TODD, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF LANCE ARMSTRONG?  I get that question all the time, and I bet you do too.  My answer has changed over the years, has yours?

Did he commit grievous acts?

Furshur.

But, these aren't among them:

Inspired millions to get off their arses and ride bikes.

Lifted the entire, worldwide cycling industry to new heights.

Gave hope to hundreds of thousands, millions?, of folks battling cancer.

Displayed a level of preparation and specialization never before seen at LeTour.

Brought in new sponsorship dollars to US Cycling... giving so many a chance to earn a wage and race here and abroad.

Rode a wave of incredible luck for years - avoiding horrific crashes and terribly timed mechanicals that have brought down so many would be champions.

If you weren't positively affected by at least one of those, you missed a great ride.  If you didn't learn from at least one of those and apply it to your life, you missed a great lesson.

Lance Armstrong, like all professional athletes, was an entertainer. 
Nothing more, nothing less. 
It's just entertainment. 
That's it. 

Watching athletics can be great, and intoxicating.  But, in the end, professional sports are nothing more than ways to entertain the people - us - sponsored by companies looking to sell something to somebody - us, again.  

Pro athletes aren't curing cancer, aren't feeding the downtrodden, are rarely in the trenches, etc.

They are amusing us... inspiring us to be better athletes ourselves... taking better care of our bodies... allowing the rest of us to better serve society.

Without our health we are nothing.

Did L.A. cheat?  Absolutely.  Was I bummed?  Not really... I remember going to my first Lakers game and watching Magic and the rest of 'em sprint all out the entire game.  I knew right then pros are on something... and I didn't care.  Nor did I care watching the monsters in Raider's uniforms.  The entertainment was too good.

Lance's big sin?

... being a complete horse's ass to a whole lotta people - truly rotten.

And isn't that a lesson in itself?

Be nice...

... and chase your PRs.

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

If you're really going after a PR, get the t-shirt to remind yourself and the lotion to improve yourself... trust me, it's a game changer... and the T and Lotion are 20% off this week.

Use promo code:  PRsRULE

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

---

164.8 lbs 
Coach Loran Video #5
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3626958513

IF THERE'S ONE THING I THINK WE CAN ALL AGREE ON IN THIS CRAZY WORLD, it's that we ought to drink more water.  When we get up... and all day long.  But, that doesn't mean we need hydration mix every time we ride.

Lately, just to prove a point to myself... I've been rolling out for a decent ride - 90 minutes today - on an empty stomach and nothing more than a water bottle with... water.

Imagine that.

Cheap.

Simple.

And no residue to clean upon return.

That's for a lovely, jaunt through the countryside on el gravel bike.

Side benefit... I feel this practice trains my body for the moments I miscalculate my caloric needs, or miss the refuel spot, or get to the the store after it closes.

90 minutes seems to be about my limit. 

That won't be the case tomorrow where I'll be looking to push hard.  2-3 hours on the gas.  

I'll be adding 1.5-2 scoops to each bottle of my favorite mix.

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

Use promo code SAVE10... and you'll save 10% + get free shipping.

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

Unless of course you part of the PEDALposse.

---

165.6 lbs 
Coach Loran Video 5 - shoulders and balance
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3618977731

SHE WAS JUST A TEENAGER WHEN MARY SHELLEY WROTE HER TALE.  200 years later we continue to read it, watch it, and act it out.  Where do these thoughts originate, and why do they haunt us still?  Why do we risk creating our own monsters?

For instance, my mountain bike.

Yes, the graveyard of discarded parts has been robbed and bolted together to form one of my many Frankenbikes.

Ugly, maybe.

Crude, perhaps.

Criminal, that's a bit much.

Thankfully, it does not haunt my thoughts nor is it trying to kill me. But, it does get some queer looks.  Even some snobbery.  I care not. For it's my mine, built by me, for me.

Have you done the same?

Or, have you had the joy of ordering a frame and specing it out just the way you want it vs the factory?  

Wheels
Group
Brakes
Saddle
Cockpit
Paint
Decals 
Bottle cages
Chain
Bar tape

Custom is so dern fun... it's what makes the PEDALindustries world go 'round... making custom bags and apparel for our friends... and ourselves.

But, for some reason... I just love framing it all with a black helmet, black gloves and black shoes... even black socks.

If you're looking for a new and amazing helmet... look no further than the KASK Protone.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/frankenbike

Order it now, using promocode: FRANKENBIKE ... and order the gloves and socks for free.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/frankenbike

---

165.8
Walk
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3616402096

I GOT SO HIGH I LOST MY MIND YESTERDAY.  It didn't dawn on me until I unloaded my bike very late last night.  And, there was the evidence.

My water bottle had been crushed by the the dense air when I returned to sea level.

But, it was too late to make a course correction.

By then I'd eaten tacos and burritos and ice cream all day.  Very falsely assuming I'd been in some sort of caloric deficit.

True, we'd climbed nearly 7000' that morning.

False, we'd burned 80,000 calories.

Which reminded me of a quote I read earlier this week:

Routine, in an intelligent man, is a sign of ambition... decide what you want or ought to do during the day, then always do it at exactly the same moment every day, and passion will give you no trouble. - W. H. Auden

Yesterday...
... didn't start off with my morning rituals - had to pick up MD, the M.D., too early.
... didn't end with a blogtime story - fell asleep with laptop on chest, too late.

Meanwhile, I wasn't shocked when MD, the M.D., geared up only to learn he'd forgotten his gloves.  I whispered to myself...

Bro that's exactly why we created the RaceDay™ Bag...

... to making loading up a routine.

Just in case he's reading this, hoping he made the blog, I'm pointing out that the Black bag is $10 off at the moment and if he uses promo code SAVE10 it's even less.

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

Yep... if you've ever showed up to a ride and realized you forgot something maybe your routine sucks as bad as mine did yesterday.

Use promo code SAVE10

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

---

164.8 lbs 
Lay on beach
5.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3609585689#kudos

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE MERE WHIFF OF IN-N-OUT BURGERS MEANT I'D WEIGH A GOOD 10 LBS HEAVIER IN THE MORNING.  And, when I rode by one today I could feel the call... burgers, fries, shakes... but, it passed... like a humming bird.  There.  Then gone.

Why?

Welllllll... I've focused realllllhard on my magical 4 food groups:

Power shakes
Nuts
Veggies
Fish

If, when, I stick to that... the blubber melteth away... as noted in my dropping weight which is approaching battle conditions.

What's weird is those 4 food groups are so clean ya don't really crave anything else.

How.  Ever.

I'm meeting fellow posse member MD, the MD, for fun and frolicking on Palomar tomorrow... and I know for a frenchfried fact, we're gonna go right past the devil's palm trees on the way back... in a weak and famished condition.

No doubt MD will see me in the morning and think I need a hamburger or 3.  Then he'll ask how I did it.  What exactly is in those 4 food groups..

... to which I'll say, it's coming in this month's PEDALposse package.

So, if you're in the PEDALposse stay tuned.

If you're not... we'll it ain't like ya ain't been invited to click here:

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

---

163.4 lbs 
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3605483560

RECENTLY A BLOKE RODE UP AND LET ME KNOW I WAS COMPLETELY FULL OF BULLSHYTE.  That I didn't know what I was talking about.  I agreed... I mean what you do with a hostileclosemindedknowitall?  

