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Strava Widgets Styling

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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 


>

I TRIPLE THAT EMOTION

ON THE START LINE there is always a lot of emotion.  Some are scared, some are anxious, some are seething, some are just happy to be there.  And...

... it's all good.

Well, kinda.

Facts are facts.

The more emotion we have the more productive we will be.

There's just one problem.

It might not be positive productivity.

Personally, I prefer to make up some story in my head regarding an innocent competitor...

... that ticks me off.

Take that manufactured angst,
turn it up all the way to 11...

... and let emotion do it's thing.

It is nearly a lock that I will race better,
be more and better calculating...

... and not give a hoot about what others think.

So, yeah...

... I triple that emotion.

 ---

163.9 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work.
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>
SKINNY FAT.  WATTS THAT?

SKINNY FAT. WATTS THAT?

Oct 11, 2023 TODD BROWN

IN THE QUEST FOR MAXIMUM FITNESS, it's easy to look for the quick fix.  The hack.  My pal recently sauntered down this path, and...

... he has transformed his body.

He no longer giggles when he walks,
he's skinny fat.

And, that's a problem.

Not because he has lost a few chins...

... because he is weaker than before,
lost so much muscle.

We don't want to get there,
we run from such evil...

... we want to increase our power to weight ratio.

Where did he go wrong?

It wasn't the magic pill that fooled my pal into eating less,
or the serious surgery others opt for,
those can be a good jump start,
it is the intoxicating effects....

... You weigh less. Yippee! Hoorah! You made it!

Lies.

What would have been significantly better, and be absolutely amazing, is if someone came up with a pill to reframe his thinking...

... I'm an athlete.  I fuel my body with sufficient good food and lift weights, to be hella strong!

Which is why you're reading this...

... your daily dose of reframing.

---

162.7
8.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
GOT AN INSANE COMPLIMENT TODAY

GOT AN INSANE COMPLIMENT TODAY

Oct 10, 2023 TODD BROWN

IT'S NOT EVERYDAY I get an insane compliment like this.  We'd just finished the weekly showdown.  It was a rough one, and I finished 3rd.  Rare for me...

... and here came the insanity.

Dude rides up to me and pinches my skin,
just above my bent knee,
legs loaded with blood.

Your skin is tight.

Yeah...

You're on testosterone.

Really?

Oh, for sure.

Your background in software sales has come up with this analysis?

Funny.

Well, do explain.

That's the sign, tight skin.

Really, you actually believe that?

Yep.

Ok, let's take a test and find out.  I'll pay you $1000 if you're right and you pay me $1000 if you're wrong.

Uh....

End of conversation.

How insane is that experience/compliment?
Who does that????

I'm riding fast,
eating a ton of protein,
adding collagen to my diet,
and lifting weights almost daily...

... so good they think I'm doping.

LOL

I wish he would have taken me up on the bet, 
I could use some Christmas money.

Side Note:  A dear friend got into body building late in life and slid down the doctor enhanced slope...  

... He died two years ago from breast cancer.

... stay away from that $#!7!

Bonus Side Note:  I'm open book, if want to know exactly what I'm doing and ask me anything, click here: 

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/30-day-rip-on-raceday-transformation

Double Bonus: Yes, that is my "tight" skin up there, 8 hours after the most awesome compliment ever... click that link if you want to be so good they call you fake. 

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/30-day-rip-on-raceday-transformation

---

163
7ish hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

Oct 09, 2023 TODD BROWN

ON SATURDAY, 10.14, WE ARE RIDING THE SURF N SUMMIT.  It's not too late for you to join us.  In redoing the routes, I noticed some really good news...

... it's less than 100 miles.

I mean anybody can do that, right?

Just eat enough.

Well....

50% of it is off-road,
some it single track.

And... 

There is some climbing,
4600' on the first 38 miles,
and a mere 9000', after that.

Don't forget...

It's gonna be hottish,
in the 80s,
no shade.

Bottom line is, we've attempted this twice and been foiled each time due to insane weather.

How have I prepared?

Lots of Zone 2 miles.

What will I eat?

Honey Stinger Waffles and Costco Crepes.

What will I drink?

Carborocket 'till I run out, then Gatorade.

Any other nutrition?

I love Salt Tabs.
Whatever I can score at a minimart.

Gear?

Lights for the 530am start, hopefully not needed for the finish.
Bug netting for my helmet.
KOM jacket.

Who's going?

The few, the brave, the nutty.

Who's finishing?

All of us...

... it's only 98 miles.

Wanna go? Click Here.

---

164
8ish hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
THE GUARANTEED FORMULA FOR RAPID IMPROVEMENT

THE GUARANTEED FORMULA FOR RAPID IMPROVEMENT

Oct 08, 2023 TODD BROWN

WE HAVE THE ANSWER for rapid improvement.  It's guaranteed to work.  We can show you exactly what to do, but there's a hitch...

... we can't do it for you.

All you have to do is take 2 elements,
add them together,
and get results.

First, FAITH.

Have faith that your plan will work,
and that you can accomplish your dream.

Second, LOVE.

Do it,
because you love it.

Improve it,
because you love it.

Share it with others,
because you love seeing them enjoy it.

Act In Faith,
Do With Love.

Want to...

Set a PR?
Win a race?
Improve your fitness?
Fix things up on the home front?

Act In Faith,
Do With Love.

... make it a great week.

---

163
8ish hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
CRACKING THE CODE EVEN MORE

CRACKING THE CODE EVEN MORE

Oct 07, 2023 TODD BROWN

I'M STILL THIRSTY.  80 miles and 6000+ feet of climbing will do that, especially with the Wahoo-exaggerated 111* max temp.  We could have turned around early...

... before climbing 2000' up Blackstar.

Not our style.

We wanted to hit the gravel climb on gravel bikes and see what kind of times we could show vs our MTB times.

Before I get to that,
I think I've cracked the code to gravel's popularity.

At least part of it.

On this ride were a bunch of my friends.
Road friends who know each other,
mixing with MTB friends...

... and all of us making new friends.

Where roadies would rarely ride dirt
and MTBrs rarely get on the  road...

... gravel is a convergent.

A place to learn new skills,
and more importantly,
make new friends.

So, how'd that big climb go?

I PR'd all the steep stuff, and would have easily PR'd the entire climb if we weren't taking it so easy the first 2 miles.

Was it just the bike?

Youtellme.

We'd already ridden 2 hours when we got to the climb, not at a blistering pace just a good endurance clip.

I'd been up it before on a gravel bike, but under different conditions and with a little different set up.

I can't say enough about the 45s with 30ish pounds of pressure. 
They are just really fast, and shock absorbing.

But, my training is also a lot different.

The last 18 months I've really committed to Zone 2 almost all the time, with some explosive group riding twice a week.

Lots and lots of endurance miles.

Plus, all the leg workouts I do, almost daily, for strength.
I don't care about muscle size...

... strength, wirydude strength, comes from near daily resistance training.

Not blowing the legs out twice a week in the weight room, which is so typical and traditional for body builders and "lets get strong this offseason" bike racers.

Bro, Why don't you want to be strong year round?

Right?!

Check it out, I'm updating my 10-Week Challenge for 2024, and creating...

... The 30-Day Rip On RaceDay Transformational Sprint.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/30-day-rip-on-raceday-transformation

 

---

163.6
7ish hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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THE OTHER TIME NOT TO USE A BIKE COMPUTER

THE OTHER TIME NOT TO USE A BIKE COMPUTER

Oct 06, 2023 TODD BROWN

SO MUCH DATA, so many screens.  We think it's not a big deal, because they have crept into our lives, like ivy growing up a wall, then covering the house...

... until we can't imagine a screenfree life.

Or, imagine at all.

That is one of the reasons I sometimes race with my computer in my jersey pocket...

... so I can visualize all the options as the race unfolds.

There is another time,
perhaps more important.

When I have a problem I want to solve,
need an answer from on high.

Then, I roll out with no agenda...

... slow and unhurried.

I find dirt delivers more consistently,
a quite slice of nature,
accessed by few.

No screen.
No music or
distractions.

Me.
Nature.
The possibility of lightening.

Lightening of burdens.
Ideas born in a flash of magic.

But, yeah, that computer is still in my pocket...

... because if it ain't on Starva it didn't happen. 

---
Friendly reminder, price increase is coming 10.9.23

---

162 
8ish hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups and Squats
10 minutes recovery
00 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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THIS 3 MINUTE ROUTINE IS A RACEDAY GAME CHANGER

THIS 3 MINUTE ROUTINE IS A RACEDAY GAME CHANGER

Oct 05, 2023 TODD BROWN

LET'S BE HONEST, we're the only ones who might possibly aspire to the starving waif look of a Euro pro.  Not our friends, neighbors or lovers.  Because most of those cats...

... look like they'd snap in two with a little nudge.

Not strong.
Not resilient.

Here's the thing.

We really can change the way we look and feel in just a few minutes a day.

I timed it during a break, 
and the answer is yes.

In a mere 3 minutes, I did 1 set of

  • Pull Ups
  • Push Ups
  • Squats

The Core 3, which I easily do
without sweating,
at home.

Details.

  • The first round is always palms out pull ups until I start to lose my form.
  • 3 times as many push ups as pull ups, hands about mtb handle bar width.
  • Bulgarian split squats are my current favorite, enough weight to max out at 5-6 reps.

That's it.

Trust me, 
takes no time...

... is a raceday game changer.

---
Friendly reminder, price increase is coming 10.9.23

---

162.5
7ish hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

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THE BEST NEWS IN GRAVEL, I MEAN UNROAD

THE BEST NEWS IN GRAVEL, I MEAN UNROAD

Oct 04, 2023 TODD BROWN

I LOVE RIDING MY GRAVEL BIKE.  Everywhere.  Over everything.  As far as I'm concerned, a course with some pavement and a healthy dose of gravel, doubletrack and singletrack...

