toddblogprofile.png__PID:642f8300-0b96-42d5-8551-889f1d639b6e

TODD'S  BLOG

Subscribe

Email Terms & Privacy

Get weekly digest
Strava Widgets Styling

Get RaceDay Ready


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

Rip On Raceday

 


>

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

Rip On Raceday


>

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

Rip On Raceday


>

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

Rip On Raceday


>

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

Rip On Raceday

 


>

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

Rip On Raceday



 


>

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


>

I DON'T ALWAYS RIDE IN THE RAIN...

I COULD SEE THE STORM BREWING.  Like a crazy fool, I rolled out anyway even though I was certain to...

... get caught in the rain.

Trust me, I am a fair weather rider.

Gimme 70 degrees,
and a lite breeze.

So why ride?

Two reasons.

One embarrassing.
One legit...

  • Poorly executed work day
  • It rains on raceday
  • Commitment

Yeah, I had all this work scheduled and a timeline to follow....

... and, well, ya know, things didn't go as planned.

That's 1.

Since it does rain on raceday, and I've never let that stop me from lining up...

... it's good to practice from time to time.

That's 2.

And I committed to myself to get my slothful self back in shape.

That's 3, a bonus.

So which one's embarrassing?

  • crap planning
  • useless prep
  • silly commitment

Well, I dunno about you...

... but, I'm cool with

  • keeping my commitments,
  • being prepared for all conditions,
  • even when things don't go as planned.

--- 

167.4 lbs 
7ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 
50

 


>

IT FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME!

I WOULD CLIMB ANY MOUNTAIN, ride across the stormy sky.  It seemed like I'd waited a lifetime, spent so much time in recovery...

... it felt like the first time!

The MTB.

Like it never did before,
like I'd opened up the door.

Finally!

What is it?

I guess it's just the rawness of nature,
bringing out the rider in me.

Dawgawn I'd missed it.

Carving turns,
wiggling up technical sections,
brushing the thistles,
hanging my lycra off the back in the steeps.

Why today?

Well, to be honest, today was a breakthrough on my vision.

The double-vision I've been dealing with was greatly diminished.

Partly time.
Partly exercises for my eyes.

One of you loyal readers,
one of us,
took the time to share with me a gift for everyone.

Tools for increasing our eyesight,
the kind we need to quickly assess the best way to rip it up off road (on road, too).

You can check the tool out here: https://www.readbetweenthelions.org.  Go to the K-12 program.

It's free.

Thanks Rick!

Makes me wonder what else we can learn from each other?

Speak up y'all!

Let's get betterfasterstronger...

... together.

Have you checked out https://pedalindustries.com/pages/rip-on-raceday-network?

(yeah, this post is a nod to Foreigner)

--- 

168.2 lbs 
9 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

WHADAYA THINK OF UNDULATING TERRAIN?

WE HAVE SOME WEIRD LINGO.  Have you ever heard any body, ever, use the phrase undulating terrain?  Why would they?  When you're motor-powered...

... who cares about the terrain!

Human-powered,
totally different story.

Every bump in the road and trail counts.

The longer we're out there,
the more it counts.

Sooooooooo...

... whadaya think of undulating terrain?

Do you love it?

Or, do you prefer...

  • flat
  • downhill
  • tailwinds
  • straight up
  • headwinds

... lots choices when we roll out.

Me?

Well.

There are times when I'd give my chamois pad for a flat road with a tailwind.

Days when I feel so amazing I just wanna climb and climb and climb.

But, faced with a choice...

... give me undulating.

Ups.
Downs.
Lots a turns.

That's the ride I choose.

--- 

169.2 lbs 
9 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

ACTION WINS EVERY TIME

WHY WAS IT SO MIND BLOWING?  Yesterday's Strade Bianchi race was so shocking to me.  Because, to me, all the pundits...

... missed the point.

Sure, the favorite won.

This was the inspiring part...

  • he told everybody where he'd attack in advance of the race
  • made a decisive attack 81 km from the finish
  • never looked back
  • and won

... who wouldn't want to be able to do that?

What blew my mind 
was what the talking heads missed.

This athlete,
is a racer of action.

He had a plan,
and went for it.

Could it have failed?
Most definitely.

Could he have looked foolish?
For sure.

Could he have lost the race outright?
Absolutely.

Did he?
No.

Because he took action.

You miss 100% of shots you don't take.
- Wayne Gretzky

--- 

167.2 lbs 
9 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
10 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

QUESTION: IS THIS A HIGH DEMAND SPORT?

I WAS LISTENING TO SOME GUYS ARGUE about whether or not was their religion was high demand, and it got me thinking is ours?  Are endurance sports...

... high demand?

Yes.
No.

For me, and maybe for you, too...

... its high demand.

Just consider...

  • Training
  • Fueling
  • Resting

... these are the biggies.

They are priceless,
in a sense.

Which is why the are so easy to screw up,
and so misunderstood by lookers on.

We can't put...

  • Training time
  • Good fueling choices
  • Proper sleep and recovery

... on a credit card.

We've got to demand it from ourselves...

... but, is it really demanding when we love the results?

--- 

166.2 lbs 
7 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

THE UNCORKED ZONE

 

IF YOU'RE INTO HOT RODS, then you know what uncorked means.  In simple terms, all that junk that keeps the exhaust quiet and lawful is chucked...

... giving us that ultra loud and mean sound.

We have that racing and training, too.

And, if we're smart, we only hit it every so often.

You know what I'm talking about, right?

Zone 2 is corked.

  • easy to breathe
  • talk while riding
  • and go forever.

Today was not Zone 2.
I was uncorked, a bit.

Allowing myself for the first time in 2 months to stretch the legs was amazing.

The accompanying wheezing and gasping for air…

… I don’t know if it was hot rod mean, but it was loud.

Hadn’t heard that in too long…

… ain’t gonna hear for 5 or so days.

Time to add some intensity the smart way.

Polarized.

If ya wanna solid refresher on this approach,
take a listen to this: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-fast-podcast-triathlon-ironman-cycling-coaching/id1400770015?i=1000596124366

Simply, 80-90% of our training should sound like a Tesla...

... cruising through the neighborhood.

That way we are fresh and ready to get after it like the pic above.

Let the rubber...

...  burn, baby burn.

--- 

166.9 lbs 
8 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
56

 


>

RESULTS DON'T MEAN SHIFT

I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE ON THE JOURNEY, but I can tell ya this: whether you're just starting out, coming back from injury, at the top of your game, you're gonna fail...

... if results count.

Trust me on this.

I'm rebuilding.

My fitness is shift.
the skills, off.

I've been at the top and the bottom and there is one reason I was able to climb to max fitness and performance...

... I don't care about results.

I mean I do,
but they aren't the motivator.

Optimizing my ability,
having a blast.

Way more important.

Results are nice.

If they are everything... 

... quitting, giving up, and failure is on the horizon.

Don't let that happen.

How?

Relax.

We can't see...

... the great results in the making.

They're coming.

Guaranfreakingteed.

--- 

166.9 lbs 
8 hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 
57 


>

ARE WE REALLY DOING THIS?

FOSTER GRANTS ASKED ME Are we really doing this? What kinda question is that...

... Dern straight we're doing it!

Was he hoping we weren't?

Was he doubtful we could do it?

By we, I mainly mean me.

Could you?

I mean, we're gonna have a brain damaged grampa who's been off the bike for months do it...

... can you keep up?

Finish?

What's he referring to?

Oh, just the most life changing ride in Southern California...

  • 100+ miles
  • 15,000+' of vertical gain

... some might consider it hard.

Others a challenge.

Most an adventure of a lifetime.

So, if you wanna support the old sack a lycra,
if outrageous calls to your soul...

... sign up.

It's free.
and fun.

Click here for deets and pics.

--- 

167.4 lbs (safe to say, it's time to get seriouser)
9 hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
57 

Rip On Raceday

 


>

HOW NOT WHAT

LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE is filled with excitement, fear, and lots of scrapes and bruises.  We press through because everyone we see on a bike...

... has a great big smile.

We want that,
the teacher wants it for us.

Finally we get it.

And, at least in my case, it stopped there.

Hall-ah-freakin-lu-yah!

What
and when
and who with

... were left up to me.

I'll be forever grateful for learning how...

... and the freedom to do it my way.

--- 

168.2 lbs (safe to say, it's time to get seriouser)
8ish hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
56 

Rip On Raceday


>

YOU DON'T NEED AN ALARM CLOCK TO WAKE UP, YOU NEED...

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES I HAVE with our local morning group ride is that it starts at 6:30am.  If it was out my front door...

... not that hard.

It's not.

Takes me 50ish minutes to ride to the start,
which means I'm up at 5am.

Also...

... not that hard.

However, getting to bed at 9...

... is not my standard.

I'm more of a 930-10pm guy.

Therefore, if I don't hit the hay early...

... I'm foggy, at best, the rest of day.

Plus, slower on the bike.

Oh, there's a long list of shift that results from lack of sleep.

What's an athlete to do?

Before I tell, 
you are forewarned...

... this won't make you popular.

You might lose touch with friends, 
or lose them altogether.

We all have a choice...

... live our best lives or live a lower version.

This allows to tap into our superpower...

... set you alarm clock for bedtime.

Every.
Single.
Night.

Or suffer the consequences:

  • Inhibited ability to perform
  • Decreased handling skills
  • Quicker exhaustion
  • Decreased reaction time
  • Difficulty learning and decision making
  • Increased risk of injury
  • Increased risk for illness
  • Poor recovery
  • Memory issues
  • Weight gain
  • Poor balance
  • ... Low sex drive

Like I said,
it might be socially unpopular but...

... wouldn't you rather operate at your optimum?

I would.

---

166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

MILEMARKERS FOR DUMMIES

ONE OF THE KEYS TO RIPPING LONG RACES is remembering where you are.  Yeah, you're racing.  Yeah, you're clicking off the miles.  But...

... where the heck are you?

And, there's more than that.

  • Are you on track?
  • When is the next stop?
  • Does your support know when to expect you?

