THERE IS ONE THING I LIKE ABOUT THE SMALL RING...  TBH, I generally work my @$$ off every day.  Up early getting my studies in, work all day, get in a ride of some sort, write this blog, hit the hay.

If it weren't for the small ring, I'm not sure I'd have any friends at all...

... because that's when I talk with my friends the most.

Could be anything.

Tonight I chatted with Mark about the Tour, Will about trying to ride easy then winding up in the break, Eric about Saturday's ride plans, Matt about his wife spending thousands at the shop, young Jack about how to ride in the group...

... and that's just what I can remember.

None of it's important, yet I think I'd die with out those conversations and friendships.

God bless the small ring.

Now back to that behind of mine...

... Craig came in today to try on some bibs before placing his team order.  Like all first timers he had a lot of questions.  Which I answered quite simply with...

 ... Try 'em on...

Which always leads to the next question...

... Why do these feel so nice?...

Which I always answer with...

... We work real hard on our fit and our pad placement, and we import the best Italian fabrics... but you're going to love 'em even more once you ride in 'em...

Which brings me back to the small ring...

... when you're just riding along with your pals and talking about nothing, ain't it great to have on a great fitting pair of bibs?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pro-bibs

I know our bib pics aren't typical, and I know we could do better telling our story online, and we would if we weren't spending every free moment making the best product we know how to make.

But, just look at the joy in this pic to get an idea of what I'm talking about.

And if you're buns are in need of something more awesome get yourself some new bibs.

Use promo code:  SAVE10.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pro-bibs

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
6.8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE FIRST TIME I WAS DROPPED WAS THE WORST.  It was like my soul had been ripped out.  I wasn't out of breath, I was out of life.  How would I ever get over the...

... heartache of being dropped by the lovely and beautiful Tracy, receiver of my first real kiss?

The second scarring drop was by the great Matt Ohran.

I was much more mature at this point, a college man.  He was a young high school punk.

I was on my first road bike.  He was on his third or fourth.

I was taller.  He was...

... a helluvalot stronger and just road away from me up Provo canyon.

Funny thing is, getting dropped still stinketh.  Still hurts...

... and that's what makes it so damn enjoyable.

Because it's soulsucking and humbling and occasionally even enraging it motivates the crud outta me.  Makes me want to be a better athlete.  Eat better.  Rest better.  I'd say love better, too... but this is a family show.

So, what does getting dropped mean?

It means I suck, and I can and will do better.

One thing that's good to have in your jersey pocket, in the event of being dropped miles from home is a few bucks.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet

It's made outta innertube, which is surprisingly grippy on jersey fabric... meaning there is no way this is going to fall out of your jersey.

Less than $20, ships FREE.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet 

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll

https://www.strava.com/activities/4104274848

OKAY, I FINALLY GET IT.  I can see how one could easily purchase a top o' the line gravel bike and be set.  I know I'm not exactly breaking new ground here... but I am for myself.  And after today, I'm darn tempted to do it.

 It was a pretty good test.

I rolled to our local group ride on my new gravel bike, with Pirelli 40s on it and 50lbs of pressure.  This is a very nice bike, but it's 2 tiers down from the flagship bike.  So, it could be lighter... a lot lighter if I had a second set of lightweight road wheels.

Anyway, I hung on pretty good except on the steepest, longest climb.

This is same set up that with 32lbs of pressure allows me to ride all the dirt roads and really enjoy good chunk of the single track.

It's definitely a Jackofalltrades bike, and a true master of fun.

Will I really cut the quiver down to 1 bike?

Nah.

But, it's a real option... and would make life pretty simple.

Speaking of keeping it simple, some people join the PEDALposse for that very reason.: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
6.8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4097329990

IS THERE A GOOFIER WORD, HARDER TO SPELL FOR A 'MERICANS THAN DERAILLEUR?  How the heck has that word survived so long in its funked up french form?  No matter. 'Cept that when I went to spell it today it reminded me of derailled rookie RaceDays.

Friends... there are things rookies do that ya just can't 'xplain.  And we try and ignore 'em and pretend we never did 'em.

But we did.

Fer sher.

The one that just kills me is watching RookieRacer put in all that time training, spend all that coin on a nice rig, getting the team race clothes, traveling to the big race and it all goes kapoof because they didn't tend to prepping their bike.

"Suddenly" their bike...

won't shift
won't stop
has a flat
has a wobbly wheel
grips spin on the bars
saddle falls off

... oh, it's endless, and it could all be avoided with a simple RaceTune.

Of course many rookies know this but wait until the day before their race do the RaceTune only to find out...

the mechanic is too busy
the parts are out of stock
the work was done but no time to test it and find out it's still not fixed

... so sad, and avoidable.

Here's how to do it proper.

Get your RaceTune ten days before, including any new parts.  That way you have time to test the mechanic's work, test the new parts, test the set up.  Leave yourself time.

The day before the big race is when you'll do a little detail work.  Make your bike pretty.  Do the final lubing.  

What's a RaceTune include?

Bike wash
Overall wear inspection - Brakes, tires, cables, etc
Drive train detail and lube - ultrasonic chain clean, pulleys and cassette degrease
Check bottom bracket
|Tubeless tire inspection/refill
Wheel truing
Brake and derailleur adjustments
Safety check – bolt tightening

In other words, your bike is going to be ready to slay the day!

What's it cost?

We charge $99.99, unless you're part of the PEDALposse.

Check it out https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

164.2 lbs
PushUps and PullUps
7.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4093907049

THE LAST TWO DAYS OF LAST WEEK WERE REMARKABLE.  I've tried to pin down the difference, and I think it's this.  I rode my bike to work.  It's a short ride, no more than 15 minutes.  But, I think it made all the difference.

Can't really explain it.

Or put into words.

All I can tell you is, it's wonderful to go for a quick spin before you dig in.

Even if you're working from home.

I'm not talking about a training ride.

I'm talking about a fun ride.

Maybe a little curb jumping.  Some skidding.  That kinda thing.

What does that have to do with racing?

Well... you know... happy workers are productive workers and productive workers have more time for racing...

... more proof that every day really is RaceDay™.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat

Use promo code: RIDETOWORK..

... and save $10 on this hat... use before Wednesday.

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.8 lbs
StretchNRoll
8 hours sleep 
rest day

THE FIRST TIME MATT BROGHT HIS GIRL ON ONE OF OUR RIDES, I was glad we weren't in a hurry.  We went over to Laguna.  Somehow the trail I suggested as kinda technical had turned a lot gnarlier than I remembered.  Like all you could do was just skid and hope for the best or walk.  

She walked.

A lot.

But, as they say, that was then and today was now.

6 months later.

Start with her leading us up the first climb.  Well, I've gotten used to that.  She's significantly faster now... with plenty of crowns to prove it.

Then, I suggest we try out a new trail. Matt said he rode it a long time ago and it's kinda steep.  I'm stoked because I want to test out my new dropper post on my new bike.

The trail turns out to have a number of very steep drops with ruts down the middle that you either have to skid and hope or walk.

Guess who rode it like a boss?

Yeah, the girl... mom of 3, 4 if you include Matt.

A lot of people have taken up bike riding in the last 6 months, and they're a lot better through dedication and practice and keeping it fun.  Most of it because someone in their life took the time to show them how to ride.

But, you ask... How does one ride sillysteep drops with ruts?

Well, it's really quite simple.

Relax, let the bike roll and stay focused on the ridable parts of the trail. 

The body follows the head, the eyes lead the way.

Look were you want to go...

... and ride your bike often.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

It's always good advice.

And, I know if you're anything like me you're encouraging your family and friends to get out and ride.  Get control of their health.  Have a ton of dawgawn fun.

Less than $20, free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4084136566

I TEND TO GET SENTIMENTAL ABOUT MY BICYCLES... they are like mistresses... after epic adventures, training miles, and the occasional win of some sort... awww, so hard to let go.

Take Sparky.

Purchased nigh 18 months ago for the single purpose of PRing Leadville.

Requirements:

Very, very light.
Kicka$$ handling to fly down the mountains.
Complete lock out for the long steady and sometimes paved climbs.

I wasn't taking any chances and after doing my research the Scott Spark was the top choice.

How light?
22ish lbs.

How good is the handling?

On the Powerline downhill I recorded the 2nd fastest time ever in my age group, and fastest time of 2019 in my age group.
On the Columbine downhill I recorded the 3rd fastest time ever in my age group on, fastest time of Leadville 2019 in my age group.

How important was that full lock out?

PR'd these climbs:

St. Kevins
Sugarloaf Outbound
Columbine
... and 47 seconds of my PR on Powerline (over 40 minutes long) 

But I expected all that because I'd had a very similar result at the Tahoe 100 where I got the V.

So... when it came time to put Sparky up for sale today it wasn't easy.  Such a fast, fast bike helped me accomplish my big goal of last year.

Yes, I trained hard.  Yes, I dropped 10lbs.  Yes, I did everything I could think of to get that PR...

... Yes, Sparky is fast and looking for a new home. 

Along with these upgrades:

Power2Max powermeter
Roval CLX MTB wheels - ceramic bearings.
Gripshift 
Carbon power saddle

Just replaced brake pads and grips

Size Large.

Price $4500.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/scott-spark-900-world-cup-2019

More photos here: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/scott-spark-900-world-cup-2019

I didn't ride it much after Leadville... here's the Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/bikes/5713280

PEDALposse, hit me up for special pricing.

Oh, and that PR? Yeah, 8:15.

Still thinking about it?... here are the PRs: https://www.strava.com/activities/2608099538

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4079905432

YOU KNOW WHY BIKE RACERS DON'T MIND GETTING OLDER?  It's not that they generally look younger than their peers.  Nor that they feel great.  No, it's something only a bike racer understands...

... every 5 years we age up.

The first time a racer ages into the masters group and thinks Well, this will be easy...

... it's a big slap in the helmet, as the youngish master racers are so fast they generally kick the snot out the new kids aging in.

And after figuring out these cats are pretty fast, and finding one's way, well ya start to get the hang of things.  Maybe get a couple of wins,  Have some success.  And as one gets to the upper end of the 5 year group and starts to slow a tad, well...

