective of how all systems are working given the effort and absorbs the little efforts when the terrain or other elements require a few more watts.
Here's a real world application.
When I'm racing something epic, like Leadville, I'm going off heart rate for my pacing, and using the power meter to keep things in check when I have to dig a little deeper to close a gap or clean a technical uphill section.
The reality is, for peak performance on the long efforts...
... it's good to have both.
If it's a short race, under an hour, well, you know...
... put the dadgum gadget in the back pocket and race on feel.
Same for a long day of adventuring, who cares about the data when we're out there.
Enjoy the ride.
We can analyze later.
---
168. lbs
7.8 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
57
>
SHOULD WE DO A HUNDRED RACES IN A YEAR?
YA WANNA GET GOOD, be a boss, strike fear in your frenemies, be the maker of things that happen...
... instead of wondering what happened?
Race.
A lot more.
100 times/year.
Think I'm crazy?
Think it's immmm po siiiiii ble?
Then don't do it.
Don't even try.
Keep wonderin',
misreading the moves.
Or, commit.
Do:
- 2 zwifties
- 2 local races
- 2 group rides
- 2 of your own personal courses for PR
We all have 52 chances a year,
to race twice a week.
No excuses.
Nothing but upside.
Heck, even a brain-damaged guy like me can do it.
This week...
- hammering my xc race loop Tuesday
- group ride on weekend
... slaying myself today, getting crushed by the fellas Saturday.
Gotta start somewhere.
Gonna do what hurts and what I'm comfortable with.
Twice a week.
Oh... I know you're askin'...
... Why 100 times a year?
Because, every race is different.
We'll see a lot of different situations.
We're trying to see 'em all, or have a reallyreallyreally good feel for what is going to happen.
Simple as that.
Experience counts.
Get some.
It's free.
---
168.6 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
55
Are you ready to Rip On Raceday?
>
NOT GONNA LIE
WHEN I FINALLY CAME TO, I had one thing on my mind. Not after first being knocked out, not after the morphine and other meds wore off, days after being home...
... I wanted to say one thing.
Not gonna lie.
I was hurting.
Stunned.
How could my crazy good health take such a drastic turn in seconds...
... this wasn't what I had planned for 2024.
8 weeks later, I'm improving.
I'd leave it there, but...
... not gonna lie.
I'm nowhere near where I was just prior, nor 12 months ago, nor 2 years ago.
I'm off.
I can work 4-5 hours,
then my brain needs a break.
I can ride my bike,
but I have no power,
off-road vision is shift.
I can talk to friends,
until I can't.
Something even more weird happened though.
Something few will admit or acknowledge or maybe even notice...
... when I took that blow to the noggin' it felt like my spirit left my body.
There's a disconnectedness.
I know things aren't quite right.
Will they return or is life just going to be different?
Not gonna lie...
... this is new territory.
Now, I'm being as honest and transparent as possible in all I do.
My friend battling cancer taught me that,
the freedom of being honest.
Yes, I hid it from Surfergirl that on one of my first bike rides alone I was going down the road and thought I saw 4 ducks crossing the road in front of me...
... it was just two,
that's troubling.
Not gonna lie.
I kept riding.
Lying to myself it was all good,
hiding the truth if asked.
What is easier, being honest with ourselves and those around us or pulling the lycra over our eyes and theirs?
To remind myself of my new commitment...
... I made a special kit, see above.
That's the kind of thing I was looking forward to in 2024.
New designs,
new patterns,
new fabrics.
The good newsy stuff.
If you're into the rawness of honesty, maybe you'll like this too.
It's patterned after one of my all-time favorite Porsche's.
Check the full kit here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ngl-collection
Use this promo code on this kit to save 30%: NGL30
Code expires on 3.15.24.
---
168.6 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
54
>
HE SWITCHED TEAM, AND IT...
TODAY AN AMERICAN WON PARIS-NICE, an 8-Day stage race in France. A youngun, 25 years old. He'd never done it before, and wasn't picked as a favorite...
... except he picked himself.
A long time ago.
When riding for a less professional, less scientific team he was spending his own cash on equipment and training to up his game.
Something the top teams covered and pursued relentlessly.
He jumped at the chance to upgrade to the current dominant force in European road racing this season.
Would it matter?
I'd say it is clear.
What's interesting is how many of are trapped like a monkey...
... failing to let go, when we know we should.
Not only did he upgrade his team and training, but placed a huge bet on himself in a daring and startling breakaway with fellow US racer Brandon McNulty.
When you are a pro...
... winning actually is everything.
Way to go Mateo Jorgenson.
---
168.4 lbs
9 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
53
>
HOW TO GET FASTER FOR DUMMIES
APPARENTLY, LOVE WATTS FORGOT our commitment to go easy on the way up the coast. Which meant we had time to do the biggest climb I've done this year...
... 2 hours and 2000' of climbing for our "warm up".
At the usual time, riders flocked in and we were off.
It felt good to do my first group ride of the year...
- to see the guys
- get whooshed along
- and see some higher power numbers
... until the first overpass.
Where I was off the back.
Caught on at a light.
Off again.
On again.
My breathing and wheezing needed a muffler.
On the next power climb, normally 2ish minutes...
... I needed an extra minute or three.
They were gone.
Yeah, they are nowhere near as fast as I am...
... they're a heckuvalot faster.
Am I good with that?
Yeah, they've always been faster than lit'l ol' me.
Now I just need patience to close the gap to where...
... they are less faster.
So, here's the plan that I've used many a year...
... pick a spot beyond where I got popped today.
Make it just a little further each week.
Corner by corner,
Hill by hill.
Progress > Perfection
---
167.6 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
54
>
IT WAS ABOUT THE TRUTH, NOT ARMS RACE
I HATE TIMETRIALS. I mean, I like 'em, but, yeah, I hate 'em. It's not because I'm not great at 'em, and trust me I'm not. It's because...
... they hurt so dang bad.
Not only that, it's...
- lonely
- painful
- humbling
... is there anything more truthful than getting passed by your minute man?
No drafting.
No wily cunning.
Nothing matters except...
... who is the strongest,
and who can suffer the most.
Oh, wait, one more thing matters...
... who's got the most money to afford the most advanced gear.
When everything tiny thing adds time and seconds matter...
... it can turn into an arms race.
I'm okay with that to a point.
Butttttttttt, don't ya think participation would rise...
... if we raced Merckx-style?
At least at the amateur level?
On our road bikes vs tt bikes?
With road helmets?
And "normal" road wheels?
And... you get the point right?
As much as I hate/love a tt, I truly appreciated Tucson Bicycle Classic for making their tt be done on road bikes the last to years.
It's just a lot more fair/approachable/inviting...
... and equally miserable for all.
That's the truth.
Side note: I think I love XC MTB racing because it's basically a mass start time trial. The terrain naturally and quickly separates us.