So, I always write down on a piece of tape with a sharpie my goals to be at certain locations at certain times...

... and stick it on my top tube.

This keeps all of us coordinate.

More importantly,
it keeps me focused.

The long races, 6+ hours, can be grueling.
They can wear us down to the point...

... of forgetting why we even signed up in the first place.

Looking down at the humble piece of tape,
seeing my goals...

  • engages my mind
  • re-centers my effort
  • keeps me on the pace

... snaps me back to the present moment.

I don't just use this practice for racing...

... I write down everything I plan to do,
and when I plan to have it done.

---

166.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No strength work
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

IS IT HABIT OR RITUAL?

THE SATURDAY MORNING RIDE.  We work all week, and with a little planning and luck we carve out some time to ride.  In the beginning...

... it takes some discipline.

Not the riding.

The commitment.

We are working to establish a habit.
For the most part, a good one.

But, that changes over time.

It becomes a ritual.

  • A set time to leave
  • An expected amount of time to be gone
  • The proper dress code observed
  • A dedicated place to meet
  • A consistent slaying of trails, gravel, pavement
  • A flogging of the sinners who are not as fit as they shouldcould be.

Yep, this is our ritual.
Our practice.
Our faith.

We made the jump.

We are far beyond
discipline and habit.

---

166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
12-0 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

WHAT DOES AI SAY ABOUT TRAINING METHODS USED 100 YEARS AGO?

I PINGED CHAT GTP AND SEVERAL OTHER AI regarding training methods of Belgians 100 years ago.  Why not?  A lot of knowledge is refined, regurgitated or plain ol' forgotten...

... maybe there's something to be rediscovered?

Oddly?
or, maybe not.

The answers across the AI were eerily similar.

I say eerily because who wants to live in a silo?

Anyway, 
here's the bottom line:

It’s important to note that these training methods were not as scientific or structured as they are today. Cyclists often relied on their own experience and intuition to guide their training. However, despite the lack of modern technology and scientific understanding, many Belgian cyclists were able to achieve impressive results using these methods.

Shocking!
I mean, shocking?

When it comes right down to it, is there anything better than...

... relying on our own experience and intuition to guide our training?

I don't think so.

Not when were really into it,
when we really know our bodies.

Me, for instance, I'm rebuilding my fitness.

I realized what a distraction it is to look at the data pouring across my little Wahoo screen.

  • Maybe I should put out more power?
  • Gosh, my heart rate is ____!
  • I've only gone X miles?

So, I fire up the Wahoo,
put it in my jersey pocket.

Time to ride on just experience and intuition...

... same thing I do when racing.

---

166.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

THE MOST HUMBLING RACE OF MY LFE

MY PAL PETE AND I DECIDED WE WERE REALLY FIT and that we could do anything with just a hint of training.  Racing bikes was kina ho-hum...

... so we signed up for a 10k running race.

We were so arrogant,
we rode our bikes 15 miles to the start.

We lined up in the back, 
because, you know, we were going to
squash these runners.

Gun goes off.

We quickly move forward.

Up to the top 50-100.

Really running.
Hard.

Suddenly, I notice I'm breathing way too loud.

Uh-oh.

My legs hurt,
my hips hurt,
everything hurts.

And, I'm moving backwards quickly.

Chubby guy cruises by.

Oldish lady...

... did she elbow me out of the way?

Kids are skipping and laughing and disappearing up the road.

But, it was the guy in flip flops who said...

... Hang in there, only 3 more miles...

... that really did me in.

Here's the dill.

On the outside, at the start,
looking at these racers,
I would have bet $10,000 on me and Pete.

Looking at competitors is a poor way to pass judgement...

... it's the inside, the heart, that counts.

 ---

166.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

I KNOW YOU'RE NOT A LOSER LIKE THIS CAT

I was going to post this and then I went for a ride and decided it was too mean, whadaya think?... 

THERE ARE THREE MAIN THINGS LOSERS DO.  I say losers, in this case, meaning they are literally losing out.  If they persist, then, yeah...

... the other kind.

It always surprises me when people make these very basic mistakes.

Even if they are new, 
I find it,
perplexing.

I think you do, too.

Because, for us,
it's just second nature.

Probably because we have learned the hard way.

Not only that, we try and pass this basic knowledge along to every new rider we can.

Still, they...

  • Forget gear when going to a ride or race
  • Completely foul up their nutrition and bonk
  • Neglect the bike prep only to have mechanical difficulty

... and, we shake our heads.

They are losing out on a more excellent ride.

We deal with it,
they are our friends.

However, if it persists one of two things is gonna happen...

  • We don't invite them any more
  • We leave them behind

... because, well, you know they are....

How's that for setting up a shameless plug on why we do what we do?

  • The RaceDay Bag™ has a built in checklist to make sure we bring everything
  • It comes with a RaceDay Bike Check List, too, so bike is properly prepped
  • And an insane Never Forget Anything guarantee.

... that way my friends are always invited,
and never left behind.

 ---

166.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

I USED TO LOVE RAINY DAYS

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN RAINY DAYS were awesome.  Mostly, around here, it meant nobody was riding.  Not me, not anybody else.  Which was perfect...

... if I couldn't ride anyway.

You see the selfishness right?

If I can't ride,
I'm stoked you can't either.

It means nobody is getting in the secret miles.

But, that's hardly true these days.

It's not the trainers,
those have been around forever.

It's the virtual racing,
that is a game changer.

In fact, I know plenty of people who do a fair amount of their riding virtually.

  • It's available 24-7
  • Not hampered by weather
  • All the social connections of a group ride (with right equipment).

Can you blame them?

I can't.

But, I still blame the weather for my own lack of getting it done.

 ---

166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

CODDLED VS THROTTLED?

YEAH, THE RECOVER IS GOING PRETTY GOOD.  Spoke to my neuroscientist pal, who confirmed my suspicions.  It's good news for me...

... is it good news for you?

Well, yeah, if you taking the Rip On RaceDay 30-Day Challenge.

If you're not, then sit up and pay attention.

Here's what he said.

You're probably doing so well because...

  • you're exercising every day
  • not eating bread
  • staying away from grains
  • not drinking diet drinks or artificial sweeteners
  • eating plenty of veggies and protein
  • getting outside in the sunshine
  • lifting weights
  • getting plenty of sleep, 9-10 or more hours

... right?

I sheepishly said Yes.

Which was mostly true.

But, I gotta cut out all grains and all bread, even my beloved chips and salsa and special sour dough bread.  I've backslid on the diet drinks, those gotta go.  Other than that, I'm mostly on track.

Main thing I need to add is a lot more fish oil.  
Not a problem, I love sardines.

in other words, it's time to practice ALL that I preach.

So, how're you doing?  Yes, you my loyal reader.  How. Are. You. Doing?

Could you tighten things up a bit?

Or, do you need a serious crack in the head like I got to up your game?

Which brings me back to the title of this post, Coddled vs. Throttled?

Here's the dill, for me...

... I prefer to be throttled.

Put me on a ridiculously difficult course, in with the heavy hitters, tell me the honesttogosh truth...

... make me suffer!

Then, and only then, I might merit some coddling.

Maybe it's time for a serious challenge...

... and little coddling 30 days later?

Rip On RaceDay 30-Day Challenge

 ---

165.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

I WONDER IF GIRLS DO THIS?

FOR THE MOST PART, we are a healthy lot.  We skip cigars, pass up the bars.  Well, then, where's a cyclist to go to share our struggles, solve our problems...

... shoot the shift?

Dudes,
we ride together...

... and we share, solve and shoot.

That's where we get it done.

What about the lady riders?

Where are they bonding and supporting?

There are so few of them, 
mostly they ride with guys...

... don't think I've ever see an all, or mostly, female group ride.

Is that why so few ladies ride, compared to men?

Are they missing what the guys are getting?

Is that the main reason guys ride?

 ---

164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

Are You Ready For A Hero's Journey?

I DID A POLE OF THE RACEDAY RIPPERS.  I asked them If they had to pick just one bike what would it be?  They had 4 options to pick from.  What would you answer be...

... you need the options first.

Here they are:

  • Road
  • MTB
  • Gravel
  • One of Each (acceptable though hard to explain to family and friends)

It came down to a tie between two options, evenly split.

33% for each.

Gravel and One of Each.

Why?

Well, what would your choice be?

Back to Why?

I think it comes down the basic human nature...

... we want to go on a journey.

Not just any journey.

One where we are heroic,
in our own minds at least.

That, I think, is the true appeal of "gravel" (such a dumb name)...

... the appeal of a bike that can handle mixed surfaces.

On that type of bike we have incredible freedom combined with the high likelihood of finding ourselves...

... in place far, far away from our predictable existence.

With luck we'll...

  • Shed some blood without breaking bones.
  • Find out we can do much more than we thought.
  • Gain new confidence, skill, and special experience.

... acquire our own superpowers.

Is it any wonder these bikes and events with mixed surfaces are exploding?

 ---

164.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

WHAT TO ASK A PROSPECTIVE COACH

THINKING OF GETTING A COACH?  Good.  You can get better faster by learning from an expert.  Be it a book, a video, a podcast.  Only a human can...

... answer this question.

The answer will instantly tell you if this relationship is gonna work out.

After small talk, after the coach's spiel, when the conversation stalls...

... ask this:

If we were meeting 3 years from now, looking back, what has to happen for you to be happy with my progress?

Trust me, conversation is gonna stay stalled.

Don't say a thing.

Wait for the answer.

Listen to what is said.

Ask yourself...

... Is this the kind of person I want to have a relationship with?

That's it.

I've used the question many times over the years, usually when hiring somebody.  There are lots of variations.

It works.

Learned it from the great Dan Sullivan.

---

162.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
150 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

How To Build Volume 101

IMAGINE YOU'RE STARTING FROM ZERO.  How do you build volume? Are there rules of thumb?  When do you introduce intensity?  Does it matter?...

... can you wing it?

Good questions.

Short answers:

  • Build volume as fast as you can, which isn't going to be very fast if you are starting from zero.
  • There are no rules of thumb, it's ruled by legs and lungs.  Do what you can.
  • Introduce intensity as soon as you want, it ain't going to be much.
  • Yes, it matters.