... Golly, I'm gonna be aging up next year! We say with a grin.  I'll be sticking it to those old guys in no time.

And so the racer rides through life getting a reset every 5 years.  It's a heckuva nice thing when ya think about it.

Anyway, this guy pops in who I figure is about my age.  And we're chatting.  He's seen our kits around town and saw the sign and wanted to get a kit.  I'm thrilled, of course - we barely opened.  I ask him how old he is, thinking maybe we'll do some riding and racing together.

I'm gonna be 75.

75! I'm floored.

Yeah.  And next year I'll be aging up.  Can't wait to go to Nationals... plus, Worlds is going to be at Carson.

Well, how'd you do last year?

Pretty good, 2nd.

That's amazing.

Yeah, but nobody knew who I was.  They paired me with a guy and I wound up lapping him twice in a 2k race.  

I bet that through you off.

Yes it did.  The first time I came up on him on the second lap and thought I messed up the start.  Lost the race by .9 seconds.

Dang, that had to cost you several seconds.

Easy.

Well, who are you?

Oh, I was National Champion in '72.

I looked him up, Tom Sneddon was one of the first racers to compete in Europe in the early 70's.  On the ride tonight, one of the guys that knows Tom said he even beat the great Eddy Merckx once upon a time.

**Update below from Tom**

I have a feeling they'll all know Tom next year.

Would you like to know which kit Tom purchased?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-all-gray-kit

All gray... for people who smoke the competion.

I gave the locals discount... and I'll give it to the rest of ya's if ya order by end of day Sunday.  The code is LOCALS

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.8 lbs
StretchNRoll
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4074792675

THERE ARE 3 SKILLS ALL SUCCESSFUL RACERS MASTER, but one is by far the most important.

There's planning...

... starts with registering for the race and ends with crossing the finish line.  

There's avoiding mistakes...

... the more you race the more you develop your PEDALsense and consequently avoid mistakes.

But, the most important by far to keep moving...

... no matter how bad it hurts, no matter how bad things get, no matter what...

... keep moving!

Keep pedaling.  Keep eating.  Keep drinking.

I remember a really tough road race I did outside of Bakersfield.  It was just a vicious course.  Legendary.  It was my first time racing it.  I was dropped fairly early.  There was no way I was going to finish anywhere near the top 10.  I was already 40 guys down.

But, I kept pedaling and eating and drinking.

This isn't some comeback story at all.

It's a story of picking off one racer after another until I passed a former California State Champion, a guy who'd beat me like a drum for years.  Yes, he was having a bad day.

Did I podium?  No.

I wound up 18th or 12th or something, but it didn't matter.  I beat the champ, once.  That shiz gives ya confidence.  Ya can't buy that, but you can use it a lot in the future.

So many quit when it gets hard.

But not us.

Not me.

Not you.

That's ain't our way.  Ever.

We keep pedaling.  Always.  In everything we do.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162/8 lbs
StretchNRoll
7.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4071238181

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO AS GIVEN A LITTLE MORE AT THE TOP OF A CLIMB THIS WEEK?  I can't even say it's subconscious.  Like this morning, I pulled on one of my yellow jerseys...

... next thing I know I'm kicking hard up the last 100 meters of my local climb...

... imaginary fans screaming Allez, Allez, Allez!, Imaginary foes in awe, have no answers, Imaginary announcers can't contain themselves...

... Well Bob, The Ol' Diesel is living up to his name today.  Look at the determination, the metronomelike churning of his old pistons flattening the hopes of the youth...

... Phil, nobody saw this coming, the domination of the silverhaired beast!

I couldn't wait to upload, even though the Wahoo wasn't recording bpm.  I'd taken the gravel rig over to two of my local climbs and I was just sure I'd laid down fast times.  

I mean, I better.

New, lighter, faster, better bike on dirt climbs I typically hit on my MTB or my previous gravel bike named HVY MTL.

2 PRs.

You know what that is right?  It's proof advertising works.  I've been advertising to my mind great climbing feats for nearly 3 weeks now.  It's bound to rub off.  

It's also proof gravel bikes on dirt roads climb faster than mountain bikes.

Finally, it's proof I've dropped about 3 lbs in the last 5 weeks.

It matters.

Does wearing the yellow jersey matter?  Maybe if it's the lightest jersey on the market, made with fine Italian fabrics right here in CA.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

Check out how thin that fine mesh front is... it's weird too.  Super cool on hot, hot days yet surprisingly comfy when there's a chill in the air.  Maybe weird is the wrong word... magical would be better.

That's me modeling with my lopsided - buster off an 1" of my collarbone once - shoulders.

Anyway, you get the idea... our Speed jerseys are tres bien.

The matching bibs are smashing as well.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

Me again.  The bibs come in Regular and Tall.  In this pic I'm in the Regular cut.  I prefer that cut in the summers for the purely vain reason of better tan lines.  

Anyway, if ya like that kit... we call it Dia de los Muertos and if you order it now you can have it before Halloween.

Just don't tell anyone I told ya to use this promo code: Allez

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163 lbs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4063883113
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4066335559

IT TAKES A WHILE TO GET A FEEL FOR BIKEY THINGS.  How tight to turn a screw, How much tire pressure, How much drink mix, How much food...

... today I needed to twist my cleats a smidge.

The reason for such smidginess was to align them properly for yours Diesely.  I stand and walk like a duck, so heels in for me.  But, not too much... just a smidge.

Tomorrow, I will not be putting on a glob of PR Lotion.  The reason being that I'm still rehabbing my calf which I messed up by not slamming new cleats all the way back when I went from Speedplay to Durace.  I'm traditionally a slam'emback guy, and somehow missed this... rookie move, I know.

I'm gonna take it easy until I'm the smidging and slamming is muy comfy.

I guess I might put on a glob PR Lotion, because I'm sure the set up on other bike, the BMC-URS, is perfecto... yeah, I'm putting on a glob fo' sho'...

... and I'm not the only one, stage winners are too!  Did you see this one?

You can read the details below or just take my word for it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go

Buy 2 PR Lotions, get 1 Chamois Butt'r free when you use this promo code: GLOB

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go

By Nigel Mitchell, Cycling World Tour Nutritionist, Clinical and Olympic Dietitian

The basics of sports science are pretty much understood and there isn’t much that has come out in the last few years that has been a genuinely new concept.  What has changed is technologies have gotten better and our understanding of how to maximize concepts has improved. I believe sodium bicarbonate and PR Lotion is a perfect example. It’s not a new concept, but the route of delivery has changed now from oral to transdermal. 

When I first started in nutrition and was working in cycling back in the 1990s, we explored the use of sodium bicarbonate with some positive effects. But the risk of a negative reaction outweighed the potential benefits. So sports performance professionals stopped talking about it and using it. Now that a technology exists that can sidestep the negative side effects, it’s worth exploring because the science behind sodium bicarbonate supplementation is there. 

When you get to the professional level, most athletes have maximized their physiological performance and the opportunity for improvement is fractions of a percent. Therefore, podium finishes are the result of more than talent. They are the culmination of years of consistent training and fine-tuning recovery strategies needed to support it. Any tool that can improve one of those areas is important. 

Evaluation Process

I was first introduced to PR Lotion by Simon Clarke; he’s a very accomplished pro cyclist and a believer in oral sodium bicarbonate. He told me PR Lotion worked for him and that I should take a look into it, so I reached out to my external support network. It turns out that one of the researchers I contacted was already working on a project focused on PR Lotion and had positive things to say. 

In my own evaluation of any new product, there are 2 areas I always consider:

What is the scientific theory behind it? 
Oral sodium bicarbonate is well researched but the drawback has always been the GI distress. PR Lotion is an interesting alternative. By getting sodium bicarbonate into the body through the skin, PR Lotion makes a proven supplement available for use on a regular basis.  

What is the risk? 
When it comes to risk, I focus on the potential adverse health effects and how a product fits in with anti-doping policies. Amp Human has done the legwork to become certified Informed Choice and Informed Sport so that covers the regulatory and they are cleared by the FDA, so product safety is there. 

Knowing PR Lotion is a product that has solid theory and really low risk, I was comfortable bringing in our team doctor, Dr. Kevin Sprause. He has a great sports science understanding and I really value his insights and knowledge. We may not have been 100% sure about what to expect, but we had to explore what this could potentially do for our athletes. To be elite, to be cutting edge, you can’t always wait for the definitive science. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith.

Implementation

When introducing new products to my athletes, I’m always honest. The conversation is around the product, the potential benefits, the theory behind it, and the feedback I’ve gotten. Then ultimately it’s their choice. Athletes are usually willing to try something when there's no BS around it. 

When we started using PR Lotion at EF Pro Cycling, we began with a training session. When the sessions went well or the rider didn’t perceive any effect,  we then tested it out in a time trial training session. After those 2 sessions, we collected feedback that varied from “I’m not sure it did anything” to “I really like that stuff.” The key here is that there were ZERO negative side effects. No GI distress like with oral sodium bicarbonate. I wasn’t looking for massive changes immediately; sodium bicarbonate can be such a subtle thing and can have a bigger impact over time vs. immediate use, but no side effects confirmed there was now a safe and effective way to integrate bicarb as a performance aid to the team. After those trials, we saw significant enough improvements that we made PR Lotion part of the core routine to make sure it's available to those athletes that want to use it.

When it comes to routine, on race day, we work backward from the start time, pre-race meal, some recon work and look at applying PR Lotion 90 min before the start. Depending on the athlete, it gives them enough time to dress and start their warm-up 20-30 min before the race. In a training situation, we have the athletes apply the lotion before they head out on the ride. 

Benefits

There are a lot of questions around influencing muscle pH and how that may affect performance and recovery. When training or competing at or above the lactate threshold, the body produces more acid than it can process leading to a shift in pH. The higher acidity causes negative effects on muscle function and the biochemistry of the muscle so being able to alkalize the muscle to a preferred pH is something that's interesting. 

For the athlete, where intensity and volume are important (ie training sessions and competition), the threshold can be a limiting factor in performance. By using PR Lotion, we can deliver sodium bicarbonate to the body, in the hope of delaying reaching that threshold. In doing so, we may be able to get better performance. The other key here is in alkalizing the tissues, we may help the muscle return to neutral pH more quickly aiding in the recovery process to prepare for the next day. In pro cycling, athletes have to perform day after day after day in training and in competition.  Anything that can aid in that recovery should be looked at and evaluated.  