... show's who is the best rider.

Ya gotta surf the group like a bee,
and glide the dirt and rocks like a butterfly.

If you're a roadie, you have a pretty good idea of how to surf the group.  

Going from wheel to wheel putting out the least amount of energy possible and always being in a good position is a musthave skill to successfully race on the road.

If you're not a roadie, and you're planning to gravel race, find a group to start training with.  You don't need a road bike, your gravel bike is close enough in speed...

... and will make you even more proficient at surfing the group.

If you're a competent mountain biker, you know how to glide over rocks...

... especially those who started off on a hardtail.

If you're not a dirt ninja, go find some dirt.  The gnarly the better.  If you don't have your gravel bike yet, your road bike is surprisingly competent in dirt and can do way more than you think is possible.

It'll be fine.

There is one place where both the roadies and the mtbrs are going to need to up their skills.

Cornering.
At speed.

On gravel, it is very common to have your tires drifting in turns.  Roadies never do this on purpose, and mtbrs will find it a new game on the skinnier tires.

Which brings up tires and tire pressure.

Personally, I prefer to find a tire I like in nearly all conditions and just ride it all the time.  There is so much speed to be gained in knowing what your tires can do.

For example, a couple of seasons ago my friend Eric put on a race at a gocart track and had us go off into the dirt for a short section. 

It was a lot of fun.

Tight, banked turns,
Smoothsmooth tarmac.

Most everybody opted for a road bike since 80% of the time we were on pavement.

I chose my gravel bike.

Here's what I learned.

  1. I could cruise and relax on the dirt.
  2. If I stayed in the draft I was just fine in the group.
  3. I could take the corners muchmuch faster with my fatter, lower pressure tires.

How did it go down?

Once I figured this out, I would let a gap open between me and the rider ahead into all the tight turns...

... then go much faster due to superior grip.

I'd latch on again,
and draft.

Riders behind me had to work really hard to get back on.

It was a war of attrition.

On the last lap we were down to 3 racers.

I came in third.

Way better than I'd have guessed at the start of the race.

Lesson:

Master your tires, and tire pressure.

Which bring me back to the title...

... the best news in gravel, for me, is the BWR Triple Crown next year.

Can't wait to test my skills and bike set up across three very unique courses.

https://www.belgianwaffleride.bike

---
Friendly reminder, price increase is coming 10.9.23

---

162.3
7ish hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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CRACK THAT WHIP!

CRACK THAT WHIP!

Oct 03, 2023 TODD BROWN

WHEN A PROBLEM COMES ALONG, you must whip it.  And, boy do we have a problem on our local group ride.  Today was hard, blowing all kinds of riders off the back...

... and not that fast.

Nowhere near what we were doing 5 years ago.

I detect a problem,
and we need to whip it good.

This ride used to be the bar by which all rides were measured...

... and sadly, still is.

What happened?
We got soft.
Friendly.
Social.

Now, I'm all for being friendly and social...

... I'm also for holding the bar high.

For me,
and, my friends.

Those are the friendships I cherish.

Who the heck really wants a friend that will let us slide,
let our standards drop, or even worse,
lead us away from our greatness?

Not me.

Lead me,
guide me,
ride beside me...

... teach me all I must do,
to rip on raceday!

That is what we are all about.

Not to win "the" race,
to win "our" race and
maximize our potential.

As the great Devo sang,

Now whip it into shape
Shape it up, get straight
Go forward, move ahead
Try to detect it, it's not too late
To whip it, into shape...

... to whip it, well, whip it good!

For you locals...

... get your buns out to TheTMWC.com for our unOFFICIAL World Championships on 11.7.23

The new jersey is an homage to Cafe de Columbia... since there isn't more than about 100' of pancake flat on this ride.

 

---
Friendly reminder, price increase is coming 10.9.23

---

162.3
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
AVOID TRIGGERING THIS HEART PROBLEM

AVOID TRIGGERING THIS HEART PROBLEM

Oct 02, 2023 TODD BROWN

FROM THE ANALS OF HEART MEDICINE, I bring you a serious issue.  I've seen this in more than a few racers...

... myself included.

It's kinda scary,
and I don't like the feeling.

Maybe you've experienced it.

Last week, it really flared up...

... at first, the amount of hate mail was amusing.

From long, long, long unpuncuated and emotion laden communiques to my favorite from Joe, short and concise...

... You're an idiot!

I responded to everyone and shared several key points which had been overlooked.  Most of us had a good laugh and got on with the day.

Why did this happen at all?

They were triggered.
By the post title.

Why does this matter?

Because being unable to control our emotions is the fastest way to lose a race...

  • a winner would laugh it off and get the gold
  • a loser gets offended and blows it

For example, I was told in no uncertain terms all the products some had purchased and enjoyed were going in the trash.

Now, imagine you had a major heart problem.  You are of a certain political persuasion, the specialist who is uniquely qualified to save your life belongs to the opposite party...

... so you refuse the help you need.

You die,
over a difference of opinion.

Sad.

But, what if we are all dying of heart disease?

My favorite song in the wholewideworld was written by Longfellow, during the Civil War when his son was killed.

These chilling lyrics are still so true...

For hate is strong and mocks the songOf peace on Earth, good will to men

... fortunately, those lines are at the beginning not the end.

A few verses later, is hope...

Then rang the bells more loud and deepGod is not dead, nor doth He sleepThe wrong shall fail, the right prevailWith peace on Earth, good will to men

Then ringing, singing on its wayThe world revolved from night to dayA voice, a chime, a chant sublimeOf peace on Earth, good will to men
My friends,
when the car gets too close,
the rider doesn't pull through,
a neighbor has a different opinion...
... may we be triggered to open our hearts, 
and our arms,
in love,
first.
   
Then we will have won the only race that counts...
 
... the one for peace and good will towards all.
---
Friendly reminder, price increase is coming 10.9.23

---

162.3
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
DO WE NEED A POWER METER AND/OR A HR MONITOR FOR RACING?

DO WE NEED A POWER METER AND/OR A HR MONITOR FOR RACING?

Oct 01, 2023 TODD BROWN

I DIDN'T HAVE A POWER METER FOR A LONG TIME. Then, I had one on my MTB for about 18 months. Followed by 3 years without, until this summer...

... now I have 3 giving me all kinds of intel.

But, do we need one?

No.

Long answer,
maybe.

Reasons not to use a power meter:

  • Cost
  • Focus on wrong data
  • Potentially useless training

Reasons to use a power meter:

  • Training alone
  • Immediate feedback vs the lag of a HR monitor
  • Ability to know if we are actually improving our output.

Endurance racing situations where a power meter would be almost pointless?

Cross Country MTB, Cyclocross, Crit racing.  These races almost always have such rapid changes of pace as to make the power meter useless.  

  • There is little to no time to be looking at the data screen.
  • The efforts are often so violent that setting a power ceiling would be counter productive.

Endurance racing situations where a power meter could be gold?

  • Time trialing 
  • Solo or small group break away...

... ideally, over very steady terrain.

Is a HR monitor helpful at all in racing?

Yes.

During the races with rapid changes in power needed, a HR monitor is great to give overall feedback on the amount of work being done by our bodies.

Do we really need the devices at all?

For training alone, I think they can be quite helpful for analyzing our efforts in terms of power and stress on the body.  

  • Low power, high HR could indicate illness or overall fatigue.  
  • High power, low HR could indicate superior fitness.

For racing, they are most useful for

  • In race feedback
  • Post race analysis
  • Typically highest numbers are recorded and used for future training markers.

Are they absolutely necessary?

No.

Often, during the really intense XC and crit races, I'll put my computer in my back pocket to give 100% focus on the race dynamics.  This requires racing on feel, a skill honed over time...

... which means a lot of our training must be race simulation.

It's not all about how our bodies feel.

But, the feel of the race.  

  • The energy of the mass of competitors
  • Who the players are that day
  • Which moves will work
  • Who will get dropped
  • Poor bike handlers
  • Under fuelers

If we miss the key move, or get taken out...

... what point is of all that data?

---

Or, as the great Jim Morrison (kinda) sang Roadhouse Blues...

... Keep your hands on the bars and your eyes upon the race!

---

162.3
6.5 hrs
No Weights today
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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THE HEROES OF THE SPORT, EVEN AN E-BIKER?

THE HEROES OF THE SPORT, EVEN AN E-BIKER?

Sep 30, 2023 TODD BROWN

I CONNECTED WITH A LOT OF MY HEROES TODAY.  All of them much braver than your average racer, scratch that...

... braver than 99% of riders.

Some blaze the trails with astonishing feats,
others give until there's no more to give.

Who are they, and what do they all have in common?

A few shoutouts from today...

  • OG Doug Grant for founding the Good Dirt ride, a fantastic 50 mile XC untimed ride through our local trails that has raised 100s of 1000s of dollars for transportation starved Africans.
  • The incredible Kurt Weimann who has masterfully taken over the reigns of said fundraising adventure.
  • The Girlz Gone Riding group which consistently recruits, trains, assists, teaches, encourages, friendships girls who want to get into bike riding.
  • Sir David Browning's efforts to coalesce all the local trail advocacy and maintenance groups via OCMTBA have been transformational in our county.
  • Ross Bennet heads up what I believe is by far the largest high school mtb team in the county, and has done so for at least 10 years.  Long after his kids graduated.

... and this knucklehead, who I love...

... the great Andrew Kemp, who introduced me to the insanity of Leadville 25 years ago, and had this to say about my stupidlight XC MTB race bike...