Long answer.

There are a number of good books on the subject.  Anything by Joe Friel will give you a good plan.  

You don't need a power meter, mainly because you're will not be putting out much power early on.  

But, you do need a heart rate monitor.

In the beginning of the first rides, the heart rate monitor will be exciting.  Then after a few miles, it will dim.  Reality will set in as that heart rate gets lower and lower because you have no stamina built up.  After a few weeks or months, the HR monitor will serve as a governor...

... holding you back.

This is good.

Because if you're tired, you can't do intensity properly.

Introduce the intensity one day per week.  

Don't look at the HR monitor too much, instead get after it.  Could be a group ride you want to desperately hang on to, a Zwift session with same obsession, or simply chasing that mystical PR you want to breatk.

Check the HR data when the ride is over.

Important answer:

  • Pick an event far in the future - you need time.
  • Set an insane goal.
  • Get registered.

Nothing exceptional will come with your training without a date with destiny...

... that's paid for!

---

164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

Do I Really Love It This Much?

SO, IT'S GONNA WIND UP BEING 8 WEEKS OFF THE BIKE since the noggin took a hit.  If I do the ol' traditional math, that's 8 X 3 (weeks to get back the fitness for every 1 week off the bike)...

... 24 weeks, errrr 6 months?

That's hella long time.

The big question is...

... do I love it that much?

And by it, I do not mean the obvious...

... riding my bike.

I mean being in shape and the...

... feeling of being fast.

If I'm being honest, and I always am with you...

... I've forgotten what that feels like.

Surfgirl said Let's go on a ride today...

... and I jumped at the chance to ride with her support.

How'd it go?

Well, even though I was on my MTB...

... I still easily dropped her.

Nothing new there.

What was new was how hard I had to work to catch her,
huffing and puffing and legs burning...

... at a pace I recall doing for hours, endlessly.

This time it was for about 2 minutes.

Was I surprised?
Disappointed?

Let's just say I laughed out loud when I saw what Training Peaks was showing for my fitness.

37.

Yep, nearly 100 points lower than my all time max fitness just 18 months ago.

Lesson:  fitness disappears, fast.

Lesson:  I'm gonna bring it back, patiently (not my superpower, but a lesson to learn).

Who's in?

---

164.8lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
60 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

TOP REASONS NOT TO LIFT WEIGHTS

THERE IS A LOT OF BANTER about weight training.  We should do it in the off-season, shy away from in the race season.  Frankly...

... I couldn't disagree more.

Weight training is for those who want:

  • stronger bones
  • to build muscle
  • put out more power
  • improved core strength
  • better grip strength

Who want's that?

Year round?

Oh,
well,
me.

You?

Top 3 exercises we should all be doing?

Takes just a few minutes to do a set.

Very little equipment needed: pull up bar, some dumbbells...

... or skip the minor investment.

  • have weak bones
  • look like a T-Rex
  • less power
  • weaker core
  • pathetic grip

It's your body...

... and I'm just a dude, not a doctor!

 ---

164.8lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

CONFIDENCE, WHO'S RESPONSIBILITY IS IT ANYWAY?

IN GETTING CAUGHT UP WITH THE LATEST BREAKING CYCLNG NEWS, I saw an article title and it's bugged me ever since.  Maybe I'm heartless, from a different generation...

... or maybe this guy is just weak.

The title of the article is, They Lost Faith In Me.

Honestly, I can't believe I even bothered to read it.

But, after a week of it percolating as a top article...

... it got me like a slow moving train wreck.

As expected, featured racer blamed his lack of success on the team losing faith in him.

Bro, it's not the team's job to have faith in you.
They are paying you.
Faith is there.

That's my first reaction.

Bro, them's fighting words.
Now go prove 'em wrong.
Create the failth.

Earn it.

That's my second reaction.

What happened to good ol'...

... if it's to be, it's up to me!?

Or... 

... fake it, 'till ya make it!?

In the end, I couldn't decide if I should feel sorry for a grown man having such a pathetic excuse...

... or be ticked off that such lameness made the front page.

Bottom line,
like it or not...

... it's our responsibility to be confident,
and to infect all those around us with such assuredness.

Life,
racing,
everything...

... is more fun, and, oh, ah, successful!

 ---

162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

WHAT HAPPENS IN SIN CITY...

THERE ARE SINS, and then there are things we personally consider sins.  Either way, 'Vegas promise that what happens in 'Vegas stays in 'Vegas...

... is a big fat lie.

Not a big deal.

We are only letting ourselves,
and those we committed to...

... down.

For example, the second Friday in January is known as Quitter's Day because by then...

... most people have thrown in the towel on their resolutions.

Like I said, 
not a big deal...

... unless you want to
improve,
make changes,
stay true to what matters.

If that's on the line,
we can't afford to sin,
and if we do we've got to...

... repent right away, 
and keep moving forward.

So,
how are those resolutions doing?

I had two:

  • Get to bed around 9,
    start day before 6.
  • Get back to race weight,
    under 163.

The only reason I'm mostly on track is due to putting myself in the hospital on Jan 8th...

  • appetite disappeared
  • needed a lot more sleep

... otherwise, I'd be struggling.

Which is better than quitting.
A lot better.

Struggling,
good.
Repenting,
good.
Never quitting,
Best.

Keep up the good fight.

 ---

162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

THE RACERS CREED

WHETHER WE KNOW IT OR NOT, we stand for a few things.  And, it matters.  Because this is...

... how we roll.

The Racer's Creed

  • Access to bicycles - and anything that makes you stronger and better - should be unlimited.
  • Always yield to the In Real Life Imperative.
  • All racing should be free.
  • Mistrust tradition, government recommendations - promote bro-science.
  • Racers should be judged by their racing, not by bogus criteria like KOMs, USAC Category, age, color or gender.
  • You can be free and forever young on a bicycle.
  • Bicycles change your life for the better.

Agree or Disagree?
Lemmeknow.

 ---

165.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups, presses, squats
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

IT AIN'T EVERY DAY YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THIS

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED RIDING?  For most of us, it was a magical time.  Each ride a little further, a little faster.  Each effort...

... a little easier.

No wonder we got hooked.

Still, 
some wonder off.

Is it because the day comes when going further, faster, with less effort is no longer predictable?

Shoot, forget predictable...

... sometimes those days have months between them.

Even years.

I can tell you this, as I impatiently wait for clearance to get back on my bike and start riding again...

... knowing I'll get better every ride keeps me hanging on.

Can you relate?

 ---

164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups, presses, squats
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

IT'S SO MIXED UP

ROAD BIKES use road tires.  Most of us find a favorite, and that's what we run day, night, rain, shine.  For MTB, it's basically the same formula.  Find a tire we like, run it regardless.  For gravel...

... ugh.

First off, gravel ain't just gravel.

It's gravel and asphalt and single track and rocky terrain.

So, a gravel tire needs to be fast on asphalt, tacky on gravel turns, nimble on techy stuff and rugged on the rockies.

What's the ol' saying?

There's fast, cheap and quality...

... you can only pick two.

But, we're racing.

We want fast, light and rugged...

... and we want all three.

Not gonna happen.

Me?

I'll take fast and light, banking on my handling skills to get me safely through the rugged stuff.

Is that enough?

Probably not.

If it really matters, 
gotta pre-run the course,
then pick the very best option...

... not easy,
but, that's what make it fun. 

 ---

164.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups & squats
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>
THE GREATEST

THE GREATEST

Jul 26, 2018 TODD BROWN

MAN, THAT DUDE IS TALL!  Wait.  No way.  That's Reggie Miller.  On a mountain bike.  Racing!

I was star struck.  Here was a guy I loved to watch play basketball.  A guy my dad and I cheered for at UCLA.  Here he was tonight at Pedal Fest.  

Hey Greg, that's Reggie Miller right?  

Yeah!

Is he cool about meeting people?

Totally.  Super nice guy.

So I strolled over, put my hand out and introduced myself... and we talked about bikes and racing.

Me and Reggie.
Something in common.
Bikes.

I thought about telling Reggie how much we loved to watch him play, especially the greatest 9 seconds I've ever seen... and watching him taunt Spike Lee.  But, it's pretty clear he'd rather talk about bikes.

Some days I miss my dad more than others.  Today is one of them.  He would love this story.

___

Side Notes:  We spent the day in Santa Clarita meeting with city council and facility managers about our next HUNKR and Revolution Bike Fest... I think it's going to be very special.  Pedal Fest, Greg Flanagan's weekly MTB race, was our last stop... Greg has been a great help up there.  His race course looked really fun... I wish I'd been prepared to race with Reggie.

View Details
IT'S WAS NEVER ABOUT THE RIDE

IT'S WAS NEVER ABOUT THE RIDE

Jul 25, 2018 TODD BROWN

BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL, LONG-RUNNING GROUP RIDE IS A CORE GROUP OF FRIENDS.  There's joy in riding together, in the meet up. 

No one asks what they can do for the group, they just do it. 

They figure out where they can make their contribution, and make it.

Whether on or off the bike if there's a need, they fill it.

Through life's ups and downs,
week after week,
ride upon ride,
friends.

 _____

168.4
Ride with us: click for info.
View Details
OH MY EPICALITY

OH MY EPICALITY

Jul 24, 2018 TODD BROWN

ANYTIME YOU RIDE OVER 100'/MILE YOU'VE HAD A HILL OF A DAY.  That's my barometer.  60 miles, 6,000' of elevation gain... that's a heck of a day. 

Lots of guys are training right now for Leadville... 100 miles, 12,000' of elevation... 120'/mile.  That's tough.

But, tomorrow's stage of the Tour is going to be insane.

40 miles.
10,000 feet.
250'/mile

I can't wait.

Look at that course.  Straight up, straight down, little flat, straight up, straight down, straight up.

That's 3 hours of hell for all but one rider tomorrow.
The winner will have had a hill of a day.
Who will it be?