Take Away

The science behind the PR Lotion is still evolving but the feedback that we’ve gotten has been very positive. In my mind, the biggest benefits of PR Lotion are around recovery and how it supports training over time and in athletes that are competing multiple times over consecutive days. 

I know PR Lotion is used across multiple sports in the USA and abroad and we’re seeing better recovery so we’ve added it to the suite of things we're trying to get done. It’s about maximizing recovery in a simple package and PR Lotion is a brilliant tool to help do that.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go

Buy 2 PR Lotions, get 1 Chamois Butt'r free when you use this promo code: GLOB

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.2 lbs
30 PullUps 90 PushUps
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4061260006

THE CREAKY DOOR AT THE GENERAL STORE.  Dusty MTB shoes clunk across wood floor. 

Grab a coke.  Air is full of smoke. 

A heavyset lady rings me up, then chats me up.

I like your uniform.

Thank you.

Where'd you ride from?

San Clemente?...

I coulda just headed on out, but I stayed.  She was nice.  The store was slow.  Kinda dark.  I don't know if she was lonely.  Either way it was good.  To just talk.  About nothing.  Local lore, closed roads, the approaching Fall, and such. 

... you be careful out there.

Yes, ma'am.

I sat on the picnic bench a bit. 

Enjoyed my Coke, just like the ad promised.

Cars sped by on the country road.  Customers came and went.  Everybody in such a hurry to get somewhere other than where they were.

Not me. 

...

I get a lot of comments on this kit.  Some hate it, most love it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/military-camo

THERE'S A STORY BEHIND EVERY RACER.  Probably a hundred stories.  Stories of triumph and failure, training hard and winging it, riding together and going it alone.  Those are the ones we live to tell.

There are others that often go untold and unnoticed...

... and they make all the difference.

Right before I hit the hay last night, my good friend Emetski shot me a picture of his son's 2 RaceDay Bags™.

Apparently one race day bag isn’t enough for Lotoja. John requires two. I’m driving support for him tomorrow.

I wish I had something pithy to add, or some sappy remark... I got nothing.  Because I'm driving support for him tomorrow says it all.

Then I woke up to a message from my nephew, with a pic of his son's bike ready to race NICA.

Race day bag all ready to go for Goose!

The parents, spouses, siblings, children, friends... that giant network of love that supports us, that we support... they are the very best part any race, without them there is no story.

And sometimes they worry about us, and we worry about them.

Which is why I like to ride with blinkies day or night when I'm on the road... like these that flash front and sides.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/knog-lights

Use promo code: LOVE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/knog-lights

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973

THE STORY OF MY VERY BROKE FRIEND.  I say nearly broke, because he put his last $50 down on membership in the classiest country club in town.  His dream was to earn the respect of the community and own a spectacular home on the golf course.

I've returned to the private telling of that story to me many times during my ride through life...

... because he made it happen.

Rather than let his reality tailor his dreams, his dreams tailored his reality.

This isn't a time for an If it were easy everyone would do it conversation.  We already know that.  Nor is this any kind of a pep talk.  It's a simple question...

... who is the tailor of our future?

I suppose this is why I'm such a proponent of signing up for events as soon as possible.  Think of it as the price of membership in a very exclusive club.  A club where everything starts to align itself:  training, equipment, diet, etc... but, most importantly, the calendar.

Working backwards from RaceDay is magic. 

It's the dream, tailoring our reality.

Today, I plunked down my shekels for BWR CedarCity.  

It's going to be terrible.  Heinous.  Awful.  And I can't wait!

The next 35 days are going to be filled with a lot of gravel riding.  Upper body work.  All the things that will lead up to a wonderful day with 2000 of my closest friends.

It's a gravel ride/race, and I have a badass BMC gravel bike - https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

Of course, I'll be doing some mods on it.  Testing out tires and pressures.  Ya know... making it into a real rascal.

This is the best time of year to ride gravel.  If you're ready for an amazing rig, give us a shout.  Especially if you're in the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973

I WAS A LATE BLOOMER.  And, it sucked.  My friends were big and strong.  I was small and weak.  They were fast.  I was slow.  They starred in the ball and stick sports, I scratched and clawed to play on a terrible tennis team.

How bad was it?

Well, picture this.  You're 16, just got pulled over for looking too young.  Not a big deal.  This is a big deal...

... you're in the hot tub with your pals - your pals!!!! - and the popular ladies and someone noticed you got no armpit hair.

Yeah, that convo just went downhill... not as quick as my arms dropped to my sides.  I tried to make it stop, then "remembered" I had to be home by midnight.

I was so embarrassed... and I was really hacked off.  

Swore I'd never hang with them again.  Made all kinds of promises to myself.  Slunk around school the next couple of days.

Anyway, eventually I grew a pair.  And all was right in the universe...

... until I borrowed my roommates road bike.

It was that fateful when I went for an 8 mile - 8 miles! - bike ride.  No, actually it was the next day when I took it without asking and went 12 miles... Yeah, that was the day I fell all in love again with bicycles.

I was still a skinny kid, but that turned out to be a good thing.

Finally there was something I could be kinda good at.

But the best part, which I had no idea of at the time, is bike riding and racing is a lifelong sport... all those ball and stick sports eventually wind up really hurting people.  And they get on bikes to rehab.  And a lot of 'em figure out this bike riding and racing thing is pretty cool.

I talked to a number of customers this week who are really excited to go and ride their first century.

And they're asking me how quick can they get their RaceDay Bags™, and what else will the need, and I realize how dawgawn lucky I am to do what I love to do...

... to make products I know will help make RaceDay better.

Like our changing poncho.  It's such a drag to try and change in a car.  The poncho is just so handy.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

And this video is pretty entertaining.

Use promo code; LOVEWHATIDO

At checkout.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

---

163.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973

I'VE FOUND THE TOP RACERS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO 2 TYPES OF PEOPLE.  Friendly and, uh, Notfriendly.  Fortunately for me, I have met a lot of friendlies.  And, they make all the difference in my life.

This week has been typical of the kinds of help I receive.

Steve took time out his day to help us build out the new office/shop.

Paul saw the sorry state of our lighting and sent his crew over to light us up proper.  Haveco Electric is awesome!

John leant his back to help us move the heavy stuff around.

Scott answered my text today...

I hurt myself.  Could be bad.

Come at 530.

So here I am in the front office of my favorite Physical Therapist, Scott Moncrief - ProSport PT.  Haven't been here since flipping off my 450 at 40 miles an hour.  

I can barely walk.  Something is extremely jacked in my calf area.  

It was tender yesterday, not sure why.  Felt better this morning...

... so of course what could be better than a gravel ride?

Probably nothing... until I did this little jump at speed.

Then, it hurt like helk.

Barely made it home.

All the thoughts... will I ever ride again?  will I be able to have children? will my family be okay?... all silly, I hope.

What do I think caused it?  I've been struggling to adjust to a new pedal/cleat set up on my road bike.  The calf has been bugging me for twoish weeks.  Like an idiot, I did not listen... did some research this afternoon and the cleat is probably too far forward.

I lay upside down on the table I know all too well.

Scott starts at my heel and works his way up towards the back of my knee.  

Slowly.

Quietly.

He gets to the place where Achilles tendon attaches to the two calf muscles.

It hurts.

He starts over.

Silent.

Finally...

Ok, good news.  It's not your Achilles.  You've strained the Somecrazyanatomyterm. That's where 90% of lower leg injuries occur.

I'm supremely relieved.

He hooks me up to his tech, a cold wrap with electricity pulsing through... leaves me here to write.

The prescription:

Ride easy.  Do not get out of the saddle.

Stretch often.  Ice often.  Do not go for a 5 mile walk on the sand.

Rest... I think I needed that anyway.

I've made the best friends through this sport.

While I'm sitting here my GP Doc Gephhardt comes in.  His practice is across the way.  He rides and even owns our TMWC jersey, but has yet to join us.  He's still my friend : )

One thing a lot of my friends in common is they are part of the PEDALposse... and it ain't just 'cause we're friends.

Check it out -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973

You know it's an honor to be on Scott's wall, and you know you musta done something ya shouldn't have to get there.

The tech!

A WHILE BACK I WAS ON MY TO MEET THE POSSE AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND ADJUST MY BRAKE.  I got going soon enough.  The light ahead was green and I was going to keep my speed high and make up that lost time.  Then something happened I'll never forget...

... a car traveling about 50mph blew right through the red...

... had I not stopped for that quick adjustment I'd have been in that intersection at the same time as the car.  After which... I'd be dead, or worse.

Ever since then I've never minded the little things that through me off my schedule. 
The ill-timed flat. 
The missed light.
Waiting few seconds for a friend.
Turning back for my water bottles.
It's a long list of things that can keep us off schedule.  

I wonder if Joe was thinking that when his 5 year old ran after him crying at 625 this morning making him late to meet the group? 

Because it's exactly what I was thinking when I stopped to help Jon with his 3rd and 4th flat tires.

Ya never know.

Just like ya never know how incredibly soft our tshirts are, how they are cut for a fit racer like yourself, what our special NoFeel inks are all about until you own one for yourself.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green

Use promo code SAVE10

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.6 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4030504323

HAD A CAT QUIT TODAY BECAUSE HE SAID THE ODDS OF WINNING WERE TOO LOW.  It kinda bugged me.  And, it's still bugging me now.  But why...

... because I never quit anything?

... and, when the heck were the odds of winning anything worthwhile high?

Never.

But, there's another reason it bugs me...

... because I've learned far, far more from my losses than my wins.  It's the learning from failure that builds PEDALsense... that sense that only experienced riders have and use with heartless cruelty when the race is on the line.

... BREAKING NEWS ...

This just in from reporter BC.

E-Bike Rips Mans Heart Out

It's a sad state of affairs when pedalassist motorcycles (aka ebikes) feel compelled to snag KOMs. 

Will this spell the end of Starva?  I doubt it.  Why you ask?  For me, I'm much more interested in my own PRs.  