That's for exercise, this is for the party...

... pointing to his spiffy e-bike.

Every single one of these boys and girls loves to ride, and more importantly...

... will do whatever it takes to make sure you have fun on two wheels.

We all feel that way,
these cats just do it at a super high level...

... give way, way, way more than they take.

---

163.1
6.5 hrs
No Weights today
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

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WHY I LOVE LEADING A QUIET LIFE OF....

WHY I LOVE LEADING A QUIET LIFE OF....

Sep 29, 2023 TODD BROWN

I'VE READ WALDEN POND numerous times.  More than any quote, I remember the raw feeling of wanting to be alone with nature, and few visitors. It didn't inspire me, as much as...

... tug at my core.

Thoreau's observed horror of living like the masses...

... a quiet life of desperation...

terrified me.

I would venture on my own.
Against the grain,
my path.

Work.
Nature.
Solitude.

It is easy to see the allure of a long bike ride, with a few core friends...

... and the call of a solo ascent up a long, desolate single track.

To summit,
with the sun as companion.

We are the few...

... living a life of silent perspiration.

I was thinking about that today as I quickly staged and shot numerous photos for our website.

All the time and thought that went into the first products...

... and the beauty and craftsmanship we produce right here in the USA.

That's also my kind of perspiration.

For example, these special bags for Triathletes to set up at each transition area.  My dear friend Will Howard was an exceptional Ironman competitor and helped me with these bags and the labeling.  Then Noel and I worked on beautiful color options... this is Brick.

Before you skip away, you should know something...

... I'm also sweating something else.

For this first time in 5 years, our costs have risen to the point where we are going to have some price adjustments starting 10/9...

... so, you're thinking about getting something for someone awesome for the holidays, now's a great time.

---

162.3
7 hrs
No Weights today
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

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DO YOU HATE THE HOLIDAYS AS MUCH AS I DO?

DO YOU HATE THE HOLIDAYS AS MUCH AS I DO?

Sep 28, 2023 TODD BROWN

LET'S BE HONEST, blubber season is fast approaching.  It kicks off with Halloween, builds up steam with Thanksgiving, and the Holiday Season...

... just steamrolls most of us.

And, why not?

  • The sugar addiction is reignited, rendering us powerless
  • The food is so deliciously comfy
  • Jan 1 we'll be good again

I'll tell you why not...

... Because it's a bunch of bs we don't need!

Look, my fine lycracovered athlete, I don't really hate the holidays...

... I hate how it ruins so many of my friends and family.

What are we gonna do about it?

  • Cut out all sugar now, crush that wicked addiction
  • Dress warm so your body doesn't need blubber
  • Ingrain the twoaday workout
  • Eat more protein

But, I can't live without sugar?

Suck it up and give it up, for good!

Does dressing warm really help?

Yes.  On the bike, should be easy.  Off the bike, is where it's easy to underdress. Don't worry, all your fans will still know your athletic freak you are without seeing your shinyshaven legs.

Twoaday workouts?

Yes, definitely.  And, easy to do.  Take 15-20 minutes, the time you spend on the toilet play games (I like chess.com), and do your pull ups, push ups, squats etc.  

More protein?

Probably, a lot more than you think.  Shoot for 1 gram for every pound you weigh.

Do you promise it will work?

Heck yes!

Here's why.

  1. You are going to enter the blubber season a lean, mean fatburning machine.
  2. You will get your protein knocked out by dinner time.
  3. Enjoy a few "guilty" calories without blubbering up.

Andddddddddd... drumroll please.....

... you'll enter Jan 1 at or close to your race weight.

Want a little extra motivation?

Start planning 2024 like a pro, now.

---

164
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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THIS WILL NOT MAKE YOU FASTER

THIS WILL NOT MAKE YOU FASTER

Sep 27, 2023 TODD BROWN

ON THE LONG LIST OF THINGS that will not make you faster is one of my favorites.  I'm such a sucker for marketing that I fall for these things...

... all the time.

Here's the thing...

... they also might make you faster.

Looking back, I can only laugh at the silliness.

Bro, you really need a ti bolt kit.

Really?

Oh yeah, so much lighter.

The idea that something that saves about as much weight as...

... a well baked booger.

Is.

Ludicrous.

You'd never fall for that, right?

But, I do.

Here's why?

  1. If it makes me feel faster, I'm probably gonna ride faster.
  2. Marginal gains, is actually a thing.
  3. See #1.

I could have just said, The placebo effect.

However, it's the compounding of the effect in tandem with marginal gains...

... where things can multiply.

If I believe the...

  • bolt kit
  • toe straps
  • sock height

... and all the other incremental nonsense.

It's gonna work.

My potential hasn't really changed but my belief...

... will have me accessing every milligram of what I've got.

---

164
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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WHY E-BIKES SUCK

WHY E-BIKES SUCK

Sep 26, 2023 TODD BROWN

E-BIKES.  What are they good for?  Nothing.  Absolutely, nothing.  Really?  I'm really gonna go there?

Oh, yes!

As if we aren't already slothful enough...

... as a people, we outsource everything.

Even our workouts.

Why pedal when you can have a motor do it for you?
Why create when AI can do it for you?
Why do anything for that matter?

But, it's not the bikes' fault.

Like annoying dogs...

... the owners are to blame.

E-bikes could be great tools for transportation,
and a lot of fun.

But, like the clueless dog owners, e-bike riders...

  • destroy the local dirt trails
  • obliterate the normal pace of a paved trail
  • are ridden no-hands, while owner stares at phone
  • have a huge chunk of huge people out thinking they are exercising

... if that bothers you,
if you're mad about this...

... you just might be an overdressed,
underexercized, 
e-biker.

(Unless your body is somehow broken.)

---

162.3
7 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

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THE MYSTERY OF MASSIVE

THE MYSTERY OF MASSIVE

Sep 25, 2023 TODD BROWN

IT'S NOT A MYSTERY.  In fact, it is so painfully obvious that sometimes I wonder why any of it is surprising at all...

... the results are just math.

The formula is simple.

Time X Effort = Results

No secret there.

What is secret,
is our dedication...

... how much time and how strong of an effort we are willing to put in.

The answer shows up on raceday,
at the big group ride,
or a stab at a PR. 

Where most people get it completely wrong is by...

... wildly underestimating what it takes to be great.

=== 

Can you believe I've spent over 200 hours on this already?

---

163.4 (I seem to have plateaued)
7 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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SO MANY VOTERS TO CONTEND WITH

SO MANY VOTERS TO CONTEND WITH

Sep 24, 2023 TODD BROWN

BATTLING THROUGH ANY RACECOURSE, there are seemingly endless barriers.  It all starts when the gun goes off and our meticulous plans are...

... almost immediately trashed.

The stinking voters!

Who?

The...

  • weather
  • competitors
  • terrain
  • equipment
  • our bodies
  • our minds

... and more, all get a vote in how it's going to go down.

As any leader can attest,
it's hard to keep the voters in line...

... which is what makes it so rewarding,
when things go as we'd hoped.

I heard a great observation today...

Our losses don't define us,
they refine us.

...

By the way, one of the reasons I love stage races is there are more opportunities...

... with each stage generally favoring a slightly different type of racer.

My friends at The Cactus Cup, a 3-day mountain bike stage race, which is one of my all time favorites, extended us all a promo code to save 10%.

The code is pedalposse10.

I hope to see ya out there.

---

163.4
7 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

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HOW WE DO THE OFF SEASON

HOW WE DO THE OFF SEASON

Sep 23, 2023 TODD BROWN

AS WE GLIDE INTO FALL, things are winding down around here. There are still races.  More often they turn into get togethers and parties...

... like today.

We can be a little nuts around here during the season.

My pals all work bigboy careers, raise families...

... and train alone most days.

Time is short,
precious.

So, when we all meet up,
on the the weekends,
things heat up fast.

Not today.

Well, mostly not today.

We gathered,
we rode fairly easy and talked,
then let it all hang out on the downhills.

Which means we had a lot of fun,
and all smashed a ton of PRs,
ripping the descents.

You can take the race
out of the ride...

... but, it's hard to avoid the joy
of snagging PRs.

PRs > KOMs

If you get that...

... and wanna help us share the message...

... use this promo code: LOVE2RACE,
and save 20%.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/among-the-wolves-collection

Code expires in 5 days.

---

162.4
7 hrs
No weights today
10 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

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HATERS AND LOVERS

HATERS AND LOVERS

Sep 22, 2023 TODD BROWN

ON A PLEASANT SATURDAY MORNING, a week ago, I was enjoying an easy ride with Surfergirl.  Matching her pace up a rather challenging climb...

... minding my own business.

We passed a dude...

... Racing is for losers!

Is he joking?
A friend?

Or...

... was it the very sexy Among The Wolves kit, which is smattered with a few of our favorite phrases.

Should I engage?

Yes, it sure is.

No really, racing is totally for losers.  Everybody loses, except one person.

Okay...

Nope, not joking.
Just hating.

We rode on.

But, it bugged me a bit.

Is racing for losers?

Yes, 
for sure.
If you're there solely to win,
if you just gotta have that golden trinket.

However, if you are there to be pushed,
be inspired by other great athletes,
see how deep you can dig,
you're a winner.

Every time.

And...

... if you dig this kit, 
and wanna help me share that message...

... use this promo code: LOVE2RACE,
and save 20%.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/among-the-wolves-collection

Code expires in 5 days.

---

161.8
8 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra stuff
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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WHERE IS DOES GRAVEL GO FROM HERE?

WHERE IS DOES GRAVEL GO FROM HERE?

