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THE CAVE
THE ANALOGIES we come up as endurance athletes can be so disconnected from reality because, if we're being totally honest...
... it's hard to explain to the uninitiated.
Let alone those closest to us.
They're things only we understand, and as soon as we hear it, we're like...
... Yeah, totally!
I thought about this today as we dropped into one our weirder family traditions...
- from 5 on up to 78
- wiggling into the openilng
- crouch crawling the first 30' in pitch black
... slithering down into Harris Cave.
Once we're far enough in, the lava tube opens up into a cavern, then...
... pinches down again for another cramped effort.
Before opening up to yet another cavern where we can stand and feel slightly less threatened by claustrophobia and...
... whatever might be lurking down there to get us, should our lights fail.
Which is analogous to ...
- forcing ourselves in
- adjusting and relaxing in the darkness
- before doing it all again to find out how far we can go
... the pain cave we all love and loathe.
===
165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
169/171/-11 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
LIFE IS PRECIOUS
TAKING RISKS these days ain’t what it used to be. Most of us live close to civilization. If we were to take a tumble, emergency medical services…
… would be helping us, whisking us a away.
Within minutes.
I thought about that, plummeting down a lonely dirt road in the middle of nowhere.
Life and death.
About 90 years ago, my relatives were working a sawmill they’d built (see pic).
A young cousin was manning a large log,
the timber bucked,
catching him.
His leg was gashed.
The others gathered to try and help…
- · 50 miles to town
- · horrendous dirt roads
- · no communications, no helicopters
… but there was nothing they could do.
He was dead in minutes.
Prior to stopping at the sawmill site,
I gotta ping on my cell phone.
Service is spotty at best out here.
Our daughter had gone into labor,
they’d easily made it to the nearby hospital,
doctors and nurses and all the supplies were ready.
===
Update: mother and baby are happy and healthy!
===
165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/168/-2 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE DIFFERENCE
KNOWING THE ORIGIN of things can be empowering if we can tie it into who we are and how we operate. But, in today's connected world...
... it's easy to operate unconsciously.
Asleep.
Which is why I've sold my rather large extended family on the virtues of trekking...
- no cell service
- rustic cabins
- tents
... out to the homestead.
Land my great great grandpappy lived on for 3 years to secure the title...
- where my grampa rode out the Spanish flu epidemic
- where my dad spend his summers cowboying
- where I spent a few days every other year
... over 100 years ago.
Some of the distant cousins still ranch,
most of us are city slickers.
Soft.
Unacquainted with the land.
How it...
- feels
- smells
- sounds
... when we're living unplugged.
You know what I'm getting at right?
The feeling we have when rolling with a group,
talking and sharing...
... because plugging in would distract from the experience.
Living.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
171/193/-23 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
LOOKING BACK AT TRANSFORMATIONAL
[as I prep for my A race, I thought I'd look back how I felt the last time I did it, in 2022]
IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but it might be for you. I came across this concept a bunch of times over the years. It never really sunk in until I heard it stated like this...
... I increased my volume a lot.
Yeah, we've all heard that. However, what followed hit deeply into my thought process and ultimately my training...
... It has been transformational.
Who doesn't want to transform their training?
Let me pause right here.
It might not work for you. The main reason is the timing of life just isn't right. For me, it's working...
... because I now have the time.
When I had less time, and less focus, a big week for me was about 12 hours...
... an average week, about 8.
These days, in fact this year, my biggest week ever has been 20 hours...
... the last four build weeks have averaged nearly 15, and 12 the rest of the year.
That's nowhere the 20-30 hours most pros put in. In fact, it's a challenge during this build session before Leadville. Frankly, I'm happy in the 12 range. Plenty fit...
... by making my average week equal my formally biggest week.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
In the end, it's about doing all you can do...
... a topic I cover in the 2nd chapter of my book.
Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
175/223/-49 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BAKING CAKES
HOW DO WE KNOW it's time to bring the high volume phase to an end, when preparing for the A race of the year? It's a lot like baking a cake...
... at some point we gotta put it the oven.
And, wait.
If we stretch out the build phase too long,
we run the very real possibility of over cookin' it...
... winding up burnt.
Crispy.
If we stop too far out from the A race,
well, then our training ingredients...
... might never rise.
Leaving us flat.
I'm sure there's some real science we could tap into,
or the wise voice of a trusted coach.
Barring those options, I lean toward...
- feeling exhausted
- not wanting to get outside
- residual, never-receding muskul pain
... as my top indicators.
I'm officially there.
Couldn't come at a better time.
I'll be spending an extended weekend...
- mainly talking
- hanging out
- relaxing
... at the family reunion.
Oh, that cake analogy...
... now is the time to give the training into deliciousness.
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
170/201/-32 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO BE STRONG
THE TOUR DE FRANCE took a big tumble today. Jonas, running in 2nd place, a previous winner and excellent bike handler failed to navigate a very tricky turn...
... and broke his clavicle.
Sucks.
Before the news hit, enlightening us all to one potential factor in causing him to go down...
... I was already thinking about why some crashes happen.
More importantly, why some hit the deck and shatter, while others...
... pop back up and keep racing.
My thoughts were self-centered of course.
The effort to do hundreds of...
- pushups
- pullups
- squats
... building up my body's ability to handle what is thrown at me, late into a ride or race?
It feels like it is,
as I feel in complete control 5 hours into a stout offroad ride.
At the same time,
am I putting body in a state where it is more likely to bend vs break?
These thoughts were going through my head as the skin and bones Jonas was clearly in massive pain.
Then, I heard the unthinkable.
After traveling hundreds of kilometers from yesterday's race to today's,
arriving very late in the evening...
... he was awakened for a drug test at 2am.
No matter what we are doing to keep our bodies in top shape to handle the demands of racing...
... missing sleep when we are already exhausted is a formula for disaster.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
174/228/-55 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY, IT'S ROUTINE
IN THE QUEST TO SQUEEZE IT ALL IN, we learn to develop and rely on routines. Do something consistently, and it becomes rote. Boring in the sense that...
... we don't have to think about it.
Saving us all kinds of mental energy, as well.
Here are a few examples that made today's ride, much better.
20 minutes into my 2 hour sprint to meet Smiley, I felt my rear tire losing a ton of air...
- added air with CO2
- noticed a leak
- plugged it
... took less than 60 seconds to diagnose and repair.
Thought I'd better text him to confirm my ETA, and noticed I'd left my phone at home.
Doh!
But, I have a reputation for being on time and it's routine for me not to wait, so...
- I pressed on
- arrived at Cook's at 9
- didn't see him there, waited 2 minutes at the trailhead
... and we blasted the climb together.
Mostly together,
he always starts out hotter than me,
becoming my top rabbit to chase and pace.
When I rolled up to the general store for my Saturday fix, 4.5 hours into the ride, parched and empty, without my phone to pay...
- popcicle
- Mexican Coke
... I didn't have to beg, because they know my m.o. and that I'm good for it.
And, that's just a smidge of routine evidence for operational mastery.
Carry on.
Oh, and in case your wondering...
- a mini tool
- 2 CO2s + 1 nozzle
- Dynaplug RacerPro (4 plugs)
... what's in my mini raceday bag.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
178/263/-86 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
PRUNE, FOCUS, EXECUTE
HOW WE ARRIVED AT OUR CURRENT LEVEL OF COMPETENCY is a matter of choice. And, that's the challenge. In a world where we can do anything...
... it's easy to reach the end of the day having done nothing.
We know better.
Starting with pruning the options...
- uplifting
- challenging
- beneficial to others
... leaving only the good stuff.
Then, we focus...
- attracting
- believing
- feeling
... with the blinders on, seeing only our end goal.
Executing daily...
... continuously improving.
Very nice you say,
but make it practical.
Ok.
Here's an example.
I really enjoy racing and riding my XC mountain bike.
Knowing that, I've built up a race-ready rig...
... and taken it to the next level.
Most recently, that meant rebuilding the suspension...
- removing the Brain
- replacing a bunch of parts
- and all new lubes and fluids
... which now is supremely supple and plush, fork and shock.
When we are unwilling to prune, focus and execute...
... we are in our comfort zone.
The case there would be comfort with absolute crap vs...
... demanding the best performance we can aquire.
Got it?
===
165lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/169/-9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY?
AT A CERTAIN LEVEL, the set up of our equipment is highly personal. The reason is simple, we are putting in a massive amount of time. And, the minutest adjustment...
... can muck it all up.
A lot.
Leading to anything from a niggle to a...
... Screw it, I'm done with this sport.
So it was with great care that a swapped out my cleats today.
They weren't completely warn out, but they were a little sloppy and replacing them now vs a week before my A race seemed prudent.
I scrubbed up...
- pictures had been taken of the current position
- the area around the cleats taped off
- tools and lube lay at the ready
... put on my operating apron.
The procedure went as expected,
no complication.
The patient was warned to take it easy the next few days,
and expect to feel some initial discomfort.
Physical therapy, in the form of bringing a torque wrench on the next few rides, was presribed.
Like the idiot I am, I promptly headed out for 90 minutes and a fair amount of climbing...
... stopping for many adjustments.
Got close to the old position,
gonna take a few more rides to reach nirvana.
PS... if this seems dramatic, or overkill, blame my dad burning this lesson into my young impressionable mind. his first lawyering job was as a malpractice attorney and the first case was defending a doctor who cut off the wrong leg.
===
163.6 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
6800 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/192/-28 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I SCREAM
DURING THE LARGEST BUILD PHASE, the miles and hours are waywayway bigger than our norm. It can be daunting, overwhelming...
... we need a reward.
Beyond kudos.
Something to see us through.
Which is exactly what I was thinking today,
halfway through what will like be my biggest week of the year.
Building for Leadville.
The route would be much longer than my usual Dirty Wednesday...
... and it hit my like a icy bolt from the Silver Surfer.
If I stayed on the pedals,
I'd have time to stop by the General Store.
A hundred year old building I usually only visit on Saturdays.
The point being...
... the always have the best selection of Mexican popsicles.
I was flooded with a memory of my dad, and his favorite saying...
... I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.
And that was all I needed to get me through the summer heat.
Today.
What will it be tomorrow?
165.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 110 push ups, 22 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 110 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/217/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS 'A' SUPER COOL CAT
MOST OF US DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY of the famous group rides. I'm not talking about the one 5 locals started a couple of months back...
... I'm talkin' the legendary loops.
And, their morphing iterations over the years.
I was reminded of how our heralded TMWC...
... took it to the next level by adding some extra credit.
Called the A loop.
About 10 years ago, Super Dave Koesel made a great suggestion.
We should add on to the ride.
Why?
So we have something to do vs waiting for the guys at the regroup.
It took us a few iterations,
carving our way through a neighborhood,
adding on two punchysprinty climbs.
Finally, we had it perfected,
arriving just in time to meet the crew...
... and keep rolling full gas.
Plus, since we had just started cracking the hour on the original TMWC, back then...
... now we had an updated hour goal.
We've hit it on the A loop multiple times,
even got closer than we've been lately today, 1:02:54 (for me)...
... could it be because Super Dave was back in town, after years of being gone?
===
ICYMI... Super Dave is an aero genius... Remember when 3T came out with their aero gravel bike, years before that was a thing?... yeah, that was Dave's project.
Here's a link to his current company... look to see top secret versions of these bikes at the Olympics.
===
167 lbs 12.7% (I keep telling myself I'm 10lbs over goal because of all the strength work, but we all know it's because
7ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
166/216/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT SONG!
WE AIN'T SERIOUS if we don't have a our own battle song. The one we can count on when...
... well, all the time.
Could be a playlist.
Mine, current fave for firing up...
... Born To Run, Frankie Goes To Hollywood version
On repeat.
Now Chuck shared a forgotten gem with me for raceday...
... Kickstart My Heart, by Motley Crew.
Surfergirl on vacation...
... Don't Disturb This Grove, by The System
To get pumped for motos in the desert the kids loved...
... Animals, by Nickleback
When I head off to the pearly gates, my beatbox will be humming...
... Low Rider, by War.
What's yours?
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
5900 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/181/-22 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT THE EFFORT THAT COUNTS?
WHEN TRAINING FOR THE 'A' RACE, if we're really all in, it's imperative that we prepare by doing the work demanded by the course. That means we have to nail the pace...
... we can sustain.
Or do we?
Lemme splainit.
Say, I'm training for a punchy event with lots of power climbs...
... short 1-5 minutes, repeating.
I could do intervals at a specified power output...
... or I could go for the burn I know I can barely handle for 1-5 minutes.
Or, take my upcoming Leadville MTB race, I know the pace I need to sustain to meet my goal finishing time.
Training the effort required...
... is part art and part science.
The science might say we need to put out an average of X watts...
- getting over a steep, short pitch
- hustling to catch a group
- tucking a long downhill
... the art is knowing when to go above or below the power needed.
Being intimately aware of the effort > callous commitment to pace.
===
165 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
163/209/-46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS POLARZING
THE DEBATE RAGES ON, whether or not polarized training is valuable for the unwashed or is it just for the uber elites putting in bigbig hours. To really get a grasp on the argument...
... let's look at from other perspectives.
Take marketing.
In marketing, we tout what makes us special, unique, desirable...
... while pointing out the enemies of our awesomeness.
For example, when it comes to bags I might communicate dome bags with everything piled inside are just complete trash and chaos...
... where as our RaceDay bags make raceday smooth, easy and successful.
In politics, the party we align with makes the others out to be stupid, incompetent and evil...
... where our party is full of benevolent geniuses.
It's the same with...
- religion
- sports teams
- abortion, climate change, guns, borders, etc
... topics never to be brought up at Thanksgiving dinner.
What does this have to do with training and us?
I'm just trying to set the stage....
- too much time in tempo
- not enough aggregate training
- inadequate or non-existent recovery
... polarized training has enemies, too.
I was thinking about that today,
because I had a great day with the fellas.
Here's how I set it up...
- Monday Z1
- Tuesday romping group ride, all zones all out
- Wednesday high Z2
- Thursday low Z2
- Friday Z1, barely tapping the pedals
- Saturday, 6 hours at Leadville pace with nearly 2 hours at threshold or above
... finishing the final ride, feeling pretty darn good despite 9000' in 80 miles.
If you disagree...
... then, I have succeeded in providing you some polarizing thoughts on polarization.
===
165.4 lbs 12.7% <- this blubber has got to go!
7.5ish hours sleep
600 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/241/-74 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S GOING TO BE HIDDI
TRAINING FOR AN EPIC ride or race is always tricky. It's so easy to over do it on the preparation when we want to be confident that we are ready...
... to go the distance.
Battle hardened.
So, when I put together tomorrow's route and added...
... It's going to be hideous.
I had to ask myself...
... What the heck are you thinking?!