_____

170.4
Ride with us: click for info.
View Details
I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR DRIVING

I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR DRIVING

Jul 23, 2018 TODD BROWN

I had countless drivers safely move on by today and the day before that and and the week before that and the month before that and the year before that and the decade before that.

Just like the driver that scared the crap outta me, they hustled on by never to be seen again.  I can't thank them, can't high five 'em, can't thumbs up 'em... Heck, I don't even know if they saw me!

And those drivers that cut it a way too close...

Did I give them the benefit of the doubt?
Was I wearing bright enough clothing?
Were lights flashing on my bike?
Was I obeying the law?

Dehumanizing each other leads to the worst atrocities known to human kind.  

It's not about the who's right.
It's about us.
All of us.

Hey man, thanks for giving me plenty of space.
I really appreciate your driving.

View Details
VIEWS

VIEWS

Jul 21, 2018 TODD BROWN

 ON A STUNNING CLIMB HIGH ABOVE LAGUNA BEACH, ONE OF THE CREW COMMENTED: I'd have to win the lottery to buy a house up here.

Silently, I doubted anyone with a million dollar view up here had actually won the lottery.  

Another commented:  Want a million dollar view? Buy a bike.

I guess that's what is so addicting about the bike.  The simple pleasure of pushing up a climb and the satisfaction at the summit.

We get there.
We stop.
We view.

It takes work.

_____

170.4
Ride with us: click for info.
View Details
I WANNA PUT ON MY, MY, MY...

I WANNA PUT ON MY, MY, MY...

Jul 20, 2018 TODD BROWN

 

DAD, I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH YOU SPEND ON YOUR BIKING CLOTHES!

Really...?

Yes, really!

Well, if you're going to a big dance how much is a dress?

Uh... a few hundred dollars... I guess.

And the shoes?, And the hairdo?, And the nails?

Well, see here kid... This is what I wear to my dance:

The jersey and bibs,
my dress.
The helmet,
my hairdo.
The gloves,
my nails.
And these fine I-Tal-ian shoes...
These are my BOOGIE SHOES!
Wanna help me pick out an outfit for tomorrow?

 

_____

169.8
Ride with us: click for info.
View Details
JUST FOR FUN

JUST FOR FUN

Jul 19, 2018 TODD BROWN

MY FRIEND KIM PUTS ON A HUGE ROLLING PARTY EVERY YEAR CALLED BIKE VIRGINIA.  She's just a plain fun person, plus she rides and she surfs... so yeah, we're friends.  But, the thing that really sticks out to me is the way she's arranged her life.  It's unlike mine, probably unlike yours.

Is it doable?

Yes, she's doing it.

Could you do it?  Could I?

Check it out. 

She and her husband live in an RV at a top surf spot on the East Coast.  In the winters they come west and live in a smaller RV - tiny, really - and surf and ride in our sunny warmth.  He just needs a laptop, she just needs a phone.  It's a lean lifestyle, and it's also very liberating.  They rented their house out years ago, with the idea they'd try it for a while.  It's been a while.  And they love it.

That gives her plenty of time to think of new, fresh ways to Bike Virginia.  It's not a race at all.  Everyday is fully supported with riders choosing multiple routes - long and short, spunky and leisurely.  Lots of food trucks to fill 'em up.  Great camping or lodging.  Sounds like a customizable party to me.

Could I do that lifestyle?

I think so, my lady not so much.  Maybe one day I'll husband up and try it out.

How 'bout you?

_____

170.2
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.

 

View Details
A GARAGE TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS

A GARAGE TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS

Jul 18, 2018 TODD BROWN

WHAT'S IN YOUR GARAGE COULD CONVICT YOU.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  

A few that might shrug the evidence of their life.
But me?
You?
Probably not.
It's bikes and boards,
helmets and wetsuits
shoes and fins,
lube and wax...
We're guilty,
we play.

That's our garage above.  It's tiny and packed.

Sometimes I get garage envy.

Some of my friends, oh man.  Their garage floors you could eat off.  Their toolsets match the best bike shops.  And their quiver of rides... exquisite.  One friend has a walk-in washing bay for his bikes.  

It's not coveting so much as admiration for my friends' creativity in building out their garages.  It's also admiration for their contributions to society; each one has done something amazing in the marketplace.  I truly appreciate what they've accomplished as I struggle along building my own dreams.

How do you plea?

Guilty your Honor: of playing, of staying active and strong, of maximizing our body's potential.

... and the best part?

It's that you're my peers, and I couldn't think of a finer jury to go through life with.

View Details
GIRLS ON FILM

GIRLS ON FILM

Jul 17, 2018 TODD BROWN

LOOK IT'S GIRLS, ON BIKES, IT'S PRISCILLA AND URSULA!  Yes, the girls are starting to do TMWC again.  I don't know if these are shake down runs for the unOFFICIAL that's coming up in two weeks or just coincidence.

Maybe it's because PureRide Cycles is putting up cash for the top 3 ladies?

But who cares?...

It's just great to have them join us for our little social ride.  They bring balance to the World.

We're gonna have some fun in 2 weeks.
CeeDub will be using his active chips to time us,
Bowl of Heaven will be feeding us,
and the winners will be getting new awards this year.

Ya never know... maybe you'll make it to Peter's video.

_____

172.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
AN OLD TRICK

AN OLD TRICK

Jul 16, 2018 TODD BROWN

I DON'T HAVE MUCH, SO IT'S NOT SAYING MUCH WHEN I SAY IT TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD... but, It took everything I had to leave it in the small ring this morning.

I had to.
My legs felt great.
4 days on Catalina left 'em fresh,
but I wanted to save that feeling for tomorrow's TMWC.

Leaving it in the small ring is a great reminder to take it easy.  You start shifting that chain down in the lower cogs and it takes a lot of shifts to go fast.  Which is when the reminding comes in.

...

It's funny how I really can't get away from the bike even when I don't have a bike.  We were off on a family reunion with water and snorkeling and paddling and sailing on our minds.

On the way out of Peedro (localspeak) the domes atop PV reminded me how fun the Donut Ride can be and that I need to get back up there.

On the Island you can rent bikes to get around.  You can also ride on all the fire roads, going from one end to the other... but, bring your own bike would be my recommendation.

On the way back, the lady across the row started talking about Brian and Joy McCulloch and the Redlands bike race.  We're doing some gear for their Big Wheel Coaching... small world.

... 

So, we're back.
I'm rested, and fatter.
It'll still hurt tomorrow.

PS It was my first time camping on Catalina, it won't be the last.

PSS if you're planning on doing the unOFFICIAL TMWC please sign up now or we'll have to pull the plug.

_____

173.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
2018 unOFFICIAL TMWC Fundraiser

2018 unOFFICIAL TMWC Fundraiser

Jul 11, 2018 TODD BROWN

JOIN US ON 7/31/18 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO BECOME AN unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Champion!

Most weeks "it's just a social ride"  Once a year, it's a fundraiser... and a chance to have some fun before work.

We have a 4 rules:

1.  Have fun!
2.  Obey the law.
3.  Make a friend.
4.  Have fun.

 ... if you can abide by that, then come on out.

Entry and details are here:  https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tmwc-registration (kids are free)

Meet us at the park on the corner of Oaktree and Antonio in Rancho Santa Margarita.

We ALWAYS leave on time, 6:30AM

View Details
MASTERY

MASTERY

Jul 10, 2018 TODD BROWN

IF YOU CAN'T MASTER 1 WHEEL, how can you master 2?

Most of us start with a two-wheeler plus 2 training wheels, then yank 'em off as soon as we can.

Once we get the 2 wheel thingy figured, we start ridin' wheelies... riding as far as we can on just the back wheel.  

A few learn to ride a unicycle

I bought one summer when I was 15 and bored.  It took a week to master, hanging onto the raised garage door and going back and forth.  Some days I'd ride it 2 miles to school with my backpack.  It did not help me with the ladies as I'd hoped - shocker!  But, I did learn it's easier than it looks, it just takes practice and patience.

There's a lesson there,
somewhere,
somewhere between 4 and 2 and 1,
to keep it simple:
Practice and Patience.

_____

170.8
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
TIMING THE CARBO LOAD

TIMING THE CARBO LOAD

Jul 09, 2018 TODD BROWN

IS IT TOO SOON TO CARBO LOAD FOR SATURDAY'S RIDE?  It's tour season, and I'm as geeked up as the next guy.  Saturdays are the days when I roll out with Phil and Paul playing Jiminy Cricket.  I can't afford to fall flat or bonk.

Proper prep involves a lot of TV watching, website reading, social media fomoing.  Which requires a lot of brain power.  But, at the end of the day... well, it's the end of the day.  I'll need sugar to keep the synapse snapping.

Then, we've got the actual night before.  Friday night.  Whatever carbs I've burned with the above activities combined with the immense concentration required to properly taper will have to be further counteracted and overloaded with even more sugar.

It's Monday night.
Too soon to crack open the pink cookies?

_____

172
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
THE ANYWHERE RIDE

THE ANYWHERE RIDE

Jul 07, 2018 TODD BROWN

TODAY'S RIDE WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED, AN ANYWHERE RIDE.  We met at 7am, like normal.  But we really didn't have a plan.  And that was the point, to ride anywhere the guy on front chose to go.

So often we get in the rut of "this route" or "this ride".  There's nothing wrong with a rut, unless you're on an MTB and don't know how to get out... then things can go bad, not that you'll die... but, it is true that a rut is like a coffin with the ends kicked out.

Anyway, off we went with no particular place to go.  All we really knew is we wanted to stay on the coast where it was cooler.

Turns out, when you ride anywhere you can end up everywhere.  I didn't know there were so many back alleys and underpasses to wiggle through, away from traffic.  For some it was all new, for others a chance to share secret stuff.

Sten took over through Laguna on the way back and pointed out every sweet surf spot in town.  

We should do more of this in the future... see you at 7 for...

A few hard efforts,
and whole lot of JRA*...
to anywhere.