Sep 21, 2023 TODD BROWN

I ONLY HAVE ONE QUESTION REGARDING GRAVEL RACING.  It's not where does it go from here, it's just gonna keep getting more and more pro.  Which is fine, I'm actually excited...

... because it's real racing now.

But, that's not how we got here.

And, not how we got MTB racing going.

Or, BMX for that matter.

MTB racing exploded because it was fun, 
and different,
and new.

Then, it got kinda organized and whole ton of money poured in.  When that happened...

... USAC scooped it up.

NORBA, the golden goose, was killed.

Today, MTB racing is a shell of what it was.  It's still super fun.  Still requires superior fitness, and insane bike handling skills...

... but, it ain't NORBA.

So, Gravel... what's it gonna be?

  • Standardization
  • Championships
  • Medals
  • Rules

Can we have that, and still keep it fun and fresh and...

... most importantly,
inviting and socially vibrant?

I don't know.

When the real racers show up,
breathing fire,
elbows out...

... I just don't know.

My question isn't where is gravel going, but...

... are we at the high water mark for participation?

Will the racers
push the riders and enthusiasts
onto the next, new, greatest thing ever?

Probably if...

  • It stays mass start
  • Racers staged by ability
  • Everybody rides the same route

... the after party rocks.

Besides, gravel bikes are just a lot more fun to ride than road bikes.

---

163.4
7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Split Squats, Nordics
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

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ARE YOU A MINIMALIST?

ARE YOU A MINIMALIST?

Sep 20, 2023 TODD BROWN

IT'S HARD NOT TO BE A MINIMALIST.  Minimalism is everywhere.  It's popular, trending, and threatening to take over its opposite.  The scream for the least...

... is a siren song.

Heck, I hired a coach once because I wanted to train less.

Loser
thinking.

Like cramming for a test,
and learning nothing.

Speeding,
the least amount of law breaking to not get caught.

Minimum wage thinking,
do the least amount of work and not get fired.

The opposite is Essentialism,
giving and doing everything for what is important.

There is the gold,
the podium,
PRs.

Funnily enough,
my coach is constantly throttling me back...

... asking me to do less.

We aren't minimalists,
we are essentialists.

Hanging out with our kind...

  • Eating
  • Training
  • Sleeping
  • Studying
  • Meditating

... like champions.

All in,
on all that matters...

... asking, What is the most I can do?

---

163.6
8 hrs
Full Rip On RaceDay Circuit + Extra Pull Ups and Push UPs
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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C'MON ROOKIE episode 1 + BONUS: P = F x V

C'MON ROOKIE episode 1 + BONUS: P = F x V

Sep 19, 2023 TODD BROWN

AT 8:00PM, I started getting the gear together the 5:35 roll out.  Going over the bike, I noticed the rear tire tread was shot.  Time to replace it.  Off with the old, on with the new...

... bike is ready.

Right?

I mean, if a new tire is on...

... everything else must be good.

Just as we're showing up to meet the group for our weekly social ride my shifting is weird.

Unresponsive.
Then, responsive.

Hmmmmmm

Mind you, I always check all of my batteries the night before each ride. 

  • Computer
  • Shifters
  • Derailleurs

Always.

It's so easy.

Tap 'em,
they light up.

Green for go.
Red for replace.

Except this time,
when I was rushing to swap the tire.

You'll never need to know this, because you are smarter than me, but if you are ever on a ride and your SRAM shifting starts misbehaving it is probably because your shifter or derailleur batteries are dying...

  1. Tap the shifters, check the lights.
  2. If red, acknowledge the issue on your computer - my Wahoo asked me to confirm I knew they were low.
  3. You have a lot of shifts left.

... that was all new to me.

At first, I panicked a bit and just tried to shift a lot less so I could finish the ride.  This left me grinding and spinning a lot.

However, once I confirmed, the shifting returned to normal and I rode hard for 2 more hours.

No prob.

BONUS -> P = F x V

Reader, and smart dude, John Jonas, had a comment on my post regarding cadence.

It's simple physics dude.

How so?

Power is a function of Force multiplied by Velocity.  If you spin faster (Velocity) with the same pedal Force you generate more Power.

Ahhhhh

So, it's not just my Broscience intuition...

... it's actually science.

In fact, today, once I got the battery/shifting sorted out I noticed on the hardest parts of the ride...

... my sweetspot RPMs were closer to 110.

John also confirms this.

Most people can't produce power because they don't have a smooth pedal stroke.  They aren't applying force all the way around.  You probably do that becuase of so many years of riding.

If at any point you feel like your'e pushing on the pedals, you're doing it wrong... pushing against the crank vs with the complete pedal stroke.

I use to push harder when I wanted to go faster.  Now I often think...

... efficient, efficient, efficient.

To which I'll add...

... The updated Rip On RaceDay Challenge dramatically improves pedal stroke.

Key exercises:

  • The sled
  • Nordics
  • Heel raise
  • Toe raise

---

164
8.25 hrs
Full Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
HOW TO SURVIVE THE SLOW SEASON

HOW TO SURVIVE THE SLOW SEASON

Sep 18, 2023 TODD BROWN

SEPTEMBER IS MY SLOWEST MONTH.  And this one is a doozie.  From bailing on my own A race plans, to slogging through setting up the 4th quarter promotional calendar...

... this has been such a battle.

Then, today I remembered the cure.

Measure backwards,
as outlined in 10x is Easier Than 2x.

Rather than focus on the predictable sales drop,
the missed A race opportunity...

... and the accompanying Chicken Little blues,
I scanned the year to date.

  • YTD Sales up 7%
  • My work team, insanely better
  • Our apparel offering, about to launch beautiful updates
  • Our children all moved back to within a 35 minute drive
  • The racing results have been outstanding, best year ever

Am I bugged...

we haven't 10x'd the biz?
gone to the last A race of my season?
navigating the cash crunch of the sales cycle, again?

... yes, 100%.

Glass halfempty is my kryptonite.

But,
measuring backwards,
seeing how much has been accomplished,
is an amazing way to kick myself in the lycra.

---

164
8.25 hrs
Full Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pushups and pullups
20 minutes recovery
600 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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REAL POWER MAKING IS MADE WITH...

REAL POWER MAKING IS MADE WITH...

Sep 17, 2023 TODD BROWN

AS I DIVE DEEPER into power meter training I'm noticing a piece of data I haven't paid attention to for years.  I figured my cadence is about 85-90...

... and didn't care much about it.

All that has changed.

Because now I have a data point,
and the accompanying insight.

The higher my cadence, the better my power.

It makes sense, 
and I'll prove my case in a moment.

First, here's my discovery.

When putting out a certain amount of power, say 250 watts.  It is much easier around 98-104 RPMs.  My heart rate is lower, too.

I never would have figured this out with out watching my power and my rpms.

Is this true for everybody?
I don't know, but consider this...

... how much faster can you sprint when your cadence is high vs low?

Is that proof?
I think it is.

Here's a thing that bugs me...

... Greg LeMond poopooing the modern generation's high cadence riding.

We never rode like that, they must be on something.

Yeah Greg, they have learned way more about their bodies because they have massive amounts of data unavailable 40+ years ago.

Which brings up the Todcast I did with Tom Danielson.

Tom, I'm guessing you learn all kinds of cutting-edge training when you join a big pro team.

Not really, the teams don't really offer all that much in terms of training.  Each racer has to have their own coach and program.

What does that mean for us enthusiasts?

Same thing as always...

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

... to figure it out.

Read the books,
watch the videos,
hire the top coaches,
join the groups and forums.

The next step in this RPM breakthrough is setting up the perfect gearing so I can be in my sweetspot all the time.

Stay tuned, 
I definitely have something I'm going to be working on.

---

163.4
8ish hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
REMCO IS A BAD ACTOR

REMCO IS A BAD ACTOR

Sep 16, 2023 TODD BROWN

THE BIGGEST WEAKNESS REMCO HAS is that it has all come so fast, and so easy.   He goes from teenage soccer phenom, to pro cyclist in a season...

... and punking the best in the world in short order.

But, he missed something grand today even though he unwittingly set it up perfectly a few days prior.

He should have won another stage win,
after another day dragging a bunch of riders around the course.

He's won twice at this year's Vuelta doing just that,
dropping everybody and soloing in.

He also lost twice,
pulling too much and paying for it.

So, everybody knows he's a beast,
they also know he can over do it and be beaten.

Which brings up the acting,
something he's never had to do because he's so darn good.

IMHO, today was a day to bring out the acting skills.

For mortals and pros,
acting is just another skill in our quiver.

Think of the great Mohammed Ali's 
rope-a-dop.

Our version...

I'd pull if I could...
Oh, I'm cramping...
Sorry guys, I'm gassed...

All of that can be communicated...

verbally
facial expressions
and the all power body language

... it's easy,
should be practiced
and used judiciously.

Unfortunately, Remco is probably still too proud,
overconfident.

I can't blame him.

But, that's what I woulda done.

---

162.8
8.2 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Todcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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TIME FOR SECRET TRAINING

TIME FOR SECRET TRAINING

Sep 15, 2023 TODD BROWN

I LIKE THE IDEA OF SECRET TRAINING.  A lot.  Like Rocky pounding sides of beef in a giant meat freezer, doing the training solo...

... the weird stuff few are willing to do.

If you have 3 things...

... It's romantic,
and can lead to massive performance gains.

First.

A chip on your shoulder,
considered a chump,
not a champ.

Second.

A shot at the title,
at setting things right,
knocking out the feared competitor.

Third.

Hope.

That's the magic formula:

  • A chip on the shoulder
  • A shot at the title
  • And, hope.

 But, who has that?