I was so dejected... so depressed... so besides myself... oh no... someone doesn't love me... hahahaha... now that is some real bullshyte.

But, ya know it got me thinking on Why The Caged Bird Sings - the book I was giving away last Fall.  In that wonderful story is a scene with little Maya and her grampa.  She asks why some people hate others so much, and he responds so beautifully...

... They don't know us.

Someone who I'd never met before stopped by the shop today.  

I feel like I know you, he said.

Really?

Yes, because I read your little stories.

I smiled.  

It was refreshing to meet a new friend and learn a little more about each other.  

Isn't that what it's all about?

Who knows if I'll ever build a bridge to that other bloke.

In the meantime, it'd be a shame to let a good hater go to waste...

... especially when I get messages like this daily.

So here's the deal o' the day... buy GQ6 and we'll include a bottle of Salt Sticks.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/whycantwebefriends

Use promo code: WHYCANTWEBEFRIENDS 

---

162.8 lbs 
Pullups and Pushups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3600958128

THE FIRST WHACK WAS TO MY RIGHT FOREARM.  A little blood drawn.  The next was on my left elbow.  More red stuff.  Followed by a direct hit to my right knuckles.  Right through my superlight gloves.  The final attempt would been the worst, right in the face but I ducked just in time.

It'a artichoke thistle time.

And they're out in force.

'Not sure I've ever it seen this bad.

I don't mind it much. 

I mean, if ya ain't bleeding ya ain't trying when it comes to MTB riding.  And trust me there are plenty of opportunities to bleed around here.

Could they be avoided, sure if I slowed down.

Where's the fun in that?

What's fun is ripping around after a long day working, when it's cooled down some...

... with a firm grip via my superlight gloves.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

Lots of color options, all delivered for $20 including shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

165 lbs 
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3595984174

I HAD BEEN IN AIRPLANE POSE FOR A LONG TIME THIS MORNING, starting to wobble, recentered my focus... 

... me thought, this reminds me of cycling...

... there it was...

... all the discipline to remain calm, control my breathing and focus on a point ahead was just like focusing on the wheel of a much stronger rider trying to drop me or on my heart rate when chasing a PR on a long climb...

... I held the pose longer, got steadier and felt stronger...

... the burn turned exquisite.

Little did I know that fleeting hmmmm would ring true tonight.

Our semi-tame group ride has developed a nasty habit of hauling@$$ from the getgo... and with a raging tailwind to hook onto... the group was quickly blown to bits, and there I was...

... holding on for dear life, trying to remain calm, control my breathing and focus on EasyE's butt as we bridged across the gap.

His man pullllllls.
My oldman pulls.

In one of Starva's paradoxes, the weakest of the break of five snagged the KOM.... yours Diesely.

===> Stop the presses... I was just notified by our digital overlords that EasyE now owns the KOM... balance has been restored to the Starvaverse <===

Did the yoga help me get across?

Maybe.

If ye be into finding speed and power off the bike, if thy soul yearns fer more let me introduce you to Coach Loran, Queen of Core, Princess of Planks and my thriceweekly nightmare.

She's part of the PEDALposse... and helps us be strong and hearty on and off the bike.

Check it out:  

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

Yes, she rides... one of the more gifted descenders you'll ever meet.

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

164.4 lbs 
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3591114713

THERE ARE A LOT THINGS I CAN HANDLE but one of them isn't having someone else ride my bike.  That ain't the kind of swinging I'm into... and before you go wondering what kind of swinging I am into, there's only one kind... swinging my bike off the lift at Deer Valley.

Which is exactly what I hope to do at some point this summer.

And if it ain't there I hope it's at Mammoth or Big Bear.

All three?

It's weird that I'm totally down for riding a lift up to rip down a mountain, but heartily against e-bikes for those in good health.

Hypocritical?  I dunno.

There's just something thrilling about getting up the mountain under my own power when there's no lift, and checking out all the trails while being hoisted when there is a lift.

Maybe when it comes down to it, I'm just too lazy to worry about one more dawgawn thing to charge in my life...

... other than life it self?

It's the time of the month I always feel badly for the non-PEDALposse readers who missed out on what we're up to in the Posse.

People like Charlie who are about to make a sizable purchase and coulda saved a ton by joining... like $100.

People like Skyler who are so obviously weak in their core... coulda been training with Coach Loran.

And the rest of ya's... cause this week we're shipping out the first Campfire Story to the Posse.  Campfire Stories are a behind the scenes look into how we do things at work and play. 

In this issue I'm diving deep into the details of how we are navigating the virus using a cycling skill you may or may not have.  Miraculously, we have thrived as the government has shut down our factory, our supply chain has been wobbly at best, and a host of other challenges you too may be facing.

Oh, and the Posse will also be receiving a sweet, exclusive t-shirt.

I'll probably never do this again, let someone jump in after the 1st, but things have been so kooky lately it seems like the right thing to do.

If you join before Friday, June 12th, you'll get this month's mailing.

Check it out:  

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

---

164.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3583102426

I PICKED UP A PAGE TURNER AT THE LOCAL USED BOOKSTORE FOR A WHOPPING $1.  How could I resist when browsing the first pages I learned the protagonist was an endurance junky?  Plus, it seemed like a helluvan easy way to escape for a few hours today.

It wasn't just an escape I was after... it was a chance to study the pacing, details and drama in this style of writing.

Where Teddy Roosevelt's autobiography is a ton of tempo miles.

This book is like a sprint workout, or a short crit.

We met up with CH at the beach.

He also had a book, by Hunter S. Thompson.  I quizzed him on it... he said it's his beach book, and just reads sections randomly.

Books aside, we got down to talking about training.  The families tuning us out.

He stunned me.

He's riding nearly twice as much as me.

It seemed impossible.

Then we broke it down, day by day.  

Basically, he just rides a little longer each time.

We compared notes on our recent groups rides.  Each of us is struggling to have some kind of pop in the legs.  Neither of us are Zwifters. 

I chalk up our sluggishness to too much Roosevelt and not enough Forsyth.

Speaking of bargains... check out our closeouts.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

---

165.4 lbs 
Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3580587395

USUALLY ON SATURDAYS I LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT THE BIG RIDE AND ADVENTURE.  And I had intended to do that today... especially after racing to the meet up only to get this text:

Don’t know if you left.  I couldn’t roll out into rain when I know it’s going to be sunny this afternoon. 

'Cause nothing's better than getting up at the crack o' dawn, gearing up, leaving your dry and warm confines, hitting the drizzle and pressing on because you committed to be there... 

... and nobody's there.

At that point, there was no turning back... sure my socks were getting soggy, sure the clouds were trapped along the coast by the mountains to my right, sure I had 30 miles to go before meeting the other group, sure they too might opt for the sunny afternoon...

... sure as hell, I was going.

And I was going to come home full a fire and rant about why so many people suck at racing in crappy weather and why I love it... rant about how much better the few of us out here in the road spray were than the sleeptards who stayed in bed...

... but, then the rain stopped.

The rant stopped...

... and in the cool morning air I made my way up a 20 minute 1000'+ climb overlooking the Pacific Ocean where a sunburst lit the big blue.

Gawd, ain't nature the best soul balm ever?!

---

The nice thing about the rain today was the temp... it was warm.  Which meant my Superlight race gloves were just fine.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

They're $20 with shipping to your door.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

164.8 lbs 
nada
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3573800069

AS MY FRIEND SCOTT LIKES TO SAY, we are moist robots.  Easily progammable.