* JRA = just riding along

_____

168.8 (probs dehydrated)
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
WATER

WATER

Jul 06, 2018 TODD BROWN

MY HEART BROKE AS HE TRIED TO SHARE THE WATER WITH ME.  I encouraged him to drink more.  All of it.  The ice was melting fast inside the insulated bottle.

It was 111 degrees,
I was the idiot on a bike ride.
He was trying to survive,
collecting cans and bottles.
No english.
No spanish.
But sounds,
yes, sounds for sure.
He emptied the bottle,
I rode home.

 

a fire burns in the distance

_____

170.2
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.

 

View Details
WEIRD.

WEIRD.

Jul 05, 2018 TODD BROWN

FIRST THIS HAPPENED:  HEY, TODD BROWN!  The sun was behind him so I paddled over and he said, It's Bobby G.

Oh man!... it's been so long.

Yeah, I wouldn't have recognized you except I see you on FaceBook. Social media is so weird.  I thought you lived in Colorado because you always post bike riding?

Nope, right here.

Still surfing.

Yep, but mostly riding bikes unless it's good like today.  The bike is always good (always plugging the sport!)

We caught up on life after high school - family, kids, work.  I told him I always think of him when I surf this spot because of a terrible crash he had on his skateboard on the trail that leads to the beach.  

(I didn't tell him I think about him at least once a week when I ride my bike past that corner... that would be weird.)

Actually, what would have been really weird is if you told us way back when that we'd still be surfing and riding bikes and skiing (he's a big skier) when we were this crusty.

Next, I texted SurferDan thanking him again for the magic surfboard he made me.  He replied he was in town.  Get over here!  He stopped by, checked out our current set up met some of the crew.  

In the process, Dan said he quit riding his bike. 

If you know Dan you know that's just silly.   Then he clarified it, It's been a week and it always seems weird when I don't ride for a week... as if I gave it up.

I wrapped up the day with a very windy spin.  It was a spindy, I guess.

Sometimes weird things happen,
other times nothing happening is weird.

____

170.8
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
BEYOND BEHOLDIN'

BEYOND BEHOLDIN'

Jul 04, 2018 TODD BROWN

MY BUDDY BRETT IS A VERY UNKNOWN BIG SHOT IN THE CYCLING WORLD.  When he comes to town, I listen.  His stories about past and present cycling, the ones you will never read, always deliver.  They are backed up by his massive collection of memorabilia:  The Horton Collection.

Last night he told me of one of his projects to have 4 custom steel frames made by 4 famous builders.  It was a collaboration with Campy, showcasing their newest 10-speed group set.

That's cool, but this is the juicy stuff.

He's had many famous and not famous riders come by and sent them around the test loop which features a down hill, a flat, a climb and a roller.  He's then asked each of them, Which is your favorite?

There is no clear cut winner. 

From Adams to Zabel, the answers are as wide ranging as the riders themselves.  Which got me thinking...

If beauty is in they eye of the beholder,
Then so are the solutions to our challenges as a country.
Dividing ourselves between us and them is not going to deliver the best answers.
Let us behold each other,
Appreciate each other,
Love each other.
Honor each other.
Listen to each other.

____

169.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
THIRD TIME'S A CHARM

THIRD TIME'S A CHARM

Jul 03, 2018 TODD BROWN

I'VE WRITTEN TODAY'S POST 3 TIMES.  The first two were all about me.  This one is about us.  You and me.  We have this pact.  We've agreed to ride bikes together.

Some of that riding is racing, most of it is just riding along.

We hold each other accountable with unsaid, silly goals to be the first to the City Limits sign.  And that's why I love you, because you make me better.

Tomorrow we celebrate the 4th,
our freedoms are real.
Today Iet's celebrate the 3rd,
You, me and our community.

____

171.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
THE unOFFICIAL... WILL BE... 7/31/18

THE unOFFICIAL... WILL BE... 7/31/18

Jul 02, 2018 TODD BROWN

YOU'VE GOT 4 WEEKS TO GET YOUR BUNS IN SHAPE.  On 7/31/18 The unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships will be held.

You may ask what happened to doing it on the 10th?

.... Life.
Mainly my life happened.
Brownie been busy.

So,  you may ask what's magical about the 31st?

Here's what's magical, whether or not you admit it, LayTurDayFranz is going to get you geeked up. 

If you're like me, you'll pay for the app to watch it in the morning live, at lunch on repeat, in the background at the Interplanetary HQ, and fall asleep to it at night.  

If you're like me, this is your favorite time of year to ride road because the weather is warm and the sun rises early and sets late.

If you're like me, it's fun to have an event on the horizon that's not too close and not too far away and not too hokey and not too serious.

What makes the unOFFICIAL different from the regular every Tuesday social ride?

The unOFFICIAL is a fund raiser for local high school MTB teams.

We time it.

We eat acai bowls after.

We have awards... because who doesn't like awards.

All that takes time to plan, and I've got some now.

Why do I have more time now?

Because we've finally got our US kit production up and running, cutting our production time from 6-8 weeks to 2-3 weeks.

Is it really all about you Todd?

Heck no, it's all about you.
So get your buns in shape.
Let's get geeked up and have some fun!

... stay tuned for registration, it'll be open soon.

____

172.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.

 

View Details
SHOULDA, WOULDA, COULDA... BLAH, BLAH, BLAH

SHOULDA, WOULDA, COULDA... BLAH, BLAH, BLAH

Jun 30, 2018 TODD BROWN

I'M SUCH AN ARROGANT DORK!  Because I was leading the series, and because I was undefeated, and because I was too lazy to check the points system I totally disrespected my competition today.  The result:  I lost the championship by 1 measly point.

I deserved to lose, and they deserved to beat me silly.

Even the above is arrogant... so let me try and sanitize the scent, like I did at the finish. 

Fellas, great racing today and congrats on the fast finishes.

Was something wrong with you Todd?

Nope.  You guys were better today.

That's the truth.

It's also true that I rode too hard the last 10 days, didn't taper.  And it's true that I had a rough night.  And it's really true that I didn't bother to check how the scoring went, thinking it was like other series where wins count so heavy that my lead was unassailable.  

I should have:
Rested,
I knew I was tired after the 6 races at OverTheHump.
Pre-ridden the course a few times,
it's technical and I lost a lot of time being cautious.
Looked at how the points are awarded,
That alone would have set up the previous 2 weeks.

It's arrogant to think that would have mattered, but if I'd taken those measures I'd at least know I gave it my all.  I did give it my all today, but I have those little things nagging at me... making me wonder and thinking... I coulda, woulda, shoulda.

I'm also really grateful.  I'm grateful to the Non-Dot crew for putting on a really fun race series. I'm grateful to have good health, and to have friends that are also healthy and able to race and still have fun.  I'm grateful to do as good as I did, 'cause I had no aspirations when it started... these guys are animals.  I'm grateful for the County of Orange for allowing the races.  I'm grateful for all the volunteers.

But, I'm most grateful to have been served up a big slice of humble pie.
I was starving for it.

Everybody ready to play.

Come on turd, get those wheels off the ground!

Cool shot.

Pizza never tasted to good!

____

170.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
IT'S NOT MAGIC

IT'S NOT MAGIC

Jun 29, 2018 TODD BROWN

IT WAS TRULY MAGIC TO WATCH HIM PLAY.  Friday nights with me and Chick Hern and Magic Johnson... Showtime!  But, for me the magic wasn't the winning, wasn't the teamwork, wasn't even his unbelievable skills.

For me, it was watching a man maximize his talent.  Magic was doing what he was born to do.  You could tell he loved it, you could tell he worked at it every single day.  And, WOW, was it fun to watch.

It's no different than watching a kid take off the training wheels and take those first few unsteady pedal strokes.  Soon, little Betty rips around the street smiling from ear to ear.  And, WOW, is that fun to watch.

What's magic?
Practice.
Passion.
Do it, make your magic...
... we all want to see it!
 

____

169.8
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
WHICH CAT ARE YOU?

WHICH CAT ARE YOU?

Jun 28, 2018 TODD BROWN

MANY YEARS AGO USA CYCLING, OUR SPORT'S OVERLORDS, CREATED CATEGORIES FOR RACERS.  We start as Category 5 on the road, 4 off-road and work up to Category 1, then on to Pro.  I have immensely enjoyed the competition and "catting up" over the years.

But, I was thinking there are other categories that some people just rock:
Smooth, easy to ride behind
Points stuff out
Fun to talk to
Pushes me to give a little more
Can fix anything
Knows where the good food stops are
Great route planner

You probably have a few of your own.  I'd love to know what they are... it's always good to try and cat up some more.

____

170.4
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
THAT'S RELATIVITY

THAT'S RELATIVITY

Jun 27, 2018 TODD BROWN

AT ABOUT 7AM THIS MORNING MY ENTIRE BODY WAS SHAKING.  Failure was near.  Time... the more I looked at the stopwatch feature on my phone the slower time went.

It was just 2 minutes in the plank position,
It seemed like an hour.

At about 5pm this afternoon we rolled out for MTB WDNSDY.  It was 80+ degrees, we were moving slow, gaining over 1700'.

It was 6 miles straight up for an hour,
It seemed like 2 minutes.

That's relativity.

----> Side note: I definitely should have gone to Santiago Oaks today to pre-ride Saturday's race course.  There's a pretty tricky down hill that I haven't ridden since last year.  Oh well, now I have a relatively good excuse.

____

171.2
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
WHO ARE YOU?

WHO ARE YOU?

Jun 26, 2018 TODD BROWN

THE BEST PART ABOUT THE KID IS HIS ENTHUSIASM.  Frankly, that's the best part about all my riding buddies:  EN-THUS-EEEEASM!  It's a greek word meaning "possession by a god", and there's one thing for sure... we are all part of the cult of two wheels.  It's more than hooked, more than into it, we are religious in our observance of daily practice.

Like any recent convert the kid is on fire and you know what the say... people will come from miles around to watch a man burn.  I predict he'll bring a ton of kids into the fold.

Like any old diesel, I'm willing to share all I know.  So when I got this text after this morning's TMWC ...

I had a to share what another old diesel told me early on...