---
168.4 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
51
>
WERE YOU AS DORKY AS THIS?
WHEN I WAS JUST GETTING INTO THE SPORT, I was such a dork. A small percentage of you will disagree, maybe even swear at me, but nothing says...
... stay clear, like a mirror.
I know, I know, some of us are damaged and can't look over our shoulders.
Too stiff,
crap balance.
I was neither of those.
I was a spry young newb.
Excited to ride and race.
And my girlfriend of the time wanted to get me something cool.
I quickly mounted the mirror to the end of my handlebar - see pic above.
I thought it was rad.
Perfect for the high speeds and shoulder banging of crit racing,
which I loved.
Rather than turn my head and telegraph my plans,
I could take a peek at my mirror.
Nobody else thought it was cool...
... and they made an obnoxious and clear point of it.
If my hairy legs,
questionable bike handling,
roadrashed arms and legs weren't a give away...
... the mirror, made it clear.
I was not to be trusted in the bunch.
Here's the dill.
They were right.
Because let's face it, anybody focused on the past...
... doesn't have a shot at a winning future.
---
167.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
50
>
THANKS FOR THAT
THANKS TO SOME GOOD PEOPLE, I nearly ruined my new Dominator speed suit. It wouldn't have happened without them.
First, the really fine folks that built the new 25 Days trail, connecting Draino to the far fire road. It's a great addition and will be supreme once we get a little rain.
Second, a huge shout out to Bobfrosty for letting me know about all the recent mountain lion sitings. With the latest fires the lion's territories are much smaller.
Third, thanks to Surfergirl for understanding that The Old Diesel needs a quick ride at the end of a long day.
The sun was settling into a deep amber haze. I had about 45 minutes to get spin with a few openers for tomorrow's SHoP ride. I took HVY MTL so I could mix it up on road and dirt.
Halfway down Draino I nailed a beautiful sliding transition onto 25 days.
It was a lot darker.
And very quiet.
I was a little lost in my head, end-of-daydreaming about how much we'd accomplished and how much more we have to do.
Not paying attention to the surroundings at all.
THHHHHHRUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!
... a flock of about 66 crows a few feet away launched through the shoots and into the sky...
The Birds!
Heart beats... SKIPPED!
2/3s of the trail lay ahead of me, and Bobfrosty's comment was loud and clear. Now I was really moving.
Off to my left something large and dark mowed through the brush. I stormed on.
A Happy Halloween dry run!
ARE THERE GOING TO BE AID STATIONS AT HUNKR-LA?
reposted from HUNKR.com
ARE THERE GOING TO BE AID STATIONS?!!
Heck yes!
Time-wise, this is going to be the longest and toughest HUNKR yet... and we want you to crush it. So we're setting you up for success. Whether you come out for the adventurous grind or have intentions of winning the cash purse.
What's at an Aid / Refueling Station: Aid stations will be fully stocked with Hammer Heed and Gels, along with Water, fruit and some packaged snacks (fig bars etc).
The first station will be at the end of old 99, right before you start the lonely country road. About mile 22 (not including the 4 mile neutral roll out).
Station number 2 is at 34.
You'll find station number 3 as you exit the pavement and get down to some serious dirt. Mile 50.
Number 4 is at the bottom of the long dirt descent, before the final 3 mile, paved climb. Is it necessary? On paper No. In reality, we're thinking a number of riders will welcome a rest and re-fuel.
That's it, 4 stations. All dedicated to your success.
Me, Todd, my strategy is stop twice: #1 and #3. If all goes well.
It's time to HUNKR down!
THE 3 KINDS OF RIDERS
THERE ARE 3 KINDS OF RIDERS. They all went around the block.
One, loved his block and kept going round and round... cursing anybody who suggested a different route.
Another, she rode some laps then found another block... sure it was the better.
And the third, took a few turns then ventured off... a never-ending, ever-expanding block.
I NEED YOUR HELP
MY FRIENDS, I HAVE A QUICK ASK. Some of you know I'm on a quest to get a RaceDay bag in the hands of anybody that drives to a ride or a race.
The bag makes loading up so easy, for some it's life changing.
If you would take a minute to check out a new landing page I've been working on and let me know your thoughts it would mean so much to me. I value your insights.
Here's the link: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-bags
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
THIS MAY COME IN HANDY
WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SHARE WITH YOU IS TRUE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE.
Steve passed me heading North while I was heading South. He spun around, I eased up. Little did I know he was about to dump something so juicy on me. We pulled into the Outlets to take the long route so my OCD could be satisfied with an hour of riding vs 56 minutes.
Todd, have you seen the bathrooms back here?
I think so.
Not the ones in the breezeway. I'm talking about the giant ones you can ride your bike right into.
Show me!
Sure enough, Steve had found the best bikin' bathrooms on the planet. On the backside of the San Clemente Outlets are giant "family" bathrooms... and who better to take in their than your trusty steed.
This is the kind of secret knowledge you get by being a regular reader.
Which can come in handy if you're running irregular,
now if only there was an app for that.
THE CIRCLE
I WAS GOING TO RIDE BAHATI'S CIRCLE OF DOOM, but the circle of life took precedent. At 645 my youngest (Little Pants) and I set off for Artesia to help my middlest (Biggol) and his wifey (Blondie) move to Irvine. With luck, we'd been done in time, and fresh enough, for me to ride home.
Not gonna lie, did my best to stay away from the giant couch with the hide-a-bed. But other than that, it felt good to be lifting and even better to be helping. Many hands made quick work of the loading and unloading.
Just like that, the no longer newlyweds were settled into Irvine... the same town Surfergirl and i started this journey 30 years ago.
Nostalgia pulled me through town on the bike path I'd ridden hundreds of times. I passed our tiny condo and then the turn off for the sweet townhome we shoulda kept.
No hurry.
Taking it in.
Remembering the Fisher Hookooekoo, my first MTB, with the Burley trailer attached and my two little boys taking their first rides.
The evenings, pre-kids, when we'd ride to Back Bay after work. Not a care in the world. No idea what the road ahead would bring us.
Friendships we'd made that remain strong today simply because someone cared enough to reach out.
It was a truly beautiful Indian Summer day. 80 degrees and crystal clear. The kind of day you feel you can ride forever.
So I did... and along the way quiet thought accompanied me...
My all your days be blissful my young ones...
even those that seem so troubling on the surface,
may you find goodness there too,
remembering to pedal,
and enjoy your ride.
the well traveled bike trail
way up high
(
taking on some calories
_____
GETTING GOOD
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP? Implored Sir Winston. So does Gladwell when he says it takes 10,000 hours to be great at something.
10,000 hours.
If I rode 10 hours a week 50 weeks a year, it would take 20 years to be a great bike rider.
But, it's not just riding.
I think the time spent working on my bike counts.
As does the time watching a race unfold.
Throw in the core work and stretching and yoga too.
It all adds up.