We know this.

And it's easy to prove.

Eat junk, ride junk miles, get junk sleep... go race.

Eat clean, ride specified workouts, get good sleep... go race.

Which will be our better race?

Do I have DaddyDaughterDonutDay?  Yes, of course.  No need to be prudish about it...

... just be directionally correct in body, mind, soul and friends...

Excellence in.  Excellence out.

Want more?

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

---

165 lbs 
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep - kids
https://www.strava.com/activities/3565728064

IF YOU'VE NEVER HAD YOUR ARMS STRETCHED STRAIGHT OUT, hands gripping the grips, sternum planted on your saddle, front tire knobs bending and breaking, and the rear tire a slidin and a swinging... 

If you've never hit 60+ on a mountain road, wondering just how much heat those carbon hoops can handle as a bend is running up fast...

If you've never banged bars in a full gallop for the line...

If you've never loaded up at sunrise and returned at sunset covered in dust, salt, and blood... 

Maybe it's your playlist?

Not with earpods... the one that's playing all by itself, 'cause you nearly blew the windows out on the way to the ride or before leaving the house.  

Stuck in yer head.

That playlist.

Is

it

in

spiring...

... on the bike...

... everywhere?

Here's one a mine, the Winged Wolf.

What's yours?

And as long as were discussing things we don't know about each other... should I be flattered or surprised by the this phrase which I hear several times a week?

I gotta be honest, I didn't think your gloves would be good... but I really like 'em.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

I know what it is... we should be charging a lot more.  It's a psychological thing.  So, look for the price to raise soon... until then, they're $20 with shipping to your door.

Join the believers.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

164.8 lbs 
Stetch
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3561095993

TONIGHT, AFTER A LONG DAY OF WORK... after a spritely gallop along the coast... after a 1000' extracredit climb... I sat on the bench outside our shop.

Alone, I bathed in the racing and retreating streaks of sunlight.

I felt clean and complete.

Fortunate beyond words...

... I didn't move for quite awhile.

I couldn't.

I thought of Major Taylor who's biography I'm reading, and who loved his enemies.  Of Gandi, who encouraged us to be the change we seek.  

Earlier in the day I'd called a friend who lives near LA.  We're different generations, different colors.  We're dads who love our families.  We're bike riders, who encourage others to ride.  It was good to catch up.

I think that's one of the things I miss most about not having much of a commute... time to call friends who are far away, just to say Hi...

... it always turns to bike riding at some point, because bike riders are my people...

... and my people gotta ride.

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

These tshirts are the softest thangs you'll ever put on... and after one wash you can't even feel the ink.

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

---

165.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3555882278

SOMETIMES YA JUST WANT A QUICKIE.  Like today.  Up early.  Quick change. Out the door... riding into a beautiful rising sun.

But, sometimes ya oughtta take a moment to look over yer twowheeled pleasure craft.

Which I didn't.

Nor did I notice my tires were a bit splashy <- Jason Bourne quote there.

Not until I'd climbed rather high up above town on the rutted fire road... and I didn't even notice it on the climb.  Traction was quite good, as you'd expect with low pressure.

No, it wasn't until I was downbound on a trail called Kamikaze... coming up just short on a bunny hop... that I realized I'd forgotten to air up.

Now I was air down... burped out about 20 pounds.

Unridable.

Texted Frank who lives nearby... nada.

Called my lovely, quarantined daughter, who quickly rescued me with a pump... but alas, it was more damaged than I could do roadside.

I never curse the gods upon the rare mishap... too many times I've come upon tragedy, thinking If this or that hadn't a happened, that coulda been me.

My loss is your gain... 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/terra-speed-700x-fold-protection-tr-black-chili?variant=31454091608196

Use promo code CONTIBOGO and when you buy 2 or more tires they're 50% off.  You'll enter the promo code at check out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/terra-speed-700x-fold-protection-tr-black-chili?variant=31454091608196

(Yes, it works on all tires.)

---

166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran killed me
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3547625925

I THINK WHEN IT COMES TO RACING, the more you can bring to the race the better.  Could be better wrenching skills, could better on course support, could be a dedication to chess...

... could even be Teddy Roosevelt's autobiography, it's stuffed gritty teaching tales... from boxing with secret servicemen in the White House to frontier justice to liberating Cuba.

Teddy had an approach to apprehending armed criminals, who often possessed great fighting talent.  He noticed they always had a moment of hesitation before pulling the trigger.

... I knew just what to do, and I did it first...

... and that my friends sums up most of my racing tactics.

It's not complicated.

Knowing what needs to be done.
Doing it first.

There are a ton of places to apply this principle in a race.

Know.
Do.

Here's something you oughta know... PEDALposse members save 25% on all purchases, custom or instock.

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

---

165.4 lbs 
Rest
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3543726943

WHAT ARE THE BEST BIKE RIDES?  Adventures with friends.  With all the warm feelings of finally being back together after months... something was bound to happen over the course of 45 miles with 7000' of vert in our local forest.

For examples...

One crank falling off

Two bleeding legs

One tumble in the moon dust

A fair amount of cramping

And, a complete detonation on the final climb.

But, the worst...

... the one that had howls of pain ricocheting across the canyon...

... I won't soon forget.

Our final decent was on The Luge.  A trail with huge berms and jumps and nasty braking bumps... offering chances to fall off a cliff to one's death.

Which is exactly what those screams sounded like.

They were coming from a young lad of 12ish years on his own adfriendture with his big brother and another buddy.  He was the last rider in their trio... all riding on crappy bikes and adrenalin.

He'd fallen 15' and landed in a cactus plant. 

We formed a huMan chain and yanked him out.

Scared and shaken.  

He'll be fine, and have a story he can tell the rest of his life... which no doubt will get better with time.

An adfriendture.

---

Apologies to today's tour guide, MG.  I thought his prediction of 4 hours was nuts.   He insisted we'd push each other. 

Perhaps it was his pep talk... This is a drop ride, so keep up!

Some pavement to get to the dirt

Blackstar climb

Above the clouds

MG taking care of JM wounds

Easy E watching the kids take off

To the rescue... EasyE grabbed the kid... the man below started to slip and I grabbed him... much steeper than it looks.

Pink

Camo

Never pass up a Mexican coke and popsicle

But, you can't have an adfriendture unless you actually ride your bike.

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

Use promo code: ADFRIENDTURE and have this tshirt delivered for under $18.

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

 ---

165 lbs
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3537861535

TOMORROW SORTAKINDA MARKS THE FIRST DAY TOWARDS MY QUEST, the quest being MTB Marathon Nationals.  I'll be meeting the fellas, and from what I've spied on Starva there will be pain.

Legs will be chopped off.

Arms turned to noodles.

Throats singed.

Lungs burned.

Eyes gouged.

Ears... will be filled with the shrieks of misery.

My fastest friends are meeting for an It'll take 'bout 4 hours ride.  I looked at the estimates, and from what I can gather I'd have to PR every segment of the route to be able to do it under 4 1/2 hours.

There's nothing like a good thrashing to get the motivation going... motivation to train, eat, rest right proper.

So, I'll ride to the pain.

Raise your bottle if you're with me... and repeat it... To the pain!