Sure, maybe a wish to wreak revenge on some rando racer can be conjured up.  Given enough time, we can all gain some hope...

... but a title?

So, how do we do it?
How do we tap into that 3-step formula to being insanely ready to Rip On RaceDay?

Here's my plan.

I'm going to shoot for PRing a local climb.  It's a big one, and takes me just over an hour...

... can I crack an hour?

Most of the fast guys around here can go, or have gone, sub-60 minutes...

... that's the chip on my shoulder.

Setting the PR would be beyond epic...

... that's the title I want.

Knowing I'm about to start doing the weird stuff, like actually using a power meter in my training...

... that's the hope.

Oh, there's one more thing...

... a date.

I'm shooting for late February, right before my A races.

This Week's Featured Product

This is absolutely my favorite water bottle.
  • Doesn't leak
  • Surprisingly light
  • Massive flow when squeezed

$12 for 2 bottles, 
free shipping,
click here.

---

162.2
8.2 hrs
Pull Ups Push Ups Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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FAILURE TURNS ME ON

FAILURE TURNS ME ON

Sep 14, 2023 TODD BROWN

IF WE HADN'T ALREADY FAILED TWICE LAST YEAR, I wouldn't be nearly as fired up as I am about next month's adventure.  Will we fail again...

... is it just an impossible ride?

Should you do it?

No.  
It's way too hard, way too long.  

You probably wouldn't make it.

You think you can ride 130 miles in a day...

... over mixed surfaces?

15000+ feet of climbing should shock you into reality...

... the final 2000' up a steep and sandy jeep trail.

Seems doable still?

What about a narrow ribbon of single track cut into the side of a cliff?

Leaving in the dark is easy,
does finishing after dark freak you out?

How will you carry all the food and water needed between only 2 stops?

Where are you going to find someone crazy enough to do it with you?  

You'll definitely want, and probably need a buddy.  We leave on time, and we don't wait.

Are you good at navigating unknown territory?

Can you fix a likely broken bike?

Still in?

Well, don't say I didn't warn you! 

We are a month out.

October 14, 2023

Starting at the shoreline of Dana Point... 

... riding on paved roads, gravel roads, degraded and abandoned roads, miles and miles of paved bike trail, a good chunk of single track...

... finishing in the mountains at Big Bear.

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

 

 

 

---

162.8
8 hrs
Pull Ups Push Ups Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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DROP ANCHOR OR DROP BALLAST?

DROP ANCHOR OR DROP BALLAST?

Sep 13, 2023 TODD BROWN

IT'S AN UPHILL BATTLE.  Somewhere up ahead is the finish line, in the mist and the clouds.  I'm so close to smashing my PR...

... the legs and lungs are burrrrrrrning!

I've done this climb many times.

9 miles up.
3300' of elevation gain

There is only one choice to make...

  • drop anchor, and quit trying
  • drop ballast, and get better

... and it's not an easy decision to make.

Because, the goal has haunted me for years.

To break 1 hour,
up.

To break 1.5 hours,
up and down.

Which begs the questions...

  • What is holding me back?
  • What can I eliminate?

... there is always something we can ditch to go further, 
faster.

---

162.8
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + Push Ups Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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... FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.

... FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.

Sep 12, 2023 TODD BROWN

I HAD AN EXCITING CALL TODAY.  A first-timer, who had just completed his longest ride ever, The MS Ride.  He'd done 30 miles...

... and was already looking forward to next year.

What could I tell this oakley-eyed young buck?

I could quote a wise man who spoke the truth about how to be a successful rider and racer.

So I will.

But, before I share the quote let's give it some context because this enlightened being first laid out all the do's and don'ts for his followers on a mountain top...

... commandments, if you will.

Thou shalt:

  • Ride hard twice a week, easy the rest of days
  • Eat whole foods
  • Lift heavy weights daily
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Do 1-legged drills
  • Weigh in every morning
  • Read wisdom daily
  • Journal daily
  • Drink enough

Thou shalt avoid:

  • Bonking
  • Alcohol
  • Bread
  • Soda
  • Sugar

What the teacher was laying out for the wouldbe racers was how to build a strong foundation, on rock vs sand.

He summed it all up with this...

Wide is the road which leads to destruction and narrow is the way which leads to PRs and Podiums.

Few understood the advice, or heeded the commandments.

Instead, they did their own thing.

  • Trained as hard as they wanted, whenever they wanted
  • Ate good some days, cheated the diet like mad other days
  • Had good lungs, but zero strength and weak bones
  • Lived in a sleep-deprived fog and poor recovery haze
  • Pedaled in squares
  • Continually expanded their spandex
  • Atrophied their brains and spirits with social media
  • Failed to explore their inner genius
  • Were constantly dehydrated 

We can wander the broad roads...

... or we can take the sage advice of the narrow path...

... they take the same amount of time
and render dramatically different results.

---

162.8
6.5 (back to morning rides, gonna be painful transistion)
Push Ups Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

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... KNOW WHEN TO FOLD 'EM

... KNOW WHEN TO FOLD 'EM

Sep 11, 2023 TODD BROWN

IT WAS AN 'A' RACE.  I'd planned it for months, years actually.  Racing Marathon Nats was, and still is, something I've always wanted to do...

... then why was I depressed?

From the moment I paid for the AirBNB and race registration, a dark cloud blocked my normally sunny disposition.

Something wasn't right,
and I knew it.

Once I made the decision to cancel,
the cloud lifted.

Why?
Because I was forcing it. (see below)

Truth be told,
the timing was not good,
the travel and time away daunting.

On top of that, there are other pressing issues that are significantly more important in my personal life that I want to care for.

Was I afraid to race Tinker Juarez and the rest of the ageless studs who line up?
Were the challenges of racing over roots and ruts vs rocks and dust too much?
Did the prospect of not overcoming a cold in time concern me?

Heck no!
I love that stuff.
Give me the best, most difficult...

... so I can be schooled!

So, what now?

It's early September,
a third of the year is left to play...

... and I'm in great shape.

Nothing is next.

The whole point of racing is...

... being in great shape, for life.

---

A note about Forcing It.  One of my many grandfathers (bonus of divorced parents) taught me something.  He was a gentle and kind human, who was also a lion in business.

The crescent wrench I was cranking on had slipped and started to strip a bolt.

Todd, don't force it.

But, I want it off (my bike wheel).

Well, step back.  Get the right tool.  Be smooth and gradual with your effort, and the bolt should loosen right up... might need a little WD-40.

---

163
7.5
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
THE RACER WE FEED

THE RACER WE FEED

Sep 10, 2023 TODD BROWN

THERE IS A BATTLE GOING ON INSIDE OF ME.  A terrible fight between two racers.  One is evil and weak and lazy, one is good and strong and determined.  My grandson asked me who will win...

... The one I feed.

Is this true...?

The battle, yes.
The convo, not yet.

On the surface, I could tell you how this weekend I skipped the cookies, muffins, ice cream, and most of the chips.  That's easy, because...

... I don't crave that junk any more.

I wasn't surprised to jump on the scale tonight and see things are where they should be, even after a funfilled 3 days with the whole family.

Which isn't really the point of my ripped off version of the Cherokee legend, about feeding the wolf.

The point is the racer we pay attention to will get stronger.

A long time ago,
over about a decade,
I'd packed on 30 lbs of blubber,
I was feeding an ex-racer who I hardly recognized.

When I decided it was time to course correct,
I cut out a picture of a favorite racer,
and pasted my head over his,
and taped to my mirror.

That simple act
was so powerful.

Everyday,
I'd see future me...

... and feed the good racer, accordingly.

    ---

    164ish
    7ish hrs
    No strength training
    20 minutes recovery
    30 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    HOW DO YOU HANDLE IT?

    HOW DO YOU HANDLE IT?

    Sep 09, 2023 TODD BROWN

    TODAY'S VUELTA STAGE WAS NUTS.  Remco make the break, and then goes off the front for hours.  Hours! Before...

    ... crying?

    Yesterday, he lost 30 minutes.
    He lost his chance to be a repeat winner...

    ... total humiliation.

    Some would have packed their bags,
    come up with a faux illness.

    Shift happens.
    Plans go completely awry.

    Remco's quote on twitter echoed my grandpappy's oft repeated advice...

    ... It's not the problem, it's how you handle it.

    Why did he cry at the finish?

    I can only guess...

    • the pain of the massive effort
    • the salvaging of the Vuelta by winning another stage

    ... but, I think it was really this.

    To know, he had it in him to ride nearly solo for hours and claim 8 minutes back on the leaders, while everyone else is getting shelled out the back...

    ... that would truly hurt.

    When tires are low,
    the headwind strong,
    and the plan totally fubar...

    ... we get up, 
    put our bibs on one leg at a time,
    and ride like the wind, till we are free again.

    Thanks for the reminder Remco,
    I needed that.

    ---

    164ish
    7ish hrs
    Push Ups, Squats 
    0 minutes recovery
    90 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    THE 3 WAYS TO RIDE  OUT OF A RUT

    THE 3 WAYS TO RIDE OUT OF A RUT

    Sep 08, 2023 TODD BROWN

    WHAT IS IT WITH RUTS?  Some say they are graves with the ends kicked out.  I'll tell ya this, when ripping some single track...

    ... a rut can put you on your lycra in not time.

    Which brings up today's ride.

    Surfergirl and I got up to Big Bear early, before the rest of the family.  

    After unloading, I shot out for a structured work out...

    ... at least that was the plan.

    But, then I found myself on Skyline a beautiful fast and flowy trail that traces the highest ridge between Big Bear and the greater LA Basin.

    Not a soul out there.
    Just me.

    Riding where I hadn't ridden for at least 5 years...