And what of my young padawan?  Should he be hacked off at the pedalassist motorcycles snagging his KOMs?  Yeah, kinda... for a bit.  But, he'll go to bed tonight knowing...

I did it my way!

Which is exactly what the pedalassist moto rider is thinking...

... which is exactly why I say KOMs aren't nearly as important as PRs...

... which is exactly why quitting because the odds of winning are low is such weaksauce!

As the great Churchill said...

... Never, never, never give up!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule

Does PR Lotion work?  Totally.

Use promo code: NEVER

And get save 25% on the PRs Over KOMs tshirt

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.4 lbs
Body Surt
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4028087324

EVER GO FOR A LONG RIDE AND COME BACK WITH A SOLUTION?  What is it about just riding along that moves us from stuck to problem solved?

I dunno...

... but, I hope you sneak out for a little JRA today.

It'g gonna be hot, so remember to drink.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base

This code saves you 20%... product ships free.

Code is LABOR

Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.6 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4023532148

THERE'S A BIG BET EVERY WILEY VET PLACES AT SOME POINT ON A VERY FAST RIDE.  Take today for instance.  We have this hill called  Church hill, not 'cause you'll meet your maker there, but there's church at the top...

... and 3 lights separating you from deliverance.

Now, you could skip the reckoning altogether by simply cutting through the golf course on the preceding climb.

But, where's the fun in that when you could try your luck at 3 Light Stud?

This is a gentlemen's game, for the distinguished and wise and Igotnothing among the group.

The colts don't even know we're playing.  Every light for them is a chance to load the starting gate and sprint off.  They are so full of juice, riding their fancy carbon rigs, perfectly toned legs.  Lights are their place to shine.

Today I played it and got dealt a winning hand.

I'd messed up the preceding climb, was tempted to short cut it, but rode on... came over the top and saw the light at the bottom of the hill was red.  It's a right hander, and the colts had to slow down.  

They jumped hard, racing up the hill.

At a full gallop I took the turn and was about to start sprinting to catch when the second light turned red.

It turned green.

Colts jump with blinders on.

I never slowed and trotted right up.

But, they're charging hard.

I see the sorry sunsaguns that short cut through the golf course popping onto the road ahead... the colts see 'em as rabbits to be caught and devoured.

Damn, I'm thinking.

I'm about to dig hard and that third light goes red reigning in the colts and sunsaguns.

I lope up, light turns green, and easily gallop over the top with the fastest of the herd.

That my friends is a winning hand of 3 Light Stud.

And here's a winning offer.... BuyOneGetOne

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires

Use promo code:  CONTIBOGO at checkout.

Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.4 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4016908424

MG HAD DECLARED NO ICE CREAM FOR A MONTH.  MS got wind of that and gave up beer for a month.  I've been on my own quirky dietary experiment.

Is it LeTour...

... Parlez-vouz getyourbunsinshape?

I knew today was going to be a busy one, got after work early and plugged my ears any time anybody wanted to talk about today's stage.  I had just the right Friday night in mind...

... dinner with my lady, then off to the garage...

... pop up the iPad, launch the ad-free version of the tour, grab the cleaners, apply the lube, make a few adjustments...

... just me, my bike, and a couple of dudes with funny accents, not a bad way to end a good week.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

Is there anything more gratifying than a bike ride? ...... You can get this one delivered to your mail box for less than 20 bones.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.6 lbs
Move Office Workout
7.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4013315966

THERE ARE A COUPLE OF HOTROD SHOPS NEAR THE PEDALindustries EXPERIENCE.  The regular, deep V8 rumble is part of the scene down here... with a fair amount of clutch popping and rubber burning at the end of the day.

It's the perfect music as we gear up to ride.

Which brings up the shifter question every racer has to answer...

... not mechanical vs electric, not wire vs wireless...

... those are easy questions.  Well, not that easy when you're plunking down a chunk of green.  But those questions, are answered once.  Then, it's run what ya brung.

No, the bigger question is why it's so easy sometimes to shift into high gear and other times no amount of grinding 'em will help ya find 'em.

Ya know what I mean?

Last week on the big climb when the shift started coming down, I did just that and hung my head in shame for a week.

This week, same dawgawn climb and same shifty feeling in my legs but my soul had fire, passion, power and that final 200 meters was shifting up, standing up, and putting that shift behind me.

What's the diff?

Why the shift up 'steadda down?

The Seals say Embrace the suck!

Forever more I shall...

Embrace the shift!

And as we head into a brutal heatwave this weekend y'all probably think I'm cacrazy for encouraging you to order the incredible KOM jacket.  But, trust me it'll pass and the leaves will change and you'll be wanting this gem and we don't keep much inventory which means ya might have to wait a few weeks and that would be a drag when you coulda grabbed one now with this top secret code.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238917668

There are a number of reasons this is my go to layer:

• It's wind and water resistant membrane keeps me dry and warm.
• The fabric is super thing and the jacket will fit in my jersey pocket.
• We call it the KOM because it's the perfect thing to pull out after a long climb and faced with a long decent.

If you're looking for just the perfect jacket... and you will be, tuck this promo code away... the code is TWOTAILS...

... but don't wait too long, this fabric is imported from Italy and we had a heck of a time securing a few rolls.

And you team racers... yes, we can make it in your colors.

Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162.4 lbs
PullUps PushUps
7.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4008573585

I TEND TO RIDE WITH PEOPLE THAT ARE ABOUT THE SAME SPEED OR A LITTLE FASTER.  So, when my dear friend CM was gone last weekend and let me know he was going to be gone again this weekend... I shoulda known.

Tonight is our standing dirt date...

... and it was clear I was in trouble on the very first tiny bump of a hill.

My legs were barking from a smashing TMWC yesterday... and CM, who missed it,  was just chatting me up like it was nuthin. 

On our first longish climb things got a little too quiet.  As you know, quiet rarely precedes joy..  And in this case, no doubt it was my own doing.  I couldn't talk.  It was all I could to keep up. 

He was putting the hurt on me pretty good...

... and I have to admit if Surfergirl dragged me out of town two weekends in a row I'd be laying down the power pretty heavy myself:  one, because I'd be rested; two, because I'd miss another weekend of riding.

Anyway, I'm sure this has never happened to you... but, if it does just remember it's not malicious... you are a little tired, your pal is not... you will be recovering the next few days and slaying the weekend, your pal won't... 

... it's not payback if it's not malicious.

Towards the end of the ride, it appeared we'd misjudged our adventure by about 20 minutes.  The shadows were getting too long, dusk was on us good.  

We hit this 2ish mile gravel segment, really pushing it.  CM on the front, like a locomotive.  I took a weaksauce pull and he came charging back around.  Then I gave it a good tug... because I remembered this would be a fun segment to get.

We got close.

We'll get it next time... maybe on a week when we've both been out of town and are rested.

One thing is for sure, it's always good idea to bring the blinkies  - regardless of the time of day.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light

We just got another shipment of these in.  The Lils and the Mids.  They're really awesome little lights, with 330 degrees or visibility.  Plus they are lite.

Anyway, you might be wanting some lights as the days start to get shorter... use this promo code:  LIGHTS.

For what it's worth, my friend RS just ordered a second set.  According to him You always recommend really good stuff.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light

Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.8 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4003822943

MY PAL JM HAS BEEN SLOWLY CARVING AWAY HIS PAST SINS, looking to release his inner Roglic.  It started with not even riding with us but just being on the course the same day.  The last few weeks he's been steady on the B... finishing higher and higher amongst the playahs.

Today... well, today he got faked into doing the A.

Apparently the Bs left early, and when he showed up he figured we were the Bs.

Well, we wound it up slow but kept winding and winding... and poor ol' JM is thinking... 

What are these guys doing on the B ride?  
Why is the B ride on fire today?
This really hurts.

And I'm thinking...

Dang JM is feeling pretty perky.
And pulling through like a boss.
This really hurts.

Of course all this was pieced together in the afterglow, when the endorphins have come and gone and all that's left is good laugh...

... because what's funnier than being faster than your pal who is just gonna kill ya in a couple of months?

Speaking of the next couple of months, we are now entering the shorter days.  Soon will be searching for our layers and there is no better tool for the job of keeping warm than the KOM jacket.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238917668

There are a number of reasons this is my go to layer:

• It's wind and water resistant membrane keeps me dry and warm.
• The fabric is super thing and the jacket will fit in my jersey pocket.
• We call it the KOM because it's the perfect thing to pull out after a long climb and faced with a long decent.

If you're looking for just the perfect jacket... and you will be, tuck this promo code away... the code is TWOTAILS...

... but don't wait too long, this fabric is imported from Italy and we had a heck of a time securing a few rolls.

And you team racers... yes, we can make it in your colors.

Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.6 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/3983267627

IF YOU'RE PIQUED FOR POLITICAL POOP... well this is gonna skewer yer ego, 'cause if there's one thing you can't fake it's a steep as helk climb or drop on dirt.

All... and I mean ALL... other Stravabobava is most likely fauxing fake.

That KOM along that road where the wind blew hard as helk one day.

Fake.

That KOM SoandSo set starting at the back of the group and surfing to the front.

Fake.

I ain't even gonna give ya more ideas and temptations that mightcould lead your Stravasoul carefully down to helk.

But, I'm gonna say... the dirt lies less.

Still lies.

Just lots less.

It's really hard to fake a KOM on a 10% up or down trail.  Around here... the only way to really do it is if the trails are perfect then get washed out and never repaired.

Now this is not some veiled attempt to get ya to buy a super primo gravel bike or radiculous MTB.

It's just a reminder there's no point in fretting over things fraught with faux.

Especially when you could be out riding something wrought by Swiss geniuses.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/bikeshop-fourstroke-01-one

Whoops... how did those pictures get in there?  Must be some sort of bug.

Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.6 lbs
PushUps/PullUps
8.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/3983267627

WELL, IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR... FINALLY!  The most geeked up, pumped up time of year for riding road bikes is right now because: LeTour.

You don't even have to watch to get caught up in it.

But you will.

Well, I will.

I love it because it kicks off my 6 favorite weeks of the race year.  First Le Tour, for all its history and the forthcoming drama.