Of course I won't feel all the pain because I'm gonna lather up with a heap of PR Lotion... as I'm sure all these cats will.  Times like tomorrow I regret sharing all the secrets.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion

If you're gonna be riding To the pain! soon... click on this link and enjoy the extremely entertaining video.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion

Ships free in USA.

---

165.4 lbs 
Coach Loran Live - tons of upper body
6.5 hours sleep - crazy dreams
https://www.strava.com/activities/3531092335

My inspiration for this post

I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE REST OF COUNTRY IS DOING, for that matter I'm not even sure what most of my friends are doing.  But, I do know this... I have popped into the local group ride that is resurfacing and holyguacamole! some of these cats are in serious fighting shape.

I was quite shocked last week.

And stunned this week.

Serious speed from the getgo, and like an old diesel I've been, shallwesay, a touch slow in ramping it up.

I checked the soontobeexpensive Starva and according the Fitness/Freshness report my fitness is good and my form is bad.

This is the result of riding like Goldilocks - neither too easy nor too hard - just riding tempo all the time.

Not riding hard enough to need an easy spin, not spinning easy enough to pound a hard ride.

After being smacked by the Bigbadwolf a few times... I'm ready to search out some speed.

To inspire myself I printed up a new green - for sprint speed - tshirt.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green?variant=34486613999777

It comes in a lot of colors... the imprint is our Stamp logo.
We use very special inks, and once you wash this shirt you'll never feel the ink.

If you use promo code WATTSUP at check you'll get this T deliverd for under $18... or under $15 if you're part of the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green?variant=34486613999777

---

164.2 lbs 
Pullups, Pushups, Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3528552294

I REMEMBER CHRISTMAS 1990.  Surfergirl presented me a Merlin Titanium Bikes catalog... with 10 crisp Benjamins inside.  Twoooo Wuv.

I never got that bike... yes, I would have been part of the cool kids.

Instead, I plunked it down on a pure sprint machine.  A cherry red aluminum Cannondale.  Integrated shifting in the brake levers - imagine that, no more reaching for the downtube shifter midsprint!

Harsh ride.

Fast.

Raced that bike all up and down the coast the next 2 years.  The pinnacle of my crit career.

I rode aluminum for a long time... then carbon... and I'm back on an aluminum sprinter at the moment.

Not as harsh.

Very aero.

Fast.

But, I'm starting to dream of Ti again. 

The Moots YBB concept has always intrigued me.  First, as a Leadville rig.  It's very simple.  No linkage.  Limited travel, using Ti's properties with just a spring up at the seat tube.

They are now offering an even more limited travel version on their gravel bike and I'm giving it some serious thought.

For most graveling, suspension isn't really needed.  But, we tend to go a little cray-cray around here... poaching a fair amount of single track and plenty of rough terrain.  And, I'm thinking some suspension would be pretty slick.

The YBB frame with the Lauf fork could be just the ticket for my inner gravel goon.

It's only money?... nah, it's a helluvalotta fun!

Some wonder if the PEDALposse is worth the money...

... well, all I can tell you is riders keep joining... some for the savings, some for the training, some for the monthly surprise... check it out:

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

165 lbs 
Yoga & Roll
6.5 hours sleep - kids up late
https://www.strava.com/activities/3523417093

I'VE NEVER BEEN ON A GROUP RIDE I DIDN'T LIKE, here are my rules when I'm the newguy

11.  Speak when spoken to.

12.  Pull my fair share

13.  Be Steady Eddy, not Freddie Showoff

14.  Stop if there's a mishap, be helpful.

15.  Point shtuff out.

It ain't that hard to be a likable rider... or person... which you probably are if you're reading this...

... and if you're reading this, consider joining the PEDALposse.

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

---

167.2 lbs (I keep telling myself it's time to get serious)
Coach Loran Live + Pullups
8 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3517821786

I WOULD NEVER DO THIS FOR A FRIEND:  put him on my favorite race bike, give him a brand new kit, slightly used helmet, new gloves, new socks, and barely used glasses. 

I'm just not that kind of friend, but I am that kind of dad...

... because if junior likes it, well hotdiggity - whatcouldbebetter?!

At the top of a twisty and tricky single track were three dads, and 3 little kids.  Shane and I cleared the last pitch of rocky trail, huffing and puffing.  It felt damn good, and everybody knew it.

This is the special stuff - spectacular view, prime weather, out in the wild for an adventure.

All the dads thinking... I hope he likes it.

Even me... thinking it for the 1000th time... and maybe this time it will stick.

Not only did I give him all that gear - not the bike - I introduced him to the goodness of Chamois Butt'r...

... but not the miracle that is PR Lotion, that is something I'll keep a secret... 'cause I'm gonna need every edge I can get if it sticks this time.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

 You my friend, if you have yet to try PR Lotion or the Butt'r, may use this promo code to save 50% on the second item:  LUBEMEUP

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

---

165.98 lbs 
Pullups and Pushups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2909778979

THERE ARE RIDERS WHOSE LUNGS ARE SO HUGE AND LEGS SO POWERFUL that they achieve perfection on two wheels to which no ordinary rider will ever attain.

There are other riders who cannot ride with any skill or power at all.

In between come the mass of riders of ordinary ability, who if they choose can become solid riders... even accomplished racers... through dedication to regular training, proper diet, and focused recovery.

I belong to this third group, the workers and hustlers... the industrious.

PEDAL... Industries.

And... if you working hard on and off the bike you probably like saving big bucks whenever possible... like PEDALposse member MS in AZ

Have you been dreaming about a new helmet for the summer season?  Got a few bones burning a hole in your jersey pocket?

Save 20% with promo code: KASK20

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Today, May 25th 2020, is the last day of the KASK helmet sale.

PEDALposse, you save more with your special code.

---

165.8 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3506576127

THERE'S A LEGEND AROUND HERE ABOUT THE GREAT D.M... how great?  Well, when John Tomac would come and visit DM would thrash him on the bike... really take him to the shed.  Yeah, that great.

DM, the story goes, had demons... he was once so far off the front of a local MTB race, that he startled the course marshal high up on the mountain.  The marshal didn't think racers would be there for at least another 15 minutes,.. but out in the middle of nowhere he hears a voice coming at him...

You think that hurts?  That's nothing!  Nothing, I tell ya... Quit whining you baby!  That's ain't pain... you're not even trying...

Now that's an enemy, self-conjured or not, pushing DM... getting every ounce of energy out of him.

The great JO once explained how he goes all out from the start of an MTB race... he pictures in his mind that the competitors are trying to get his family and therefore he must crush them... and so he does.

I've been known to line up at the start and just pick someone to hate on... then tell myself some ridiculous story to get fired up!... and if they're not in the hunt, I have no problem training my lens on the next sonofagun.

So, yeah, love your enemies... 

... especially the nice once that smile as they rip your legs off.

Which reminds me of Coach Loran, and how she laughs during the workouts she knows are killing us...

... looking for someone to hate because they make you feel weak?  Look no further than Coach Loran... her workouts are part of the PEDALposse subscription.

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

---

165.4 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.15 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3500359736

OKAY... TBH, YOU CAN'T REALLY MAKE WATTS WHILE YOU SLEEP, but you sure the heck can lose them.

Check out what happens when we get less than 8 hours of sleep:

Time to physical exhaustion drops by 10-30%
Aerobic output is significantly reduced
Faster rates of lactic acid build up
Reductions in blood oxygen saturation
Impairment of the body to cool itself through sweating
Weight gain through loss of hunger control
and... wait for it... a whopping100% increase in risk of injury

... and that's just the athletic stuff, there's a whole bunch more... but, who cares about max performance on AND off the bike?