Every day, a little better. A little closer.
After 20 years, I'm not great... but,
I'm pretty damn close
to the best I can be
and that's the point of any endeavor.
_____
WE CHOSE THIS
I GOT A LATE START YESTERDAY. I chose to get some pressing work done.... and, I chose to postpone the ride from morning till evening which always leaves an opening for things to go sideways.
The sun quickly set. I chose to ride on.
I raced half up Harding at 9 tenths. I chose to shut 'er down and take it easy after that.
The moon rose. I chose to stop on the deserted fire road and snap a pic.
60 minutes in, I chose to stop and admire the view of my city.
It dawned on me, as the temperature quickly dropped, that being 6 miles up a rugged fire road with one light and no jacket was not my best choice. I chose to head down.
But that feeling of being all alone, in the wild.. that sound, of nothing but a distant hum... that sight of my fellow citizens far away... me, choosing to live like this... nothing like it.
Who else made a choice to be risky today
to do what their heart called them to do,
to venture out and bet on themselves?
... it's just a choice,
make it...
_____
HAVE SOME HEART
MY COACH HAS TOLD ME FOR YEARS THAT TRAINING BY POWER IS DANGEROUS. Frankly, I was too cheap to buy a power meter and didn't want to hassle with one more device. Her warning was that training by power would disconnect me from how my body was actually doing. I like simplicity so this was easy to heed.
Understand, I only get "coached" a few months out of the year... if at all. I just can't handle the structure, it takes too much fun out of riding for me. But, when I'm really serious about an event (none in '18) I need her guidance and feedback.
Word has it, the reason the pros took to power meters early on was because with all the chemical enhancement that was occurring during the same time period training by heart rate became useless. Their heart rate data was no longer relevant. It was not giving them accurate feedback on what was achievable with their new found "unbelievable" powers.
Anyway, I found this article by VeloNews really useful in helping me understand the differences and advantages of training by heart rate and/or by power. It's a good read, very clearly written.
https://www.velonews.com/2018/10/training/training-center-why-heart-rate-shouldnt-be-ignored_480208
... thought you might like it.
_____
THE PRICE OF SMOKING
THE HACKING COUGH STARTLED MY LITTLE MAMA. (She's visiting for a few months.)
Boy, you sound terrible.
It's not a real cough madre. It's a smoker's cough.
You don't smoke.
We did today... we smoked all kinds of KOM's.
You smoked what?
Don't worry mama, I'm okay.
That's the price of putting down smoking times when the Santa Ana winds are blowing and the temps dip into the high 40s: smoker's cough.
It's a bad habit I plan on keeping till the wheels don't spin no more.
_____
SINCE WE'RE NEVER GOING TO RIDE TOGETHER
I LIVE ON A STREET OF BIKE RIDERS, but we don't ride together. We're all at different stages of life, with very different abilities and interests. Still, you'd think we'd ride together, occasionally.
One time I ran into Matt out on the local single-track. He's a young firefighter with a crazy schedule, and he prefers the very steep stuff with big air.
The guys at then end of the street regularly ride their ancient mountain bikes, just on the road. They've long since retired, just out to stretch their legs.
Tom is my next-door neighbor. His son just bought him an electric assist bicycle. He gets up and hits the road at 630 three times a week and rides to 24hr Fitness.
All that bike riding stuff in common, but we never hang out.
So... last week I invited Tom to invite me over for Monday Night Football - I could see the flicker of the games from our backyard and since we cut the cord a long time ago, and we're both empty-nesters... tonight we did some bike talk in between pulling for the 49rs.
Can't just always be riding and never hanging out,
One day we just might need each other.
_____
A DIFFERENT KIND OF SATURDAY
RAIN, LIGHTENING AND THUNDER... TIME FOR A NORMAL SATURDAY. It was refreshing to go to bed knowing I'd be rained out in the morning. I was sure I'd sleep in. But, I didn't.
It was still refreshing to rise before the sun. I had nothing to do.
Grabbed the two books I'm reading.
Made a tall glass of ice water.
Settled into the couch.
Everybody else slept. We have guests and I was silent, not for their sakes... for mine, I wanted to get lost for an hour or two since I wouldn't be out riding.
Soon I made a run to SC Donuts - for them, not me... I'm an athlete.
Then a few errands around town I should have done earlier.
Lastly, some tweaks to our website.
At 2 the roads were dry. Matt called. Let's go! We tempo'd a steady 90 minute wander.
It was a normal Saturday, normal for most.
But, I prefer my Saturdays to include a good dose of lung-hucking.
_____
IS THERE A CONNECTION?
ASTHON LAMBIE SHATTERS INDIVIDUAL PURSUIT RECORD WORLD RECORD AND THE OLD DIESEL SHAVES A WHOLE SECOND OFF A 5-YEAR OLD PR.
First off, what little-known gravel racer Ashton Lambie accomplished is absolutely unheard of in track cycling and worth a read: https://www.usacycling.org/article/ashton-lambie-shatters-world-record
Second off, I've been wondering all week how I managed to go 14 seconds faster up Live Oak than I had over the previous 200+ attempts, besting my old PR by 1 second.
Maybe there is something to riding heavy road bikes (aka gravel bikes <- worst name ever) around then getting on racing bikes and charging hard? The surface resistance, the weight, the unaeroness, the miles riding alone, the LSD pace...
Is there a connection?
I dunno and I do' care.
Because I suspect it's more to do with balancing the pain when racing
with
having a whole lotta fun adventures on two wheels.
_____
THE OLD DIESEL IS RACING HUNKR?
I THINK THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF RACE PROMOTERS: guys that used to race looking to give back and possibly make a buck, and guys that wanna promote and race the kind of race they want to do.
Who is the better promoter?
Well, so far, the largest race in the world is put on by a Not Racer... so far.
But, HUNKR is different in so many ways... why not have the race creator racing? It's the race I want to race, and it will give me a much better perspective of how to continuously improve the HUNKR experience.
Plus... just being honest... I freakin' love racing. I love training for months, prepping gear the week of, waking up knowing I'm ready, seeing my friends on the start line, the focus required, the way all my cares disappear and it's just me and my bike doing our best, forgetting the rest.
Let's do it!
Oh, and whoever finishes one spot behind me races free at the next HUNKR - incentive to let me beat you? Nah, that would be crazy!
With a great team in place.
The Old Diesel,
must race!
(Why do we put on this race? Like we don't have enough to do... because, we think you'll love racing for a PR with a bunch of other really fun, talented riders.)
_____
CHASING THE LIGHT
LIFE CAN CERTAINLY GET BUSY, GET AWAY FROM YA, AND PRETTY SOON THE LIGHT IS DIMMING. You've run out of time. The sun no longer shines.
For some, if the ride didn't happen yet it's not going to.
Others make their own light,
They venture out,
Often alone,
Fearless,
Committed,
In need of cleansing their souls,
For tomorrow always comes and there's always more to do.