This goes against my plan to prepare for Leadville this year by staying under
- 5 hrs
- 8000'
- 80 miles
... fresh and not torched.
Aiming for more power,
and efficiency.
We're going to over every one of those metrics tomorrow,
plus it's a group of hitters and we'll be hitting it.
Yes, I could pull the plug,
or just not show.
But, who are we kidding when we say stuff like that?
(Hideous rides call to my soul. How 'bout you?)
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/152/-1 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT WE ARE
LOOKING WHERE WE WANT TO GO takes great discipline. Not to be distracted by the lady in the red dress is...
... a skill that deserves mastery.
It's not easy.
Time and time again, ripping the course, we have to ignore the obvious perils and...
... stay focused on our goal.
Going as fast as possible,
error free.
Oddly,
limiting our vision to the best path forward is relaxing.
Calming.
Requiring less energy.
Ultimately, a heckuvalot faster.
So, we practice the skill all the time and when we have those Oh shift! moments...
... we forgive ourselves, and reset.
Perhaps the great Emerson said it best...
... What we are, that only can we see.
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/98/-8 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
THE SLIGHT EDGE
BECAUSE WE USE OUR GEAR every day, we don't always notice the performance is degrading. It's gradual, and we are...
... more concerned with our own numbers.
But, the gear matters.
If we remember anything from the dominance of Team Sky it's...
... marginal gains.
They matter.
Not necessarily individually,
collectively they stack and become game changers.
So are the marginal losses.
I share this as a cautionary tale.
While in Park City a few weeks back,
bombing miles and miles of sweet single track...
... my fork went from finicky to very funked up
My pal Chad helped me get it working enough to enjoy the trip.
As soon as I returned, I rang up the local suspension whiz Mike and gave him the situation.
He ordered parts from Sram to rebuild and improve the fork by replacing the Brain.
Simple enough,
and 7 weeks before Leadville.
Dropped off the bike Monday, planning to have it back for the weekend and continue to perfect my oneness with my steed.
Hey Todd.
Hi Mike.
We gotta small problem.
Uh-oh.
Sram sent the wrong parts.
Dang.
Yeah, it's gonna be another 10 days.
Is the suspension torn to pieces?
Yes.
Ok, I understand.
Now, here's the part we all need to understand...
- we need to stay on top of the maintenance
- allow plenty of time for parts to arrive
- and for the mechanic's schedule
... in order to have the slight edge we need on raceday.
===
165.8 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 125 push ups, 25 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 125 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/103/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
2026 TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE LIT
ABOUT THE MOST FUN we can have is upping our game for the weekly group ride. The good ones all have memorable names. Just saying them sparks...
... anything from fear to fun.
Like The TMWC.
A ride we started 24 years ago...
- 30+ riders every Tuesday at 630
- most wearing the ride's kit
- with an annual throwdown
... and is still ripping today.
Today wasn't any ol Tuuzdee...
- the regulars
- the outta towners
- the first timers hoping to hang on
... it was the unOFFICIAL 2026 Championships.
4 categories...
- Women
- U35
- U50
- U100
... racing for glory.
Bragging rights for a year.
The course has never changed, but...
- fullgas from the start
- even paced 'till The Wall
- saving it all for the Corkscrew finish
... the raceday never plays out the same.
Today unfolded with bouts of massive power,
dropping to conversational,
and back at it.
The only thing that was the same was Alessandro...
... pulling off the first Threepeat.
He was so far off the front the camera crew mistook him as some cat who happened upon the course...
... except he raced up The Wall with god-like speed.
Put over a minute on lil' ol' me,
and nearly everyone else.
Insane.
Priscilla crushed the women's field,
snatching longstanding, legit QOMs.
It's not all about the wins, though.
Juan was voted most-improved,
and Eric picked up rookie of the year.
These aren't participation trophies ...
... they represent outstanding effort, week after week.
Congrats to these cats....
Overall
Alessandro
Kody
Andrew
Women
Priscilla
Maria
Vi
U35
Andrew
Eric
Scott
U50
Kody
Drew
Alfredo
U100
Alessandro
Rob
Mani
Still reading?
Wondering how we pull it off?
Our 4 rules are key...
- Leave on time
- Obey the law
- Make a friend
- Have fun
... plus, always be inviting.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/2024-tmwc
Use Promo Code TMWC2026 To Save 20% On The Gear
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/100/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHO HAS THE BEST TdF ANALYSIS?
THERE ARE A LOT of professional pundits pontificating the particulars of each stage of the Tour de Frants. Then, there's the amachurs. Us handlebar hams...
... handing out our homemade takes.
Who's best?
Certainly it's not Velo's...
Jonas Vingegaard was left choking in Pogi's exhaust and came to the line two seconds back after the 1.7km hilltop kick to Les Angles.
... latest retarded hyperbole.
Cycling News' take...
A devastatingly-long and sustained acceleration by Tadej... with a two-second advantage.
... wasn't much of an improvement.
Jonas said it better...
It's a shame, of course. But when we started the Tour, we expected to lose time... so it's a good starting point that I'm tied on time with Tadej.
... and more accurately.
But, he's not selling ads for eyeballs.
My eyeballs and ears like to take in...
- Chris Horner for pointing out the knucklehead moves of the day
- Lance's podcast for the entertainment
- GCN's breathy and breasty euroness
... if I have the time.
And then there's NBC's crew...
- I do feel for Brent and TJ having to educate the unwashed with silly cartoons and goofy bets
- No way I could ride the sissybar like Christian or do the man on the course stuff like Steve
- Amid correcting, Bobke does a good job as the straight man
-
Phil may miss a few deets, but that voice is still gold to me
... collecting a solid paycheck.
Nothing wrong with that.
For actual, pure analysis...
- concise
- relatable
- insightful
... I think Tom Danielson does it best.
He delivers it via blog, vlog and podcast.
You're probably thinking Nice job taking potshots at people just trying to do their jobs...
... to which I'll counter, I'm grateful we have so many real human points of view vs the AI slop sure to come our way.
Links to Tom's work:
https://cinchcycling.cc/blogs/news/tour-de-france-stage-3-tadejs-boxing-match
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/81/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING
MOST OF US have a test course, a segment that is our fitness barometer, where we lay down a valiant effort, then upload it...
... to see where we're at.
Sometimes years of data points.
When we're prepping for the A race we'll hit it hard.
The results are instructive...
- PR'd it
- on track
- woefully wanting
... from elation to devastation.
Gratefully, it's usually good and confirming info.
But, what about when it isn't?
Like my Leadville prep test up a similar climb to Columbine...
- 1:10 in May
- 1:14 in June
- 1:15 in July
... which is honestly, quite discouraging?
The May effort I was waiting for my friends,
in June I was chasing all the way,
in July I went alone.
July's effort was the shortest
June's was much longer,
May's the longest.
Big takeaway...
... my fitness is going backwards.
So, find the positives...
- I'm descending better than I have since the TBI
- the nutrition plan seems to be on point
- the bike is nearly complete
... and make adjust ments.
I still have 7 weeks to turn it around...
- stop shredding my legs with weight training
- get back to throttling Saturdays
- stack the Zone 2 miles
... and I have some definite ideas on how to do that.
Will it work?
I dunno.
What won't work is quitting.
Thoughtful, calculated perseverance is always the right answer.
===
165.6 lbs 12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/87/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HALF THE FREEDOM
WE KNOW where the 50% mark is on the course. The distance. The estimated time it takes to get there. The food we'll need to arrive and...
... finish with good energy.
But, is that enough?
Knowing vs doing,
totally different things.
The first half of 2026 is gone.
For some, it flew right by.
Others...
- bored
- unengaged
- beset by challenges
... had a different experience.
We are free to stay the course, or...
- 10x goals
- Committed mindset work
- Severing whatever is holding us back
... recalibrate and blow everyone's minds (ours included).
God, bless America.
===
Nowza good time to crack that journal open and document the amazing things we've accomplished to date.
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
Let's rip!
===
164 lbs 12.6%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/88/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GUITY AS CHARGED
THE EVIDENCE IS OVERWHELMING, there is no defense for the flagrant violations of society's norm...
... we've got a problem.
And, we don't care.
It's who we are...
- city limit sign? let's race
- KOM within reach? let's race
- event 700 miles away? let's race
... we're constantly on the lookout for our tribe.
We rarely watch sportsball,
we'll watch a TdF stage start to finish.
We do find comfort in the couch,
after an absurdly long day outside ripping.
We do devour ice cream and cookies,
but only when the calorie deficit is irredeamable.
We aren't normal...
... we're race junkies.
===
If that resonates,
you might want this shirt,
which I'm pretty sure we priced wrong at $20.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
I'll fix the price after the holiday.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
===
165 lbs 12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/96/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BROKE OR BROKEN?
IT'S AMAZING what we're willing to put up with. I suspect it's just in our nature and probably why...
... we thrive at the endurance game.
We tune it out.
And, here's the dill.
Pretending things aren't the way they are...
... can be demoralizing.
Yesterday, I had my cracked front windshield replaced on the van.
It wasn't huge,
but it was slowly growing,
ever since our trip to Sea Otter.
Neighbor Rick came out to chat and asked me why I replaced it.
Honestly?
Yeah.
It was making me feel poor.
The thingaboutitis, if I'd had the rock chip fixed immediately...
... the cost would have been minimal.
Which begs the question...
... what are we allowing to languish and bring us (our performance) down?
===
166.4 lbs 12.4%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING ON PEPTIDES
THE TEMPTATION to tap the pharmacy is getting realer every day. Call it the effects of the human genome project or clever marketing...
... lotsa people on the train.
I've been surprised.
Just in the last month or so, some of my much younger (30s and 40s) and generally healthy friends...
- trimmer
- slimmer
- sexier?
... have let me know their results from peptides.
They aren't athletes who compete,
just dudes wanting a better bod.
My response is always the same.
Dang...
... I can't do that because I'm a racer.
I know...
- the likelihood of getting tested is practically nil
- the evidence of peptides disappears quickly
- the help they deliver is real
... but, I'll know.
So I push on in the land of...
- working hard
- eating clean
- getting rest
... and I'm quite okay with that.
===
165.8 lbs
7 hours sleep
540 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RIDE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU WOULD RIDE WITH YOURSELF
EVERY NOW AND AGAIN we get an insight that touches our hearts and when we try and explain it to others they just don't get it. Not their fault. We just need an analogy...
... we can all relate to.
Try this one.
I'll do my best to share the change of heart I had recently...
- a homeless woman sitting on the corner of a busy sidewalk in front of a food court
- people, me included, waiting for the light to change
- ignoring her sad, red eyes like they didn't exist.
... it wasn't my finest moment.
We're all rich.
I'm on a stupidly expensive bike,
but no cash on me,
gazing ahead.
Ignoring the obvious hurt and loneliness.
I was ashamed...
... of my inability to see the once beautiful baby at my feet.
What would it have cost to acknowledge her?
And it hit my heart so hard...
... Love they neighbor as thyself.
Finally I got it,
and I'll do my best to share it with you.
If we really loved our neighbors as ourselves we might...
- be a little nicer, kinder more patient
- genuinely ask how they are, if they need a hand
- we might hold the bar a little lower or a little higher, out of love
... not the awkward, stumbling empathy that paralyzes us.
Genuine desire to help others as ourselves out knowing that...
- if we were raised differently
- made regrettable choices
- had terrible experiences
... but for the grace of God go I.
It reminds me of my good friend Todd Darley, a better Todd than I, who always rolls out with food.
One day we're ripping up Mulholland with a spicy group, gonna PR it...
... and Todd disappears.
Where'd you go?
Stopped to talk to the homeless hiker?
What?
Yeah, wanted to make sure he was okay. Gave him a bagel I had.
Last Saturday, a dude in a pick up with a trailer full of tools pulled up to me and Chad and flipped us the bird...
... I laughed and asked myself Now why would I do that? Having a bad day? PTSD from cyclists?
I'll never know that dude's literal problem...
... just hoping this change of heart stays with me forever.
===
165.4 lbs
8 hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/91/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS THIS CODDLING?
WE'VE ALL HAD to face the unbearable hot situations. Sometimes in training, others in a race. But, that's the thing...
... we've all had to face them.
That's life.
So, when the geniuses at Velo led with Extreme Heat Could Force Radical Rethink of the Tour de France...
... I sighed.
Stop the coddling.
They're professionals.
Then Surfergirl chimed in...
- 2013 Tour of California
- 4pm finish
- 114º
... But, remember Palms Springs.
We started early and rode the stage ahead of the pros.
Dropping down into the desert floor was like riding into a giant hair dryer.
Oppressive and awful.
My son and I staggered into a 7-11 and chugged giant Slurpees...
... finally lowering our body temps to be able to ride to the finish.
The pros came in and literally collapsed on the sizzling black and gooey tarmac.
She had a point.
It was horrific.
After wading through the Velo clickbait I discovered the "radical rethink" just meant considering starting the races at 9:30 vs the typical much later starts that finish in the hottest time of the afternoon.
You know the real tragedy isn't the coddling, it's that...
... I won't be able to go for an early spin and watch the race finish live.
I'm sure I'll find a "radical rethink" of my entertainment consumption.
===
163.4 lbs
9 hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/99/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MOVING THE COMFORT ZONE
IT CAN BE PERPLEXING to know a truth from personal experience, to share it because we care, and see it not be received...
... because it's scary.
Like ripping downhill.
I have a few friends who are training for a big event with me.
There will be a fair amount of climbing,
followed by a fair amount of descending.
None of it...
- steep double-track
- wide open hardpack
- a bit of chunky rocky stuff
... will give most mountain bikers any trouble.
Unless we're racing,
really going for it.
Even then, most will be fine...
... but, they could be so much better.
And here's the headscratcher...
... I can't get them to ride much harder trails in preparation.
They protest,
avoid,
skip.
Because I'm absolutely failing to ride home the point that learning to rip more challenging trails now...
- steeper
- chunkier
- twistier and slicker
... will move the comfort zone.
Moving the comfort zone means we are...
- more efficient
- relaxed
- calm
... saving all kinds of physical and emotional energy.
While others bog down with Oh shift! moments, we can turn those sections into...
- recovery
- relaxation
- moments of bliss
... something to look forward to, and potentially gain/make up time.
If we're into that.
I am.
You?
(Where else are we too fraidy catty to move the comfort zone?)
===
163.6 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/114/-23 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BUT, DOES HE REALLY CARE (NOW)?
ON RACEDAY it's fair to say nothing else matters but the race. The training, the fine-tuning, the sacrifices...
... they're all coming together.
We need to rip.
But, when it's all said and done...
... should anybody, ourselves included, really care?
Take a dude I heard about...
- inspired and helped millions of cancer patients to believe they had a chance
- single-handedly lifted a dying sport getting legions to pedal
- operator of a massively popular podcast
- successful investor and businessman
- father of five children
... does he really care that he's not recognized as winning 7 TdFs?