Well, I do.

So when my much smarter and much faster friend MG suggested Why We Sleep last year, I put it in the reading cue.

Result:  I've upped my average night of sleep by about 30 minutes - as many have noted, the very act of reading the book will send you straight to LaLaLand.

What won't send you to LaLaLand are the many options of the Wild Child Kit.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

This is the Peace option, which I commissioned the great Joe Y to design for us... ya see I had a sneaky feeling we might need a bit more peace in our lives in 2020.

If you're wanting to spread peace use this code: PEACEOUT

The code works on everything in the store... but check out how snappy this kit looks.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.2 lbs
Pull-ups
6.5 hours sleep - not my best night.

https://www.strava.com/activities/3496092166#comments

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL... who's the fastest of them all?

Let me see here... let's see... well, according to the actual score board... why...hmmm... well, it ain't you.

Are you sure Mirror?

Yep, quite sure... looking at the podium picture here.... it's def not you.

Well, Mirror, what about that one KOM I got?

Checking... checking... checking... ah yes, found it... yes, you did have a KOM on that one forgotten loop that only one other person ever rode... but, looks like someone stumbled upon it and stole it... no email on that?

No Mirror, no email.

Are you sad?

Yes, kind of.

Don't be.  You were never even in the running for fastest.  But, you're still the fairest... and ain't that the best? 

I'm not sure what inspired the above... maybe it's the awareness for ESPN's upcoming Lance Armstrong tell all?  

But, I am sure this is a fairly awesome offer that is ending in 4 days...

... my favorite helmets, huge savings.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

KH ordered a Protone for himself... ''cause of course we always think of ourselves first... then sent this text

Now, you may not have an old helmet that fits like a giant, sad mushroom on top of your head like KH... but if you do... this is a helluva deal...

Save 20% with promo code: KASK20

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Sale ends on 5/25.

PEDALposse, you save more with your special code.

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran Live + pull-ups
7 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3491440093

KUDO TO YOU... there's a lot I like about Strava, so much so that I've paid for their service for years simply to support them... 'cause honestly, I couldn't make helmets or shifters outta their premium offer.

But, the thing I like most is it to take a few minutes from time to time and comment on a friend's outstanding ride.  There's a lot of this going on on the Stravs and it's pretty darn cool... probably the best part, all that positivity.

I'm not sure if forcing people to pay for "their most popular feature" is the right way to go... but that's essentially what they've done by hiding all the segment times but your own and the top 10 should you not have the 5 bones a month they want from ya.

I think a choice ala Spotify to have paid/adfree or free with ads would be cool... even as a payer, I wouldn't mind seeing really relevant ads from time to time in my feed.  For sure kids, the budget conscious, and others would opt for the free with ads version.  

Without a quality free version, will Strava's domination of segment data be hollowed out?... leaving just richguy data?  Will another platform come forth?  Will people move to Garmin's app?

Time will tell...

... speaking of time, I'm really loving the longer days and the chance to ride long into the evening...

... and when I do, I roll out with 2 water bottles like this

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

 Which you can have delivered to your door for a whopping... sit down before I tell you how much this is going to set you back... I mean, you know we haven't been able to make bottles for 10 weeks now right?...

Use promo code:  KUDOS

Code expires after the next 10 sets of bottles have been ordered... except for the PEDALposse.

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

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

165.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3485751504

A FULL 18 MONTHS INTO MY PROFESSIONAL RACING CAREER... start young enough and it's impossible not to have this dream, for every single ride is faster and further... I met what seemed to be an old crusty cat running a forgotten bike shop, he was probably mid-30s.

He sagely whispered, It takes 3 years to find out what kind of racer you'll be.

I thought, Whatever dude, I'm going to race that big thing in France.

Many times I've considered his statement.  He meant I'd find out if I was a road racer or crit racer or circuit racer, for those were the choices at the time.

Surely I'd be a pro on the road... actually, I wound up a decent amateur on circuit courses.

But, maybe he'd meant something deeper?... for I'd learned a secret.

After the races, there are more races. 

Each race presenting new challenges, requiring new skills.  A chance to improve.  To find harder races, against faster competition.  To set larger goals that butt up to the impossible, and get after it.

Sure, wanting to win... but more importantly, knowing that each race leaves me a better version of myself...

... eagerly awaiting the next race.

The next chance to strap on my helmet and see who I've become.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/25)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3480225660

I LOVE MY FRIEND Kevi.  I was shocked to see him in December.  Shocked, I tell ya.  Here was a man who once weighed a scant 155... tbh, I didn't even recognize him when he rolled up to me... in fact, I cleared the area for fear he'd take me out like a lone bowling pin.

But this is what I love about him... he has more determination and will power than any person I've ever met.

He ordered a few kits... after squeezing into an XXL top and XL bottom, and I mean like hold your breath squeezing.

Then he started getting these dern emails from me.

Bought some PR Lotion.

Started riding hard again.

Noticed my weight... he knew I was 20 pounds heavier when he lived 'round here.

Got inspired.

Read about my passion for graveling.

Set a financial goal to merit a new bike.

Ordered Large kits a couple of weeks ago... down about 50 pounds.

Got the new gravel bike... giggled like a kid.

Shot me a message today... Can we change to Medium kits?

Did I feel bad pointing out his huge potential energy?  Nope.  I love him... want him to be around a long time.  We've got a lot riding to do.

And now that he's joined the PEDALposse, I can't wait till he starts seeing the benefits of Coach Loran's workouts...

... just hope he doesn't giggle when he drops me next time he's in town.

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

I'm not going to promise you the same results as Kevin... I don't know if you have that far to go, or if you have that kind of drive and determination... but, I will promise you a proper butt kickin' by Coach Loran... the kinda thing that will have you feeling S-T-R-O-N-G on and off the bike.

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

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3474731048

MY FRIEND JEFF JUST LOADED UP HIS BIKE AND WENT FOR A LITTLE 322 MILE JAUNT... sleeping trailside from 11pm-5am along the way... and didn't even invite me, or anybody else.  

Did it alone.

On forgotten gravel roads.

In bear country.

It's the kind of thing I only dream about or threaten to do.

Which reminds me of the most compelling advertisement I've ever read, placed by the great Ernest Shackleton... captain of the aptly named Endurance.

What calls men and women to engage in such quests is one thing.

Why aren't we all so engaged is another.

What are we waiting for?

Should I ever heed the call of the wild, what some may consider lose my mind you, bank on me going all in on style and efficiency from head to toe.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/25)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3463307446

PAY ATTENTION AND YOU START TO NOTICE SKID MARKS ALL OVER THE PLACE.  If you're the one laying down the rubber or carving up the dirt you're tapping into your rebellious side... and if your execution is flawless and graceful... well, that's a helluva feeing.

Carving up the local fire roads on my gravel bike today, I remembered one of the best bike lessons I ever got.  And it was free, from my friend Brett.

Bret had race flat track motorcycles professionally... they're the original drifters... and he was the best skidder I've ever seen.

He kindly let me know I sucked... well into my 30's, 20+ years of skidding...

... and I'd been doing it all wrong. 

Rather than share the many wrong ways... lemme just share the right way to skid through a turn.