_____
THERE IS A B IN BIBS
WHILE THERE'S NO I IN TEAM, THERE WAS DEFINITELY A BEE IN SOMEONE'S BIBS THIS MORNING. Who was the guilty son-of-a-gun?
Was it Mark who yelled Roll 'em promptly at 630... creating a huge gap to himself?
Was it Young Kevin who yanked the group up Antonio at 22+?
Was it Mike G who kept attacking anytime a hint of respite presented itself?
Was it one the guys with red Winner sleeves?
Whoever it was, THANK YOU!
The group was finally riding a sensible pace when we got to the bike trail. Conversational. And no one had a hankering for hammering. Which was just perfect for a number of us...
... to PR Live Oak!...
Which reminds me of something I read many, many years ago in Velo News. It was an interview with Kent Bostick regarding his making the '96 Olympic team at the age of 40 something. He said, no matter what I always have one hard day week... regardless of the time of year. That's how I've managed to stay fast.
Which reminds me to remind you that the Master's World Championships is going on at our local Velodrome this week. My friend Dave Prechtl sent me a link featuring Bostick racing the 65+... Dave and his team are going for a repeat World's gold on Friday.
But, back to the bee in the bibs.
Thanks for stinging us all,
it was a good 'un!
_____
TODAY BIT
TODAY, OCTOBER 8TH, REALLY BIT. Well, not really, but it was the first day of Fall that had some bite to it. My non-SoCal friends will scoff and mock, but I grabbed the vest and warmers before heading out.
Jeff, in Park City, will get a good laugh out of this. As will Bob in Heber, and Matt in Highland.
Mike, in Orinda, he'll understand but won't respect it.
Bart, up in Idaho, forget about it... he'll call me all kinds of names.
It's all deserved.
I admit it.
I'm a lightweight with no winter coat... only a fine mane, which I'll need to be keeping.
_____
I'LL BET THE KIDS ARE PARTYING
A FEW OF MY PEERS AND I TOOK A HEALTHY CRACK AT FOOD PARK THIS MORNING. Along the way we snapped off some PRs, then pretty much destroyed the smalle-than-usual group.
By the end of the first loop, there were 5 of us. 3 in our 50's. 2 punks.
We rode hard for another hour, slugging it out with the kids... at the coast they raced North, we drifted South.
Sometimes, I get really into watching my average speed for the ride. Last year, training for LoToJa, I'd go out and try to stay above 20mph no matter what.
Today, that average speed dropped with every mile we pedaled towards home... down to 18.2... really, I'm shocked it was that high... it was one of those rides that the closer you get to home the farther away it seems, Twilight Zoneish.
I doubt the guys are doing much tonight, but the kids... the kids I'm sure will be out late, 'cause it's Saturday night!
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
_____
SO HUMBLING
THERE'S A FINE LINE BETWEEN HUMBLING AND HUMILIATING. As I kid I became a confident, proficient surfer. As an adult, I've done the same on the bike. There's a ton of joy to be had with good skills and confidence.
Tonight I realized I've probably been a bit of a jerk at times.
While I gulped water and flailed, Jake glided on by with a big smile. He didn't mean anything by it, he was having a blast. But, when he said I needed to be patient I just about lost it. While he was being encouraging, I was going from humbled to humiliated.
It's my own doing, and intellectually I know better...
But, right now my skills on a short stand up paddle board are appalling.
That's why I'm doing it... unlearning "normal" surfing and starting at the bottom. Mastering stand up paddle surfing is going to take a dedicated effort, and I'm always down for a challenge.
The other reason why, it's a really good idea to have a cross-over sport. Stand up paddling alone builds tremendous core strength and requires some balance. Surfing, on a stand up short board, is like going from training wheels to a Cat 1-2-3 crit.
I'll get there. It's worth it.
It's up to me whether or not to consider the process humbling or humiliating. Humiliating... and I might quit. Humbling... humbling brings hope, and I can do anything with hope.
This is a long way of saying... next time I bring a friend out on a ride that is way above their level, rather than glide by and emitting platitudes I'll do my best just to be there and appreciate their 100% effort... maybe answer a few questions when asked.
_____
I'M NO SCIENTIST
GENERALLY, I SHY AWAY FROM TOO MUCH DATA AND STRUCTURE. But, somehow I got convinced I should test myself before heading out for a brutal ride. So, I bought a fancy shmancy monitor and downloaded the Elite HRV app.
Monday was the first measurement, no baseline established.
Tuesday, the indicators said Ride it like you stole it. Well, yeah, I took Sunday off and rode very easy Monday. We pounded TMWC.
Wednesday, I was still cleared to ride hard. This surprised me. I thought yesterday's effort might play a factor. I did my normal Wednesday hard tempo with lots of vert and managed to bang out 2000' of elevation off-road on the gravel bike. It hurt.
Thursday, the monitor said Not today, loco. The app's prescription was to take the day off or do active recovery. I surfed (SUP) for about an hour. One nice thing was how easy it was to pass on going with the guys to the Market Ride tonight.
4 days into measuring I'm pretty sure I'm only going to confirm what I already knew: ez Monday, hard Tuesday, Tempo Wednesday, rest Thursday, spin Friday and hammer Saturday is a pretty good formula.
I'm curious about tomorrow's reading. Time to hit some light weights and stretch before bed.
_____
FROM TRAIL TO BRAILLE
FIRST OFF, WHO KNEW I'D BE SNATCHING KOMs ON THE DIRT RIDING THE "GRAVEL" BIKE.
Second, I think gravel bike is a terrible name. But, that's another story.
Third, the sunset tonight was pure fire to my soul.
Fourth, right after this pic I crashed pressing the limits of the skinny tires.
Fifth, shortly thereafter I tapped the button for my headlight and got nothing.
Sixth, 2000' in 90 minutes is a pretty sweet work out.
Seventh, both of my sons called on their commutes home and that makes a dad feel alright.
Eighth, we had very productive meetings with CHP, Sheriff, Forest Service and the fine folks at Castaic regarding HUNKR - LA earlier today.
Ninth, stopped by the factory on my back and picked up the Monster Energy kits - so sweet.
Tenth, well... I'd have to call today a 10.
(from trail rider to braille rider)
_____
YOUNG KEVIN
THIS WEEK "YOUNG KEVIN" SHOWED UP FOR THE TMWC. We used to have an Old Kevin, but he got too old. Anyway, Young Kevin came out for the TMWC. The TMWC, if ya don't know, is our tongue in cheek Tuesday Morning World Championships. Kevin was our unOFFICIAL TMWC Champ in '16, when he was even younger.
Five days earlier Young Kevin was racing the real World Championships in Austria!... where he finished 8th in the entire world of hot shot boy racers under 18 years old. 8th, out of the hundred plus that were invited and the thousands who tried to get there. Our Young Kevin is among the very best in the world.