For all you haters that are now triggered, the unsubscribe button is above and below.
For the open minded, contemplating our own mortality and personal achievements...
- family
- race wins
- inspiring and helping others
... what would you prefer?
===
164 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/93/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of The Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all things marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
INNOVATION THROUGH IGNORANCE
IGNORANCE AND IGNORANT are such ugly words. And don't even speak ignoramus. Referring to anybody with those words...
... is just plain mean spirited.
Ain't gonna make ya friends.
Yet, the truth is, many of personal innovations come from ideas...
- never heard of
- never thought of
- never been exposed to
... we were completely ignorant to.
Here are a few of mine...
- swimming to control breathing
- lift heavy, low reps
- sprints for power
... that have helped improve over the years.
The swimming one I came up with on my own when training for Leadville in the early days. I wanted to control my breathing and keep my breaths deep.
The lift heavy, low reps I learned from one of the great Phil Mafetone books. He only pioneered Zone 2 training coaching Mark Allen to become the most complete and dominating triathlete of his era.
Lift heavy, low reps was also heavily preached in the fascinating book Underground Secrets To Faster Running, by Barry Ross.
Sprints for power came from the awesome Fred Duncan, a premiere track coach.
The idea that we are born to be athletic and should treat our bodies as such came through loud and clear in Christopher McDougall's book Natural Born Heroes.
I could go on...
- crusty old curmudgeons calling me out
- lessons learned through experience
- defeats whose sting was wicked
... but that's not the point.
The point is we've got to continually expose ourselves to new ideas and concepts and experiences in order to...
... keep innovating and growing.
Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Socially.
===
1664 lbs
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/102/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE VISION BORED
VISION WHILE RACING isn't everything, but it's right up there with oxygen. We gotta breathe, we gotta see...
... to move forward.
I was thinking about that today while zipping down a twisty trail.
If I let my eyes start to focus on what's up close...
... my speed drops and I become much more reactive.
When I'm focused far ahead...
... I go much faster, slipping into a state of flow and things are magically easier.
The thing I was thinking about was my vision board.
Mulling over the things already accomplished, as well as what is in the works.
The vision board seems to work the same way...
... focusing on the outcome, not how I'm going to get there.
Some of you may be thinking Dude is nuts,
others nodding your heads That's right.
Either way, I'll leave you with this thought from King Salomon...
... Where there is no vision, the people perish.
===
166.2 lbs
8 hours sleep
620 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/108/-19 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TUCK AND ROLL!
AERO. The term is like a science fiction blob that oozes it's way into everything, eventually killing everything in sight and taking over the world...
... with no end of it's pervasiveness in site.
Can we escape the creepiness?
The thingaboutitis, once we go slip down the aero tube...
- positioning
- equipment
- apparel
... it's almost impossible to stop.
That list falls short of the whackiness...
- hands on the mtb fork crowns at Leadville
- hydration bladders stuffed in front of jersey
- dropper seat post for bombing road descents
... which actually works.
I was thinking about that this morning as I crested The Wall, about 15 seconds behind the leaders.
Pedaling till I was spun out...
- butt hooked on end of saddle
- hands next to the stem
- chin on the Wahoo
- elbows in
- knees in
... I assumed the position (I'm not a butt on seat tube believer).
Would I, could I catch before the bottom?
Being on my lessthanaero gravel bike...
- spun out with gravel gears
- rolling shallow depth road wheels
- rockin' a well ventilated KASK helmet
... I needed every aero advantage I could get.
After rolling up on the 3 in between the two leaders...
... we rotated, taking short and speedy pulls.
It took forever to catch,
all the way to the final curve.
I'm already thinking about next week...
- actual aero helmet
- clean shave on the legs, face, arms(?)
- and, yeah, gonna bust out the Speedsuit
... what else I can do to improve my aeroness.
On my previous road bike, I clocked 51 mph...
... today's set up shows 47.4 mph.
Tuesday can't some soon enough.
===
168 lbs
7 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs
89/113/-24 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CUI BONO?
THERE ARE A LOT OF DEALS that get cut on the race course. Some are obvious, some hidden. Many between competitors...
... for money, glory and pride.
The worst deal of all?
Well, that depends on Cui bono?...
... Who benefits?
Deals between competitors kindasuck, but...
- hang on for camera glory
- work to stay in break
- straight cash
... we can usually tell who benefits,
and who pays.
No, the most insidious deals...
- staying up late
- backing off the finishing sprint
- starting the new diet "tomorrow"
... are the ones we cut with ourselves.
Because nobody benefits,
'cepting our competitors.
===
167.4 (Happy Fatter's Day - sheesh!)
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
85/90/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY INSANE CULT
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
86/98/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TODAY WAS A ROUGHIE
SOME BIG TRAINING DAYS are better than others. The reasons are myriad. Which means when it goes sideways...
... it's up to us to figure it out.
Like today.
I knew it was going to be a big day...
- 7 hrs
- 87 miles
- 10,500' of vert
... on Monday.
There are only 8 weeks to get our Leadville legs, and me and Let's Go need(ed) to do some simulation.
For me,
today,
I just never got comfortable.
Never felt that feeling of being on top of the pedals and...
... smoothly moving like a Singer sewing machine.
It was much more like a broke down pumpjack one might see in the hot and dusty oil fields of Bakersfield...
... in desperate need of lube and love.
Clunk.
Clunk.
Clunk.
I've narrowed it down to a few things...
- going too deep on Thursday after solid Tuesday and Wednesday
- rolling the gravel wheels vs road wheels on Friday's BRO ride
- hitting the legs with resistance Sunday-Thursday
... and I should know better.
I'm gonna add to that...
- probs too much tire pressure
- def hotter today than our last attempt
- carrying a third bottle to be safe on hydration
... some I can control, some I can't.
In the end, I think it really comes down to not being sufficiently recovered.
On a positive note, given the fatigue level...
... we averaged 12.7 mph with zero drafting over a similar profile to Leadville.
Not bad.
Not great.
But, we can work with that.
Oh, and I'm feeling quite extra speedy on the downhills.
Time for...
- In-N-Out burger, fries and shake
- some good sleep
- and a day off
... to set the pins up to be knocked down next week.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
89/113/-25 per Strava (someone's tired!)
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT TOPSECRET SECRET
THE IDEA OF A PUBLIC DECLARATION is not new. Lots of people have proclaimed they will accomplish X goal and gone on to do just that...
... because it works.
There is a hitch.
The haters,
the perceived haters,
hating the idea of haters.
There are plenty of famous athletes who have made the call and fallen flat on their face...
... sometimes by knockout.
Which is why most of keep our plans secret,
denying ourselves the power therein.
I'm onboard with that.
There is also power in keeping our intentions unknown.
Wherein lies another hitch.
If we're posting our stats with the Strava lords,
that might be considered a passive-aggressive statement.
Which begs the question...
... if we're keeping our mouths shut, do we keep our training private?
Personally, I'm open book on that, except for my top secret racing agenda which scrawled in code...
... on my vision board.
===
164.6
7iah hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
83/84/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IMAGINE THAT!
WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, can ya even remember that?, we had tremendous imaginative powers. From games to friends to travel to faraway places...
... our lives were boundless.
What happened?
Did reality set in?
Did we set conditions on our dreams?
Did some kind old bag of wind tell us not to have our heads in the clouds?
The thingaboutitis...
... when we register for an event or race, all bets are off.
We've already imagined...
- the trainging
- the equipement
- the travel and accomodations
... to start.
More importantly, if we're really on our A game, and you and I are!...
... we can see the finish line, and exactly how we'll be at that moment.
Which isn't child's play.
It's actually...
- life
- business
- relationships
... how doers get it done!
As I'm writing this I'm reminded of the gloves I wore today...
and the shirt I'm wearing right now
This is gonna be a total marketing faux pas because we're neverever supposed to make too many offers, but...
... I imagine more than a few of you will want this reminder to Rip!
Order the Gloves, get the Shirt for FREE.
Use this code: LET'SRIP
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lets-rip-buy-t-get-gloves-for-free
===
162.6
8 hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
85/91/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EMBRACING THE BURN, DAILY/OFTEN
WE'VE ALL FELT THE BURN. Some of us love it, some of us hate it. No matter where we are on the spectrum...
... the burn is coming for us.
Is it minimizable?
Maybe.
If yesterday is any indicator, I may have stumbled upon something.
For the last few weeks, I've been steadily increasing my ATG air squats.
From reps of 10 to reps of 30.
If you haven't done them lately, or ever...
- standing
- to full "ass to grass"
- to standing
... it's quite a shock to learn our trusty bottom half may not be as durable as we think.
When I started 10 burned,
then 20 really burned...
... the last 5 of 30 were a massive struggle.
Back to yesterday's hammerfest, when the burn came on it was like my body saying...
... Oh, we're gonna burn now. Buckle up buttercup, I've got this.
Rather than pulling the plug at the onset of burn, I embraced it and powered on.
Best I've felt in weeks/months.
Now, I'll be the first to admit it could just be that I was supertapered going into last weekend's BWR UT and I might just be having a good response to the taper followed by the 3.5 hours of racing across the high desert.
But, even if that's the case...
... the burn of 30 ATGs feels so good.
Gonna keep upping it,
apparently 100 is a thing.
(yes, on top of split squats and probably bringing back box jumps)
===
165.2
8 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 90 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
85/96/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE TOOK ME BACK
IT'S REALLY HARD TO LET GO of something we love. The fear we won't get it back is legit. Yet, the opportunity of enjoying something new...
... is real, and tantalizing.
The known vs the unknown.
Once we move on, that thing we left behind might...
- forget about us
- reject our return
- change and move on
... it's risky.
No, Surfergirl didn't leave me or vice versa.
But!...
... I did leave my beloved TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships) for another ride: Wednesday Worlds.
The main reason, and it's very valid, waking up at 5am and rolling out in the cold, dark, pre-dawn was leaving me almost worthless for work the rest of the day.
The lesser reason, I was thinking the blazing intensity of WW would be a better work out.
Well, a funny thing happened when a downloaded the Tuesday vs WW data...
- significantly more time above threshold and VO2 max
- much higher average and normalized power
- and, the best, all my pals were there
... to smack me in the face!
For sure, it helped that the sun was up when I rolled out.
And, I was putting down power on the road vs battling dust, rocks and terrain.
The fellas were all welcoming...
... probably because they knew they'd dump me up The Wall and send me home with a good lycra whipping.
Gawd, I've missed this ride and these awesome cats.
===
165.2
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
84/83/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVE ME 10 WEEKS
HOW LONG DOES IT REALLY TAKE to get into top shape for an A race is a question we'd all like answered. For an Olympian, it might be years. For us...
... we might have a few months.
Or less.
Depending on when we sign up, and the vagaries of life.
But, let's just say we are fitter than most,
not as fit as some.
Then our focus will be...
- long climbs or power climbs
- slogs into the wind or a million turns
- finishing in ones and two or a ripping bunch sprint
... more on race specific training.
Given a good baseline of fitness, my general rule is...
- our bodies
- our equipment
- our travel and logistics
... it takes 10 weeks to really sharpen the saw.
For me, aiming for Leadville on 8.15.26, I've got time...
... but, no time to waste.
And, so it begins.
===
164.6
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 60 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
81/72/9 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: The Search, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PREPARATION/EXPECTATION EQUATION
DECONSTRUCTING OUR RECENT PERFORMANCE is critical for improvement. The longer we wait, the foggier our recollection. Details we were sure of...
... become memories full of bias.
It's natural.
Who wants to remember what went wrong, when we can glory in all that went right?
Other than screwing up yet another sprint for the line, nothing really went sideways for me at BWR UT.
And, if I'm being honest, Billy tested my legs on the overpass coming into to town. Whether or not he knew it, and I stayed glued through the the pain...
... I was hurting.
There are a few things that went really right...
- The chef's pasta the night before at Chef Alfredo's, with Danny and Lisa, was delish and just what I needed.
- The AirBNB I found at the last minute - a 3-bedroom house was perfect and the beds wonderful.
- The 8:30 start was a little too late to skip breakfast, so I went with my gut and mowed down a couple of chocolate Entenmann's donuts, half an apple, and a couple of cups of my trusty mushroom hot chocolate.
- I picked up Skratch Super High Carb and ran 6 scoops in my 2-liter pack and another 3 in one bottle.
- To stay ahead of cramps, I ate a Salt Stick chews.
- For the bike set up,
- Ceramic Speed chain held up really well to all the dust, even after getting doused with cold water by Smitty at the final aid station.
- The tire pressure was pretty low, 22lbs in back 20lbs up front. I rimmed out a few times over the random chunky stuff while in a paceline. That's always risky. But, I also felt like I was much more comfortable than other competitors who dropped off the group over time.
... the last was mindset.
Preparation vs Expectation.
I came in pretty rested having spend the previous 2 weeks on my MTB in Park City.
Because of the altitude, it was difficult to put in hard efforts of any meaningful time. Hours in the saddle were solid, but even a lot of that was spent ripping down hill.
I'd give me preparation a B, which was fine for a B race.
Knowing that, my expectations were quite low.
Here's the point...
... poor preparation with high expectations is a formula for frustration and a crummy day on course.
Whereas...
... awesome preparation with low expectations always makes for a fun race and often surprising outcomes.
===
163.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 70 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
82/74/7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
IF THINGS AREN'T ENDING UP as we'd like them to, the obvious thing to do would be dong something different. But, that can be a hard pill to swallow because...
... we're comfy and don't wanna change.
Hope isn't a strategy.
Or, a tactic.
So, even though I was hoping I'd be able to fend off the change with a few hundred meters to go at BWR UT, the mofo I'd been working with for the last 30 miles...
... stuck a shiv in my back.
There was nothing I could do.
Had no answer.
Surfergirl, bless her little beating heart, could see I was frustrated with myself and...
... accidentally twisted the buried blade.
What are you going to do about it?
I think it was an innocent, honest, loving, caring question due to the fact that she's seen me frustrated with something...
... then, draw up a solution and make it happen.
Truthfully, does it really matter if close out a racing effort by taking some cat on the line who I may never see again?
Not even.
What matters, to me, is that I execute the plan.
In this case...
... having something left at the end, to rip a fast finish.
The kool kids call that durability.
I call it having your shift together when it counts, which means I'll be needing to...
... wrap up long rides with sprints that sting.
===
164ish no scale
7.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/86/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THE RACE TOMORROW?
THE NIGHT BEFORE any race is not a normal night. No matter how practiced we are there's always something different to our routine. Sometimes...
... we just make it up.
Why not?
It might work,
or not.
Surfergirl keeps asking me are you excited?
I wanna say yes,
and I know I will be tomorrow...
... about a millisecond after we start.
Until then,
my energy tends to be low.