The most important thing Brett taught me is to start your skid before you're turning, it's the only way to keep the back end from sliding away below you and leaving on your arse or worse.

Got that?

Start the skid while you're still going straight, then steer through the turn and the back end will come right around under control.

Why skid?

It's fun.

It can be a lot faster way to get through a tight turn off road.

It looks cool.

It kicks up a ton of dirt making it harder for trailing riders to see... I'd never do that.

If you're going to be working on your stylish skidding... wear a good, stylish helmet.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/31)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3463307446

NO ONE IS BORN A RACER.  No one is born knowing how to ride a bike.  Training is like spokes in a wheel.  One spoke is useless.  Many spokes, properly tensioned, make a strong wheel.

We train our legs.

We train our minds

We train our core.

We train our upper body.

We learn basic maintenance.

We study the greats.

We ride with faster and slower riders.

We practice handling skills.

We dial in nutrition on and off the bike.

We master rest and sleep.

Strong wheels roll over all obstacles... and so we attack the race with vigor and confidence that we are prepared...

... and that same preparation rolls into everything we do.

The wide road, the rockless trail... we learn nothing there. 

We seek the fast turn, shoulder to shoulder... the steep, cliffside trail.

Mens sana in corpore sano - sound mind in strong body.

And we know it'd be a shame to not keep that mind protected and that body stylish so we don excellence atop it all.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/31)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166 lbs
Office move
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2909778979

I FELL OVER HALFWAY THROUGH MY FIRST VISION QUEST.  Landed on my side.  Unable to move.  I wasn't hurt, but I was being crushed by extreme heat and an ungodly amount of climbing.  Falling over when I stood on the pedals because my legs cramped simultaneously wasn't part of the plan.

I lay there shocked, such was the speed by which I'd been cut down.

Just hours earlier I'd been full of confidence... thinking all was well, what could possibly derail a great day racing in the mountains with my pals?

It wouldn't be my only disastrous day on a bike.

But, it would define my response.

I would summon the will to finish...

... long after the winners and quitters had gone home...

... a victory of my own.

---

Shiz gonna hit our spokes for sure... and will continue to do so... and so we plan for that...

prepping better
adjusting expectations
persevering
loving what the trails and roads throw at us
turning inward for strength
accepting the shiz
and pedaling on

---

Speaking of pedaling on...  if you're heading out for a big adventure be sure and lube up your body too

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

Here's the dealio... buy any one of these products and the second product is 50% off when you use this code:  LUBEMEUP

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

—

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

—

166.6 lbs
Coach Live - ouch! 
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3452950880

They say rules are made to be broken... break these at your own risk.

6.  If you're going to lead, be the last one to lead - win the damn race!

7.  Thy bike may be dirty, thy drivetrain must be pristine.

8.  Always invite the ladies - they're nicer and don't smell - they may politely decline, keep inviting.

9.  Group rides start on time - failure to heed leads to ride death.

10.  Thou shalt not show thy butt crack via thread barren bibs - and if thou shalt be subjected to such offense thou shalt shame the offender without mercy.

Speaking of threads, I found a pile of these superlight socks while prepping for our upcoming move... and I'd sure like to find a home for them.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

This particular sock was only made in the size OFSM - one size fits most which is 9-12.

So, if you're that size... and you like gray... and have 8 shekels that need a home... that's all it takes to get these delivered to you.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll 
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3447809783

PERHAPS THE MOST OVERLOOKED SKILL IN BIKE HANDLING, and the cause of many an ohcrap moment, is the ol' hangloose, holdtight. I think it's overlooked, because it's rarely taught... 

I was reminded of it yesterday when I received this message from PEDALposse member Michael F.

Just got a gravel bike, have had a few break in rides.  I've quickly learned that it's not a simple as pedaling hard.  There are obstacles, you can't just get into a zone (have to look and think ahead all the time).  That said, it's fun (at times), and I know it will become a lot of fun after I develop a more "gravel" skill.  Any tips for a pure road cyclist (no MTB background) looking to enjoy the trails around Santiago Canyon?

First tip is hangloose, holdtight, and it's applicable to all riding.

Your upper body should be loose, your arms especially.  This will let the power of the terrain flow through you and be energizing vs jolting.  Think of your arms as wet spaghetti noodles.

Your hands should have a firm grip on the bars, with noodle arms.

I learned it reading Zen And The Art Of Archery - it's short, and profound... about an American archer who travels to Japan and gets his schooled by little old men, and the secret he learned about recruiting just the right muscles.

Second tip is look as far ahead as you can. 

Your body will remember what to do.  Most people new to riding offroad look straight down.  It's a bad habit that will have you focusing on the obstacles rather than the goals... never bueno.

I learned that from Moses - Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Another reason people perish is because their tires are in terrible shape... and guess what I don't want to move to the new location?

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

Here's the dealio... the one promo code that is better than the PEDALposse code... the buy one get one free code:  CONTIBOGO 

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

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.6 lbs
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3442652996

A LONG RANGE ATTACK USUALLY FAILS, it's often attempted by a racer who is feeling outnumbered or outclassed. And, usually ends up with the attacker being shot out the back.  But, there is one kind of long range attack that if done correctly can reshuffle the deck in your favor.

Here's how I use it.

The last 5-10 miles of any road race are always heated. 

The last 3-5, the adrenalin pump is a pumpin'.

Earlier this year, I pulled such an attack. 

4 miles out.  

I lead into a very fast 150 degree turn and sprinted hard out of it.  There was a little gap, and I kept it at 9/10ths.  As planned, I was caught about a 1/4 mile later.  The charging train blew by me.

When rider X chided me with The race won't be won here, I knew it was mission accomplished.

I slotted in 10 guys back and kept an eye on all the players.  It was a gradual 1-2% grade with a kicker at the finish.

That tactic can backfire.  

They can leave you dangling off the front.  So, go 9/10ths.  If the gap keeps opening while you're getting closer to the finish, you can up it to all out... but it better be a helluva gap.

When that happens it's usually because they know you and think you don't have it and they let the gap get too big.  Which is a really sweet move that I saw executed at LoToJa.  I was keying of the regulars, and they figured Steinfelt didn't have it.  Wrong. He won, we lost.

It works best when nobody knows you, like if you're in town just for the race.  They'll think you're some kook making a bad move... you might be, so be careful.  Usually, they'll chase you down, heckling you... leaving you in the catbird's position, latched on to the back of their lead out trains, forgotten.

While their egos are jousting, you are patiently resting and waiting to unleash your mighty fury...

... always be the last one to lead the race.

But, don't be the last one to check out our close outs... I added a couple of new things today.  Found one of these sweet t's

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

Plus a few other things.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

 ---

167 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3437267779

A FEW YEARS AGO, I HAD THIS CRAZY DREAM  to start a racing format called HUNKR.  It stood for Hundred Kilometer Race.  I learned the expensive way that race promotion is a tough way to make a buck.  That was the bad part, but I also learned a ton of things along the way.

Yes, we had hundreds of people race...
Yes, the local speedsters - pros and national champs showed up...
Yes, the courses we spectacular.
Yes, an after party.

Yes... terday, I had a few hours midday and ripped around the county.  Just over three hours later I came in super stoked.  On a high.

3ish hours, stomping on the pedals is my sweet spot.  

The route I'd put together as I went along, linking bike trails and little used roads, had only a couple of obeythelaw stops.  Which left me in the zone the entire way. And, wound up to be exactly 100k.