And yes, he beat us all...
again.
_____
IN THE RIDE OF THE BEHOLDER
STEVE, COME WITH ME TO RIDE CV TOMORROW. No thanks, too many stops. I'm going to ride Food Park.
Frank, let's do Food Park tomorrow. Nah, too many lights. I'm going to do CV.
...hmmmmm...
_____
THAT WAS CLOSE
STRAVA SAYS I PRd EVERY SEGMENT OF THE DOWNHILL, but at the time I was just in the zone chasing Paul. It's a twisty one, shadows flooding the asphalt. When I'm in the zone it all seems slow and normal, and it was...
until a chunk of road reflector sliced my sidewall,
tire pressure dropped to zero...
I had to come out of my lean to get off the rim, changing my trajectory from safe to heading straight for a tiny roundabout with a huge rock.
Things were still slow, my gaze lasered beyond the rock across the road to the dirt... I was still hauling @$$ with no steering. The dirt shoulder allowed me to lock up the rear wheel and slightly change direction.
Then I clipped a brick hard and shattered the wheel I'd borrowed from Mike.
It could have been a lot more expensive. The $300 or so it'll take to fix it seems awfully cheap.
I hailed a LYFT. We killed 18 minutes inspecting the cause, retracing my line and Paul kept me company.
Which brings up my awesome local bike shop, Rock N Road... LYFT dropped me off and clunked in to find Jeff. Can ya halp a brother out? In no time, I had a loaner wheel and tire.
Serenity accompanied me as I rolled back to the coast. I had survived near disaster, been swooped up by LYFT, patched up by Jeff.
Someone's looking out for The Old Diesel,
and I'm not sure I'm worthy,
I'm just sure glad
to be home.
There were quite a few rocks, but I think it was this very sharp reflector shrapnel.
Poor tire never had a chance
The final skid
What a great time to be alive
Thanks Jefe!
(support your local bike shop!)
_____
IT'S A PARTY BACK THERE
IT'S EARLY, OVERCAST AND QUIET. I'm on HVY MTL, soft pedaling a remote single track. Trying to shake some darkness and bring a little light into the day.
All of the sudden it's a party in my back pocket. Haptic touches and synthesized chirps begging for my attention.
Forgot to turn my phone onto silent mode. Doh!
More pings and zings. Ugh.
I hesitate, stop, check it... just friends and family prepping for the weekend plans. Nothing wrong with that.
A flick to silent mode,
peace restored,
gotta work,
then party.
_____
THAT VAN
AFTER MONTHS OF DELIBERATION, I KNOW I WANT A VAN FOR MY BIKE RIDIN' AND WORKIN' LIFE. The choices and experiences of my friends hasn't helped me one bit. Each one of them has reasoned out their decision and for the most part are completely satisfied.
A mini-van
Pros are easy to park, great mileage, high quality Japanese offerings.
Con are it's a mini-van and limited space - bikes would end up outside if more than me traveling.
A full-size van
Pros are carrying everything, being able to keep bikes inside, sleep inside, carry large quantities of our products.
Cons are they are huge, quality is not going to be on par, worse gas mileage.
Solution
Go full-size, get a motorcycle for running around town.
Now if I can just get used to the idea of having a vehicle payment again, ugh!
_____
LOADED AND HIGH - TRAINING SECRETS
GETTING LOADED AND RIDING HIGH, THAT'S SOME OF MY BEST TRAINING. And why not, I live in a state where that's a great thing to do... and totally legal!
Wednesday are my preferred days, kind of a destresser mid-week... leaving around 4:20 if possible - wink, wink, nod, nod.
Most of the time, it involves dirt.
For this training to pay off...
I LOAD up my bike with very full water bottles and LOAD up my pockets. I don't need all that water and gear but the point is to weigh myself and my bike down. The idea is make my steed feel like a pig.
Then I GET HIGH. Ideally, it's one long steady climb. The second best option is to do a bunch of shorter climbs in succession. My goal here is to keep my heart rate just under 160bmp, the top end of my zone 3.
This is a great weekly work out,
building power and endurance.
What did you think it was?
Only needed 1 of these bottles.
Ran into Craig on his sweet hardtail turned gravel bike.
_____
A POOR (SMART) MAN'S GRAVEL BIKE
THERE WAS A TIME I GOT SO INTO MTB RACING that I sold my road bike. It was back in the days of massive NORBA races and all I wanted to do was "train the position". I rode that MTB everywhere. I put skinny tires on it to hit the big group rides and was mercilessly heckled on Coffee Crew.
I was reminded of that today because Paul took my bait to do a dirt version of The TMWC and showed up on his MTB... with skinny tires. Not road, but "gravel" tires. He had a 50 with tiny knobbies on the front and a slick 38 on the back.
It looked so wrong, but it worked great.
(that's Craig's hardtail with drop bars and pretty skinny tires above)
We started with the crew then connected a bunch of dirt trails, criss-crossing the B group and popping back on the road at the bottom of the corkscrew just as the A's caught us.
How great is Paul's set up?
Well, I couldn't shake him on the dirt and when the A's caught us he left me for dead and sprinted up the final climb with the big boys.
Wanna test the gravel waters... you can buy an entry level bike like I did or just get some skinny tires on your hardtail. Either way will open up your mind to a new way to look at riding and help you decide whether or not to pull the trigger on a real gravel racer.
**********
HUNKR – LA is just around the corner. I’ve arranged for VIP parking for you and your team… It’s a $20 value and it will get you a primo spot… while everybody else will be paying $11 to park further away.
This will be a “gravel” event: the first 20ish miles are on abandoned Highway 99, the next 30ish are on a rarely traveled country roads, and the final 12ish are dirt.
Personally, I didn’t get the mixed-surface craze until I threw down a few bucks on a modest rig. I get it now, it’s super fun to ride in the drops and have all kinds of options. If you’ve got a nice mountain bike, just pop on some skinny tires and you’ll be set.
Use Coupon Code : "PedalParkVIP" when you register.
*Code expires October 10, 2018 - or the first 100 people to use it*
HUNKR-LA is being hosted by Revolution Bike Fest out at Castaic. There are going to be a ton of vendors and demo fleets out there – think mini Sea Otter, close to home.
A sample of what we'll be riding.
_____
MONDAY NIGHTS
EVERY MONDAY NIGHT FOR ABOUT 28 YEARS I HAVE DONE THE SAME THING. About 9, I sneak out to the garage and check the tires, put lights on if needed, check the e-tap batteries (that's recent), wipe and lube the chain, clean the glasses. Then, I slide inside to make my bottles and put 'em in the fridge. Finally, I quietly lay out my kit on the bathroom sink... and set the alarm for 5, 505, 510 to make sure I'm up and 530 to get out on the road.
Why all the clandestiness?