When Pinault crashed today... man, those frenchies really know how to whoop up the Allislost! sentiments.  I don't relish his crash.  It sucks, fo sho.  But, I do love the overemotions on display.

Soon there will be a Whatthehellishedoing squabble among some team of supertalents.  I'm picking Dumoulin on this, which I xpect Primoz (such a cool name it's like a combo of a villain's name and a winner's name) will shut down.

Of course, someone will think Sagan is longinthetooth... only too find out he just keeps getting craftier.

Back to the frenchies... I'm not sure who will be the great frog hope this year?  Freakin Alaphillipe last year was so awesome.  I've loved that cat since he came over as a tadpole to rip of the ol' ToC.  Anyway, who will it be... Julian again... that would be so, dang, fun... he's got all the emotion sans the fatalism.

Teams Colombia look ready to: defend in the form of Bernal, attack in the form of EF, and agitate in the form of Astana... and then there's  Senor Numero Segundo Para Siempre aka Nairo.  Ya know if he was able to hang around and finally figure it out I think there'd be a lot fans giving him the lovin' he deserves for being so dawgawn dogged.

And what of us, I mean US?  Just gimme one day with Neilson or Sepp in a long break for the win... and if together in the break... oh I'd watch that over and over and over.

Back to my claim you won't have to watch it to get caught up in it... every single ride you do for the next 3 weeks will have a whole bunch a geeked up riders who fell asleep the night before watching Le Tour, which they'd already watched in the morning while fauxtending to be on a Zoom call, and they will have visions of glory under their Oakleys.

Just hang on... let 'em pull for glory until there ain't no more... and give 'em the Sagan afterburners for the win.

Then be sure and take a few days off because we all know La Vuelta es lo mejor!

What does lo mejor mean?  The best.

What's the best part of PEDALindustries?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

163..6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3989067579

THE YOUNG PRO PULLS THROUGH AND IMMEDIATELY FLICKS HIS SMOOTH ELBOW.  The wily veteran, with the wrinkly elbow, just laughs. And while these fun and games are going along...

... the ex-pro proceeds to mock us all...

Flying by at about 100mph, his aero aluminum antique chops through the air.  Like scared geese we lift off to chase.  I'm about 1000 guys back in no time.

It's an impressive move from a pretty cool cat who hung up the numbers to raise the kids and pay the bills.  I like this part of the ride, when we roll through his part of town and he reminds us all he squash us at his leisure.

Speaking of leisure, I overheard AE say that since he's moved to town he no longer wonders what he's going to do on Saturday because MG has taken over the job as cruise director and basically tells us all what we're going to do.

Speaking of MG, I was reminiscing when he first moved in and didn't know his DuraAce from his quick release.  The good ol' days, I could drop him at will. 

Speaking of Will, I saw him gathering a group of riders this morning doing something I am too selfish to do.  He's been rounding up guys that kinda ride and useta ride and wanna ride and patiently showing 'em cool routes around town.

Speaking of going around, I've noticed quite a few creaky bikes of late... some of them finding their way into our destination... and I've learned a sad truth.  With the incredible backlog of service in most shops people - the less mechanically inclined, like yours Diesely - are letting things go too long.  My fine friends, these little creaks can turn into irreparable damage.  Git yer bikes serviced at your local shop.

Speaking of bike service, if yer local you can make an appointment here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-wrench-calendar

Yeah, I know it's really odd to make an appointment for your bike.  Even stranger to be met by the mechanic and taken care of within an hour or so - most of the time.  But, you know... we do things different over here. 

Speaking of over here... we've painted and scrubbed and beautified the unit next door.  We'll be there next week.

Speaking of next... at the end of next month we're going to be giving away 3 loaded with goodness RaceDay Bags™.  Have you entere?

Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.6 lbs
Body Surf
6.5 hours sleep (stayed up late watching Euro Vision Song Contest with Surfergirl, my bike widow.)
https://www.strava.com/activities/3983267627

I FIND PEOPLE WANTING TO GIVE ME ADVICE ALL THE TIME.  Most of the time they have with zero experience in what I do.  Here's how I handle it.

The worst advice starts with Don't...

I say this for the very simple reason we can't see negatives.  Don't think of an elephant.  You see it right?  Ever heard this... Don't crash?

Did this have anything to do with the reporter who quizzed young Remco Evenepoel before his last race?

Don't you think the treacherous downhill will be a factor?

No, I do not think the treacherous course will be a factor.

Well... he came around a tight corner clipped his pedal on unmarked outcropping and fell off a bridge.  Pelvis broken.  Season over.

Yes!... I AM justsaying... ignore it, run from that wellmeaning fool.

Other bad advice begins with You should...

Now, if this is coming from your highly paid cycling coach regarding your cycling it's probably good.  If it's coming from your wellmeaning ________, do the opposite, especially if it's racing advice.

I had a wise old friend say you should just ride on feel. Go fast when you want, easy when you want.  Listen to your body. I was young and stupid so I listened.  Then I showed up to the next race and got shelled.

So there you have it.

Ignore the Don'ts  and Shoulds from those who shouldn't advise what they don't know.

Here's what I do know...

... next month the PEDALposse will be getting some very sweet gloves in the mail to match the very sweet socks they got this month.

If you're into getting sweet surprises and other goodness each month click here:

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

161.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3978230412

I HAVE THIS CONSTANT CURIOSITY ABOUT MY FELLOW RACERS, pretty much anybody I meet... and it goes like this...

When's your next big race?

Am I asking because I'm nosy?  Is it that I'm trying to find a training partner?  Or, perhaps figure out if we're going to be battling it out?

No.  

I'm just generally curious about what is driving them... and I'm always on the lookout for a new epic race.

Plus... I've found people with big challenges on the horizon are the people I relate to the most, they're de facto PEDALposse.

My friends at TBD Racing have one big race a year, and they all train for it together.  LoToJa.  A 200 mile blast from Utah to Wyoming.

My friend Tommy has done Leadville 10 years in a row.

My friend Chad loves to go to Sea Otter.

The big event is one of the things I believe in... not as a deity, but as part of the secret to lifelong fitness.

There are two others:  a weekly discipline and being an athlete.

I'm going to dive into all 3 of these in next month's Campfire Stories - the printed on real paper monthly letter I send to the PEDALposse along with a special gift.

If you're into that sorta thing... 

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

163.4 lbs
Pullups/Pushups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3975841462

WHEN I'M IN THE ZONE I LIKE TO GROOVE TO THE SAME SONG OVER AND OVER.  But, no headphones on the bike for me.   It's in my head.  Loud!

At work  this morning it was I Want You (She's So Heavy) by Los BayAhtLays.  Over and over and over.  

Was it because Coach Loran's video #6 destroyed me hours earlier?  So much balancing with a heavy focus on shoulders... 

... staring at the red blossom in my backyard, on 1 leg, bent over, doing reverse flies with weights my shoulders were firing.  But, I didn't let go even as the weight got heavier and heavier...

... all the while Loran is whispering Fnd your focal point.  

I was reminded of the power in having distant focal point again this evening... we were ripping single track on the gravel bikes and this trail had a number of skinny bridges - pic of one above.  

If there's one thing I've learned...

... do NOT...

... under any circumstances look at the bridge itself as you ride across...

...or worse...

... the perilous threats off the sides...

... panicking and crashing are nearly always the result.

Like Coach Loran's video #6, finding a focal point beyond the challenge is the proven path to success.

If you're into that kind of thing, then maybe you'd be into the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3971337029

MY SON SHOWED UP FOR A BIKE RIDE TODAY.  I was excited to get him on a gravel bike for the first time, and he was looking forward to riding something other than a mountain bike. 

He brought his gear in a funny little back pack.

We changed.

As we're talking and putting on our socks I grab my shoes.

He grabs his... ooops!

No shoes...

... and I'm thinking, how could I gear him up with everything but the bike and not include a RaceDay Bag™?

What kind of dad am I?

We had a good laugh... just like old times. 

I loaned him some running shoes and mounted up some platform pedals.  Off we went... just a dad and his boy.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags

I'll probably get him this new design called the Royal Racer.  And, customize it with his name.  If you want to get one with your name or your kids name, let me know... I'll do Free personalization on any bag for the first person to raise their hand via an email.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

165.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3951358459

WHETHER OR NOT YOU BELIEVE IN THE FOOD PYRAMID, here's a pyramid you can believe in:  The Old Diesel's pyramid of power.

I came up with this years ago, and it's pretty simple.

Could you get more scientific?  For sure. 

Could a high level coach like Brian McCulloch or Jeanna Miller do better?  Yep.

Will this do in a pinch?  Be good enough for most?  Make a helluvalotta sense?  I think so, especially if you have no idea what you're doing.

The pyramid is 10-30-60.

10% of you time should be in the Imagonnadie range.

30% in the Icoulddothisforawhile range.

60% in the Icandothisalldaylong range.

Of course, I could break that down into heart rate and power zones. And, I might.  But, before I get there it's critical to think of this as big blocks vs every ride is 10-30-60.  For that my dear pedalertothemedaler would be assured failure... and it's precisely what most newriders do.

On just 2 of my days I'll hit that Imagonnadie effort.  For me, that's Tuesday and Saturday.  And even then, it's only a fraction of the ride.  Let's say I'm riding 10 hours a week.  That means no more than 1 hour total will be in the Imagonnadie/redzone/zone5... for me that's north of 175bpm.

By default I'll also pick up a fair amount of Icoulddothisforawhile miles on the way up and way down to maximum effort.  The other place I'll get that is on Wednesdays.  Wednesdays are my tempo days, and they're usually dirt days as well.

The other days of the week I'll be at the Icandthisalldaylong pace.  Easypeasy miles.  The ones most fools skip.  I get these miles in on Monday and Friday for sure... warming up and cooling down on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday... and if I ride Thursday.

More than half of my time is in zone1 and zone2.

What few understand or know is that it's in zone2 that your body will build more capillaries, not in 3, 4 or 5.  It's in zone1 that your body recovers and can actually get stronger.

For most of you wily veterans of wheel this is a ho-hum review... but, you might find it a helpful way to share with the newriders.