    ... the whole time I'm asking myself...

    ... Why aren't we up here once a month in when it's warm?

    Ruts,
    that's why.

    Here's how people try to ride out of ruts:

    • Ride in the rut and hope for the best
    • Trying to ride up the side and out
    • Bounce out

    For me, the best solution is to bounce out.  
    If I want to exit on the left side of the rut, I will steer into the right side...

    ... to bounce off it and out the left side.

    Which is what we are doing this weekend.
    Bouncing out of our rut,
    doing different.

    ---

    163.9
    7.5 ish hrs
    Pull Ups Push UPs Squats
    0 minutes recovery
    30 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    IT'S TRADITION, BUT IT KINDA STINKS

    IT'S TRADITION, BUT IT KINDA STINKS

    Sep 07, 2023 TODD BROWN

    ARE YOU WATCHING LA VUELTA A ESPANA?  The three bicycle race around Spain has an American in the lead, and I'm think thinking...

    ... it's just such a shame.

    Not that Sepp Kuss is leading.

    That's super cool.

    But, pro cycling kinda lags because there are only trade teams. 

    Not teams like we have in every other sport.

    Therefore, there are no mega-dynasties like the...

    • Yankees
    • Celtics
    • Patriots

    ... a team to root for year after year.

    Now, that would be cool.

    Right now, Sepp rides for the trade team Jumbo-Visma.

    A super team,
    born from Rabobank.

    The previous sponsor.

    It would just be so much cooler if these teams had decades and decades of history.

    It's way cooler for Michael Jordan to play all his years with Da' Bulls.
    To build a legacy there.
    The history,
    legacy.

    We can't change that now,
    probably never.

    But, we sure as heck can cheer for Sepp! 

    ---

    163.7
    7.5 ish hrs
    Pull Ups Push UPs Squats
    0 minutes recovery
    30 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    DEFLATION AND INFLATION

    DEFLATION AND INFLATION

    Sep 06, 2023 TODD BROWN

    THERE IS AN OLD JOKE, about how many Masters racers it takes to fix a flat tire.  And, no, it's not a joke about being old.  It has to do with being...

    ... something entirely different.

    On our ride yesterday, we experienced the rare flat.  

    It had been so long, we had to chip the rust off the old group protocol for when a flat happens.

    • Do we stop?
    • All of us?
    • Do we help?
    • How much?
    • Do we wait?
    • If so, how long?
    • Can we ride super slow?

    Concurrently, I was feeling quite flat yesterday...

    ... as well as the day before, and the day before that.

    It happens.

    From time to time, I get to deal with the old depression demon.  Feeling like there is no air in my life.

    Which brings me back to the joke.

    How many masters racers does it take to fix a flat?

    One, and the rest to watch and mock and laugh.

    At least that's how it feels when you're trying to be efficient and quickly change a flat and too proud to ask for help.

    The thing is,
    just having one friend
    do something as simple as...

    • hold your bike
    • fish out your tube or patch
    • check inside the tire for glass
    • get the pump or inflator ready to air up
    • take your wheel off and help put it back on

    ... makes all the difference in the world.

    Even if you don't want the help,
    want to show how proficient you are...

    ... It is best to receive and to give help graciously ...

    ... if you want to inflate things back and get going.

    ---

    163.9
    7.2ish hrs
    Full RaceDay circuit + short jog
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    SPY MOVES

    SPY MOVES

    Sep 05, 2023 TODD BROWN

    THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF BOOKS I ENJOY:  business, spy fiction, and wisdom literature.  Often, I'll read two or three simultaneously.  However, one of them is more...

    ... applicable to racing.

    For me, that's the spy novel.  

    They're all pretty much the same story...

    • Smart spy
    • Mission prep
    • Dangerous situation
    • Axe to grind with the enemy(s)
    • Things look really bad until the tables turn
    • Throw in some sort of romance for good measure

    ...  and I am a sucker for a good page turner.

    It's probably why I enjoy racing so much...

    • Register
    • Race prep
    • Gun goes off
    • Competitors self-identify
    • Things get rowdy as miles go by
    • A hill at the finish needs conquering
    • Throw in some sort of podium or PR for good measure

    ... it's always astonishing how time is palpably different when racing.

    It's all stats with Registration.

    The bigger the race,
    the more unsure the outcome,
    the more likely to be beaten into submission,
    the better the stories we can tell and the memories to last a lifetime.

    Are you planning an A race for the Fall,
    or already looking at next year?

    ---

    163.5
    7.5 hrs
    Full RaceDay circuit + short jog
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    WE DON'T SHARPEN THE SAW, WE...

    WE DON'T SHARPEN THE SAW, WE...

    Sep 04, 2023 TODD BROWN

    FROM WHAT I CAN TELL FROM THE COURSE MAP and satellite view, the upcoming A race needs some specific training.   No intervals, no huffinpuffin, no long climbs...

    ... something I haven't done enough of lately.

    Off I went,
    busting spider webs,
    enjoying the sun rise across the hills.

    I was in search of turns.

    Lot's of 'em.

    Sure, I've been riding off road a lot lately.  However, much of that has been on the gravel bike and...

    ... railing turns with flat bars requires a different approach.

    It is so easy to lose time in twistyturny single track.

    We'll be racing two 19 mile laps, with an infinite amount of turns.  Let's say there are 300 turns per lap.  If I lose a half a second per turn, that's 150 seconds...

    ... well over 2 minutes each lap.

    That's hard to make up.

    What if I gain 150 seconds/lap?

    Also, hard to make up...

    ... but not for me.

    Fortunately, there is a great playground not too far from home.

    Take a look.

    Here are a few of the tricks to taking the turns fast...

    • lean the bike early
    • get on the side lugs
    • play with tire pressure
    • play with suspension settings

    ... these little things add up.

    Because I was focused on the turns and riding at a low effort endurance pace, I also focused on my pedal stroke.

    For racing offroad, especially MTB racing, keep the power down throughout the pedal stroke is key to cleaning the steep, loose, and rocky sections.

    The great Stephen Covey, preached sharpening the saw before starting to cut.  

    For us, that means...

    ... sharpening the skills before starting to rip.

    ---

    This is my favorite MTB cornering video

    ---

    163.5
    7 hrs
    Quick RaceDay circuit
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    THE AWKWARD PRICE OF GETTING GOOD

    THE AWKWARD PRICE OF GETTING GOOD

    Sep 03, 2023 TODD BROWN

    HAVE YOU GOT A REPUTATION YET?  Have you put in enough time, spent enough cash, dedicated the energy to stand out?  Do friends and family introduce you as...

    ... Oh, this is the bike rider, triathlete, runner who...

    ... accomplished a feat they can't fathom doing, ever.

    Something we think of as easy, normal and a good sign of physical health...

    ... not a big deal, just fun and enjoyable.

    Or, maybe it's the evergreen question...

    Are you still riding, running, swimming?

    ... you'd think they'd know by now.

    But, here's the question I really have,

    Is it that we are out of balance?

    Because, when I look back on the last 20 years, I'm significantly more satisfied with other accomplishments...

    • We've raised a family
    • Become grandparents
    • Started a business from scratch
    • Built a following of 11,000+ readers
    • Taken care of aging parents
    • Devoted time teaching youth
    • Served those in need
    • Put on the last legit road race in the county

    ... yet, somehow I'm still that nut who likes to ride and race bikes.

    Which is exactly how I was introduced multiple times at a get together last night...

    ... awkward.

    ---

    164.5
    7.75 hrs
    No strength training
    20 minutes recovery
    180 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

     

    View Details
    THE TRAINING IS DONE, THE STRATEGY ISN'T

    THE TRAINING IS DONE, THE STRATEGY ISN'T

    Sep 02, 2023 TODD BROWN

    A FEW IN THE ALLIANCE ARE DOING LOTOJA next weekend.  The training is done, nothing to do now but taper, recover, travel, and...

    ... go over the strategy.

    Here's how I did it,
    and what I'd do different.

    At just over 200 miles,
    it is the longest sanctioned USAC race in the country.

    Fueling is the biggest issue.

    I'd have something solid for breakfast.  Back in 2017, I started my day off with a can of sardines and half a can of black beans.  Whatever you choose, I'd get some protein and fat in, along with calories.

    Because of the altitude, I would stick with a 1 bottle/hour strategy.  In that bottle, I've have 250-300 calories.  Plus, I would eat something solid for another 150 calories.  I'd stay away from gels, mainly because they don't do me right.

    That's 400 calories an hour.

    How to get the fuel in, and when.

    You'll want a disposable feed bag with supplies to get you from stop to stop...

    ... toss your bottles and trash, and grab you bag without stopping (assuming you have support).

    Beware.

    There are multiple sections at each feed zone.  Coordinate with your team, and be vigilant of knuckleheads coming in and out.  Stupid place to crash, and it will happen...

    ... but not to you!

    Load your bottles and pockets, toss bag responsibly.

    My team met me at Montpelier, Afton and Alpine.  I took neutral support at Wilson - liquid, I had food.

    Now for pacing.

    Ideally, you will never touch the front of the group until the finish line.

    That's the dream,
    it's not gonna happen.

    Here's how it will likely go down.

    Everyone will be all geeked up, and roll out fairly fast.  Nobody will be feeling pain, because they are all ready and rested.  Let the bunnies do their thing, stay in the top 15 riders...

    ... only go to the front if you are simply rolling through.

    Spend no time up there.
    Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies will do the work.

    The first climb around Preston, will hurt a bit...

    ... because bunnies still be fresh.

    Hang on, without killing yourself.
    You'll want to be drafting over to the start of the Strawberry climb.

    It's a long climb,
    not as hard as it looks on the map.