It really is the best advice I ever got from a salty old man in his mid-30s.  Not only does it take 3 years to figure it, but... in three years you can actually mold yourself into a different kind of cyclist.

At some point I'm gonna encourage the kid to shave his legs.  NOT because it makes you faster, not because it's pretty, but at some point his skills are going to be on par with is fire... until then, that hair is a good signal to the initiated that he deserves a little extra space and tender loving care.

He's new.
Be patient with him.
He's the future.
Teach him. 

____

171.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
IS IT FINALLY SUMMER?

IS IT FINALLY SUMMER?

Jun 25, 2018 TODD BROWN

SUMMER HERE HAPPENS WHEN IT'S SUNNY ALL DAY LONG, when we push past maygrayjunegloom.  Tomorrow is looking like it'll be one of those days when I get to wear the sunglasses, not the photochromics.  I love the nerdy look of the photochromics, and I love not needing them even more.

It means it's warm and sunny at 530 am, a beautiful thing.
It means soon we'll be geeking out to the tour.
It means the unOFFICIAL TMWC is near.
It means a jersey and bibs will suffice.

Now that's a potent list of awesomeness, which is why I love summer.  So much daylight to get out and play.  So get out there!

____

174 (whoops!)
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
BUT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED

BUT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED

Jun 23, 2018 TODD BROWN

EVERYBODY HAS A FIRST TIME, a day they are baptized into the bloody brotherhood of San Juan.  It's a day they will never forget, a trail they will always remember. 

Miles of slippery decomposed granite, infinite switchbacks, steep drop offs and lots and lots of poison oak all competing with striking views across the West Coast to the ocean blue.

Once you've done it, once you realize that yes you will most likely give blood every single time and yes it's likely there'll be some mechanical failure along the way and yes it's nearly two hours to the top... once you've done it and lived to tell your tale then you can't resist inviting a friend.

That poor friend will be just like you were and you don't care. 

You try and warn but it comes out so weak because after the blood is dried and scabs are healed and the lingering itch of the poison oak is no more all you can remember is those huge vistas, the exhilaration of conquering the climb and a long, long smile-filled drop back to earth.

You have been baptized,
but your friend hasn't...
yet.
What are friends for?

_____

It's starts off so innocent.

Beautiful above the clouds

The least of his new tattoos

... and some for the rest of us too ...

Don't forget to wipe.

____
171.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
CLOSING TIME

CLOSING TIME

Jun 22, 2018 TODD BROWN

SO, YOU'VE BEEN WORKED TO THE BONE.  Whatta ya do now?  When you feel like you're nothing but a skeleton, like there's no more energy to give, but you know the work is done?

... then one of your crew fires off a text like this...
Just like that the rejuvenation begins. 
It's like magic. 

I feel the energy swelling in my chest as it prepares to suck up massive amounts of oxygen.  My legs tingle with eagerness.  My eyes close and I see glorious single track being gobbled up as my knobbies scratch and claw across the decomposed granite.

With friends like that, how can we ever get old?
I ain't no skeleton!
It's closing time,
Time to ride!

_____

re·ju·ve·nate
rəˈjo͞ovəˌnāt/
verb
  1. make (someone or something) look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively.

_____ 

View Details
NO, WHAT DO YOU DO?

NO, WHAT DO YOU DO?

Jun 21, 2018 TODD BROWN

LET'S CHANGE THE CONVERSATION... next time someone asks you what you do? reply with I ride my bike.

It's not that work isn't thrilling and exciting and fulfilling, it's that being in amazing shape and feeling wonderful is all that and more.  And, if you are feeling all those things people can see it.  

What they are probably wondering is how do you work and still look great?  

Every now and then you'll find a cycle mate, then you can really geek out.

I ride road,
gravel,
dirt.
I've been to France,
Kansas,
Moab.
I'm just getting started,
Been doing it forever,
Just love to ride.
... I ride my bike,
What do you do?
____
171.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW HORST'S FACE

THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW HORST'S FACE

Jun 20, 2018 TODD BROWN

DUE TO THE RECENT FIRES IN ALISO WOODS MANY TRAILS ARE CLOSED.  So, I found myself at the bottom of Rocket and decided to head on up as the lower portion of Coyote is verboten.  Rocket is a difficult trail to ride down and nigh impossible to ride up because of a quarter of mile section of rough rock (the pictures don't do it justice).  But, 25 years ago, on our rigid MTBs, Surfergirl and I stopped in awe as a 50 year old man (FIFTY!!!!) was riding his bike UP! Rocket.

He introduced himself and his incredible machine.  Horst Leitner was a myth to me, and the bike a whisper.  Somewhere out there was said to be a full-suspension mountain bike with a disc brake on the front.  We'd only seen pictures up to this point.  And here we were with the man and the machine himself.

Here was living proof that full suspension mountain bikes were coming and they'd change the way we rode forever.  Someone I considered way beyond his riding years was riding up an impossible trail and making it look easy.

As I picked my way up the trail tonight two things bounced around me noggin:  one, I'm older than Horst was 25 years ago... so maybe 50 ain't what it used to be; two, why in the heck am I riding a hardtail!

Here's a great example of that amazing bike.  I wanted one so bad, but it was out of my range.  Something I could only dream about.   

Horst sold the patent to the rear suspension to this little company called Specialized.  It's still in use.

Here's a link to more of his amazing inventions

... I love capitalism.

____
171
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.

 

View Details
A DIFFERENT KIND OF WINNING

A DIFFERENT KIND OF WINNING

Jun 19, 2018 TODD BROWN

THOMAS WATSON FAMOUSLY TOLD HIS SALES TEAM, FAIL MORE.  Thomas Edison famously said, I haven't failed I have found 10,000 ways that won't work.  Mike Tyson famously said, Everybody has a plan 'til they get punched in the mouth.

Want to win a bike race?  Sign up.
Haven't won yet?  Sign up for more.
Still haven't figured out how to win?  Now you know what doesn't work for you.
Stick with it, one day you'll learn how to "punch someone" and take home the prize.

Whether your signing up for a formal race or just hitting the local group ride or racing virtually, racing is a great teacher.

Figuring out how to win is fascinating.  It's a never ending game.  Someone is nearly always better.  But, we keep coming back like Pavlov's dogs because every now and then it pays off.  We add a new strategy or technique and a little confidence to our quiver.

After you've won some, share the knowledge.  Help someone.  It's a different kind of winning.

____
?
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.

 

View Details
ONE FOR EACH FINGER

ONE FOR EACH FINGER

Jun 18, 2018 TODD BROWN

HERE IN CABO, I’ve seen a total of 5 dudes kitted up on race bikes.  Three were sprinting for grupo supremacy Sunday morning.  Another was 50 kilometers out of town on a Tri bike on a road to nowhere but great surf. The last sported a Tinkoff Jersey on a gravel bike with a flat tire.

This ain’t home
and that’s just fine
The legs are rested
feeling a different kinda burn.  
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
IS IT REALLY SATURDAY?

IS IT REALLY SATURDAY?

Jun 16, 2018 TODD BROWN

SATURDAYS AND BIKES AND FRIENDS STARTED OUT WHEN I WAS ABOUT 10.  Me and the gang ‘d ride all day. Nobody missed us.

 As soon as someone could drive, surfing pushed the bikes to the side.  But surfing is a fickle lover and the bike is always good, always ready.

When the family was young I rallied the crew to get back from riding by 830ish.  Just as the kid’s cereal and cartoon sesh came to an end, I’d romp in grab the youngins gear em up and go for the second ride, like a hobbit’s second breakfast.

Now they’re all growed up and the only way we can get the band together and unplugged from work and school is taking a trip.  

It’s Saturday and I’m not riding and it’s perfect.

——-

170.6

Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.

View Details
HAHA, YOU'RE SO DUMB!

HAHA, YOU'RE SO DUMB!

Jun 15, 2018 TODD BROWN

I USED TO LAUGH AT BIKE RIDERS WITH FLATS AND THEIR SAD FACES.
Then I started riding bikes and got a flat.
Lots of flats,
Taught me to fix flats,
Now I stop and help riders with flats and enjoy their glad faces.

You can't help no one,
if ya can't help yourself.

I used to get mad if I got a flat,
sometimes I still do,
but mainly I think,
meant to be,
because I've many a time I've been late to a mishap,
I've seen the damage,
and thought,
that could have been me.

You can't help no one,
if ya ain't around to help.

_____
170.2
Ride with us: click for info.
Readers use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.

 

View Details
COURAGE

COURAGE

Jun 14, 2018 TODD BROWN

 

COURAGE IS BEING SCARED TO DEATH BUT SADDLING UP ANYWAY.  A famous man was known for that saying, and nobody doubted he had plenty of courage.

The more we saddle up, the less courage we need. 

Bar-to-bar racing in a screaming pack, dropping down a skinny single track, starting a 100 mile race across dirt roads... the terrifying becomes common, we gain confidence.

Be scared,
Saddle up,
Confidence and skills
are just around the corner.

I learned that from my daughter.  I'm glad she's home.

_____
170.6
Ride with us: click for info.
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
View Details
MAKE A DIFFERENCE

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Jun 13, 2018 TODD BROWN

WHO DOES THIS? 

Who takes the time to carve cleverness into rocks and dot the trails?

Who stops and scoots glass out of the bike lane?

Who rides with a $20 to give a "bum"?

Mike Franze (Fullerton Bikes) tracked me down at OverTheHump:  Todd, I've been so lifted up by the calls, texts, and posts regarding my crash and subsequent surgery....

... But Todd, why don't we do that all the time?

 

_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
172.2
View Details
RACING TO RACE

RACING TO RACE

Jun 12, 2018 TODD BROWN

THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF RACERS:  those who race to win and those who race to race. 

Racing to win might lead to win at all costs thinking. 

Racing to race on the other hand might lead to a deeper view of how winning is defined.

I'm not sure which approach yields the most podium finishes, but I'm pretty sure one produces more wins.

.... sometimes, like tonight, I just race to race.
Knowing I'm a little off,
having the leg marker gal confirm it,
I line up anyway,
to race my race.
_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
173
View Details
WHO MOVED MY TRAIL?