Not depressed low.
Hybernation low.
Lethargic.
Slothy.
Trying to amp me up, she asks...
... have you looked at reg to see who's going to be there?
That's the kind of thing that...
- if I glanced at it now
- the night before the race
- when I'm trying to chill and sleep early
... would def keep me up and tossing and turning.
No, that's not my agenda.
I prefer to...
- lose all hope
- ditch all desire
- punt all pretense
... and shut 'er down with my favorite pint.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/70/11 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOSTALGIA
WE ALL STARTED this endurance journey somewhere, likely not where we are today. Introduced by a friend, sometimes on purpose, others inadvertently. While we may change locales, and the friends become distanced…
… we’re still here.
In the game.
We may have the opportunity to go back to where it all started.
For me, it was…
- my roommate’s bike
- a finagled purchase of my own
- secrets of sprinting revealed by Bret, who raced track nationally for San Jose Bicycle Club
… in Provo, UT.
I rearranged my classes…
- to start as early as possible
- so I could ride every afternoon
- before cruising the library to cruise the cubicles in search of a “study” partner.
… because I had priorities to attend to.
Today I hit a climb I’d always wanted to check out, Cascade Springs, but it was a battered gravel road back in the day.
Now, it’s pristine pavement all the way up over 8000’
Followed by a plummeting descent that is as magical now as it was 40 years ago.
I’ve moved,
but, I never really moved on…
… and, I’m quite okay with that.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/68/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE TRUE PRICE OF FREE ADVICE
A WHILE BACK, I connected with the COO of a well-known bike brand. We were working on a collaboration at the time. I asked him for some...
... advice on what we're doing over here.
Today, we met for lunch.
Looked at from now to the end of the year,
the objectives I want to accomplish,
what I think is possible.
No different than...
- capabilities
- weaknesses
- peak seasonal events
... planning the race season with a coach.
After some yummy tacos,
and back of napkin calculations...
... we came up with a solid methodology to implement.
Like any great coach,
my friend made it so simple to understand...
... and gave me the confidence to go for it.
I was prepared to pay a minimum of $1,000.
In the end it could be way more expensive than that...
... if I don't take action.
It could cost me 100s of 1000s.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/77/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE SUFFERING AND EPICCING TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?
WE ALL KNOW that group workouts are torturous by nature. It's not a secret. Yet, we continue to show up beating after beating because...
... suffering loves company.
Alone, for most of us, is no good.
We won't see it through,
we'll ease up when we should be hardening up.
The bonds we end up forming are often unbreakable...
... we're in agony together.
Suddenly people who barely knew each other are fist bumping and ready for the next one.
What's the opposite bondforming experience?...
... when we're pushing geographic boundaries together.
Like today.
It wasn't the 90 minute climb topping out at 9160'.
Nope.
It was the 60 minutes of downhill...
- ripping through the trees
- sliding around gorgeous berms
- jumping rocks and roots and stumps
... feeling like we were cheating life.
Epiccing, like suffering, loves company.
We set off in search of adventures that will push beyond the comforts or riding around the block...
... the unknown and undiscovered beckoning to be shared.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/71/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COOCOO FOR CLIMBING
IF WEIGHTED SQUATS are a lot better than air squats, is climbing a lot better than riding on the flats? And, if climbing is better...
... is climbing with a weighted vest mo' bettah?
Things one wonders.
And takes to extremes.
I remember backintheday, rolling out with 100oz hydration pack on my back and 2 large waterbottles filled with sand.
It seems so silly now,
almost as all the ruckers.
On a bike we can measure power.
So, we know.
We know we don't need to stress our backs with extra weight or stupid add ons...
... we can just pedal faster.
Velocity X Force - Power
Which taken a step further...
... climbing aint gonna train us any better than flats.
We gotta put out the power.
There is a caveat, if we like...
- climbing big mountains
- ripping punchy stuff
- pounding the flats
... our bodies will adapt and become more efficient at the one we love and gravitate towards.
Me personally?
I'm coocoo for climbing,
and bananas for bombing.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/63/17 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HEAR ME OUT
SOMETIMES IT'S JUST PLAIN FUN to make fun of Velo, "powered by Outisde". Whether it's their clickbaity titles, AI drivel, or soulselling advertorials...
... there's at least one good laugh a day.
Here's my current favorite.
Stop Complaining About Sound, These Are The Best Headphones for Cycling
Roight!
Because decreasing our ability to engage with our surroundings when traveling 20+ miles per hour in our underwear on...
- trails
- gravel
- pavement
... is a great idea.
Genius.
Next up...
... Stop Complaining About Night Vision, These Are The Best Sunglasses After Sunset.
There is no best.
At best, assuming it's not clickbait or advertorial would be...
... These Headphones Least Worsen Your Ability To React To Danger When Riding.
Or, for the trailrunners...
... These Earbuds Reduce Getting The Shift Scared Out of You When A Bike Rider Has Been Saying 'Hey There' For 5 Minutes and Finally Gives Up and Passes You.
Now for you in the back jumping up and down ready to tell me to not be so closeminded...
... I hear you.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
>
POP TART POWERED, BEE STUNG... ATHLETE unINTELLIGENCE
SOMETIMES, we just gotta change it up. Do something different just fer fun. Go against...
... conventional wisdom.
I thought it had been a good week...
- 177 miles
- 17:26 hours
- 20951' of vert
... given I'd been knocked down by a 24 hour bug.
Mostly in the dirt,
mostly with friends.
Yet, every single ride Strava's Athlete Intelligence...
... scored it as recovery or recovery and endurance.
Apparently, the AI couldn't account for the fact this sea leveler was suffering at 7000-10,000 elevation.
Rolling out this morning...
- a few scoops of Envy
- 4 pop tarts
- 1 Carbs gel
... I grabbed what I had + 100 ounces of water.
While I hoped to put down some power, since all I'd done was "recovery and endurance" rides...
... I knew the truth.
Leaving with a simple plan,
ride until I ran out of food and water.
It was an epic day in the mountains...
... topped off with a bee sting in the gut a few miles from home base.
Memorable.
===
164
9 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ADVENTURE
SOMETIMES, the road really is better than the inn. We realize that whatever we are aiming for may not be all that great, but...
... putting in the work gives outsized returns.
Gratitude blooms.
Like today.
My pal Charles charts out this loop...
- 32 miles
- 4700' of vert
- topping out at 10,000'
... which seems really cool.
Until we hit our first massive fallen tree and bushwhack around it.
Then, patches of snow,
too long to ride.
Followed Puke Hill.
The view...
- The Great Salt Lake to the west
- Park City to the East
- Not a soul around
... stunning.
Somehow the goals seem weak, lacking...
... when beauty abounds.
If we'll just stop to look.
===
165ish, no scale
7ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN TRAINING ISN'T ACCORDING TO PLAN
THE BEST LAID PLANS can go sideways for a variety of reasons. I'm not gonna list 'em since I don't want to poison your mind and have you...
... manifesting awfulness.
'Cause I'm questioning just that about myself.
Did I manifest...
- 3 days off at I Do Epic
- riding with friends short on time
- puking my guts out last night after a miserable 70 minute ride
... or, is it just life?
Doesn't matter too much,
except part of my GrandMasterRipOnRaceDay plan...
... was a massive training week this week to make up for last week
and leave me slightly buried for BWR next week.
I consulted AI all night...
- possibly caused by using pure table sugar on my rides
- hydration via room temp peppermint tea
- a few Tums
... while Surfergirl laughed at me and secured the remedy.
Arose after 10 hours, feeling a lot better.
Energy seems good enough to day...
... to meet up with the local slayers.
The prudent thing would be to skip the meet up,
spin at most, or sleep...
... a proper adjustment.
But, screw it...
... I've got plans, too.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/57/22 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SOMETHING ELSE
Aug 05, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR, it's never the same day, we have our unOFFICIAL TMWC which, for me, is just a helluva an excuse to rally the troops to get outta bed very early and race around our course with us.
Our numbers go from 30ish to 100+.
We don numbers.
Raise money for the local high school MTB teams.
Set PRs and course records.
But, more than anything else we look into each others and see more than Strava could ever tell us. We see our friends, We see ourselves. We see the goodness that we represent... mostly dudes, a few ladies... hard working, family loving... people that care about each other, and who I've personally counted on in tough times.
It's our religion I guess.
And I'll miss it this year.
BIKEDARS AND BARBEQUES
Aug 04, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS IT ABOUT US? About when we see another rider? It's so weird. Anytime I'm driving around town and I see another rider in a proper kit and I'm like... Do I know that cat?
I can't help it.
Sometimes it's embarrassing.
Surfergirl is like... Do you know that cat?
Most of the time I don't, but more than you'd expect I do. If that makes sense.
I guess what I'm trying to explain is we have this inner bikedar and it goes like this...
Do I know that cat?
Yes/No?
Do I like that cat?
Yes/No?
What kinda bike is that?
Rad/Bad?
Can I beat that cat?
Probably/No way?
... in a matter of seconds we determine if we know somebody, scan their gear, size up their talent, and file it away... and the best part is nobody, and I mean nobody else in the car even has a clue of what we're up to... hahaha!
So, when we were at the beach tonight having a little family BBQ on a stretch of sand that is heavily traveled by all sorts of riders... and I'm just chatting away with the family... and my bikedar starts beeping like crazy, I look up and see all my pals heading home the group ride, and I quickly do that calculations...
Yes
Yes
Rad
Probably
I don't think any other sport is quite as nutty as this... because what other sport do you see people practicing as you go about your life?
I dunno.
But, I do know that the Knog bells are just outstanding with a quality sound and a very stylish look. This time of year with all the peeps along our bike trails they come in darn handy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
If you're in need of one of these gems, we've got a few in stock and can ship them right away.
Use promo code: BIKEDAR
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3863650030
DO THIS AND YOU'LL NEVER SLOW DOWN
Aug 03, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 100 YEARS AGO I READ IN VELOSNOOZE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE GREAT KENT BOSTICK. He was prepping for the '96 Olympics at the ancient age of 43. I was 30ish and all ears, wanting to be fast again some day... as my dadbod expanded like my hero Fred Flintstone's.
What could it be?
Surely it was impossible, nothing a mere mortal could do.
Four years prior, in the middle of summer, on a hot Utah plain, I saw Kent decimate the pro field in a road race all by his lonesome... I was there to pick up some points towards the realm of a lowly Cat 2... he was there for the cash. A pro. Nearly 40.
It was unheard of.
So was going to the Olympics at his age, and the national news picked up on the story.
Even Velosnooze couldn't foul up this interview. They were drooling over themselves for this exclusive, and from what I could tell then Kent was just a humble dude who loved racing and wasn't ready to give it up.
So... here's the secret:
VN Kent how have you stayed in shape all these years, and kept the fire going.
KB Well, I really like racing... and I ride hard twice a week year round.
VN What about the off season.
KB There is no off season.
And that stuck in my mind like Excalibur in the stone. The very idea that simply riding hard twice a week could hold off father time was so simple, even I could do it.
And I did.
Rarely has a week passed that I haven't ridden hard on Tuesday and hard again on Saturday. And, I've found to be rather magical.
We call our ride the TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships), and have a lot of fun with it. Check it outl
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
One of the guys ordered an XL kit only to realize he's a medium, doh!... so, if you're looking for an exceptional XL kit at 40% off shoot me an email quickly... there's onl 1 of these.
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163 lbs
Pullups/Pushups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3858530251
THE 2 TYPES OF BIKE PREP
Aug 02, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE 2 MODES WHEN IT COMES TO BIKE PREP. One I'll do tonight, the other I hope to do sooner rather than later.
One is shameful.
One is zenful.
Tonight's bike prep will be a quick check of the tire pressure and drivetrain freshness. It's late, I wanna hit the hay.
The other is the day before a race bike prep... A full detail, going over every single part. Checking for anything loose or worn out. Anything that could fail.
One is often rushed.
The other is slow, careful and thoughtful.
When you want to hurry something that means you no longer care about it.
- Robert Pirsig
One thing I never want to hurry is my recovery which involves stretching and rolling and sleep and food... and which I'll cover in my next CampFire stories, which is part of the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHY IT'S FOOLISH NOT TO RACE.
Aug 01, 2020
by TODD BROWN
EVERYBODY RACES. Because everybody loves the feeeeeeeling, the sensaaaaaation of having a future that's better than their past.
Let that sink in.
Deep.
A few of my friends have been laid up this year, their racing back to full health. Some others have never pinned a number or ridden in a group, but I pitty the fool who tries to beat them to the top of the hill. All my pals are uploading as soon as they get home to see if they got any cups. Many of us live, truly live, for the next big epic race.
Why just this morning Chris donkeykicked up the last climb.
I dig that... because I'm already hatching a plan to pay him back next ride.
That plan hatchery is what I'm talking about. It's what makes saying no to cake and ice cream easypeasy. It makes doing push ups and pull ups before jumping in the shower seem normal.
Sometimes, a lot more lately, I have to redefine the race... adjust to circumstances I can't control... but I never start the day without a race in mind.
I guess it's why I love this hat so much...
http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway
... which you can score for 40% off when you enter the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway.
http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3849634430
I'M A LOCAL LEGEND... LAAAAAAAAAME.
Jul 31, 2020
by TODD BROWN
DID STRAVA JUST BECOME THE KING OF PARTICIPATION TROPHIES? Sheesh. It works like this, if you ride a segment more than anybody else for a month you're the Local Legend.
Is there a weaker, lamer metric to track?
C'mon Strava... who's in charge over there? Some punk who had a graduating kindergarten ceremony? A kid who's soccer team never one a game but made sure everybody got something like Most Improved At Trying Hard?
How many of you are the Local Legend of the only way to get out of your neighborhood?
That ain't for us.
We're for PRs... preferably unaided by wind and groups... but PRs nonetheless.
... for winning actual races... climbing up on an actual podium.
... for smoking our pals to the city limit signs.
The only legend we want is to be known for being committed to doing our very best. Every. Single. Day. And we don't need no stinking trophy for that, because we know it and those around us know it. It shows in all we do.
This is why I always say PRs are better than KOMs.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
Get the word out.
Get free shipping.
Get yourself some savings when you use promo code: PRsRule
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
---
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
161.6 lbs
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3843862446
THINGS WE FLICK
Jul 30, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOT OF FLICKING IN THE WORLD. Some flick boogers, all flick light switches. Cigs get flicked out car windows, buttons on jeans get flicked open, and snakes' tongues flicker... and a few of us, flick our elbows.
That's the kinda flicking I was witnessing tonight on the ride.
Poor ol' sap stuck on the front of the group in a horrendous amount of wind. Tired. Starts flickin' the elbow for someone to pull through.
Nada.
But, he's not a poor ol' sap... he's BigTom, of the strongest guys on the ride, and we're all just laughing at him.