Tomorrow is Tuesday... and if you read last Wednesday ya might recall I was a little hacked off with myself for being a wheelsucker that last few weeks/months.  I went easy today.  I skipped my usual 2-3 mile Sunday walk in the sand yesterday. 

Right now I gotta getta to sleep.

Because we all know tomorrow we gotta ride hard!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

You can get this shirt, delivered!, for a mere 20 bones.

Or a lot less if you're a member of the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

165 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3959446037

HERE ARE MY TO 3 REASONS NOT TO GET A GRAVEL BIKE: 

1. You don't want new adventures in your life.
2. You like the limited options of a road bike and/or MTB.

Top 10 reasons to get a gravel bike:

1. You love riding road, and want to get away from cars.
2. You love riding road, and want to improve your dirt skills.
3. You love riding road, and want to expand the route options around town.
4. You love riding road, and want to jump curbs.
5. You love riding road, and want a play bike for easy days.
6. You love riding dirt, and want to ride to it faster.
7. You love riding dirt, and want add road skills to your repertoire.
8. You love riding dirt, and want a new challenge.
9. You love riding dirt, and have a lot of smooth trails and gravel roads.
10. You love riding dirt, and want to ride more of it.

Explaining the fun of gravel riding has been challenging to say the least.  I'm not sure why that it is.  Maybe it's because those who know me know I'm a little off to begin with, know that I tend to see things differently, have my own quirky approrach to life.

I dunno.

All I do know is... if I had to choose just one bike, it'd be the gravel bike.

You know the old joke... jack of all trades, master of none?  

Well, the gravel bike is jack of all rides, master of fun.  I don't know why that is, exactly.  Is it the wrongness of fatish tires on the road?  Drop bars on the dirt?  But, I do know...

... if you're into adventure and big smiles, gravel is a lock.

For fairly obvious reasons I named this bike The Highlighter... and it's often the highlight of my day.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

Because it will take you to places like this

Which just might be a lot closer to home than you think...

... and that's a pretty cool thing....

... to find out there's a whole other network of roads and trails that are too tame for MTB and too challenging for road.. just right for a morning jaunt or an all day escape.

Gimme a jingle when you're ready... in the meantime check it out:

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3951358459

THERE'S A SECRET SKILL WE DEVELOP AS ALLCONSUMED CYCLISTS SQUEEZING EVERY MOMENT OUT OF LIFE: 

The milestime continuum.

This is where, unlike normal humans, we are able to calculate how long it takes to ride somewhere down to the second.  And, equally powerful, we are able to end our rides at exactly the right time.

Which is exactly what I was doing this morning while falling further in love with my new BMC URS...

... I wanted to stop at my happy place, Trabuco General Store, 2 hours in, for a Mexican Coke and a Mexican popcicle...

... it was so hot and I was in a bad way.

I pulled up and saw a gent and his sweet BMW moto.

That's a beautiful bike.  Have you taken it up on Saddleback?

Yes, it's not as good as it looks on that dirt.

Well, it look like a lot of fun,

It is... do you ride?

I used to, in the desert, with the kids.  But, not lately.

Just two dudes geeking out on two wheeled stuff.

I go in, gather my supplies.  Note, I've been doing this routine a couple of times a month for nearly 20 years.  So, when I go to pay and realize I've forgotten my RaceDay wallet and their ApplePay isn't working and I ask...

Do you trust me?

No.

... I'm slightly hacked off, but mainly sad... that sad you get when you've been melting in the heat because you started late because you wanted to hang out with the fam even though you knew it was going to be a scorcher and now you've got miles to go with no sustenance kinda sad.

Dejected, I squat on the bench and think why not?

Do you have Venmo?

No.

Darn... I forgot my wallet and...

No problem.

5 minutes later we're at the same table and we proceed to male bond over motos and bicycles and living in the foothills and raising kids and what we do for work and ...

Last year I rode from here to Yellowstone.  1018 miles.

How many days?

1.

That's incredible.

Where did you ride your bike from?

San Clemente, mostly on dirt roads.

That's incredible.

I guess the point of all this is it's just darn hard not to love people who get around on 2 wheels.

But, I know you're wondering how I'm going to pay Leo if he doesn't have Venmo? 

Well we also talked about the book I'm currently reading Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.  That seems like a better thing than a few dollars... especially for a guy like Leo, an engineer and rider of huge distances.

Of course this messed up my larger plans for the day, requiring an adjustment in the milestime continuum... speeding up and shortening the distance.

One thing for ya gotta have this time of year is the big bottles.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

These are my favorites... special topsecret coating shields the bottle's innards, it's like drinking from glass.

$20 for 2, free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3951358459

I THINK ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IS UNHEALTHY LEVELS OF COMPLETELY IRRATIONAL EXPECTATIONS.

Take our customer Dallas. 

He calls up today... 

Todd, I turned 70 this week and I rode 70 miles.  Can you believe that?

Yes...

None of my friends get it.  I picked up this bike thing a few years ago.

Well...

But, my new riding buddies get it.  They even rode with me, and had a nice birthday cake surprise at the end.  Can you believe that?

Heckyes I can believe that!

Ask most sexagenarians if they'll be able to ride 70 miles on their 70th birthdays and they'll think you're crazy. 

It's not irrational to think you can ride 70 miles on your 70th... it's irrational to think this wonderful gift of a human body isn't made for it, it's irrational to think that letting yourself go is the way to go, it's irrational to think being out of shape is going to have you in shape when the grim reaper comes knocking.

I see all these severely out of shape people ripping around on ebikes thinking they are doing a body good.

Fools!

I mean... it's good to get outside, get away from the dawgawn screens that captivate our turningtojelly minds, yeah... that's all good. 

But...

... it's irrational to think you can't do a helluva a lot more...

... and downright pathetic.

I suppose I should put a disclaimer in here for all all the reasons an ebike is acceptable - like Parkinson's, etc.  And that's true, there is a place.

But...

... well this reminds me of a story my deardead dad told me about trying to decide between a MercedesBenz and a Porsche - he was single and trying to score a lady, and it worked, then he got a famvan - the Porsche salesman said this...

Yes, the Benz is nice but if you have the balls to really drive and live dangerously there's nothing like a Porsche!

... to which I say...  

The ebike is nice, but if you have the balls to go for maximum health there's nothing like racing a bicycle under your own Godgiven power!

Can I get an Amen?

In honor of Dallas turning 70 and riding 74 miles, who changed his life there's a promo on the changing poncho... 'cause guess what Dallas bought himself for his bday?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

Yeah... you know he's committed to driving to races and great rides if he's getting the extra famous PEDALindustries changing poncho.

Use promo code:  DALLAS

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3945713684

THE FIRST RIDE ON A NEW BIKE IS LIKE ___________?

First kiss?

A first date?

Wedding night?

There's so much build up... and no matter how much research you've done, how many people you've talk to, how persuasive the brochures are... you're really not sure what you've gone and done right thing.

As alluring as the shiny paint and fancy wheels an all the other bells and shifters are, there's always a bit of trepidation before that first ride.

What if it's not a bundle of awesomeness?

What if we aren't a match?

What if....

Such were my thoughts tonight as I took my first pedals on my new BMC URS (unrestricted).

I'll do a full write up after I get a proper bike fit.  For now, let's just say...

... I got lucky! 

There will be a lot of fast graveling.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-fast-curved-bill?variant=10683321516068

if I was to get a tattoo this would be it.  RIDE FAST right across my knuckles.  Until I do, this is one of my go to hats.

It ships free.

Yep for a mere 20 bones you can prep your significants for the inevitable tattoo.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-fast-curved-bill?variant=10683321516068

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.6 lbs
Morning Surf
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3943403778

IF YOUR NAME IS JEFF AND YOU COME FOR A VISIT WE COULD DO A KILLER GRAVEL RIDE.  Like today, where we pounded a bunch of bird beaks... and heard the sadvoice yelp for help.

Do you have to be named Jeff?... no, but it's definitely trending. 

Does it have to be a grave ride?... no, but why not?

... But, T.O.D. you live in a surf town, with lots of pavement and bike lanes, and ripping single track how can you have good gravel too?...

I know.  It's a heavy burden.  But, it's all true.  We have a lot of good gravel adventuring around here... and 2 out of 2 Jeffs highly recommend it.

If you've got the guts, I'll take you on an epic like today - link below.

But, beware the bird beaks!...

... these nasty things can create all sorts of havoc - torn tires, cracked rims, burped air pressure - but, generally they're easy to avoid.

What is a bird beak?

It's a rock buried in our hard as cement clay dirt with 1-3 inches sticking up.  They'd don't give at all when you hit 'em, just a giant shockwave up through your extremities and out the vents in your helmet or your mouth in the form of Ouweeeee!

Chris, The Wrench, joined us... it's always good to bring the chief mechanic along.  But, how could a man of his skills could be so hilariously unlucky?

There we were, 4 hours into our ride.  We'd covered 50ish miles and just under 5000' of vert.  Oh, and it was nearly 100 degrees. 

Even though we'd stopped for the traditional Mexican popsicles and Coke... It's possible we were slightly fatigued.

I mean, that'd be normal right?

Anyway, we'd just cleared a section of bird beaks and were winding our way through a thicket when the clay turned to sand. 

I made it.

Jeff made it.

Chris... Chris?... Chris... you okay?

Note, it's rarely a good sign when you think you heard a crash, you call out for your pal, and you hear nada.

Chris... ya alright?

No.

I have to imagine at that moment The Wrench is thinking something like this...

Howtheheck'd I get here?
How'm I gonna explain it?
Is anything broken?
Are ants crawling all over me??????!!!!!!!

I'm not even guessing on that last part.  

These things are generally very funny when nothing is terribly amiss.  But, you tell me... ever seen anything like this?

He's landed in such away that the bike was wedged in the branches and pinning him down... on top of a very busy ant colony!

Of course, you wondering... will he ever walk again?... and that's a big hellyeah! many a customer had their twowheeled lovers serviced by him today.

A big phew on that!

I meet a lot of great people out riding or bond to them through riding.  Jeff and I met way back in college, but really bonded later over bikes.  Chris and I met after he joined the PEDALposse and moved to town.

Do you have to join the PEDALposse to do any of the above?

No, but you should...