The Old Clydesdale commented on my Strava post with one word: Hunkr.

Which reminded me of the point of HUNKR... to give people a way to race each other as well as chase their PRs.  Runners do this all the time - sign up for mass start race, train together, then go race and reach for their PR. 

The number one thing I learned is people really like the HUNKR format... we just don't have that in bike racing.

I wish we did.

Will I ever resurrect HUNKR?

Probably.

In a renegade, undertheradar, nopermits, inviteonly, braggingrightsonly, badass sorta format.

Until then, we are closing out the remaining jerseys... practically giving away the classiest event jersey I've ever seen or made... so we don't have to move them to  our new, shiny location.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

---

166.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3426929762

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A SPECTACULAR FAIL FOR LEARNING.  Whether or not Thursday was a true failure is questionable, the fact I fell off the athletewagon is undoubtable.

Exercise:  lazy walk on beach

Diet: donuts for breakfast, a giant serving of PickUp Stix for lunch, Domino's for dinner, and multiple servings of Oreo ice cream pie while watching Revenge Of The Sith.

Why the fall:  son Shane's bday + all kids in town for Mother's Day = party time.

The failure feedback:  2 lbs heavier than previous morning, and some karaze dreams

Without that feedback from the scale and dreams, nothing would be learned.

Racing, with a number or just amongst friends, has been a great source of feedback.

But, I think chasing PRs has been the best teacher because I experiment more.   

Tinkering with tread patterns and tire pressure,
bike position,
nutrition,
pacing,
apparel,
time of day...
oh, it's an endless list... and chasing a PR is endlessly fascinating... figuring out what is holding me back - often it's the blubber, my homegrown ballast, that needs to be cast off.

Speaking of casting off, we're moving to a new location this month... so if you have a hankerin' for some deals, there are a number of things we are closing out

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.

---

165.8 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3426929762

I HAD THIS WHOLE POST ABOUT LEARNING FROM FAILURE READY TO GO, then I read this quote from Egan Bernal who learned from winning.

Bernal:

At the moment, it's a question of having cold blood, focusing on training, trying to do things as well as possible, get to the Tour and then things will fall into place.

That's his answer to the question of who will lead his team... himself, being the reigning champ, his teammate Geraint Thomas the previous winner, or Chris Froome who won before Thomas.

And, I freakin' love it... it's a question of cold blood... ie: getting your buns in gear, the world ain't waitin'.

We ain't waitin' over here either, in fact we're movin'... and rather than move it all, we're puttin' some of it on clearance... can ya help a brother out?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.

---

166.6 lbs 
Coach Loran Live Workout 
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3421857164

THERE IS SO MUCH CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT ON A BIKE.  I love to admit it, some of the very best is when a friend flies off the trail and lands in the tree below... clipped in, upside down... with a sliced shin.

If you're a rider, and you're tough, and you signed up for said adventures... shiz like that be really funny.  Whether it's you or your pal.

So, there we were laughing our helmets off only last night!

Poor unnamed rider X.

Don't tell my wife, I'll wear pants for a few days.

Copy that cowboy.

Just like that we rode on... bleeding, smashed shifter dangling... doing our thang.

I was reminded of that story this morning when I got an email from my Aussie mate Tony.

Hi Todd,

Every ride where I use your XL RaceDay bag I am reminded of you. ( I always laugh when someone say  SH@T I left my gloves at home and point to my bag).

Yep... that's super funny, and happens all the time.

Reminds me of the time I forgot my kit and raced a crit in surf trunks and a tank top.  Really wanted to win that won after all the shaming.  No luck.

I've laughed a million times thinking about that race.

Even funnier was when my friend got kicked out of a race for doing a towel change in the pits... by the Sheriff!

Too bad she didn't have a changing poncho... hahahaha!

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

You know what they say... Modest is hottest!

Use promo code: CHEAPENTERTAINMENT

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

Pedalposse... use your super code.

---

165.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3414501436

WE HAVE THIS OLD IBIS TANDEM COUSIN IT.  The attention to detail is awesome.  From the matching Silca pump to the little forged hand that holds the brake cable.  After 25ish years, it's in good shape... not worn, not rusted.... because we haven't ridden it for the last 10+ years.

Which reminds me of this quote:

We must all either wear out or rust out, every one of us.
My choice is to wear out.
-Theodore Roosevelt

While our contemporaries slowly rust out, we are in the big gears.  Charging ahead.  Setting karazy goals.

Which reminds me of this qoute from my distant cousin:

I don't know karate,
but I do know karazy.
- James Brown

Whatever your karaze biking goal is, if you have some base bikefitness you can be karaze ready in 10 weeks.

Right now, I'm working on a new book...10 Weeks To Speed... the premise is you don't need a full-time coach, you just need 10 focused weeks.  

Get out your calendar and sip on that.

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

Less than 20 smackers, delivered to your door... yes, both bottles.

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

PEDALposse, remember to use your special code.

---

165.2 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3411138895

SPARE ME THE SHOOT FOR THE STARS HIT THE MOON PLATITUDES.  I want something outrageous, clear and concrete.  

Like PRing Leadville last summer, 20 years after my previous PR.

It's the only way to wring out the best.

This year's outrageous goal... sheesh, my palms just started sweating... but, I gotta do it... gotta commit to something ridonkulous.

Here it is Marathon Nationals... for the win.

November 14th.

Texas.

There.  Said it.

Six months to get in tiptopshape.  Be one with my MTB.

That wasn't so hard.  There's almost a relief, finally putting it out there.  Writing it down.  The trepidation turns to fascination... how to get it done?

One thing I'll be doing for sure is getting my buns kicked regularly by Coach Loran.  Body strength, coordination, balance will be key for a successful day.

If you haven't trained with Coach Loran yet... well, you're probably not in the PEDALposse where her training is included. 

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

I know what you're thinking... she looks so nice and inviting, how could she possible motivate me?

Well... start with the fact she's probably a better bike handler than 99% of riders then add in she's be training people for 15 years.

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

---

166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran killed me
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3405159184

PERHAPS THE GREATEST LESSON OF AN EPIC EVENT IS TO TAKE IT MILE BY MILE.  Shtuff happens.  Whether it happens at mile 2 or mile 92 matters not.  Our response is all that matters.

At the original 12 Hours of Big Bear, I started catching up to the leaders on the long downhill. 

It was the first lap.

We were all fresh.

I'd been dropped, but I was back.

Hellyeah boys, I'm here... was all I was thinking.

Poof! tsss... tsss... tsss... tsss... a dawgawn flat tire, and now all I was thinking was...

Hell!

I noted the time.  Fixed the flat in 2 minutes, flat.  

We still had 11 hours and 35 minutes of racing.  I stuck to my pace, about 50 minutes per lap.

By the 11th hour, first place Matt Oran had lapped me and figured no one could match his 12 laps.  He pulled out and watched.  

Second place, also pulled over having completed 11 laps.  Like Matt, he figured no one could catch.  

At 11 hours 5 minutes, I pitted.  11 laps done.  Surfergirl told me the situation.  Poured to packs of table salt into my mouth and sent me off.

We'd started at 7am.   Most of the mountain was now dark, the sunsetting on the other side.  Nobody else as on the course because they'd done the calculation and figured they couldn't get back by 7pm.