From 10 guys back I mosey up to the front thanking him for being such a sucker as I roll by.
That wasn't very nice... but, that's the kinda friendly stuff we do.
Sometimes no amount of flicking will get ya any help. Sometimes ya just have to stop pedaling and force people around ya. I've done it many a time to my friends and frenemies.
I've seen some really cool friendly things this week at the biz.
One friend took advantage of that ridiculous buy the gloves get the socks deal last week and sent them to a friend. The friend upon receiving them decided to pay it forward and sent it to another friend.
I felt kind of like a florist on Valentine's Day... writing notes like Cronk love you and Chris wants you to look sharp on Tuesday.
If you're into that kind of thing, the code will still work through 7/31.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
There are lots of combos if you like to be matchymatchy.
So go ahead and use the promo code from last week: SEERED
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry
161.8lbs
Stretch
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3841335052
SOMETHINGS YOU JUST CAN'T TEACH
Jul 29, 2020
by TODD BROWN
YOU CAN'T TEACH CYCLESENSE. As we descended down towards the stop sign it became apparent one rider was going to go straight and the rest of were turning. My cyclesense could feel it a few hundred meters or so prior to the impending doom. But newguy wasn't feeling it, nor was mr.goingstraight. For me, it was like watching a slow motion train wreck... finally at 50 meters I couldn't take it, and blurted out something like...
Watchwereyoufriggingoinghesturningandhesgoingstraight.
The only way to develop cyclesense is to ride a lot.
Fortunately for me, one of my best friends is kinda like Mr. Magoo... totally absentminded and after nearly taking me out many times on a ride I not only explicitly tell him we're turning, but I also use hand signals. All those near misses developed my cyclesense for the above scenario.
Cyclesense like a superpower that you forget you have until you get around a rider with an undeveloped cyclesense.
The problem is how to tell whose got it and who doesn't.
Here are a few tells:
- Arms locked straight
- Sprinting like a puppy, wasting energy
- Poor fitting gear
Not that looking stylish, having good form and playing it cool are a guaranty you'll live to ride again... they aren't.
Nor is casually asking How long you been ridin'?
Really the best way to know is to develop your own cyclesense by riding a lot. Trust me, it will rarely lead you astray. In groups, on treacherous trails, in traffic, on gravel... it all strengthens and combines to protect you.
You know what else will protect you and look stylish?
A fine, fine helmet from Italy... whether you need an aero, all around or offroad specific solution these are my faves.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Sometimes there's nothing like a new helmet.
If you think there one in your future, check these out...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Use promo code SAVE10, unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the super code:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3836258720
WHAT A DUMMY!
Jul 28, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I THOUGHT I WAS SO SMART... I'd meticulously prepped for this morning's ride. Bottles made and in the fridge. Clothes laid out. Glasses cleaned. Chain freshened and waxed. Pump by bike. Lights mounted. Computer snapped in. Derailleur batteries charged.
What could go wrong?
5am alarm was set, and I snapped right up with pleeeeenty of time to thoughtfully get ready. Meandered about the house drinking, dressing, curling my hair and putting on my make up.
Right on cue, I grabbed my bike and rolled easy. I had 12 minutes to get to the start, and I planned to use all of them. You know get a nice warm up, enjoy the quiet and emerging light of day.
It was so peaceful when to my horror I looked down...
... no water bottles!!!!...
... shiz, shiz, shiz... there's no way I could make 62 miles, 5000' of climbing with the ferocious beasts I call my friends sans the good stuff.
3 minutes from home.
Whipped the bike around. Raced back home. Clickityclacked into and out of the house... and set a PR heading to the start. Chased the fellas hard for the first 20 minutes.
I was warmed up, oh was I warmed up!
During those first 3 minutes I realized the days are getting shorter. It was actually dark when I left. No prob, because I was lit up with my snazzy front and rear blinkies. Fact is, if wasn't so smugly admiring my genius at being ready and prepared with charged lights I might have realized I was missing the bottles.
If you're days are getting shorter and you're need of some lights - I run 'em daytime, front and rear - check these out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
The thing I like about these is they provide 330 degrees of light... others can see me at almost any angle.
Pretty cool.
Here's a cool promo... save 20% while supplies last or until 7/31/2020.
Promo code is: LOADBOTTLES
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3827689845
YOU SHAVED YOUR WHAT?
Jul 26, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I VIVIDLY REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I SHAVED MY LEGS. It was like cutting down my manhood. A slow, torturous cutting. Not because it hurt, but because I was a virgin.
Should I trim first?
Shaving cream or soap?
Shower or tub?
So many doubts... first and foremost being, how much ridicule am I gonna endure from the guys.
But, these are things we do when we're passionate. And there's a lot more peculiarity about us, hence the ceaseless questions:
You rode how far?
You're eating what?
You're going to bed now?
You spent how much on a bike?
... and my favorite...
... is that really fun?
In my world, where it's Hell yeah or No, I no longer care what is said or questioned. I know for a fact...
I'm younger
healthier
and a helluvalot more fun than my contemporaries.
Which I think is the whole point of Emerson's essay titled Self-Reliance. If you've never read it, read it. I wish I'd found it a hundred years ago. It's free on the web or a couple of bucks in print.
Here are a few gems:
- Trust thyself.
- Envy is ignorance... imitation is suicide.
- A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work, and done his best.
- Society everywhere is in a conspiracy against the manhood of everyone of its members.
- Be a nonconformist.
- I must do all that concerns me, not what other people think.
- If we live truly, we shall see truly.
- Nature suffers nothing to remain in her kingdom which cannot help itself.
- God is here within.
- He does not postpone life, but lives already.
- With the exercise of self-trust, new powers shall appear.
- Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.
Maybe there's one you can put to use this week... me, I'll be doing all that concerns me and PEDALindustries.
It was that very thought that got me cranking out July's Campfire Stories for the PEDALposse...
... if you're in to being on the inside of what we're up to, check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
162.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3816711706
IS IT MORAL?
Jul 25, 2020
by TODD BROWN
TO LIE OR NOT TO LIE, that is the question. I mean, what do you do when you want the new rider to join you on the big ride that will most likely see them ejected at some point... hopefully later than earlier?
C'mon, it's a fun ride. Everybody's real friendly. There's a couple of rollers. It's mostly downhill with a tail wind.
vs.
C'mon, it's the hardest ride around. Dudes are all pros. The climbs will sear your lungs. You'll wish you'd never woken up, or even owned a bike.
Really, what do you do?
That came up today as new guy Adam trembled at Mike's description of Tesla... it's a 2ish minute power climb designed to eject all the wheelsuckers.
Just stay on Todd's wheel.
I'm not sure if that's a compliment or a put down... I think it means I know how to get up it with the least amount of energy spent, that I have no jump in my legs, and will usually find myself in the right spot to slowly slide back and grab the last wheel that's gonna make it as they roll by.
Anyway, that was Adam's mission.
But Adam is a feisty stallion with a decent jump and off he went... halfway where it levels off and speeds up a lot, I'm looking for that last wheel to take me to paradise and it's Adam... and a gap is every so slowly opening.
Now here's some real friendship.
Rather than pull through and close that gap, I'm just yelling like a kook...
... Don't let them go Adam!
And I'll be dawgawned if Adam didn't find something extra and git 'er done.
Which brings us back to the moral dilemma... to lie or not to lie. And if you're gonna lie, which way?
After a serious rehashing we decided some will rise to the occasion of an horrific description while others do much better a dramatic understatment.
Me personally... I like to oversell a grueling effort for the simple reason I don't do guilt. Kind of a You were warned thing.
But, that's me.
I'm always inviting. Always overselling. Always hoping newb will make it or be so dawgawn inspired they'll do what it takes to make it next time. My friends ain't quitters, don't back down and don't lie nearly as much as me.
One place I'm a total Boy Scout is in product endorsements. Sometimes I regret sharing all the secrets, but only when I see them go to waste by giving up. So, if you're commit to squeeze every bit out of your potential know I've got your back.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lazynloose
We've yet to see a single person send their PR Lotion back... they just keep ordering.
Same goes for the delicious GQ6.
When you order them together you can add any pair of socks or gloves for FREE... only if you use this promo code:
LAZYNLOOSE
And it all ships F R E E.
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry
162.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3812407009
LAZY AND LOOSE
Jul 24, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE DAYS TO MASH ON THE PEDALS, TIMES TO DANCE ON THEM, and moments like this morning to simply let the legs fall, no effort at all.
Don't touch the brakes.
Just coast.
Far.
Let any nasty residue of riding or life melt down through the cranks to the tires to the earth. All that's left is a rested, carefree rider.
Times like these which are so lazy, my body is so loose afterward often precede the most vicious of efforts.
So, when the text came in for an invite to ride included...
... possibly add 10 miles and/or change the spot for our 2nd water stop...
... I knew one thing for sure, that was code for restup buttercup... to which I say...
Lazy and loose today, for tomorrow we slay.
Which means it'll be hearty breakfast of PR Lotion followed by a GQ6 chaser.
Because there's no way I'd try and hang on to these hooligans without my magic lotion and secret potion.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lazynloose
We've yet to see a single person send their PR Lotion back... they just keep ordering.
Same goes for the delicious GQ6.
When you order them together you can add any pair of socks or gloves for FREE... only if you use this promo code:
LAZYNLOOSE
And it all ships F R E E.
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3809865225
STEVE'S INFECTED. BOB'S GOT IT. AND NOW I DO TOO.
Jul 23, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING SINISTER GOING AROUND. Last week I noticed Steve had it on the Tuesday ride. Sounded awful. This week, same ride. No Steve. But, sho nuff Bob had the same thing going on. And tonight, it hit lil ol me.
I think we'll be alright... just need to see the doc.
These dawgawn bottom brackets on all our bikes have gone to shiz. Creaking and wheezing and clickityclacking.
Is there anything more annoying?
The thing about it is... I usta be able to fix it meself. But somewhere on the way to newerbetterfaster my skills crept away. A slow decline, not a thief in the night. More like ants making off with a cookie.
Good thing we've got a doctor in the house. Literally. Chris has been operating on newerbetterfaster bikes for 25 years... he just moved to town so we set him up in our store, which is starting to look kinda like a bike shop.
Weird. I know.
But, everything we do at PEDALindustries is about scratching our own itch... RaceDay Bags™, Superlight Gloves and Socks, Changing Ponchos, The Speed Jersey...
... and the PEDALposse, which is kinda like an ambassador program where you save a ton of coin, get access to special gear and of course the lovely Coach Loran training videos... if you're into that sort of thing...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3806737263
LIVE AND LET DIE
Jul 22, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF MY FAVORITE COVERS IS GNR's RENDITION OF LIVE AND LET DIE... it's on my pump up to race play list.
When you got a job to do
You got to do it well
You got to give the other fella hell!
But, when does that job start?
At the sprint
The start line
Packing the night before
Tuning things up 2 weeks out
Laying base miles months earlier
???????
I was thinking about that this morning at 7am when Coach Loran was giving me hell...
It hurt.
A lot.
Legs quivering, core screaming, shoulders on fire.
... the only way to give 'em hell is go there first, which is why I always invite y'all to join us LIVE on Instagram at 7am Wednesday mornings.
The other thing was thinking about was how I like to frame a flashy kit with black gloves and black socks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
It's funny how people come to us for one thing and are surprised at how good we are at another.
My pals Justin and Chris were talking, Justin knows us because we do the kit for his team every year and Chris via his team RaceDay Bag™...
Ya know PEDAL's socks are pretty awesome
And so are the gloves
All I can say is...
We're working pretty darn hard over here to make the gear we can't find and desperately want.
So go ahead and use the promo code from yesterday: SEERED
... before my accountant says we're seeing red.
Buy the gloves and socks together, with the code, and the socks are FREE.
---
164.2 lbs
Coach Loran LIVE!
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/no ride today
OH, DID I PUSH YOUR BUTTON?
Jul 21, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE WE WERE, RIDING HOME. It had been a heck of a ride already... and Nick wanted to take the easy way home.
I have a meeting at 10. I don't want to be too tired.
Was I hearing right?
Take the easy way home?
All it took was a little shame...
... Oh, yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I mean if you're tired n all.
And that's all it took... next thing I know the three of us are getting another 1000' of climbing in before clocking in at the yobs.
Perfect.
Some say Shame on you TB...
... I say shame more, if you care.
You know what else I say, these new white gloves look smashing with the matching white socks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
So go ahead and use the promo code from yesterday: SEERED
... before my accountant says we're seeing red.
Buy the gloves and socks together, with the code, and the socks are FREE.
---
166.2 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3796131931
WHY I'D RATHER BE EXCLUDED THAN INCLUDED
Jul 20, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THE POWER OF THE BEST RIDES AND RACES lies not with inclusion, but exclusion. Sure you're invited. But, they do not suffer the slow, the weak, the unprepared.
And isn't that great?
To know there are still places on earth where you won't be given a participation trophy or a finisher's medal. To know that there are people who care enough to demand your best and nothing less.
And aren't those riders and racers who understand this just awesome?
Unique.
Rugged.
Courageos
Wanting, no demanding, to find out how good they are without any help. Preferring to tap into their own inner powers, to discover greater levels of performance, to unleash on those that would leave them behind.
These are my people.
Us.
I thought about this today in a meeting with a very exclusive vendor. They want us, we want them... but, when it came out our potential to deliver was in doubt I wanted to coldly ask...
Are you talk to me?...
... instead I leveled my gaze...
Just try and keep up, ok?!
If you're feeling that convo at all, you might be feelin' the red I was seeing...
... and wanting to wear these red gloves and socks.
Here's the deal... and it's a very special one: buy the gloves and the socks FREE!
Use promo code: SEERED
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3790904636
TAKING CHEATING TO A NEW LEVEL
Jul 19, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I'VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN HAVING A CHEAT DAY ONCE A WEEK, but today was ridiculous. I started off strong... thinking I'd be fine.
I saw the pink box.
Knew there were donuts inside.
Took a peek.
3 full donuts + a half chocolate oldfashioned donut.
Just a chunk of the half donut... that's it.
I'd stop there.
I sat on the opposite side of the room reading Emerson. Being strong. But, the box was taunting me.
Hours went by, really.
But, just was we were about to head out to our friends for lunch... I couldn't take it any more. Nobody else had had a donut.
There were in there.
All of them.
And then they weren't.
The box was empty.
My stomach full.
Me, happy.
For sure I'd be strong at lunch,.. but it wasn't really lunch. It was insane blueberry pancakes, endless bacon and sausage, delicious fruit salad.
I had seconds.
Definitely dinner would be light. Except all the kids were coming over and who wants to be Justservemesalad or Nodessertforme?
Not me.
Looks like another big miles week..
... and even though I'm packing plenty of foodstorage, I'll still need my minerals and such.