... and if you haven't clicked the link lately, I think we're better at explaining what it's all about.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

164.2 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3937464640

IT ALL STARTED NICE ENOUGH, like the dueling banjos of Deliverance.  Just a couple of yahoos on the front of the group half wheeling each other, egging each other to sprint it out... only thing is we weren't a sprinting we was just hustlin up the road to catch the B's.

But those yokels kept at it.

From light to light, corner to corner.

And The Old Diesel started to get a little tuckered.

Soon 'nuf, the ride's over and we've all gone our separate ways and I'm slogging along all by my lonesome... like that feller whos wonderin what jus happend?

Only it goes back a few months now, maybe... years?

Whenthehell did I go from hungry hound out for the kill to some hootenanny wheel sucking his way to mediocrity?  

Is there a worse feeling than this... than the feeling that ya just spent the whole, entire workout on the defensive... playing it safe... on a group ride!  Fer crying outloud... that's a shame is what it is.

It was those damd dueling banjos... those young guns hitting it hard at every opportunity.  

To which I can only say one thing.

There's gonna be some pig squealing next week.

But, there won't be an chain squealing because I've found me a new wax based lube that I luuuuuuuv.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes

The thing I like about this lube... besides the fact that it's a wax, because I love waxbased lubes... it lasts a long time, and the bottle is just perfect.  The nozzle is about the same width as a chain link.  I just rest it on the chain and hit each link one at a time and it seems to drop just the right amount to coat each and every link.

If you haven't heard of Wend here's the downlow.  This product is created by Ryan Dahl who's family owns the largest surf wax manufacturing company in the world, famously known as Sticky Bumps.  Ryan is the bike racer in the family, and he used the company's resources to develop this top notch product.

I know it's cliche to say made by bike racers for bike racers... lame!... but it's not... it's made by surfers for bike racers... and we all know crosspollination is where it's at!

Use promo code:  WEND

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

165 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3931479877

WHAT COULD YOU EXPECT FROM A TEAM OF NORTH AMERICAN COWBOYS?  Not one single person on the 1986 7-11 bicycle racing team had a lick of Tour de France experience.  Not the riders.  Not the directors.  Not the owners...

... and not the bicycle manufacturer, Murray.

But, they weren't even Murrays.

No, what these cowboys were riding into town were custom built frames by soontobe famous Ben Serrotta. Ben got no credit.  Murray, the team sponsor ponied up to be on that frame.

How good were they?  Good enough for Alex Steida to rope the first yellow jersey by any North American.  Yep, and at the peak of Lemond's hayday.  In fact, Lemond would be the first North American to win the Tour de France that same year.

And... I reckon that's a good way to prove the point that it's what's on the inside that counts.

Nobody knew the truth.

Nobody knew how well American criterium racing would pay off for the team.

Nobody knows I'm doing push ups and pull ups tonight.

Nobody knows I'm saying no to Chick-fil-a right now, even though it smells so good and my daughter keeps offering me some of her shake.

Nobody knows...

...  exactly what the PEDALposse is all about except those who check it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

164.2 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3926596531

I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TSHIRTS WE'VE PRINTED UP IN THE LAST YEAR... probably because some troll made this uninformed comment on a fun video we made:

Instead of making fun of people like that, put your efforts into helping them be better prepared for riding or racing !!!

And, I'm thinking... Oh my dear little clueless troll... what do you think we are doing every, single, day?

What trollypoo missed is the focus of the video was this guy getting geeked up on our product and making fun of himself!

But, back to our message(s) which I crammed into the above graphic... it's really our (mine and yours) message to the world.

It's not a panacea... but, it's a helluva good place to start... and a lot of fun...

... like this video:

https://vimeo.com/447237703

If you happen to get inspired by that cinematic masterpiece and want to get a RaceDay Bag™ for yourself or a friend...

Use this promo code:  OURMESSAGE

... and add a t-shirt for Free.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

163.6 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3923516697

IN OLD TIME MOVIES THE ACTORS WOULD GO FROM FLIRTATIOUS TO DISHEVELED IN BED SMOKING A CIGARETTE signaling they'd just had a good roll in the sack.  Around these parts, bike riders go from kitted up to disheveled and mowing down pastries chugging their favorite liquid... signaling we've just had a good roll through the citycountrytrails.

It's a favorite ritual of mine, and I like it alone.

On Saturdays.

After goodbyes.

Recently I found a place with bomb breakfast burritos.  So much more than a waif pastry.  

I order... well first I make sure to grab my chair and table on the busy sidewalk...

A blondie always asks Traditional or vegan.

It feels a little like a question of morals...

Traditional.

It's only a question of calories for me.

Then I wait... longer than you'd think.  But, I enjoy the anticipation.  Do they make them from scratch when ordered or just heat up something made earlier in the day?  Don't know, don't care.  It's that good.

Today as I was savoring my burro, I met P.  He's a government contractor who cares for the wounded from Los Altos to Pendleton to San Diego.  Super good dude.

Where'd you ride?

Up here and over there.

I used to ride a lot... never could get comfortable with the shoes and being locked in.

Yeah, it's tricky.

Now I swim.

After a good while chatting and people watching - I find tourists to be highly entertaining - I head home.

At some point, I realize my wallet is missing.

This isn't just any wallet.  It's my RaceDay wallet, and I know there's no way it fell out of my jersey.  I check everywhere around the house.  Nada.  Then it hits me... I must have left it at my stop.  And I'll bet good ol' P found it and turned it.

High Tide Coffe, this is Nick.

Hi Nick, it's Todd... I think

Hey brother, I have your wallet.

See ya in 5.

I pull up on my scooter.

Nick?

Todd.

Yeah, thanks so much.

Who found it?

Bethany, it was on the chair.

High Tide Coffe... good burritos, great morals!

I guess the only negative on the RaceDay wallet is it's made from bicycle inner tubes and it's a little hard to see.  On, and it's super soft.  And quiet.  Meaning, if you lay it down on a black chair while eating an amazing breakfast burrito you might forget it after being in culinary euphoria.

But, that's it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets

I know a lot riders prefer a sandwich baggie or some other plastic thingy to carry some cash, ID, and CCs... but, there's really no comparison.

Use promo code:  HIGHTIDE

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

162 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3918273749

CONCURRENTLY, SOME OF MY RECOMMENDED SUMMER READING HAS INCLUDED TWO BOOKS THAT TOUCHED ON THE POWER OF AFFIRMATIONS.  Affirmations are kinda weird, and near as I can tell nobody is quite sure what is going on... but, I've had unusual experiences, and I know I'm not alone.

Here are a few examples:  

A while back I was a pretty decent MTB XC racer but mainly because I was exceptionally fast downhill.  I remember thinking how cool it would be to have a racecourse that was just the downhill part of XC... a few years later Super-D was born, and I was winning Nationals.

Not long ago, I had the goal of beating the perennial champ at LoToJa.

Then, last year my outrageous goal of besting my 20 year old PR at Leadville.

Coincidence?  Luck?

One explanation explored in each book was that affirmations give your subconscious something to work on and you start to notice things that would help you accomplish your goal...key point, acting on those things.

I think that's probably true.

The other superpower(?) I think affirmations can give us that neither book touched on is confidence.  I've noticed that when truly big goals start to become real I can get nervous and start to doubt myself.  But, when I've been steadily affirming my goals I'm significantly more confident as the changes begin to take place.

At least half of ya are thinking Bullsheets and no doubt the other half want to know the mechanics of how to do it... and I'm not even sure half of you are correct.

So before y'all go hating on me or begging me for the secret sauce... here's a quote from our young local Kevin Vermaerke who today announced he'll be racing with Team Sunweb next year:

"Taking the step up to the WorldTour is something I have been dreaming about and working towards since I first started cycling."

... that's all there is to it.

What are you dreaming about?

I'm dreaming about a few new kit designs... if you dream of designing new kits, then make sure you're signed up in...

... the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway...

and if you are signed up be sure and share it to increase your odds of winning over $1500 in product and cash.

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163 lbs
SurfSesh with my ladies
7.5 hours sleep
No ride today.

MY FRIEND RB POSTED UP SOMETHING AND IT GOT ME THINKING ABOUT THE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE I LIKE.  Don't get me wrong, I love everybody... but there's a helluva a big difference between liking and loving.  And I don't like a lot of people.

But, I do like athletes and hard workers.

There are my people... the people I get, understand and want to hang around with.

It's partly a respect thing... I respect people who take care of their bones and flesh, regularly ringing out their best.  I respect people who have a dream or passion or vision and are getting after making their best contribution.

I don't respect sloth.

Nor do I like it.

Does this make me a bad person?  Probably.  Do I care.  Not really.

There are plenty of hardworking athletes like RB to keep me endlessly fascinated with what's possible in life.  

Just like I'm endlessly fascinated with PRs

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule

If you're into PRs, you might want to use this promo code:  PRsRule.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

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162.6 lbs
SurfSech
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3909872148

YES, THE GREAT EDDY MERCKX KEPT CYCLING EXCELLENCE SIMPLE WITH HIS FAMOUS PILES OF MILES method.  But, don't be fooled into thinking riding and only riding will make you a better rider.  It's  critical to have a number 2, too.

Almost any number 2 will work for the simple fact that cycling is such a limited range of motion.

If you haven't done a few sprints around the field catching a frisbee lately... or done any kind of side to side accelerations, you're gonna be in for a big shock when you go to show off your superfitness.  Sure, you'll outlast everybody... and the next day you'll feel like you've been in a car wreck, or worse, you might actually be in traction of some sort - like my bro-in-law who tore his achilles at the family turkey bowl.

Such is the nature of this greatest, numberonest sport of ours.

It's awesomely limited.

Meaning you've got to have a number 2, and almost anything will do.

I like surfing and paddleboarding for the the balance and core work and upperbody strength.  My pal JC plays tennis.  PV still does all his gymnastics.  NM likes her running and hiking. AS does serious construction on his house.  

The list is endless.

There's another benefit besides better overall strength and fitness.  Number 2 will work on your brain.   Giving you new ways to solve problems on the bike - you'll see things different.  When the bike training gets a little stale - and it does - you can increase your number 2 and keep your fitness.