We all know I'm gonna be meeting the fellas for some play time. We'll be up well before the rest of town. Riding. Hootin'. Hollerin'. Going as hard as we can, then cruising home to get back grinding.
I know many of the guys will schedule their travel days for Tuesday with an 11am flight. Many a conference call has been pushed back from 8 to 9 because I got a family thing at 8.
But who wants to make a show of playing before work,
Even if it's the only thing keeping us hanging on?
The significant others don't get it,
The kids think we're nuts,
But, we know better,
What matters...
at the beginning of the Tuesday!
_____
HUNKR - LA PRE-RIDE
previously posted on HUNKR.com
HOW TO DESCRIBE TODAY? LET ME START WITH FRIENDSHIP... the kind were you and your pal say good-bye to the group and head into the wild, and that friend says Take my chews, you need some sugar, and it's 103 degrees and your clawing your way up a rugged and exposed jeep trail, the kind where you collapse together as you summit the final climb.
That's friendship.
... oh, and the kind where you're so smoked you drive off with your wallet on the top of the car and your friend says No problem, I'll buy and you can go back and find it...
... are you picking up what I'm putting down?...
If you are, then HUNKR - LA is for you... and your friends who are into super-scenic and epic adventures.
By 5:24AM I was on the road, hustling to meet Neil Shirley's crew at Castaic. The plan was to ride with them for the first 2/3s of HUNKR - LA then peel off and ride the dirt back to the final summit.
I'd love to tell you all about the details with my usual amazing wordsmithing, but Toddy very tired. So, feast your eyes on this.
speeding and loving it.
_____
THE CAMEL'S HUMP
IT'S GONNA BE A LONG, HOT RECON RIDE TOMORROW. No support, no stores, possibly no hidden water stash. I'll need at least 3 bottles, maybe 4. Bike only holds 2.
Our jersey pockets are incredible stretchy (this is pilfered internet photo because it's late, and there's no one here to take pic of my backside). Just slide third bottle into the center pocket - more evidence the pic above isn't mine.
I prefer the center pocket as I'm not going to be reaching for that bottle except to swap it out for an empty on the frame. That way it's easy access to the side pockets' contents.
The plan is to drink up on the 90 mile drive to the start and then roll with 3. I'll bring some mix just in case we find some water.
It's not a camel hump, but it'll do.
_____
HE AIN'T BROTHER, HE'S MY HVY MTL
YOUR BIKE HAS A NAME, RIGHT? You've tapped your creativity, right? A bolt of inspiration has struck, right? When you check your stable and decide which one to take out you look 'em in the bars and whisper their names, right?...
... 'cause you're crazy if you don't,
ya gotta respect your rides,
love 'em long time,
bring 'em to life.
It's not like naming a baby where you've got months or years of anticipation, where generations before you might be carried forth with a given name.
Your bike's name will come to you, and only you, after a few rides, maybe a month's worth. The new two-wheeler needs to be ridden. Hard. Easy. Long. Short. Dirtied and cleaned.
I tried to force a name on my new bike. It's a Merz, and I thought Merzy seemed right. But, it didn't. Lame name.
Then Saturday, on the Hardman Invitational it spoke to me. I'm HVY MTL man! We charged over all kinds of surfaces: asphalt, gravel, packed dirt, moon dust.
This is a heavy bike, 25lbs. All metal, everything. Solid. Confident. Strong. I'm so glad I bought it. One purpose was to remind myself that there's plenty of fun to be had on a budget bike.
When it's time to ramble on,
it's me and HVY MTL
C'mon, le's go!
_____
PRE-RIDIN'
Previously Posted on HUNKR.com
WE’RE GOING TO BE PRE-RIDING THE HUNKR-LA COURSE SATURDAY, 9/22. You should come. You’ll get a chance to ride Historic Route 99 – cars haven’t been on it in 50 years. We’ll then be on a pristine country road before we turn off onto the dirt. It’ll be an adventure.
Seeing any race course ahead of time is one of the best we can do to make the big day go better.
Pros pre-ride.
Champions pre-ride.
Racers looking to do their best pre-ride.
Why do they all pre-ride? Because familiarity breeds…. speed, confidence, tranquility. It gives us a chance to determine which equipment set up, apparel, food will be best.
A proper pre-ride is done at a pace that lets us take it all in. If need be, we can go back over a tricky section a few times to burn it into the brain.
The more you pre-ride the more you can dial in the course’s features. It will always, ALWAYS, be worth the effort.
It’s not the end of the of world if you can’t make it. Heck, many of us have had amazing days on courses we’ve never seen.
But, if you can make it happen… do it.
Come prepared and be sure to bring a riding buddy,
3 water large water bottles,
and plenty of food.
Details: We’ll be meeting at the corner of Ridge Route and Castaic Lake. The CBS Cycling group ride will be coming through about 7:30am. We’ll ride with them through Lake Hughes then we’ll turn and hit the dirt finish of HUNKR. There should be water stashed, but no food. The only store will be closed. Be prepared, the group won’t be waiting. Plan on an elapsed time of about 5 hours, and 90 degree heat. Whippee!
_____
WHAT GOES AROUND
WHEN DID YOU START MOUNTAIN BIKING? He's just a little 11yr old, and I must look like an old oak tree.
When I was about your age.
He looks up at me, That must have been a long time ago.
Or, a dinosaur... I think to myself.
It was a long time ago. About your age, I started riding with my friends. Just like you kids tonight. We rode to school and back every day. (I skip the shenanigans like kicking out into the trash cans on trash days.) . And on Saturdays we rode all day long, up early and home late.
Did you bring snacks and water?
We didn't, we just left with no plan other than to ride all day. But, I could see his concern should he attempt such a feat.
Yes, we brought snacks and a coupla dollars in case there was a store nearby.
Small talk from a small human just venturing out on his very first mountain bike ride. He was somewhat timid. But every single minute he rode he gained confidence. Soon he'd mastered a nice section of single track.
We should do this again next week.
Yes, we should. You did great!
On my way home, I realized how nice it is to teach someone young about riding. I reminisced about teaching my own kids, seeing their confidence grow. Memories of my dad coming to watch me race my BMX bike.
Kids.
Bikes.
Big kids.
Bigger Bikes.
Old kids staying young,
Young kids learning something new.
_____
A 2FER
LEARN A NEW TASK. RIDE YOUR BIKE. GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP... and, according to a new study, you will improve your long-term retention of your new skills.
Yes... just more good news for bike riders and the edge we have in the world.
But as I read that formula above, and the cited article, it occurred to me we have a chance for a 2fer. Learn a cycling skill then finish with some intensity and a good night sleep and we can get better even faster.
... and burning in those new skills with some post ride sugar or carbs...
well, that's the whole point of the ride for many of us.
_____
PASS THE MUSTARD
THEY DON'T CALL IT THE HARDMAN FOR NOTHING! 86 miles and 6000' of vert into the "ride", I get the hardest leg cramp I've ever had... mind you I've had both legs lock up with me falling over at Vision Quest and the Tahoe 100. I know something about cramps. I also have a new trick for eliminating cramps.