WHO MOVED MY TRAIL?

Jun 11, 2018 TODD BROWN

AT SOME POINT YOU'RE GONNA BE LEADING.  Not leading the race, but leading humans.  You have been, are and/or will be leading.  Being the person people look up to aint easy, if it was everybody would do it.  You will do it, because you have to.  Because something inside is telling you to stand up and make a difference.

Whether it's putting together a birthday ride for a friend or a skills clinic for new riders or giant charity ride you're going to do it and your "name" is gonna be on it.  Most people will have a blast and not say a word, a handful will gripe.  It's up to you who you want to listen to and how you want to react.  I know you're going to do your best and that's all you can do.

So do it.

... the preceding was on my mind today as I came upon a bike trail washed out by giant surf.  I thought Who moved my trail? which made me think of the book I have yet to read Who moved my cheese? I don't know what that book is about, but I imagined it was about talking responsibility for one's own actions and for deciding to lead and to make a difference and to keep inviting people to get out and ride their bikes and I wondered if the headlining suicides of my generation would have been avoided if a little more bike riding was done, if a little more leading were on the menu and I resolved to up my game.

Do it, now.
Hung on his wall.
Let's get busy,
and give our all.

_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
173.6
View Details
IT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED

IT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED

Jun 09, 2018 TODD BROWN

THERE WAS A PILE UP TODAY, and my friend is very hurt.  He'll need surgery on his neck.  He should be okay.  Whether or not you're the praying type, now would be a good time to fire one up on his behalf.

My spider sense gave no warning.  Very, very unusual - normally I have a really strong advance feeling.  I've done this ride many times and there was nothing special about the pace.  In fact, other days on this particular section - La Costa - have seemed much sketchier.

Less than a minute before I was joking about having him bring some of his awesome WEND product to me on the ride.  He was jazzed to go Long with a group of us from OC.

It was supposed to be fun.
But, it wasn't.

Emergency professionals were quickly on location.  First a doctor who was driving by, then paramedics.  Quickly he was rushed to a fantastic medical facility.  Diagnosed. Scheduled.  What a country we live in!

Many others went down, but he was in the worst shape.  His forks sheered off at some point in the crash - not the cause.  Of those I know, all were able to go on about their day.

It's terrible for this to ever happen to anyone,
it seems extra awful because Ryan is such a nice dude.
Always happy.
A truly sweet demeanor.
The kind of guy you just like to see and hang out with. 

If you're so inclined, today would be a good day to try out his products.  I can't go without his  Wax Off Chain Cleaner.  If you use any kind of wax lubricant, Wax Off has got to be in your tool box.

Follow up:  Someone didn’t point out a pot hole, someone hit it launching their bottle into their wheel and the wheel locked up. From there all hell broke loose.  There's not much anybody can to to prepare for that.

 

View Details
WARMING UP MY APP

WARMING UP MY APP

Jun 08, 2018 TODD BROWN

IT'S ALMOST TOUR TIME AND I'VE MANAGED NOT TO WATCH ANY CYCLING ON TV THIS YEAR.  That will end. It has ended.  NBCSports gold found me, reminded me I'd paid for a year and sent me a link to the Criterium Du Dauphine.
AI is real.
Is that even AI?

I love watching the last 30-60 minutes of each stage of the race while I'm stretching after a ride and/or eating breakfast.  Me, Phil, Paul and Bob together.  Watching those youngsters - all skin, muscles, and bones - fly on their bikes motivates me to eat a little better, sleep a little more and to take advantage of the long summer evenings.

If haven't had enough, those 3 talking heads are great at night too... kinda like a bed time story, and I'm out in no time dreaming of riding and racing and dreaming.

Wake up, and the cycle repeats.

This cycle is what makes the group rides so fun this time of year.  Everybody is geeked up from watching and dreaming and watching.  Consequently, the rides are bigger than ever, more animated than ever, more fun than ever.

June is fun.
July is better.

_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
170.6

 

View Details
SWAMI'S LONG - THE OC INVASION

SWAMI'S LONG - THE OC INVASION

Jun 07, 2018 TODD BROWN

I DON'T WANT TO SCARE YOU, AND I DON'T WANT YOU TO BAIL OUT.  I just want you to know what you've gotten yourself into and how to get yourself out of it... because I'll be focused 100% on me.

We're going to do Swami's Long Saturday.  Nothing new.
We're bringing a few friends along.  Nothing new.
You, that's what's new.

Riders who have braved Long before know it's kinda like TMWC meets SHOP Ride.  The start is a beautiful site seeing cruise down the coast to meet up at Nytro where the ride originates.  From there, it will be the ugly offspring of our 2 weekly throwdowns to "the church".

Think about it... ask yourself... truthfully ponder... can I hang with the best of the best on our 2 hardest rides?... because I guarantee you will be praying for it to end well before it's over.  Maybe that's why it lets up slightly at the church?

There used to be a regroup at the church.  Not any more for regular Swami's, kind of for Long.  You probably won't make it to the re-group, but there is a short cut and with any luck you'll be there to see the discarded and aborted take it.  This will require everything you've got, just to make the short cut.

After the church we ride 8 miles of tempo over to Wollford Road.  You know how Live Oak is less than a mile?  This is 2 miles, followed by rolling terrain.  There is a stop sign where you must turn left or you'll be on your way to the reservation - literally.  Assuming you're having an amazing day and somehow made it to Wollford, you might have a chance... might... to latch onto the slowest guys which will increase your odds of getting to the store regroup before the group leaves.

If there is any doubt at all, go straight to the store.  At the store, really a liquor stop for locals, we re-water and grab a snack and take a leak.  You'll thank me later if you chose to skip Wollford, because West Lilac is up.  

West Lilac is an amazing, twisty-turny-rolly bundle of speed.  So fun if you're in the group, still fun if you're not.  This connects into the downhill portion of the San Luis Rey road race.  All fun, fun, fun.

Here's an example of why you'll get lost... we take an abandoned bridge over to the worst "paved road" I've ever ridden on that cuts through a flower farm with chickens running wild.

The next 12 miles the group steamrolls into a stiff headwind all the way back to the coast, where we finish and go to In-N-Out. 

Coming unhitched from the group at any point after the store can easily put you 20-30 minutes behind because of the wind and jagged-zigzaggedness of the route.  Don't worry, we'll still be near, but you'll miss the burgers and fries and shakes reward.

Now I told you all that to see if you'd read this.

Swami's Long is about the best group ride I've ever done.  Brutal pace.  Scenic, beautiful roads.  Shoulder rubbing with San Diego's best, and in the winter it's not uncommon to see Tour De France pros on the ride.  When you're done, no matter how far you managed to hang on you will be a better rider.  You will have discovered new powers, and uncovered unknown flaws.

You've got nothing to lose, because I've already told you you're not going to finish with the group.  Download the ride onto your GPS.  Upload the UBER or LYFT apps to your phone, which you better have in your jersey pocket.  Bring a few 20's and a credit card just in case.

One last piece of advice, do not go to the front of the pack and be that guy.

I'll see you at the back of the pack,
but not off the back,
I hope.

Ride Details: 

We are LEAVING the parking lot across from Joe's Crab Shack in Oceanside at 725 - we will not wait for you if you're late, but you could leave as late as 740 and still make it.

It's 80 miles - 20 mile warm up, and 100k of full gas - yes, it's a HUNKR.

Here's a link you'll want to know well:  Swami's Long

Two shortcuts:

-- at mile ~30.7 the ride will turn left at Country Club Dr for a newer KOM section (the pink line)--if you're in doubt stay on Harmony Grove Rd. (The dark line) - this will save you 90 seconds 

-- at mile 39.0 the ride turns right to go up Lake Wohlford Rd.  Yes, this is a two-mile hill at 6% -- also at the top of the hill [after you got dropped] the next 7.5 miles of rollers with 300' of climb are fast (24+ mph) -- if you're in doubt continue straight on Valley Center Rd for four miles.

 

_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
172.4
View Details
CELERYBRATION

CELERYBRATION

Jun 06, 2018 TODD BROWN

I TOLD THE COACH, COACH I'VE BEEN CRAMPING A LOT. She thought about it, went down the usual check list:  drinking plenty of water, electrolytes, etc. Yes, yes, yes, yes, I responded.

Try eating more celery.

Really?

Yep, more potassium than a banana.  But, you'll have to eat a lot.

Not a problem for me.  I love celery, and I really love celery with peanut butter.  So, I've been celerying it up, gnawing through half a stalk a day.  I think she's right... far fewer cramps off or on the bike.

Celery, celery the magical green
The more you eat the less you cramp
The less you cramp, the faster you spin
So skip your celery and let me win.

_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
171
View Details
PEAS AND ADVIL

PEAS AND ADVIL

Jun 05, 2018 Accounting Bookkeeping

I COULD TELL HE WAS GOING TO CRASH AS SOON AS I HEARD HIS SIDEWALLS SLIPSLIDING AWAY.  But, there was nothing I could do because I was right on his rear wheel.  I hoped he'd scrape away from me or bounce off the trail.  Instead, I landed on him and on my right wrist.

Not a scratch on me.
Adrenaline spiked.

I popped up, mashed my cleats into the pedals and went all out for 5 minutes to get back up to the leader.  Slowly the wrist's signals broke the news to me... 

Hey Pal, it's me, your right wrist.  We got a problem.

You mean, you gotta a problem because me and the rest of The Old Diesel are racin' so shut up and hang on!

Oh, I see what you mean.  Well, I'll suck it up.  But you'll be sorry-er, late-er.

Whatever Right Wrist, just do your job.

This cute little conversation lasted long enough for me to recover a bit and get my bearings on things.  It kinda kept my mind off how much the rest of my body was hurting as these guys were going all out... apparently they were racing too, and at least one of them got his bell rung pretty good and rode the adrenalin train back up to the front of the action.  
Hee-haw... that's racing folks.
Sucks to go down, but it happens.
Sucks worse to not race, don't let that happen.
PS:  Picked up some peas and Advil on the way home, before I hit Chic-fil-A for some nuggets and ice cream.
_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
171.4
View Details
HOW DID THESE BIBS GET SO SMALL?