This year I've added a number 3, which has made numbers 1 and 2 even better... coach Loran has helped make my core much stronger and I see the results standing on the pedals for long periods of time while I climb, in my stability when sprinting, and my ability to pop up fast when surfing.

We work out live at 7am on Wednesday mornings... you can join us on Instagram.

Or, you can use the Coach Loran exclusive videos that are part of the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

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165 lbs
Coach Loran Live
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3905260995

NOBODY GETS ELON'S SPACE-X LIKE WE DO.  For example, the final minute of our terrible penultimate climb is called Blastoff.  While I was more of a bottle rocket than a 4ofJuly today, I had nonetheless begun my countdown hours before.

Like a real astronaut.

Because our arena of competition is so vast - the entire planet Earth! - we have weird things no other sports have.  First timer BL reminded me of this on the ride.

Meet me at the corner at 602.

That's a weird time.

I know, but that's when we get there and you don't want to be late or you'll miss the ride which leaves at 625.

Of course, for brevity, I left out a whole bunch of other minute markers.

Dinner by 7.

Prep bike and bottles.

PJs by 9.

Stretch and roll.

Sleep by 930.

Wake up 5.

Dressed by 530.

Out the door by 538.

Meet the locals at 550.

All of which when done right gets me to the launch pad on time, to be reminded of all the sinning I did last night eating pizza and wings and ice cream with my childrens.

None of which would be any fun if the rest of posse wasn't doing their own countdowns... getting their spacesuits on, putting Tang in their bottles, air in their tires...

... yeah, Elon, you're cool... but we're launching multiple times a week.

You know what else we're launching?... our retail kits.  We have a very limited selection of inventory.  I expect this will sell out, but don't let it worry your pretty little helmetcovered head.   We're making more all the time.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/instock-kits

These are our famous Speed Jerseys and Pro Bibs.

I shouldn't do a promo code, because I know they're going to sell out.  In fact, I won't. But... if you're a really clever girl, you may have remembered the secret code that always works - SAVE10... don't tell JJ, my CFO... keep it on the downlow.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/instock-kits

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165 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/389796963

EVERY NOW AND THEN I COME UP WITH SOME KOOKY BODY HACK TO LOSE WEIGHT.  Sometimes it’s something I’ve read or heard about, sometimes it’s just the mad scientist in me.  The inspirations generally come in the Fall, when the riding is down and the waistline is widening.  It’s this time of year when the weirdness pops up and strikes.

Previous hacks include:

The Excedrin PM Diet – eat normally* and take a few PMs around 9 to knock yourself out and not be getting up to eat in the middle of the night.

The Drink A Lot of Water Diet – drink enough water and you end up eating less because sometimes you think you’re hungry when your actually thirsty.

The Yogurtland Diet – eat normally during day, have a tiny dinner with a trip to Yogurtland as a reward.

The Sardines and Beans Diet – start the day off with a can of sardines and 1/2 a can of black beans… the key is to go big protein to get the day started.

The King-Queen-Prince Diet – this is a giant breakfast, decent lunch and puny dinner before 7… this is probably the healthiest and the one I fail at most easily.

The Salad For Dinner Diet – eat normally and have a giant salad for dinner… I like this one the most, but I’m lazy and don’t always want to make a giant vegetable salad.

With a few races looking likely... Is it time for… The Haagen Dazs Diet? – giant bowl of oatmeal with nuts and fruit for breakfast, mid-day snack, a protein laden lunch at 3pm, and a pint of Haagen Dazs just before bed.

Don’t laugh, they all work.

They may not all be healthy,

But they sure are fun.

Almost as fun as busting out the RaceDay wallet... because it is made from real bicycle innertube and always makes me smile.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets

This is the best ride wallet ever for one very simple reason:  it stays put in my jersey pocket.

There's something about the grippiness of the tube against the jersey that keeps it so secure.  

If you're looking for a very stealthy wallet, that is perfect for riding, and unlike anything your nonriding pals pull out, this is the ticket.

We can also make them for your race team, or any organization.

Use promo code SAVE10.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

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163.4 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3892974624

SOME OF YA MAY KNOW THE STORY OF THE WIDOW'S MITE.  That's not what this is, this is about the widow's might... specifically my bike widow's might.  Too many a Saturday starts with me out early for a long bike ride and ends up with me comatose on the couch.

So I changed things up.

Took my widow to the mountains for some DH runs, then camping and stargazing.  No cell service could be the best thing ever... nothing to do but talk and listen and appreciate this beautiful planet.

At dawn, I snuck out.  Set up for some breaky... read till the sun hit my pages and warmed up enough for her to stick her head out.

Time to hike.

We found the PCT, often referred to as the Perfect Cycling Trail... though the Pacific Crest Trail is anything but bike friendly or legal.  Still.. it is a beautiful trail and would make for a great ride.

A funny thing happens when you drive a van around with huge bike related logo in the middle of the forest... random riders ask for help.  I felt like a regular mobile bike mechanic.

First up, young Jake needed a #2 allen to tighten his shock actuator.

Second, old Ryan who had ridden his brand new bike for a total of 5 minutes and busted the chain.  He's knew to the sport, and I explained that while it had been at least 10 years since I'd had a chain break... in the early days of MTB riding you'd never, ever venture off without a chain breaker because a busted chain was a regular occurrence.  Had him patched up in no time.

And this is where the widow's might comes in... I'm just happy to help... and before Ryan can leave she's all 

Dude, do you know about the race day bag?

So, I grab mine and 'xplain it.

He grabs his and proceeds to make a great demo video... all marketing masters would say I'm committing a bozonono by sending you away to watch this video because you might not come back and read the rest of this riveting post about the widow's might... but, who cares... this is good stuff, just clic the pic.

https://vimeo.com/446362488

Now, it's possible she would have done that anyway...

... but I dunno...

... she's pretty into me right now...

... and that's mighty worth it.

You know what else is worth it don't you... mocking everybody who busts out a duffle bag for their riding gear, or worse... LOL... a trash bag!

If you are not yet converted to our evil ways... well, shame on you!... either use this code SAVE10 or get your buns over to The Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

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? lbs
Relax
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3889038813

MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR DUMMIES

TODAY WAS LIKE STEPPING INTO THE BATTING CAGE, but for mountain bikes.  All I could think of was my one friend in town who always says I'm not going with you, you're too fast.

Whether or not that is true, one thing is for sure... there is no better place to improve MTB handling skills than at a ski resort.

Hop on the lift, survey the mountain, reflect on the previous run, do it again.

Want proof?

I got none.

Except this... the first few runs I was quite rusty.  Not feeling it.  Trepidatious.  The soil is much sandier than home, the light was different... and TBH, I taint been shreddingthegnar much lately.

And, don’t tell her, but riding with Surfergirl requires totally different moves.  A  lit’l slow.  After a few runs, she was ready for a break which meant it was time the The Old Diesel to open it up a bit.

Within another run I found my MTB legs.

The next run was even better.

I got to know the mountain, the soil, figuring out the most funnestest run... and ripping it over and over.

That’s the point.

You can’t really do that with any other bike racing skill... except maybe at the track, which would probably bore me to death.  Me being me.

The downhill part of a mountain bike race is a lot like a sprint.  Guts and speed make a big difference.

And with the lift... you get to practice miles and miles of descending in just a couple of hours... plus, the whole time you’re pretty fresh.

Speaking of fresh... my nethers are doing quite fine after taking my own advice from yesterday... thankyouverymuch...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

While I won't be needing the PR Lotion to keep up with 'er, I'm including it with the promotion...

Use promo code:  COMMIT

And when you order anything from the link below the 2nd item will be 30% savings.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

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163.6 lbs
Relax
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3884913519

TOMORROW SURFERGIRL AND I ARE GOING TO AN MTB PARK - her choice - and I expect to find some steep entries.  These are often preceded by a gentle ho-hum trail... only it looks like the trail ends and you're going to go flying off into the tree tops.

The natural thing to do is roll slow... then you have a choice...

... stop because you're unsure...

... or roll with confidence...

... what you cannot do, EVER!, is think about it with one wheel over the edge or worse both wheels.

You must commit to quit or ride it out.

If you commit to ride it you have one (1) objective...

... to stay laserfocused on the trail ahead.

Do not look down.
Do not try and stop.
Do not look at all the boulders and other hazzards... the shiz that can do ya in.

Your vision must be only on the trail, on the goal, on the prize.

Feel free to apply liberally to any and all quests for greatness.

You know what else I'll be applying liberally tomorrow?

Chamois Butt'r, for a coupla reasons.  One, I hoping they have a great burger/bbq so she can eat and I can shred a little longer.  Two, after we ride we'll be driving up to Big Bear Lake for some RnR... in other words, no shower right after.

I've found a healthy dollop of the Butt'r to be excellent at protecting my special purpose on those days I taint gonna be hitting the shower right quick.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

While I won't be needing the PR Lotion to keep up with 'er, I'm including it with the promotion...

Use promo code:  COMMIT

And when you order anything from the link below the 2nd item will be 30% savings.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

---

165 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7.6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3878789094

RIDE LONG ENOUGH AND YOUR BELOVED XYZ IS GONNA BE SHELVED.  And, it's gonna stench and be quite a shock.  Like having your lover move on out.  Unannounced.

For the 2nd year in a row my goto pedals have been phased out...

... left me single...

... and there tain't no Tinder for forlorn cyclists.

That's the bad news.

The good news is...

... there's a reason the old the is old, it's old.

There are a lot of new options.

Fortunately, Chris The Wrench had a set of Durace ace pedals to take dancing tonight.

Like all good blind dates, I was a bit nervous..   But, within a few minutes I felt dramatically more connected to the bike... like a lot.

So, of course, I threw out the Imgoingslowtonight and stomped around on 'em a bit.

It's just a first date, but I'll be dawgawned if I didn't feel a bit of chemistry.

Kinda feels like I got lucky tonight.

Are you looking for some luck?... maybe a snappy, lucky green tshirt is just what you need... made from our softest cotton, printed with special inks you cannot feel... 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green

... and cut to fit an athlete's body, like yours.  

Get it now with this code: LuckyGreen

You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway

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163.2lbs
Stretch N Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3876434455