Normally, I'd be prepared with pickle juice during the ride and lots of celery the week of the event.
But, today wasn't normal.
Rather than following my cranium and cruising the short route - what I signed up for - I followed my heart and my pals onto the full Hardman 93 mile course. I couldn't resist. I was feeling good and we were working well in the "second group" on the road.
I should have stuck to the plan, I knew I wasn't prepared from a dietary standpoint. Where's the fun in that? It's a "gravel" event and I'm on a damn adventurous bike. With my pals.
We were all feeling good until we hit Blackstar. We got a little spread out on the big climb, but we regrouped at the aid station at the bottom. Seven of us.
Seven, became 6.
6 turned into 5.
5 down to 4.
4 to 2.
Here is where the cramps hit. I was out of food and had only a splash of water. We came in off the dirt through San Juan Capistrano and right then I remembered someone telling me - who was it?, I owe you - that mustard packets will knock out cramps.
Sounds terrible, but I was desperate.
Dan and I pulled into Bravo's. I grabbed a handful of packets. Mike rode on by.
We got going. One packet. Nothing, still cramping. Two packets. Not much better. Two more, plus the splash of water.
Dan had left me. I could see him and Mike way ahead on the last dirt climb.
Suddenly, cramps were gone.
Cutting to the chase... Dan made a wrong turn, and we both caught Mike before the terrible final press up La Pata... which blew us apart and we tricked in - Dan, me and Mike.
Mustard!
nor have I had my Garmin suggest 63 hours to recover.
It was hard, man.
LEFT, RIGHT OR STRAIGHT
THE HARDEST THING TO TEACH A MOUNTAIN BIKER IS VISION: You're gonna go where your looking. Look left, you're going left. Right, right. Straight...
See the rock, hit the rock.
It's so easy to be careless with what we look at, what we watch, what we read.
Tomorrow I'll be all in on finishing The Hardman with a big smile.
THE UPGRADE OF THE YEAR
FINALLY ACCOMPLISHED MY GOAL OF THE ULTIMATE UPGRADE. It's made me a much better climber, and it's actually super cheap. But like most things, if it easy everyone would do it.
I hit my college weight.
With a simple adjustment of my morning food routine the pounds melted off. All I've changed, is I eat fresh fruit until Noon. As much as I want. I'll add a handful of nuts. But mainly it's about 6 pieces of fruit: apple, banana, orange, peach, assorted berries. Mix and match.
I have no idea why it works, but it's been the body hack of the year.
The last time I got this lean was 2002 - using diet pills : (
The time before that was 16 years prior - a poor college kid.
After college, I put on 30 lbs... gaining weight with each pregnancy. Then, I started riding again and taking those diet pills. They made me feel terrible. Quitting the pills and eating donuts with my kids had me pack on 20. I dropped 10 pretty easy once I started competing again. But his last 10 seemed impossible to shed.
Fruit, fruit magical fruit
the more I eat, the more I lose.
The more I lose, the faster I climb,
so pound the fruit its morning time.
READY FOR AN ADVENTURE?
Re-Post from HUNKR.com
GRAVEL, MIXED-SURFACE, ADVENTURE RACE... WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT, it's the fact there's no right name (yet) that is so perfect. Because there's no right bike either!
They all work: MTBs with skinny tires - road bikes with fattish tires - CX bikes - "gravel" bikes. They're all great on most surfaces, not as good on some.
That's the fun, trying to figure out which rig will be the best. Which tires and pressures. Which gearing. Which foods. Which shoes - road or MTB. Which helmet - vented or aero...
The unknown of what lies ahead is refreshing.
Every ride is an open invitation to explore. See some fresh smooth tarmac, enjoy it. See a dirt trail, carve it. See an abandoned road, raid it.
That's how we're creating our courses too.
For HUNKR - LA we're going to be starting on a highway that hasn't seen cars in 50+ years, then we'll be on a beautiful country road through a tiny town, followed by our last segment of rugged fire road.
What's the right bike?
Only the adventurous will know.
FROM INDO WITH LOVE
IS THIS THE LIFE? My buddy and his posse get a police escort on all their group rides followed by 2 sag vehicles and an ambulance. He said we can join him any time we want. Do you want in?
The reach of our group ride is international... and the invitation is real.
Here it is:
TMWC-ers. It’s been a year now since I left SoCal. Definitely missed riding the Tuesday Morning World Championship. Missed every bit of it....the burns punching the A route stinger...the hurt up the wall...the desperation trying to latch on Chris and Todd wheels on the descent...the sinking feeling seeing Peter catapulting the corkscrew...and ohhh did I mention the muscles aching on Tuesday afternoon! It’s never been the same for me. In case you were wondering, I think I have finally adjusted to the new way of life here. Although at times I still wonder how I am finally able to manage tolerating 30 minutes commute for 4 miles. After all Jakarta is the world’s third most populated metro (For comparison NYC and LA were 16th and 30th!) So the group ride here starts early....5.30am including weekend and public holiday. There was a period of time when I thought I was going to give up cycling simply ‘cuz it wasn’t worth waking up that early...that thought quickly ended after seeing my scale went up 15lbs in two months. So I’m back at it (or at least trying). More cyclists here than I had expected. Many fancy bikes and kits. Wide varieties...from culinary cyclists (eat way more calories during a ride than burning it) to pros wanna-be. As for me, I ride much more leisurely now...there’s a group ride I regularly join about three times a week....and i’m spoilt by the escorts (three cops, a couple support vehicles and an ambulance plus cameramen). Here’s a video of one recent weekend ride and I’m still sporting the HUNKR kits! Cheers and hope to ride again with you soon.
We've been blessed to meet a lot of great people on our weekly social ride. I miss Hartono's kindness, enthusiasm and honest appreciation for life.
Maybe there's a HUNKR Jakarta in the future?
PUT IT ON THE LINE
DON'T MESS WITH MY TAN LINE.
In a group, be sure to hold your line.
Single track is all about picking a good line.
Winning a sprint often means getting your team in line.
This past Saturday a bunch of my friends put their seasons on the line. For months they rose before the sun and rode a 100+ miles every Saturday so they could have their best day ever at LoToJa - the 200 mile race from Logan UT to Jackson Hole WY.
For many, this was their only race of the year.
An entire year of prep. For one day. Like traveling to Everest and hoping the weather is favorable when you get there.
It wasn't just the saddle time. There were serious food choices made. Weights lifted. Equipment... oh the equipment... purchased, maintained and finely tuned. Support crews coordinated along the route. Travel to Logan. Hotels. It's an never-ending, exhausting list.
All so you can put it on the line,
and see what you can do when you put your mind to it.
... how'd they do? Podiums and smiles all around.
Nothing better.