HOW DID THESE BIBS GET SO SMALL?

Jun 04, 2018 TODD BROWN

OF ALL MY FRIENDS WHO RIDE, this friend's weight swings the most wildly.  You know that question on the insurance forms or at the doctor's office... Have you lost or gained 30 lbs in the last year?  You know, the one you don't have to think about, ever.  Neither does he.  It's a yes.

Right now, he's running around grabbing his gear, changing in the buff with the garage door wide open.

How'd these bibs get so small?!... oh, boy, I bet you're going to write about that.

No way...  I say.

Eventually, after he wiggles and jiggles into his clean kit we get riding.  And we see this giant rattle snake.  I didn't get a great pic, but you can get an idea of how huge he was by looking at his tail.  And it got me thinking, isn't it great that modern cycling fabrics are so stretchy and they don't slough off mid-ride when we've out grown 'em?

_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
173

 

View Details
ANGER

ANGER

Jun 02, 2018 TODD BROWN

News of his death oozed along the roads.
A miserable cuss with a reputation that blew packs to pieces before he kitted up.  He's coming!... and bowels released, tires flattened and helmets cracked.  
Meanness shot out his elbows, legs charring and scarring the fools and foolish.
That unleashed tongue!  Forever snapping, snarling, shredding.  Offensive and vulgar. 
He was the devil, the hated one.
Gone.
No one cared.  Not at all.
By the time I tracked him down, I was tired.  Tired of searching for this wretchedness.  My funds and curiosity were just about out and I was ready to pack it in and head home.  It was a miracle really.  I mean, who was I to set out on such a stupid adventure?  It's not like I'm a spy.  It's not like I'm super smart.  I have no training in such things.  I just wondered if it was all true.  Could someone really be as ferocious and vile as the reputation he'd left behind?  I didn't even know why I had to know.  But, I did.  I had to know, which meant I had to get to know this man.  Would he bite?  Would he strike?  Maybe he would lure me some place of his choosing and drive an ax through the center my beating heart.  All these questions...
... and I was speechless, jaw flapping in the wind.  
How can I help you?  
Unexpected words to say the least.  I don't know what I had expected, but it wasn't that.  The kindness in his aged voice, like honey.  Gooey and warming.  Deep creases wrapped around his smiling eyes.  SMILING!?????????  What in the world was happening.  I stood back, still speechless.  The address was right, the last name proudly painted above the withered porch was bright and clear.  This was it, and he was him, and I was spinning.
Are you lost?
I could hear the words as clear as I could see the spattered green tattoo above his left wrist.  The legend was that he'd crashed and lost a race.  How many times had I rolled my eyes at this story?  He'd lost a race and in his anger driven straight to Chuck's.  Chuck was a felon.  Nobody knew what he'd done, just that he'd done time.  While doing time, he'd learned a skill and supported himself - if you could call it that - defacing peoples bodies was what it looked like to me.  There was no way to call it art, even though he pranced around fancying himself as Warhol 2.  Anyway, sweaty and bloody he comes in yelling Anger!  Anger!  Anger! All caps Chuck, and make it scary.  Well, Chuck did his best, no talent and all.  He could barely spell.  But, he was a pro and dedicated to his craft and he dutifully carved A-G-N-E-R. Could it be more obvious?  Wake up Todd.  This is him, Agner.
You are about to die...
_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
173
View Details
ATTACKS AND FLATS

ATTACKS AND FLATS

Jun 01, 2018 TODD BROWN

=======================
ATTACKS AND FLATS MAY BREAK MY WILL,
but names will never hurt me.
========================
... and on a related note,
Family Night at OverTheHump next Tuesday!
  • FREE Tikes  Trikes and Bikes Race – Anyone riding 2, 3, or more wheels (ages 0 up to 5 yrs old)- *pick up a release waiver onsite, and hand in at race start.
     
  • FREE Face painting by Disney Face Painting Artists
  • FREE Bounce house
     
  • FREE Rides and Games
     
  • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos will be onsite to fuel families with quesadillas, burritos churro chips and more.
  • Docent Brewing will be there to provide libations. 

For Family Night Timeline [Click Here]

_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
171.6
View Details
THAT'S PRETTY STALE, MATE

THAT'S PRETTY STALE, MATE

May 31, 2018 TODD BROWN

IT'S NO SECRET, ENDURANCE ATHLETES ARE ADDICTS: addicted to endorphins, pain, competition, etc., often to fill our time and keep us on the straight and narrow, away from the destructive.

Right now, I've got a new addiction:  Chess.  

Drop by for a visit, and don't be surprised if the board gets whipped out.  That's easy to control.  What's not so easy is playing online.  I just love it, the challenge and strategy and learning.  There's always someone, somewhere on the planet ready to play.

There's a probablytrue urban myth about teaching inner city kids to play chess.  The kids who learn chess go on to much more productive lives because they learn that what they do today effects what happens tomorrow.

Which brings me to my main addiction - riding bikes. 

There is no way you can expect to be good on race day if you've made bad decisions leading up to race day.  There is no way you can be fresh for the sprint finish if you've made bad moves in the final miles.  The great champions plan their winning moves many months out, years out.

They plan.
Work.
Win.

Chess has this cool ending, where you can keep from losing simply because the player who is annihilating you doesn't close out the game effectively and can't Check Mate.  It's called Stale Mate.  On the ride tonight, I was trying to think of an equivalent in bike racing.  

The only thing that comes close is getting the equal or faster competitor to burn themselves out.   Mark Hoffenberg is the best I've ever seen at this.  Somehow, he gets his competitors to work harder than he is working.  It is so weird to watch, be subjected to.  He just completely out thinks his competitors, then gets the W.  I'm not even sure that is a Stale Mate, as I write this it seems more of a Check Mate. 

Maybe that's why we let other positive addictions creep in,
they present new challenges to conquer,
require new ways of thinking,
and in the process,
riding is renewed.

_____

Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR  11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
172.2

 

 

View Details
TRAIL GOATS

TRAIL GOATS

May 30, 2018 TODD BROWN

ECTOMORPH I'M NOT.  Ectomorphs climb with ease.  They are skeletons.  They haunt my pre- and post-race thoughts.  They make it look so easy.

My friend Colin is an ectomorph.  He's a bike rider.  He's a brilliant artist.

He sent the Trail Goat design to see what we thought.  Hell yeah, let's make 'em.  

Maybe it will give me some discipline.
You are what you eat,
mostly.

 

 

_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR 9/29, 11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
171.6
View Details
I'M LEAVING AS SOON AS WE'RE DONE EATING

I'M LEAVING AS SOON AS WE'RE DONE EATING

May 29, 2018 TODD BROWN

SURFER GIRL SAYS, WE'RE GOING TO A BBQ.

Ugh, really?  You know I don't like meeting new people.

You can leave early, I'm sure I can catch a ride home.

Right behind us walks in a man I haven't seen for decades.  A college acquaintance, but at least it's a friendly face.  He hasn't changed.  Well, he's gray.  But man, he looks mahvalus!  Super fit.

GG?  

He looks at me, searching his memory.

It's Todd, Todd Brown.

Todd!...?

Yeah, we were in college together.

There we go, now we remember each other.  We reminisce for a bit, then it's on to What are you up to?

In minutes we go from an unsure friendship
to blood brothers...

... because he's as crazy about running as I am about cycling.  Maybe crazier?  Like running and winning a 62 miles race at the South Pole, like running Badwater 135 (miles).  Certifiable.

We start comparing notes.  Food.  Equipment.  Hydration.  Training.  Coaching.  Events done.  Events to do.  Mindset.

His mindset is different than mine.  Probably because his events are so incredible.  He just wants to survive.  Todd, I'm a soul runner... I just run the pace that feels right.  I run to control my demons.  I run to be exhausted.  I was born to run.  I'm so glad running found me.

How important is mindset to him?  He told me I'd rather die than DNF... in fact, it's our family mission statement.  It's my license plate.

Hours later, Surfergirl stopped by to check on my misery.
Then his wife looks at us all laughing and says
He said he'd leave as soon as he ate.
Brothers for sure.

_____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR 9/29, 11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
172
View Details
SOME PEOPLE

SOME PEOPLE

May 28, 2018 TODD BROWN

IS IT BAD OF ME TO ASSUME IT'S ALWAYS THE GUYS?  Sexist?  Jumping to conclusions?  Probably.  Definitely.  'Cause I know some girls that definitely play dirty.

Whoever you are, wherever you roam,
thank you for being awesome,
improving the bridge,
cutting new trails,
whacking the weeds.
You make life a lot better.
I hope to meet you in person.

 _____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR 9/29, 11/10
Use "SAVE10" to save 10% on in-stock gear.
171.6
View Details
LIKE RINGS IN A TREE

LIKE RINGS IN A TREE

May 26, 2018 TODD BROWN

THESE GUYS ARE KILLING YOU.  But, they're not your peers.  Their kids are grown and their grandkids are growing.  Just like the gap between you and them as they leave you behind.

At that moment, all you can see is their chiseled, youthful calves and hammies churning away.  Just like any other fast rider.

The pace slows and you notice the elbows,
the hair,
the gut,
WTH?
Hurts even more, right?
the wrinkles,
the gray.
Here's a glance of what these >60s are up to...
Gerrit regularly places at the top in single speed races.
Dave patrols the front of the Market Ride, going wheel to wheel with the kids and shooting video the whole time.
Two days ago his teammate Mike took a flyer from a mile out and beat everybody to the finish.
Mark regularly wins 200 mile races, often enough to win the season series.
Are they stronger than you?  Maybe.  They're definitely savvy, not wasting any energy or making bad choices.
Those wrinkles are like rings in a tree.
Strength,
Wisdom,
Experience...
 _____
Ride with us: click for info.
Upcoming Events:  HUNKR 9/29, 11/10
Use "SAVE20" to save 20% on in-stock gear.
171.6
View Details