My go to is GQ6.
I've been using it for years. Originally developed for the United Health race team, it's been great for me. 1 scoop for easy rides, 2 scoops for hard road, 3 scoops for MTB... just because it's so hard to eat in an MTB race.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base
Comes in 3 delicious flavors: apple, tropical and orange. I like 'em all.
If you're looking for a drink that is loaded with goodness, this is a good one.
Use promo code: BADCHEATER
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
Family walk.
WHEN A BOY BECOMES A MAN
Jul 18, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IT'S REALLY HARD TO TELL WHEN A BOY BECOMES A MAN. There he was... still looking boyish, but possessing all the power and confidence of an immerging man.
Young Kevin.
Kevin, what are your plans for the summer.
I'm leaving Wednesday for Europe, racing Whichchingadery, Luz Van Vluz... names I can't remember nor pronounce except... Worlds, and the Baby Giro.
Which reminded me of the first time I saw him... jumping into our local group ride, all legs and arms whirling with enthusiasm... on a Saturday morning not unlike today. 13ish?
It was great to see him and catch up a bit before he goes off to ride with the best in the world.
I noticed something else on the ride today. Aside from being a larger ride than usual, there were a lot of other kids... 20ish year olds. And, that's a great thing to see.
Kids on bikes.
Out in the real world.
The physical one.
The one where you can feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your skin, the blood in your veins. The one where a wrong move can end badly, and the right move be exhilarating beyond belief.
And none of us were staring at dumb screens, like addicts, searching for a dopamine hit.
The only high we were getting was adrenalin. The only sounds, real conversations and gears... with serious huffingandpuffing mixed in.
I'll take the analog world over the digital one... every single day!
Feeling like a boy.
On a bike.
And, speaking of sun on your skin... if you're looking for some good protection, try out Arm Coolers.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-arm-coolers
For the next 48 hours, you can save 20% on these thin, lycra only arm coverings... we call Arm Coolers.... quantities are limited.
Use Promo Code: COOL
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-arm-coolers
---
163.8 lbs
Rest
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3781943853
THE GENIUS OF A BIKE RIDE
Jul 17, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THE FACE OF EINSTEIN PRETTY MUCH SAYS IT ALL, he's happy. His observation, while obvious to us, is not obvious to all...
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
- A. Einstein
... aren't we lucky!
Thousands, millions?, of people have conspired to provide this joy and lesson to us...
... engineers, financiers, crafters, painters, transporters, welders, marketers, writers, photographers...
... we could scarcely count nor locate all the brains and bodies behind the wonderful machines we ride.
We can pick up a bike for a few dollars at a garage sale, a few hundies at a big box, a few thou' at a specialty shop. The joy can be the same.
For me, the bestest is getting offroad, into the dirt, for a sunrise or sunset. Out of earshot of the big city. Away from the screens. The phone off. Solo. It's like a hot bath for the soul. Washing away the grime of the grind. Nothing better.
That's the genius of a bike ride.
Any bike will do, just keep moving.
I was reminded of this when SurferDan showed up today... he comes in...
I got this kid with me. Got him into riding. He's really loving it. He hit 28 miles an hour for 2 minutes trying to drop me... he's got potential, I just don't want to burn him out... he needs a kit.
Great, let's take him to the closeouts.
10 minutes later and the kid has a great kit for a few bucks.
We don't have every size, but we have a lot... for few dollahs.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
---
164.8 lbs
Surf Sesh
7 hours sleep
no ride.
NO HIDING FROM MR. HYDE
Jul 16, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE THIS RIDE THAT USED TO BE JEKYLL N HYDE. Tuesday was very Hydish, vicious and unforgiving. Thursday was refined and sophisticated, like Jekyll himself.
But something has happened...
... Jekyll can no longer confine the younger, cunning killer that is Hyde.
I keep inviting people on down to do the gentleman's version on Thursday... ya know, to spin the legs out and enjoy a coastal cruise... and they keep getting shot out the back.
Last week, I did something I never do... stop to help a comrade fix a flat... just to get outta the uncivilized society.
This week, was something unheard of... while trying to shame one of my friends who lives high on the hill into taking letting me drive him home... he actually said, Yes please. Poor baby.
What the H-E-doubletoothpicks is going on here?
Of course, as I'm prepping this weak rant in my mind, EasyE sends a text with some punk CTS coach on YouTube talking about all the ways masters racers can maintain their fitness. #1 being...
... keep up the intensity.
Just not on Thursdays, please.
2-3 intense days a week is plenty.
Can't win 'em all, shouldn't race 'em all.
Speaking of 2-3, I'm feelin' a Buy2Get1 promo...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
Is there a better time of year to get the softest, best fitting tshirt a cyclist ever wore?
Buy 3 tshirts, and when you use promo code: HYDE
The 3rd tshirt is fffffree.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
---
165 lbs
Paddle Surf
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3773704498
THE STOKE OF SUMMER
Jul 15, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE A BUNCH JOKERS AROUND HERE. People for whom a bit of fun is not nearly enough. And givers they are.
Little gnomish trail signs dot the way. Giant stuffed animals casually roam in place. And berms and jumps and gaps and ladders ga-freakin-lore.
After a long day grinding, it's afternoon delight.
Climbs that bare down and discourage in the dark and cold are easily overcome. Obstacles and drops approached with caution turn into launch points. Scrubbing speed on big turns isn't even a thought when your vision is crisp.
And it just builds.
We ride a little longer with the extra light, get a little faster, build a little stamina... and ride a little longer.
That's the stoke of summer.
Of course, with all the extra riding it helps to have some good fluid with plenty of good stuff.
Here's my go to:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
GQ6 is my drink, Honey Stinger Waffles my snack, and it's smoking hot I bring the Salt Stick.
Here's the deal, and it ends Saturday... buy any 2 items save 70% on the 3rd item.
PromoCode is SUMMERSTOKE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
165 lbs
Coach Loran Live at 7am
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3769022422
AND ON THIS CORNER... THE KING OF PAIN
Jul 14, 2020
by TODD BROWN
NOT A WORD IS SPOKEN, heads are bowed. A reverent moment before all hell breaks loose...
... a scene repeated on corners and in parking lots across the country, where the penitent meet.
We know our sins are many...
- Lack sleep
- Excess of ice cream
- Foul drivetrain
- Too few miles
- etc
... but we keep coming to hear the good word from the King of Pain, because we know this church is full of believers...
... believers that if we can just keep those commandments we too will one day ascend to the highest throne and deliver the message to all the common folk who were too weak to commit to be great.
And we look forward to that day with mighty hope.
That's how I was feeling this morning... after tipping the scales 3lbs heavier than Sunday, after a paltry 6 hours of sleep... I was pretty sure it was going to be a rough one.
The only thing I had going for me was my new white gloves that matched my white socks and the white highlights on my beautiful Speed Suit with white highlights.
It's amazing how a simple thing like new gloves can make one feel clean and worthy and ready...
... especially these gloves for summer with superlight mesh top, and perforated palms...
... perfect for dogdaze like there.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/superlight-race-gloves-white
I know, it's hard to believe we sell these for $20 including shipping. My CFO says I'm a fool... I say, What's your point?
Anyway, these are in now and we have a limited quantity. Get 'em while ya can.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/superlight-race-gloves-white
---
166.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3761590671
WHAT CAME FIRST THE BIKE OR THE RACER?
Jul 13, 2020
by TODD BROWN
AS I CONTEMPLATE A NEW BIKE, I realize it's not as easy as it looks. Whichever bike I choose will, to a certain extent, determine the kind or riding and racing I'll do.
It's weird the way our tools shape us vs us shaping our tools.
The bike we ride defines how we ride.
Can an aero bike climb?
Of course, you know you'll be thinking, dreaming and scheming about flat and rolling courses vs giant climbs... and you - me for sure - just might skip the next big climbing day when it's offered if all you have is an aero bike.
Same with MTB... XC or trail?
Get an XC bike and you'll be thinking about the power to conquer the climbs and be nimble on the descents... get a trail bike and you'll be looking for nearest lift, and bulldozing all obstacles.
Choose your tools carefully.
For example... if you go with the Classic RaceDay Bag™, you'll have just the right tool for 1 day races of the road/cx/xc kind.... go with the pro, and you'll be set for stage races or multiday trips.
The good news is if you win the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway, you can have the tool of your choice.
All ya gotta do is enter here: pedalindustries.com/giveaway
And if you share your special link or purchase more product your odds of winning go up a lot...
... winning a custom bag, custom kit, helmet, shoes + $500 cash for your next race...
... you know you want that, I know I do:
---
165.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3756553080
THE 85% RULE IS TWICE AS SLOW, BUT STILL FASTER
Jul 12, 2020
by TODD BROWN
YOU KNOW ABOUT THE 85% RULE RIGHT? It's the one used to earn Olympic Gold by all sorts of sprinters. It's why you see them all loosygoosy at the start. Relaxed. Ya see, some smartypants coach noticed about 30 years ago, that one particular racer kept winning by running 85%.
Here's how it works, and why I say it's twice as slow...
... I say it's twice as slow to to make it stick in my mind...
- Think of the great Carl Lewis, he was never first to the 40... which at the time was the predictor of who'd win the 100m... but he always finished far ahead.
- He started at 85%, therefore behind.
- By starting at 85% he slowed down slower than the rest, giving the allusion of accelerating long past the 40.
- They were all slowing down, by starting slow he slowed down less slow.
It's not really twice as slow, it's slow twice:
Slow, as in not going all out at the start...
... and slow, as in slowing down slower than those who went all out.
I think it's interesting that the person that shared this with me used exactly 85%... because that's pretty much the pace I figured out I can go all day.
Plus, there's a lot less pressure at the start knowing a whole buncha racers are gonna go out too fast and blow.
It does take a bit of faith... self-confidence... and works on and off the bike.
You know what else helps with confidence? Knowing you've got all your gear on race day... and nothing is better for that than the RaceDay Bag™.
By now you probably know we're giving away a custom bag, loaded with $1000 in merch + $500 cash...
... but did you know that once you register, every purchase you make gets you more entries?
Check it out: http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway...
---
163.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3754173288
MY LAST RACE EVER
Jul 11, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IF I HAD TO CHOOSE MY LAST RACE? Ya know, if a Dr Badnews said, Ya got 90 days kid.
Which would it be?
How would I train?
What would I need to purchase?
Who would I ask to help me prep?
Where would I be based?
These are random things I think about on rides like today.
The ladies kicked me for some sorta lady party at the house... so me thought, where'm I gonna go?
Well, I haven't been to GMR for a while... it's been the Queen Stage of Tour of California - 27 mile climb with about 6000 of vert + 1600 more on the return.
It's big.
It's beautiful
And, today it was largely carless except the final, awful push to the ski station.
I only say it was awful because those last 4 miles were in 90 degree heat and I was counting on the little store being open but not willing to let myself get too excited in case it wasn't open because that'd be such a let down but I reallyreallyreally wanted a Coke and chips and isn't that an awful torturous conversation to have with yourself in that heat with up to 20% pitches and cars creeping by oh and to make it worse a nice Germandude with that heyImahappygerman Jensy tone talked me into not turning around early because I'd been motivating him and he said all this while not breathing as I gasped and gulped.
So there I am asking myself what I'd do if Dr Badnews delivered the badnews and I realized that was stupid because he'd never call me Kid.
But, they are darn good questions.
And I think sometime we take this sport a little too serious... okay, you don't, but I've been known to put a few things on hold 10 weeks out from a bigepic race...
... to treat it like it is the last...
... and while that may or mayn't be healthy, it has been known to deliver a result or two.
You're welcome to use that ThisIsMyLastRacd formula if ya like...
... one thing is for sure I'd have The Ultimate RaceDay™ Bag
- Custom print to keep me organized and focused
- Custom Speed kit to help me haul@$$ and look awesome
- Matching KASK helmet for maximum efficiency
- Superlight gloves and RaceSocks
- ... you know a bag stuffed with the best stuff
Right now, today, you could win a bag like that and be the envy of all your friends...
... ready for the ride of your life.
Check it out: http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway
---
164.2 lbs
Nap
7.7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3747612206#comments
IF YOU'RE INTO RACING AND CONTESTS AND SUCH
Jul 10, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ONCE UPON A TIME I TRIED MY HAND AT RACE PROMOTION. Me being me, it wasn't just any race it was a new format aimed at expanding racing across the globe. My pal Mike believed in it enough to invest. The vision was grand.
We called the races HUNKR - Hundred Kilometer Race.
The format was this: everybody starts together, everybody ALWAYS raced exactly 100k, party after.
Why that format? Starting together gave a shared experience for everybody, always racing 100k allowed for racers to chase their PR, party after because party after.
Even as I write this I wish I could be training for a HUNKR.
We'd all be training together, getting ready for the big day. Driving out together. Lining up together... we'd try win it all, to win our age group, to PR, to win the team (5) competition.
There were so many ways to win.
We had a $10,000 purse, split evenly between men and women.
Under 23 got in free.
The pros showed up, and the youngsters won the days.
It was the only road race in our county in the last 50 years - as far as I know. We held it twice in OC and once in LA. The LA version was a gravel race. They were all a blast.
One of the best parts of being a promoter was seeing all the joy on people's faces as they finished. There is no way we could have pulled it off without all the volunteers who helped nor without the support of the 9 different public entities we coordinated with. It was a huge team effort.
If ya can't tell... I like competitions.
And just like HUNKR, this is one I'd do for sure...
... THE ULTIMATE RACEDAY BAG™ GIVEAWAY.
Yep, we're giving away a custom RaceDay™ bag with over $1000 in merchandise = $500 in cash for your next race.
... and because I like lots of ways to win, we'll have 3 winners + $750 in gift cards for others + other swag.
All the details are here: pedalindustries.com/contest
You literally cannot lose on this one... there's something for everyone that takes part.
But, don't click if you don't want a new custom RaceDay Bag™ + a new custom Speed Kit + new shoes + other awesome merch + $500 in cash towards your next race.
I mean who would want that?
Uh... I WOULD!
But, I'm not allowed to enter. Ugh.
Check it out: pedalindustries.com/contest
And... It's really, really dig it if you'd enter and share the message.
---
164.2
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
Sunset Surf
CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO RIDE... BETTER
Jul 09, 2020
by TODD BROWN
TODAY REMINDED ME OF HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO CROSS TRAIN THE RIGHT WAY. Sure it's important to cross train, but not just for the sake of cross training itself. Proper cross training takes 1 + 1 and makes 3.
Take surfing.
When you paddle out to surf you are hoping to catch a wave. So are 10 or more guys. Waves, the good ones, come infrequently. Everybody is on high alert. You've got to outmaneuver all those hungry lions.
Surfers that catch waves are looking hundreds of yards into the horizon, searching for a shadow or a ripple that will turn into a nice, thick wall of charging water.