Could I make it back by 7pm and complete 12 laps, securing 2nd place?  Everything hurt.  Cramps came and went.

It was just me and DuranDuran, Hungry Like A Wolf... strangely serene.

---

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference

---

Riding that fateful downhill for the 12th time, doing all the mental math, knowing it was going to be very, very close... I knew something else,

if I'd hesitated when it all went sideways, or given up hope, I never would have made it to this moment... in a beautiful forest, 

this beautiful, quiet moment, completely satisfied I'd done all I could do.

---

I crossed the line at 6:58PM, and collapsed.  Numero dos.

---

A lot of folks have been buying this lately.  We got lucky and stocked up before production was halted.

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

Less than 20 smackers, delivered to your door... yes, both bottles.

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

---

166 lbs 
Core day with Coach Loran
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3399691968

SOMEDAYS ON  SUNDAYS MY LEGS ARE HURTIN'.  After yesterday's peppy jaunt around the county, today is one of them.  Didn't really notice it until a late afternoon walk up a coupla a sets of stairs.

Which reminds me of a question my pal Talley asked.

Do you ride to "get it over with” so you can reward yourself OR is your ride the reward? 

My reply...

I think it's some of both... though, lately I've been riding end of day a lot more... it's nice to look forward to and it forces me to compress the work day, not let it leak into dinner and the evening.

A few years ago I read The 5 Hour Workday, and we committed to it pretty hard.  But, somehow we lost our discipline and drifted back into the 8 to 10 hour workday.

Perhaps this is the right time to recommit?  I'm gonna dig that book back up.

... and run this another day.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/drypowder

You provide the ziploc bags, I'll provide the promo code: POWDERDRY

... unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the more better code.

---

166 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3394583609

TRUST IN GOD AND KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY... advice for the ages.  Fighting advice.  And it works for long, vicious and terrible rides... because it means to be prepared to take action yourself... here's how not to do it.

Yes, Zach, this post is for you!

Setting the stage...
The bright sun was balanced with a lingering hint of winter in the early air.  An intoxicating mixture that had Justin returning home about 3 hours later than promised to wifey... and had coaxed Zach out for his first ride in months.

We'd planned to circumnavigate most of the county at a brisk pace.

First stop 60 miles in, then another 40 to get home.

Being the wise old diesel that I am, I had a big drink before I left.  And loaded my pockets with Honey Stinger waffles and a ziploc bag full of 4 scoops of GQ6 powder.. powder which would stay dry in said bag and mix up to power me home.

We warmed up nice enough, but the further we went the harder we ground.  Soon pulls were being skipped.  It was on.

The Anaheim train station is on the route and a wonderful stop, with a cafe and water and bathrooms.  It's beautiful inside. 

I busted out my bottles.  Poured dry powder into bottle one, began pouring bottle two.

Zach looked so sad.

The cafe was closed.

The only working vending machine was stocked with novels of the  50 Shades of Gray ilk.

I gave him a good portion of my dry powder.  Mike gave him a bar.

At which point Justin asked if I had my supply of Salt Sticks... 

We clipped in and Zach mentioned to Justin... 

I feel like all the posts are about me.

Me, too.

Which warmed my heart.

Bring your powder, and keep it dry.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/drypowder

You provide the ziploc bags, I'll provide the promo code: POWDERDRY

... unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the more better code.

---

165 lbs 
Stretch
6.5 hours sleep - too excited to sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3387267351

THE PROBLEM WITH TODAY'S BIKES is they are too dawgawn good.  Rare is the breakdown, part failure... shoot, we hardly get flats anymore let alone a busted spoke.

I don't know about you, but my wrenching skills kinda stink... and my wrench collection?... a flippin' mess.

Fearless as ever, I approached swapping out my very worn rear tire on my gravel bike.

No quick release, need a wrench to remove the wheel.

Easy enough, then I removed the tire.

Inside there was plenty of Stan's milk sloshing. 

I carefully disposed of the old stuff.

Popped on the new tire.

Poured in a bunch of Stan's.

Mounted the rest of the tire.

Aired it up.

Jiggled, wiggled, bounced... all manner of movements to get that inside coated with the magic white stuff <- the kind of thing that magically does away with flats and tire changing skills at the same time... here's what I mean...

It was a little tricky getting the wheel situated inside the frame and a dinged the brake calipers somehow.

No amount of fiddling would get it to stop rubbing.

Did I mention I'm a fearless mechanic?... yeah, well, this is the point I should have set it aside and approached fresh in the morning.  But I din't.

Instead, I proceed to... well, I'll cut to the chase... my brake still rubs and the bolts mounting it to the frame are now nearly stripped out.

Ugh...

(Diminished skills + crummy tools) X lack of practice = Bike Down!

Such a drag... I was mounting that tire up to have good romp in the dirt. 

But, there's good news.

PEDALposse member Chris M just moved to town.  And guess what he is?... a pro-fesh-nul mechanic.  And, he's got some time.  And, he's already extracted the stripped bolt... and now we're just waitin' on parts.

Maybe we need PEDALpossePlus... and include service? 

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

---

165.4 lbs 
Live session with Coach Loran - she killed me.
7.5 hours sleep
Got an hour in, but the Wahoo is acting wacko.

HERE ARE 5 RULES TO ABIDE BY:

1. Train at the front of the group.  If you're on a group ride, get your buns to the front... where it's hard, you'll be a lot harder to drop come race time.
2. Always be prepared.  We're hardly Boy Scouts.  But, the Scouts are right.  Be prepared in body, mind, spirit and saddle bag.  The posse doesn't spect anyone to carry parts for them.
3. Thou shalt bend thy elbows.  While riding with the elbows locked my feel good, might even look good in your mind, it's a great way to find yourself splattered on the asphalt.
4. Name thy bike.  Your bike is an extensive of you... give it a name to be known on the records of Starva.
5. Never bonk.  Bonking, running out of food, is the true rookie move... and if done righteously can leave you depleted an in a hole for weeks.

More to come... until then, consider this... the lightest, quietest saddle bag ever.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag

The mini RaceDay bag is super lightweight and durable bag that holds a tube, air cartridge and nozzle, and levers perfectly. 

Everything is snug, sucked up under your saddle, and never rattles around.  Plus, there's room for a couple of bucks and a patch kit if ya like. 

Made from durable 29" mountain bike tube.

Use promo code:  RULES1-5  to save, or your PEDALposse code to save twice as much.

---
166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran #2
7 hours sleep
ride didn't record

I'M ALWAYS AMAZED AT HOW WONDROUS PEOPLE ARE AT NATURE.  Half of me is in disbelief that anybody could make such a big deal about seeing a deer or bobcat, etc... and the other half is smug thinking I see that all the time.

But, such is the world we live in.  People sucked so far into their cocoons they freak out at seeing nature.  They've lost their nature.

We on the other hand, are much closer to our wild side.

We are wild.

Wolves.

Eagles.

The thing about animals is they only attack in two instances:  when threatened, and when the kill is certain.  They can't afford the luxury of taking physical risks.  In the wild, there's no back up.

Which just might be good racing advice.  Attack when threatened, or when the kill is certain.

Speaking good advice, now would be a good time to check out the PEDALposse... here's why:  it's been purposely mysterious because we didn't want to many people to join before we had it figured out.

We've got a little more clarity on this wild offer.

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

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

---

166.6 lbs 
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3373573030