    Bunnies will blow,
    go your pace,
    push the top.

    The drop to Montpelier is fun and fast,
    you won't want to be alone and you
    won't want to wait for slow climbers.

    At this point, you pretty much know who you'll be riding with the rest of the day...

    ... except for one thing.

    Those who skip the early calories are gonna start to suffer.
    Not you!
    Right?

    With luck, you'll be with a good group,
    have a working pace line,
    and maybe a bunny.

    Let that bunny work.

    Clothing.

    The start can be cold. 

    Tubesocks with toes cut out for your arms,
    newspaper inside the jersey for chest,
    are likely all you need.

    Dispose of responsibly - Preston.

    Make sure your team is carrying rain and cold weather gear.  
    It's high altitude and things change fast,
    stay warm.

    The only thing I would do different,
    is familiarize myself with the competitors,
    and not foul up the finish like I did here: https://pedalindustries.com/blogs/feed/lotoja-mocha-choca-lata-yaya

    LoToJa is truly a oneofakind experience.
    Highly recommend.

    If you win this year, you'll be getting one of these RaceDay wallets... with a top secret code for a special RaceDay Bag™.

    • 400 calories an hour
    • Stay off the front
    • Know thy enemy

    ---

    163.8
    7 hrs
    PushUps, PullUps, Squats
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    EVERYBODY WANTS TO QUIT?!

    EVERYBODY WANTS TO QUIT?!

    Sep 01, 2023 TODD BROWN

    DOES THIS HAPPEN TO YOU?  It happens to me.  A race is getting close, training volume is up, schedule is crammed, body is tired...

    ... and I want to pull the plug.

    Happened just this week.

    Here I am 3 weeks out from my  A race,
    a bucket lister I've had for a longlong time,
    and I'm thinking about potentially pulling the plug.

    Why is that?

    Better question...

    ... How often are we close to achieving the dream and we quit?

    We're tired.
    Unsure of the outcome.
    Doubting we can pull it all together.

    Another better question...

    ... When and why and how do we push forward?

    Me.

    I thought of you,
    because I made a public declaration.

    I looked at my giant calendar,
    and saw the goal I'd written in red sharpie.

    I palmed my custom raceday wallet,
    considering all I'd put into making this happen.

    I met up with the Alliance on zoom,
    and the shame of even considering quitting gutted me.

    If you're like me...

    ... I need reminders, accountability and support.

    But, here's the thing. 

    It's normal to want to quit, have doubts, feel overwhelmed...

    ... which is why most people quit before,
    right before, the breakthrough.

    Don't be normal.
    Be true!

    ---

    163.9
    7.5 hrs
    PushUps, PullUps, Squats
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    DISTILLING THE MISSION

    DISTILLING THE MISSION

    Aug 31, 2023 TODD BROWN

    ABOUT 7 YEARS AGO, I started blogging daily.  Prior to that I wrote sporadically, for myself and made it into VeloNews and Competitor Magazine. I'd always ask myself when done...

    ... Does this make me want to ride my bike?

    If it didn't, 
    I junked it.

    Sometimes it would take me hours to write just a few paragraphs.

    I got better,
    faster.

    Our mission has been upgraded,
    refocussed.

    The question I now ask myself is...

    ... Does this make me want to be true and rip?

    I believe that being TRUE to what really matters
    should come first and then,
    we can  Rip On RaceDay.

    We have truing stands for our wheels because when they are out of round they are slow, and potential dangerous.

    In the stand, we can check the tension of each spoke.  Typically, one, or a few, have  become loose and need to be tightened up.  In the process, it's common to back the tension off as well.

    Sometimes we can find our life spokes out of tension.  

    We might neglect a relationship
    or skip the over life's spiritual and mystical elements
    or overtighten on chasing more stuff for our might empire.

    I've distilled for us,
    to this...

    ... Be True AND Rip!

    ---

    165
    6.5 hrs
    0 Strength
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    HIDDEN BONUS OF THE GROUP RIDE

    HIDDEN BONUS OF THE GROUP RIDE

    Aug 30, 2023 TODD BROWN

    WE HAVE A LONG STANDING TRADITION.  We don't wait for anyone, ever. If the ride starts at 630, few are there much earlier...

    ... no one is there at 6:30:01.

    It's called respect.

    Here's the bonus.

    Knowing we are leaving on time, is a fantastic opportunity to practice race day.

    • Prep
    • Warm up
    • Get to start

    Which is great when things are normal.

    But, shift happens.
    Kids keep us up,
    work is busy,
    traffic.

    More often than we'd like, 
    we are riding late...

    • Prep
    • No warm up
    • Race to the start

    ... just like how many races commence.

    We aren't doing ourselves any favors, 
    if we aren't prepared for the races,
    which are full gas,
    out the gate.

    Sometimes, it's just good to throw the clothes on, grab the bottles, shove the glasses and helmet into place...

    ... get out the door,
    pedal like heck.

    ---

    Many, nearly all, off road races I do - MTB and Gravel - have staging corrals.  It pays to get their early, to line up at the front.  Even if I warm up, I'm gonna be standing 15-30 minutes before the gun sounds.  I'm back and forth on if the warm up helps.

    ---

    166.1
    8 hrs
    1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
    60 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    WHAT SCARES MOST PEOPLE ABOUT RACING?

    WHAT SCARES MOST PEOPLE ABOUT RACING?

    Aug 29, 2023 TODD BROWN

    IT'S KINDA SAD WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT.  For every one person that signs up for a race, there are thousands of riders who don't sign up.  I think I know why...

    ... because they know.

    What do they know?

    A lot of things...

    • themselves
    • their abilities
    • their schedules

    ... which they claim precludes their participation.

    The truth is...

    ... racing is hard.

    But, they know the real challenge isn't their desire, ability or schedule.

    In fact, signing up is the easy part...

    ... finishing is what scares the shift out of them.

    We are different, 
    completing what we start,
    seeing it all the way through...

    • planning
    • training
    • packing
    • travel
    • warming up
    • jockeying for position
    • and pushing hard till we cross the line.

    ... we are finishers.

    ---

    I was going to leave it there, however it's worth asking the question...

    ... How can we encourage more people to have an A race?

    ---

    165.6
    7.75 hrs
    1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

     

    View Details
    ONLY MY DIRECT COMPETITORS SHOULD DO THIS

    ONLY MY DIRECT COMPETITORS SHOULD DO THIS

    Aug 28, 2023 TODD BROWN

    AFTER 10 DAYS OF TRAVEL, I was looking forward to getting back into the routine.  You know, the one that separates the wannabees...

    ... from the gottabees.

    The Cowboy Strong stuff.

    When traveling,

    • push ups are easy to do
    • pull ups  if there is a local playground
    • squats are weakly replaced with air squats
    • and just plain for get doing the awesome nordics

    I warmed up with some light jogging,
    mixed with some side shuffles,
    and jumping jacks.

    Normal stuff.

    The sled felt great, even with the legs still a little tender.  Taking those big steps and pushing all the way through the ankle and foot was wonderful.

    Shoulder presses were a little shaky towards the end.  
    I really feel when I skip the upper body stuff.

    Squats.  Sometimes, after a break, I'll drop down some lbs.  Not today, and it was just fine.

    Then, the nordics.  I could feel the tension in my hammies.  Did my 5 full reps, but something didn't feel rightw.

    When I moved on to the box jump, and lowered myself to explode up...

    ... the right hammie was barking loud.

    Dang.
    Pulled muscle?
    I wasn't sure, so I didn't even attempt the box.

    The rest of the circuit was fine.

    During a light, very light, spin this evening everything felt fine.

    Still, it could have been a major set back...

    ... which is why I encourage all my direct competitors to skip the weights for months, then hit 'em hard...

    ... I need every advantage I can get.

    I'm just kiddin',
    be careful y'all.

    Lift daily,
    don't skip,
    if you do, take it easy the first few days...

    ... because we gottabee strong to Rip On RaceDay!

    ---

    165.1
    8 hrs
    1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    A FEW KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM BWR UT

    A FEW KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM BWR UT

    Aug 27, 2023 TODD BROWN

    THIS WAS MY SECOND BWR UT.  I'd intended to do AZ in Feb, but it lined up with Tucson Bicycle Classic.  I postponed to CA in Apr, but was too tired from Sea Otter...

    ... I wasn't intending to do UT.

    But, I read about all the new single track.
    Plus, the weather looked good.
    And, it was paid for.

    Did I get my money's worth?

    I lined up a lot earlier, so I had a shot at hanging with the lead pack.  To do this, get in the corral as soon as it opens, and be among the first 30 to get through the tunnel.

    Not easy.

    Once through the tunnel,
    the dust was up,
    rocks flying.

    The pros started to push the pace,
    I started sliding back.

    A gap opened,
    I didn't care.

    We formed a second group, which included the Floyd Landis himself and a few pro women.

    Racing across the gravel, we could still see the lead pack.

    For some reason, they slowed a bit when they hit the pavement again and we were able to latch on.

    Not only that, it was only mildly leg searing up the gentle drag before the left hand turn back onto gravel...

    ... and another 2 tunnels.

    This was chaotic.

    Everybody charging at 30+ to get to the tunnel first.
    Rookies locking up the brakes, 
    before the dark abyss.

    Now for the long straight, mostly smooth direct shot to the foothills west of town...

    ... where the rollers begin.

    I was so happy to be there.

    While everyone is still pumping adrenalin and trying to keep up...

    ... I drop anchor and go my pace.

    I have a plan.

    After the rollers is a some fast double track,
    with rocks and ruts and sand.

    Remembering my race a few years back, 
    I was sure I'd not only catch the stragglers,
    but, I'd make up a ton of time and positions.