OUT OF ORDER
IT'S 92 DEGREES, I'VE RIDDEN 92 MILES. I'm a long way from home. How did I get here?
It didn't seem too ambitious. The plan was to do the usual 7am start, ride up to Irvine for Food Park.
Then... do all of FP and meet Trevor in Newport. He's just getting back on the bike. We planned a very easy spin around Back Bay, a dad and his boy catching up.
And then... I'd head home. After all, Surfergirl is outta town so might as well get a few more miles in.
That's how I got here - by myself, racing through Irvine, foolishly trying to get my average speed up to 20mph.
I see Sasha is still out riding hard, but our paths are different... as are our speeds.
I see the Dr. Pepper I'd been dreaming of is out of order.
I see the Mexican popsicles are well represented.
I see my giant carne asada burrito disappear.
I see the iPad is ready to show La Vuelta
I see my bed.
I see...
zzzz
_____
https://www.strava.com/activities/because-i-couldn-t-make-mammoth-1828389612
nice, cool, foggy start
my favorite rider
salvation
real food
i feel a lot like this cat... and I bet he's sleeping too
IT'S DANGEROUS WORK.
POCO A POCO - little by little - is how a 23 year-old Spaniard described riding with the big boys to the top of a ridiculous climb today at La Vuelta. The favorites had pulled away, but he noticed he was pulling them back, little by little. Then he caught them, passed them... and won his professional race one pedal stroke at a time!
Such a lesson.
Everyday we get up and go for it. We do our best. We give our best. And at the end of some very long days we try and rest.
not noticing the incremental improvements,
giving up on the ideas, products and services we love,
because we failed to see things were improving...
poco a poco.
THE DREAM RIDER
OH HOW I WANTED TO RIDE TONIGHT.
Beautiful late summer evening on the heels of a hellastressful day.
But, the day bled into the night shifting the ride to a dream.
I closed my eyes, and sucked a giant breath of office air.
The pressure built and built...
I let that breath slowly seep out and carry my soul
to another place with roads smooth as glass
and trails dressed with spring grass.
The wind blowing through my locks whisking the day away,
freeing my mind back to flow,
my body easily letting go.
Dream riding.
BREAKING THE ICE
TONIGHT I SHOWED UP FOR THE DOCENT MTB RIDE. My first time, didn't know a soul. Always weird. On my gravel bike. Which make me extra weird, and super self-conscious.
Everybody seems to know each other, know their spot in the group and know I don't belong. It's not that cyclists are unfriendly or cliquey it's just human nature. I get it.
But, if there's one thing I know about group rides and newbs it's that sooner or later there will be a separation and I'd be riding with a handful or just one rider.
Bingo... I've found my spot. Atop a breathless climb we stop.
Heckuva climb.
Yep.
That first steep pitch had me concerned.
That small talk turns into... You going down Centipede?
I guess. How steep is it?
He looks at my bike, I can tell he's hoping from some cheap entertainment.
I look at him and think Let's go friend.
BECAUSE I KNOW YOU
BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WON'T GET UP EARLY, I will
Because I know you won't maintain your bike, I will.
Because I know you won't work your core, I will.
Because I know you won't get properly fit, I will.
Because I know you won't sleep alot, I will.
Because I know you won't eat right, I will.
Because I know you, I will...
Eat right,
Sleep alot,
Get a bike fit,
Work my core,
Maintain my bike,
Rise early every day,
To be the very best I can be...
I will do the work,
and I hope you
will join me.
I WANDER WHY
Checked out my bro's Airstream.
I wandered over to San Juan,
Found Charlie's back trail.
I wandered onto campus,
It felt new and young.
TUBED BE DETERMINED
IT'S JUST DAWGAWN AMAZING HOW A SIMPLE RECON RIDE CAN TURN INTO A SLOG WITH A FEW ILL-TIMED FLATS. Yes, I was that guy that pulled the rookie move and showed up on a gravel ride with tubes and no sealant (it's only my 3rd gravel ride). Then, I was that guy who's replacement tube exploded as soon as it was inflated... some said it was an ancient tube. And then... yes... I was that guy who didn't find the wire that caused the first flat and needed to fix yet another flat and bum yet another tube and CO2.
Guessing when we'll be back from a recon ride is hard enough. If we knew the course we wouldn't be reconning. With a few rookies, or old hands riding like rookies, the return is TBD.
Which begs the question... what to do when the ride is tubed be determined?
Do we wait for the rookies?
Forgive them?
Teach them?
Ditch them?
Fortunately for me, my pals are stoked to have me riding gravel and are willing and kind enough to help a rookie out.
Bad/old tube.
Not finding the cause, 2nd flat.
Not bringing enough spare tubes and CO2.
... and trying to hang on early on?...
rookies have all the luck,
it's amazing they ever return,
but, if they do they're probably gonna be lifers)
THE PROFESSIONAL EATERS
BLESSED ARE THE EATERS, FOR THEY SHALL FINISH STRONG. The best riders and racers are professional eaters. Not the dieting kind, not the clean kind, not the vegans... we're talking about the pros who know what and when to eat during the event.
If it's a 30 minute crit... shoot, leave your bottles and gu's in the car.
But, if you're going big you gotta eat.
The pros know well before the big day what their food strategy will be. They've tested it multiple times and their confident in it. The other thing they do is follow the strategy, the eat and eat and eat as the miles go by.
Rookies typically wing it, then get lost in the energy of the moment and forget to eat all together.
Rookies finish weak,
if they finish at all.
Pros finish strong,
because they it all.
Be pro.
FOR A GOOD TIME... ROLL GRAVEL
FINALLY GOT A CHANCE TO ROLL THE NEW MERZ "GRAVEL" BIKE. I thought I'd go out for about an hour... start out with the Market Ride and peel off to hit some dirt. That turned into a 3 hour ride... it's safe to say I have a new addiction.
After one ride, there's a ton I like and a few things I'm gonna change.
I used to say if I could only have one bike it would be a hardtail MTB. Not any more, it would definitely be a gravel bike... a bike that you can ride on the road or on the dirt. The road position on a bike is just great, and shredding dirt in that position is a hoot.
If you want to improve your road skills riding in the road position on dirt is awesome. The fat-for-road-skinny-for-dirt tires require a smooth pedal stroke, specially when climbing out of the saddle. Same goes ripping single track, it's just an absolute blast in the road bike position.
How's it on the road? Well, it's nowhere near as fast as my aero rocket. But, I don't think that's the point of this bike for me. It's just fine. Plus, it's super comfy with the giant tire. It's fun to get up on the sidewalk and jump off, to poach a little patch of dirt. On, and the disc brakes are ace.
First thing I'm gonna change is the bars and tape. The tubing is way to small and the tape is very slick. I could see upgrading the wheels... but I'm gonna do my best to destroy these first.
My friends promised a gravel bike would change my life,
based on a huge sample of one ride,
I agree.