You have to be very coy. If you see a good one, somehow you've got to get to the right spot without alerting everybody what you're up do. It's a very fine art.
Assuming you've put yourself in the right location and it's yours, you still have to time your effort to catch the wave. You can't just paddle and you can't sprint forever.
Sound familiar?
You've got to all out sprint for 10-30 seconds just to get up to speed to actually catch the elusive energy that will launch you down the face of the wave.
It's a whole lot like sprinting on a bike.
Paying attention, noting the approaching finish, finding the right wheel or hole, then unleashing all you've got.
That's how to cross train... ask yourself, what can I take from this activity and apply to my bike racing? Or, what can I take from bike racing and apply towards my career?
Here's another one.
I like to play chess online. Especially the 5 minute format where each player has 5 minutes. There's the mental aspect... hatching plans, adjusting to the other players moves... and all the while that clock is ticking down.
It's a lot like racing as well.
Each racer has a plan. Almost always you've got to make adjustments along the way... and all the while that finish line is getting closer. Somebody's gonna win.
I like to think chess helps me see the end game of any endeavor.
One more.
I like writing these posts. It's a creative outlet, and I know at least 2 people have found the information useful.
I also like reading. I try and read a book a week. To expand my limited knowledge and to be exposed to different writing styles.
Ultimately that reading improves the writing.
Yes, do the cross training... but, do it with purpose.
We try to be purposeful in our designs. One design that I love is the one we did for the Day of The Dead. And whadaya know we rang up a couple of sales on those kits today.
It's one of my all time favorites.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos
Use this promo code: CrossTrain
And you'll get the matching socks when you purchase the jersey.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos
---
164.8 lbs
SurfSesh
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3739329959
JUST PULL ON YOUR BIBS
Jul 08, 2020
by TODD BROWN
DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE A TRANSFORMER? You know, going from Droopy to WonderDog?
I know I do.
Some days it happens when I first get up. I'm groggy, can barely walk a straight line, and mightily fight the urge fall back into the bed.
Other days, like tonight, I'm exhausted and just wanna prop my feet up and Netflixout.
But, I don't.
In either case I kit up. Bibs, chest strap, jersey. Stop on the last stair and pull on the socks.
I've never, ever gotten that far and not proceeded to put on the shoes, helmet, glasses and gloves.
Next, it's easy and natural to check the tire pressure and turn on blinky lights and computer.
At this point it's not a choice if, but how far.
I'm riding...
... and it all started with pulling on my bibs.
I think this is what makes us different, what makes us able to get so much accomplished. We've done it countless times, gone out and done rides that confirm we are nuts to everybody around us.
We know all it takes is pulling on the bibs, and we can change who we are, how we feel, and what we're gonna make happen.
Did you pull your bibs on today?
Maybe putting on the softest tshirt you ever wore as a reminder to your after work commitment would be a good reminder?
If we didn't get compliments all the time on how soft and wonderful these t's are I wouldn't boast... but, we do.
You can get it right now for less than $20, including shipping.
Comes in 5 colors.
---
165 lbs
Wednesday w/ Coach Loran
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3734718788
ROOKIE VS VETERAN
Jul 07, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WHEN EVERYBODY LEFT WITH THE 'B' RIDE EXCEPT 3 OF US I was a touch disappointed. After getting shelled on Saturday I knew only the famous TMWC 'A' could get me back in shape, and I was counting on a proper butt kicking by the heavy hitters...
... but, they all rolled 'B', except, that is, 3 of us.
The other 2 wanted to leave early to make sure we'd catch... I wanted to wait the full 5 mimutes, first out of respect for those thinking the ride leaves at 630; and second, to make sure it'd be extree hard.
At 630, we hit it.
As hoped, Joe E and young Cody were counting on the 630 start and jumped on.
Now we were 5 against 20ish.
But, it's a funny thing... when you have in your head you're on the 'A' ride, you know you're all in. Giving it all ya got.
On the 'B', not so much.
The humidity was high, sweat and mist poured down my face. My tongue flapping in the wind.
30 second pulls.
Right on the rivet.
We caught a few dropped riders on the first climb and woulda caught the group soon... but, committed to the 'A' loop, we did the extra credit... adding 3ish minutes.
Back on the course, we picked off the same stragglers and soon could see the main group on The Wall.
My earlier disappointment turned to glee.
Damn it was good to be back.
For my friend Will, it was his first time on the ride. He rode 'B', and did just fine. Now he wants to do 'A'...
... especially after he got 60 Stravacups and I got zilch.
While he pointed out the Rookie gets the cups and the veteran gets skunked... I got the full cup of butt kicking I wanted.
In celebration of a satisfactory thrashing I think it's time for the Continental Buy1Get1.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
Use this promo code: CONTIBOGO
It's actually better than BOGO, you get 50% off any quantity of 2 or more.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
---
166.2 lbs (4th of July Blubber)
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3727456513
... THE REST OF THE STORY
Jul 06, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE THIS FRIEND WHO IS JUST A TERRIBLE RACER. Stronger than everybody until race day. Then, he loses his mind. Shows up tired. Forgets how to win, like on the training rides.
I was reminded of this right before I jumped into the shower.
Don't judge.
Yet.
A while back I made a pledge to do 10 pull ups and 30 push ups every time I take a shower. Of course, I take Saturday off because #bigride. I take Sunday off because I take Sundays off.
Last Friday I was really dragging. Could only do 8 and 25... so made myself do 4 and 10 after a bit of a rest.
Today, being Monday, I stepped up and rattled 'em off.
Rest.
Who knew?
Tapering.
Who wants to know?
In this month's CampFire Stories going out to the PEDALposse I'm detailing the day I decided to go for Tahoe 100 which lead to doing Leadville 100... and there I'll detail exactly what I did 14 days prior.
We'll also include some sorta swag.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
If you're still sitting on the fence regarding the PEDALposse... watch Loran rip me to pieces live Wednesday morning at 7am PST on Instagram -> @pedalindustries IG story and Coach Loran
---
165.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3722443309
CYCLE-CYBERNETICS FOR DUMMIES
Jul 05, 2020
by TODD BROWN
FOR ALL THE BELIEVERS IN MUMBOJUMBO HOOHA, the timetested fairy dust of affirmations and visualization... for the lovers of SeeBelieveAchieve... the practitioners of Think and Grow Fast... you who lay reason aside in favor of My Favorite Mantra... this post is for you.
I get it.
I feel your pain.
I know what it's like to have the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (credit Jim Collins)... calling the shots, correcting the mistakes... seemingly taking over our very being.
For me, it's the only way to live.
The more long range, unreasonable and personal the better.
For example, last year I had 2 biggies...
The first, to finish with the leaders at San Luis Rey.
The other, to PR Leadville.
This year is a bit of a moving target.
I've appreciated my friends like Emilio who prepped for KANZA and went and did his own Shadow KANZA. He's not alone. Lots have done the same.
I dig that, though I hope I don't need to do it.
This year, for me, it's down to this: BWR Cedar City and Sagebrush Safari. Two races I've yet to do.
This will be my first BWR. As for the goal... well, apparently just finishing means something... but, ya know that won't be good enough. There's got to be some unreasonable time to shoot for. Maybe it's under 9 hours? I'll check around before settling on that.
And Sagebrush Safari?... I pre-rode it earlier this year. It's got to be one of the funnest courses I've ever ridden and I can't wait to do it. The goal there... ya know I'd really like to be in the hunt.
Back to the fairydust...
... the only way to make magic happen is get signed up.
Then, and only then, does Chapter 2 of Psycho-Cybernetics make sense.
Ya know what else makes sense?
Joining the PEDALposse.
Last month the posse received one of our world famous supersoft tshirts plus the obscene savings promo code plus a new Coach Loran video.
Deets are here:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
PS... For some real entertainment toon in Wednesday at 7am PST to watch Coach Loran beat me into submission with a plank. It'll be on Instagram TV, @pedalindustries.
---
165.2 lbs
stretch n roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3719949691
I'M GLISTENING
Jul 04, 2020
by TODD BROWN
MY LEGS ARE GLISTENING.
Mine, too!
It was a combination of heat, humidity and good ol' sweat on a beautiful 4th of July morning.
I wondered if the man on the handcycle had glistening arms?
Was the brow on the homeless lady glistening?
... and the wheelchairbound child, would he ever glisten?
Sometimes I think about my cousin whose legs stopped working normally when we were kids. One day we were running together, and then we weren't. I didn't understand it then, and I still don't now.
But, it has spurred me not to waste this gift of health.
And the sport I love, whether it's a simple bike ride to the store and back or a massive 70 mile, 5000' slog...
... the one that gave me wings as a puny kid...
... freedom as a teenager...
... therapy as an adult...
... continues to give and give and give.
The great Jim Rohn said:
I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me.
Yes, for sure I ride for pleasure... straight up fun... but, I also ride to maximize my health, my ability to take care of me...
... and hopefully a few others along the way.
Which is why it's so easy to say Gotta Ride.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
Now, if you're having difficulty squeezing in the ride you know you need to do... wearing this tshirt has been known produce glistening legs in 4 out of 5 riders.
Use promo code: GLISTENING
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
---
166.2 lbs
Ocean swim
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3713659573
THE LAST TIME I TOOK OUTTA TOWNERS ON THIS RIDE
Jul 03, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE A RIDE I REALLY LIKE and I'm doing it tomorrow. My pal Markell is in town from Mesa, so uhcourse I had to invite him... and he had to invite a buddies...
... it should be fun.
The last time I did this ride with outta towners it was a wetmisty mess. The kind of ride Chris Froome would fall down on.
Which is what my friends did on the roundabout.
But, they are not built like a Praying Manti... so, they popped right up and got on with the ride.
Now, the reason I like this ride so much is it is dawgawn beautiful.
Straight up the coast, from Dana Point through Laguna Beach to the tippytop of Newport Coast. Followed by a plummet to the tranquil BackBay.
And up to Irvine where it gets ugly.
It used to meet at a FoodPark off of MacArthur, and it still kinda does at Harvard and Main...
... 3 rides converge, Kenny and his motley crew from Long Beach and Justin and his henchmen from Canyon Velo, and our merry band of misfits from the southern tip of the county.
Thankfully, it's not really ugly like the old days... where it was just piss and vinegar. Now it's more of a brofest... plus, we get a few ladies from time to time... which is always bueno.
El WeatherChannel says mucho sun, to the outta towners outta be just fine.
Speaking of fine... it was might fine of Markell to stop by the shop today and pick up gloves and a changing poncho.
He won't need it tomorrow since he's staying at the very fancyshmancy NPCMarriott, but apparently he's been dying to get one for the races back home.
You don't need to drive here to get one, of course you could and I'd sucker you into an ugly bike ride, but you can just order and have it shipped.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
Use promocode: OUTTATOWN
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
---
166.6 lbs
PushupsPullups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3708230016
A GIANT KOMPLIMENT TODAY!
Jul 02, 2020
by TODD BROWN
STARVA EMAILED ME I'D LOST MY KOM TO PRO PETER STETINA... and that my finefriends is a helluva compliment to... not yours diesely... but the great Coach Brian McCulloch.
But, why did they email moi?
It all started back at the Filthy 50...
... there I was bobbing and weaving through a CharlieBrown dust cloud full of hundreds of my closest friends, pegged to Ty's shwartz, along with the other hitters KenWinston and Jeff Ward...
... and along comes Coach Brian on his gravel bike...
TB get on my wheel!
Instantly I go from pegged to ludicrous speed. It's all I can do to stay on, but he's my coach and my friend and he's on a mission to get to the front.
This part of the Filthy is flat and a gravel road called BWR Section #4... in other words, it's also part of the very famous Belgian Waffle Ride put on by Sir MMX.
... and we are flyyyy ing...
TyJeffKen, long gone.
The end of the segment is quite rocky and unfortunately for Bri he punctured, graciously cheering me.
So, I got the KOM...
... and Pro Peter snatched it from me today.
Which is pretty cool... I mean if ya have to lose it, lose it big.
Speaking of losing big... my post yesterday about the hurrying... yeah, well, I also hurried the matching socks and the Red is a deeper red than the gloves and matching kit.
So, I'm gonna blow 'em out.... get 'em while ya can.
They are absolutely amazing socks... and if you've ever had better I'll be shocked.
They're yours for $9.82... all in, shipping included.
Of course, if you want to wait a few weeks for the correct color you can but the price will be $15.99. Totally your call.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/patriotic-knitted-sock
---
164.8
Stretch n Roll
6 hours sleep - trying to force wake up at 5am like old days.
https://www.strava.com/activities/3703232274
WHY THE TORTOISE ALWAYS WINS
Jul 01, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WHEN WE WERE KIDS WE JUST RODE, and we'd find jumps and berms and big,round cement drainage ditches... and we'd play on them over and over again.
That is the secret to going fast.
It's kinda weird, right?
But, It's true.
Playing isn't hurried.
Has no expectations.
And so, we get into a flow. And things start to come naturally, unforced. And they get easy.
Intuitive.
Safe.
... and Fast.
So, the tortoises win the race by not making onesinglebad move...
... in everything they do.
I have to remind myself of this sometimes. When I get in a hurry... in everything I do.
For example, I was in a hurry to get these patriotic gloves made I didn't make enough and now we are nearly sold out... I wish I'd made more, because I know some people are going to order today.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
Get 'em while you can.
Superlight.
$20 all in... and they'll be yours.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
164.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
no ride today
SHOULD JOSH STOP COMING OVER?
Jun 30, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I COULD TALK ABOUT ALL THE DRAMA ON TONIGHT'S RIDE, but Josh came over... and he makes me nervous.
How tall are you?
Like 6'3"... like 155.
Yes, the prototypical build...
... a worldclass athlete...
... and every time he comes over I've got writer's block.
Not because of bike riding skills, he has none.
Nor his surfing skills, which are on a level I only dream about.
No... he's her to see my babygirl... the one who rides bikes and motorcycles and surfs with me.
And that's messed up...
... isn't it...
... shouldn't he have to go on a bike ride with me? up a hideous, long climb? down a twisty, nasty, poison oak covered trail...
... on a super crappy bike?
You know I'll be hatching some sort of diabolical plan for that...
No, these Supersoft race gloves don't really help.
No, you don't need the incredible Speed bibs with the specially designed pads.
No, just drink water... this GQ6 is just 'cause I'm older.
Yeah, it might be cold you should take a hoodie, not this lightweight KOM jacket
No, this KASK helmet with all the vents isn't really good protection, you'll be better off this old skateboard helmet.
... ahhh, it's a long list of gear he won't get any time soon.
I need every advantage I can get.
If you're looking for an advantage on your own Josh or Jane... use this promo code before Friday on anything in the store.
The code is: GOAWAY
And it'll save you more than 10%.