    15-20 minutes later, we are through Aid 1 and I'm back with the Landis group and other strong riders...

    ... taking pulls and pushing hard.

    This was really nice.

    Roll through,
    roll off.

    The next section started with an abandoned trail to a raised cow gate.  I made sure I was second through there.

    We were gone.
    From 15 riders,
    down to about six.

    My watts were around 250,
    right at my ride all day limit.

    The next major feature of the course was the new single track.

    I love it.

    The first bit was fast and flowy,
    got held up a bit, 
    not too bad.

    Grabbed a water bottle,
    what I needed was a lot more calories.

    The next section was quite technical for gravel bikes.
    Moabstyle rock features with blue dots,
    wood bridges over sand.

    So fun.

    The 45mm Terra Speeds were working great,
    so was the 20mm of travel in the rear triangle.

    Passed a ton more guys.

    Onto the pavement back to town, I connected with one other rider from DC. 

    We were working well together,
    we thought.

    Then, two caught us from behind and were going so fast we almost didn't catch.

    Here's the thing about BWR...

    If you are a good descender 
    and good bike handler
    you make up time.

    When the strong roadies get back on the road, 
    they will reel you in.

    Jump on.

    Eventually, we got popped.

    The big dude, who won 45+, was just too strong.
    First to go was DC,
    I was next,
    then blue.

    There was one more rough dirt section.

    As I rolled onto the pavement I could see blue.

    I tried to go by too fast for him to catch.

    No luck, he caught on after a half a mile or so.

    We swapped leading.

    No one behind,
    or in front.

    My last race on this course, I got turned around and lost a 3-up sprint.

    Not this time,
    first up the curb onto the grass wins every time.

    Here's what I know about the BWR UT:

    • Get to the first tunnel up front
    • The other tunnels, pray for the riders ahead to make it through
    • The major, big group drafting is over at the rollers, settle in.
    • Work on your descending and technical skills.
    • Run the big tires, lowest pressure you dare (28 and 30 for me).
    • For the Wafer, a hydration pack and 2 full bottles would be ideal.

    About that nutrition.

    Because the promoter is handing up pure water, no electrolytes, I believe it's probably best to carry enough liquid, laced with massive amounts of sugar and salt, to make it the entire distance.

    I found it hard to eat during the last 90 minutes, which I needed to do since the bottles only had water.  I tried, but it was just too fast and challenging to do easily.  

    Also, sometimes the heat and altitude mess with me.  My breathing gets shallow, and not even drinking is appealing.

    Which lead to the awful precramping feeling.

    Fortunately, I had about 15 salt tablets on me and was munching them down like candy.

    From that list above, I'd say the two biggest things I saw cost people time were...

    ... weak handling skills, and dehydration.

    This kind of racing is a blast.
    All the savviness of surfing a surging peloton,
    with the romping, skidding and sliding of MTB riding.

    For that reason, I believe the winners represent the most complete riders.

    ---

    162.4
    9 hrs
    No strength work
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    THE TRUTH AND THE RIP OF RACEDAY

    THE TRUTH AND THE RIP OF RACEDAY

    Aug 26, 2023 TODD BROWN

    HOW DO WE SCORE A RACE?  At BWR, they have this massive wall of live results.  It is easy to see how everybody finished...

    ... but, how did we really do?

    Per the board, I had an insanely good day.

    10th over all in the Wafer, and won my age group.

    That's the truth of the matter,
    or, the Truth Score.

    The question I have for myself,
    that all of us have for ourselves is...

    ... did we Rip?

    Bare with me, I'm still working through this.

    The Rip score is based on did we do all we could do,
    and it's a lot more than did I ride as hard as I could.

    Generally, that's a given

    What I'm more curious about is,
    Did we take care of everything so we could do our absolute best?

    I scored my ride today a B+.

    In the plus column:

    Bike prep
    Work squared away
    Family on board
    Race weight 
    Body ready, given it was a big training week
    Objectives met
    Made new friends
    Cleaned all of the techy singletrack

    In the minus column:

    Poor choice of accommodations and poor sleep, no a/c
    Poor nutrition last 90 minutes of race

    I'm gong to dial this in during the coming weeks, and put some numbers to the metrics that matter most.

    It's too easy to let the results determine how we think and feel about the outcome, when often they reflect very little of our accomplishments.

    A good example is my pal Matt.

    Normally, he does the full distance at BWR.  This year he'd opted for the shorter Wafer, and was thrilled with his finish...

    ... because he finished strong after knee replacement.

    Or, my friend Andrew.

    I don't what his expectations were,
    but it was clear as the skies were blue,
    his wife enjoyed the day and he was happy she was there.

    Or, Jessica who introduced herself to me.

    She had caught all the way up to first place and was making the other girl struggle to hang on...

    ... only to get dropped on the final dirt section.

    Why was that a win?

    It was her first gravel race,
    and she is excited about learning
    new skills required to ride fast off road.

    As far as I'm concerned, 
    those three racers,
    ripped it up!

    Tomorrow I'll be able to share some of the key take aways from today's race.

    It's good to be home.

    ---

    163ish
    6.5 hrs
    No strength work
    0 minutes recovery
    30 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

     

    View Details
    MY BWR PREP

    MY BWR PREP

    Aug 25, 2023 TODD BROWN

    AS FAR AS PREP GOES FOR TOMORROW'S RACE, I'd have to say I'm doing pretty good.  Some things could be better...

    ... but the requisite goofy mustache is on point.

    The rest, well...

    • I got here late, only to be that guy who thought he registered but didn't.
    • My taper was not the best - 10 hours and 10,000' of climbing this week.
    • My tires - yeah, i'm stoked to see how the 45s romp off road
    • Nutrition - just prepping bottles and food, 100 grams carbs/hr
    • Helmet - opting for the slightly more aero Protone
    • Kit - the new Among The Wolves design and updated pattern, etc
    • Sleep - lastnights storm was like a rock concert in the van - not enough
    • Work - worked too much today, not enough rest 
    • Friends - got lots of 'em here, can't wait to rub elbows.
    • Waffles - the legendary pre-ride carbs are on my mind already.

    What does all that mean?

    It's been a heckuva week...

    ... tomorrow will perfectly top it off.

    Good luck y'all!

    ---

    163ish
    7 hrs
    No strength work
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details
    THERE ARE NO DNF'S IN THIS RACE

    THERE ARE NO DNF'S IN THIS RACE

    Aug 24, 2023 TODD BROWN

    EVERY RACE HAS RIDERS that DNF, DNS and DQ.  It's inevitable.  In fact, just last Saturday I saw a rider get DQ'd.  And, you know what?... 

    ... I wasn't the least bit sad he was disqualified.

    Here's why.

    At the Brian Head Odyssey the hand you a finishing card with your place and time on it.

    Since I'd been keep track of who was around me when we started, and pretty darn sure of where I stood with my age group...

    ... I was somewhat shocked to see I'd finished 2nd.

    For those of you keeping score at home, you already know I own the largest collection of 2nd place finishes in the world.

    So, I wasn't shocked, shocked.

    Just shocked that someone had passed me.

    It seemed impossible.

    But, then I got to thinking of the time I spent hunting down Benadryl at Aid 2; and a pump at Aid 3.

    So, maybe.

    But, it was 2nd by only a minute after nearly 6 hours of racing.

    I'll be honest, it bugged me...

    ... not a little.

    As we're about to get the podium he realizes he must have cut the course...

    I might have cut the course?

    Hmmm, well, I don't remember you passing me.

    Yeah, I'm not sure.

    Did you check your mileage?

    40 miles.

    Well, it is a 48 mile race and I did recored 47.9 miles.

    But, that's not the point.

    The point is that there are always racers who Did Not Finish, Did Not Start and DisQualified...

    ... except in one race.

    I took lunch to a friend today.

    He's recovering from surgery,
    there have been complications,
    jerk of a doctor told him he'll never ride again...

    ... terrible thing to say to an athlete.

    And, I'd never bet against this total stud.

    Then, I met another friend who let me know he'd just found out he has cancer...

    ... probably not a big deal, but might be a big deal.

    Wouldn't bet against him either.

    The world is so much better with these to pals o' mine.

    Which brings up my point.

    We will all finish the grandest race of all...

    ... none of us knows how far out our finish line is.

    Race hard,
    Do good,
    Every
    Day.

    ---

    163ish
    7.5 hrs
    Push Ups
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

     

    View Details
    THE PERFECT PLACE FOR BIKE RIDING

    THE PERFECT PLACE FOR BIKE RIDING

    Aug 23, 2023 TODD BROWN

    THERE WAS AN ARTICLE THAT CLAIMED the best trail is the one you ride the most because it has the most memories.  I think that's mostly true...

    ... but, where is the best city?

    For mountain biking, I still really love Park City, UT.

    Today, for instance, we rode from town.  
    70% of the single track we rode
    had been put in during
    the last 2 summers.

    This town is committed.

    The thing I like about the riding up here is the lush vegetation and the many areas of dark, moist hero dirt.

    Deer Valley is pioneered it all 20+ years ago,
    The other resorts have all since joined,
    running lifts all summer long.

    For road, I'd have to say the best road riding I ever did was in France.  
    Long beautiful climbs, with recognizable names
    and polite drivers.

    For gravel, I have no idea yet.
    But, in my dreams there are endless roads with no cars
    connected by smooth, flowy single track,
    with tall, giant trees,
    and little dust.

    If you've got a favorite, let us all know.

    ---

    163ish
    7.5 hrs
    Push Ups
    20 minutes recovery
    60 minutes reading + Journaling 

    Podcast:

     

    https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

    https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

    https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

    https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

    View Details