---
165 lbs
stretch n roll
8.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3695883074
THAT TIME I RACED IN FRANCE
Jun 29, 2020
by TODD BROWN
YES, I HEARD THE RAINDROPS. Yes, the road was wet. No, I didn't expect a downpour.
But, there I was cutting through a warm and balmy wind when the heavy clouds opened up.
And, it felt good...
... instantly I was transported back to 2004, the summer of my first - only - Tour de France.
Little did I know rain was going to be a big thing. That's what happens in France, in the summer. And, I mean a lot of rain.
But, it's not the end of the world. Because, like this morning, it's warm and balmy at the lower altitudes.
I wanted to do 2 things for sure: ride as many stages as possible, and be on the Alpe D'Huez for the time trial.
As for the first, we rode a ton. Like, 8 of 10 days and 800 miles.
Famous stages.
My favorite was descending the Col De La Croix de Fer.
We left in the rain, climbed up in the sun and dried out. Stopped at the top, and bought an ill-fitting t-shirt. When we came out clouds were gathering. It was time to go fast.
Just as we got going a team of young Spaniards came flying by.
It was on.
Whether there were 9 hairpins or 90, I'm not sure.
I am darn sure I've never been more on the edge... stressed my tires more... nor had more fun than that long race to the bottom.
Carving 180 degree turns hard.
Slicing fastfastfast bends.
Stabbing the brakes.
All 20 or so of us jockeying for position.
Not a car in site.
Nothing better.
It's funny how a rare rainy day can bring back a singular point in time.
The TT up AdH was just what I hoped for. A giant, giant party. All day... really days in advance... but especially that day. 100's of 1000's on both sides of the road, and the fastest racers alive coming by 1 at a time for hours.
That's entertainment.
I breathed deep and thought of my pals. We swore we'd go back again. The closest we got was riding all the stages of the Tour of California in 2012.
That was also the year we got going in the bike biz, it wasn't yet PEDALindustries but we were on our way. And, it all started with a T-shirt...
... there's something about a t-shirt that fits amazing, gets softer the more you wash it, and uses an ink you can't even feel.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries?variant=9614988476452
If you're feeling like being reminded of how inspirational this blog can be... well, there's nothing better than our classic stamp logo.
Use code: TDF
https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries?variant=9614988476452
---
166 lbs
UpperBody and Core
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3688614105
HOW TO GET THE BIKE YOU WANT 101
Jun 28, 2020
by TODD BROWN
TODAY WE VISITED ONE OF MY 5 DADS, the one that helped me purchase the Schwinn LeTour.
At the time, he lived just down the street from Fullerton Bikes - which back then was owned by the Mulroony family, before the Great Mike Franze.
Visiting one day, I ventured over to the shop and fell in love.
She was dressed in red, with shiny chrome evvvvverywhere.
A real looker.
My knees shook.
I had to have her... and being a kid, my natural selling genius was in full form.
Gomez, loved tennis... and we spent a lot of time practicing and playing. He really wanted to me to learn the game... and for some reason unknown to each of us... he cared and loved me as his own.
There were no bike lanes.
I had to traverse 6 miles of busy streets.
It would be dark on the way home from practice.
Real concerns only a real parent would have.
I countered with Just think how much faster and easier it will be for me to get from school over to the courts.
Using the timetested strategy of never giving up... we made a deal: he'd buy it and I'd make payments of $30/mo for 4 months.
If he knew I'd never play tennis after high school, I'm not sure he woulda done it.
Of the many things Gomez has taught me, it's to play hard and work hard.
He worked his buns off.
He landed in the US at the age of 5. His parents split and his mom worked as a seamstress to support the 2 of them in a studio apartment. He went straight from high school to Korea. Came home and purchased a gas station with zero dollars... Union 76 believed in him. With a ton of hard work he parlayed that into Porsche/Audio/VW/Subaru dealerships.
By 3pm every day he was at the club, playing the game he loved.
At my best, I could never get more than a game or two off of him. He'd say Ya know Toddy, you won't beat me until I'm a hundred years old.
He's 92.
Can't play the game he loves any more.
Unless you count being a dad.
One day I reckon we'll all have to hang up the cleats and helmet for good...
... and even then, won't every day still be a raceday? I sureasheck hope so.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-hats
---
164 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3680436662
THOUGH SEEMINGLY UNPREDICTABLE, I SHOULDA KNOWN TODAY WAS GONNA BE A GOOD 'UN.
Jun 27, 2020
by TODD BROWN
RIDING FROM SALT CREEK BEACH TO THE TOP OF SADDLEBACK - 83 miles and 10000' of climbing for the data geeks like me - can be awful.
You can...
cramp
crash
flat
bonk
be left fer dead
... and not even care as long as you're with your people.
That part is totally predictable.
And, it's why nearly 40 boys and girls gathered at dawn.
Because a shared experience that is extremely demanding mentally and physically is a wonderful thing.
If you know anything about brainwashing, you might now that giving a human sugar after an activity you want to reinforce is a powerful control mechanism.
I only share that because one of the reasons we all keep doing this ride is Chris prepurchases unlimited Mexican popsicles at the general store...
... and then we all hang out and slowly regather and rehash the adventure to that point...
... now that's a shared experience guaranteed to bond.
Personally, I had a dandy ride chatting with friends I don't see often enough...
... and riding surprisingly well <- that part seemed very unpredictable earlier in the week.
- I hadn't done any specific training. In fact, my position has felt so off on my MTB that I've not been riding it much lately. And, I've been doing lots of flat road riding.
- At the last moment, I opted to put on new tires I'd never tested... which can be disastrous when hitting 30+ MPH on steep dirt that is packed in and covered with small chips of shale.
At the bottom of the bighideousclimb we lined up at the slowest drinking fountain in the county and patiently filled bottles.
Nobody patiently waited to start the climb.
By the time I got going, I could see my pals way up ahead of me.
Charging hard.
I charged medium, got into somesortaunexpected groove and slowly started catching and passing.
There is no way I would have predicted that.
When it happens... ya just gotta say Well, hell, this feels rather fine.
As for those new tires...
... I know the tires I had on there were a year old and worn to the casing...
... but, can I just tell ya how fine they were?
I wasn't even trying to smoke the downhill. Because, new tires.
I just let 'em roll, and roll they did.
Carving and gripping and ripping to within 30 seconds of my PR (26:24)... and I wasn't even pressing the issue.
Now... should I have predicted a good run up the bighideousclimb and smoking time on the way down?
Maybe.
According to Strava my Fitness is pretty high right now.
According to the Continental tire rep the Cross King "can hold it's own on the rowdier stuff" and the Race King is "excellent on fast, hardpack".
At a minimum, I could have been more confident... but, ya know, I've noticed sometimes the days I'm not predicting anything great are the very best of all.
Maybe it's the cane sugar from the Mexican popsicle doing its thing?
As long as we're talking about doing our things... I noticed quite a few of the riders donning SuperLight Race gloves designed by a certain diesel, which always makes me happy.
It's so nice to really feel connected to the bike, protected and cool on hot days.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
If you're digging the blog, maybe ya ought dig into the piggy bank and try this out. They're a mere $20, signed sealed delivered.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
---
166.2 lbs
Stretch and Roll
6 hours sleep - early start
https://www.strava.com/activities/3680436662
CAN I ASK A STUPID QUESTION?
Jun 26, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I APPRECIATE JON ASKING IF HE CAN ASK A STUPID QUESTION, because there really are stupid questions...
Like do my bib straps go over my jersey?
... but Jon's wasn't.
In regards to tomorrow's heinous undertaking, Creek To Peak:
What type of bike are you riding? Gravel? I'm contemplating joining but have never done it.
Dear Jon,
My MTB.
If my gravel bike wasn’t such a POS I’d def consider it. My next gravel bike will not be made of galvanized plumbing pipes...
it’ll be light with some suspension...
then, while slower on a few sections would be faster on others, and possibly faster than the MTB.
See ya in the morning!
What can you, my fine friend, learn from this question?
- Like Jon, it's always wise to learn as much as you can about the course and there's nobody better to learn that from than some nut who's donedone it before.
- Picking the right tool for the job can make a big difference in the outcome... especially on a course such as this - lots a pavement, dirt roads, and a smattering of rocky stuff.
- I clearly have gravelbike envy.
The tool I'll be using to protect the rocks inside my skull will be the very excellent KASK Valegro...
They claim it has thermo-cooling and advanced ventillation through 37 - THIRTYSEVEN!! - holes.
I claim it looks cool and fits great.
It really is excellent for long MTB rides that start at the beach, cross multiple streams, climb over 9000' in 82 miles and include free Mexican popsicles and Mexican Coke...
... which, ya know, is what Jon was asking about.
You might be asking if there's a promo code, which is not a dumb question.
Use KASK10 before sundown on Sunday.
---
166.6 lbs <- whattheheck?
PullUpsPushUPs and roll them legs
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3674402147
2 THINGS I GOTTA HAVE BEFORE A BIG, BIG, BIG MTB RIDE
Jun 25, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IN ROUGHLY 32 HOURS I'LL BE STUMBLING IN THE DARK, wondering whytheheck I agreed to do this crazy ride...
... about an hour later, I'll see the crew and wonder why everybody isn't there.
It's gonna be that good.
Great riders coming from far away: pros like Brian McCulloch, National Champs like Victor Sheldon, and the restuvus - the people I really love. Everyone'll be playing it cool...
Oh yeah, I'm just gonna cruise it.
Me?... nah, haven't been riding much.
Let's just keep it conversational.
You know, the usual bullarkey right before it turns into a Road Runner cartoon with nothing but dust fer as far as ya ken see.
Which is exactly why I made sure 2 things are gonna be perfect when I show up: my brakes and my tires.
I'm gonna need my A game to not get dropped to the point of forgotten... with luck I'll be able to catch up right as they get tired of waiting. Which is actually good for me, cause it really sucks to start n stop the old diesel... better to keep chugging.
Plus this ride has a 40ish minute downhill that I love to slay, and a fair amount of twisty stuff ya wanna be able to really rail.
There's a lot I can do to make up speed on a mountain bike, but none of it works if my brakes are splashy and my tires soggy.
I need those to things more than anything else to be perfect. Can't be wondering if they're gonna work...
... which can happen if:
the brake lines have air in them, or haven't been bled recently;
the knobs on the tires are worn down and/or starting to tear.
Therefore, Sparky got a brake bleed, new tires and mostly new pads.
I say mostly new because all the local shops are sold out but my good pal Robot came through with some takesoffs... now that's a friend... the shops were also sold out of the mineral oil needed for the bleed and he had that, too!
Waiting until today to figure all that out was a rookie move. And so is putting on a new tire brand and tread pattern - new to me. But, sometimes it's good to be a rookie... approach things with that sense of wonderment.
Anyway, Saturday is shaping up to be a good one.
For sure I'll be rolling with the goods: GQ6, Salt Stick tabs and Honey Stinger Waffles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bodycare
Buy any 2 items and the 3rd one is 50% off, if you quickly.
Personally, I'm gonna roll with the GQ6 hydration, the Salt Stick Chews, and the Honey Stinger Waffles.
Oh... the code is: Creek2Peak
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bodycare
---
164.6 lbs
Coach Loran #6
7 hours sleep
ran outta time to ride.
TOP 3 WAYS NOT TO TAPER
Jun 24, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ON SATURDAY WE'LL BE DOING CREEK TO PEAK, riding from Salt Creek beach to the top of Saddleback.
Conceived by a man referred to as The Gentleman, you know it's anything but gentle, kind or polite. It's so insanely hard, that only a handful have done all 5 editions. And, I ain't one of 'em.
Here's why...
82 miles.
9300' of vert.
... and typically 100 degree heat
All for a free popsicle at the loneliest General Store in the county.
No prizes
No raffle
No finisher medals
... and...
No waiting for slow pokes.
Like all cult events, this is building... and I expect this to be the largest yet... a buncha yahoos with a hankering for dust, sun and lots of sweat.
Which is why I am tapering, maybe not a full Leadville taper... that woulda started last week, and last night was a far cry from a coupla openers... but, a mini-taper nonetheless... 'cause I'llbedamned if I'm gonna get left fer dead.
Here's what I'm not gonna do:
- Not ride
- Not stop rolling
- Not pause my Coach Loran core workouts
Those would be rookie mistakes, and I ain't a rookie.
What I'm gonna do will be discussed in next month's Camp Fire Stories which will be mailed to the PEDALposse.
How committed is The Gentleman?... check this text.
Now, I know you're probably not the type of person who wants to get stronger than everyone else. You're probably who only rides. And, you're likely not interested in sprinting or climbing better... because if you were, you would have already joined the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
164.8 lbs
PushUps/Pullups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3667163082
Here's the route for Saturday's ride... we leave at 6am... and you're invited... 550AM rider meeting at Salt Creek State Beach Park https://www.strava.com/activities/2510045648
THIS HELLMET IS SO FRO
Jun 23, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I FINALLY GOT A NEW AERO HELLMET... what was I waiting for????????
My previous aero helmet was the Giro with the face shield. It looked cool, was rather hot... and was appropriated by my oldest when he came down with a serious case of I wanna race bikes... never to be seen again.
Yes, I know aero helmets are on par with aero wheels in terms of speed gains.
Yes, I know aero helmets cost a fraction - 10% - of aero wheels.
Yes, yes, yes... I dough kno' whattheheck I was thinkin'... why the hellmet did I wait so long?... so much speed to be gained for so few doll hairs.
If there was ever a ride to test it it was tonight...
... we were shedding riders from mile 0, blitzing the campground at 30mph, the gaggle of geese in full flight...
... and I felt pertty dern good, making all the breaks that mattered and surprising myself in the long, long, long sprint - not a V, but def in the hunt.
Is this scientific?
Hardly.
The science has already been done... aero helmet = aero wheels.
It's just me lettin' ya know my new aero helmet feels extrasuperfast, has great cooling properties, and makes me look even sexier - not easy.
If there's a knock, it's that you can't flip your glasses upside down and slide into the helmet.
This is FRO - For Race Only...
... and it's fast as hell.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Of course, I chose black... 'cause black shoes and black helmets make great kit frames. No black isn't hotter, especially when you're going this fast.
Now remember... fast wheels are $3000, fast helmet is $300... speed gains, according to pointy heads, are about equal... costs not even close.
Also remember... that if you're part of the PEDALposse, you save 25% with your special code.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
If yer not part of the PEDALposse, use SAVE10.
---
163.8 lbs
Coach Loran #6 + pull-ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3661995029
THIS MESSAGE WILL SELF-DESTRUCT
Jun 22, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ROCKY (OUR HEAD OF DESIGN) ASKED What's our mission statment?. I must have had a blank look because he followed it up with... Some blog post somewhere?
I didn't hesitate...
... which is odd, because I've never written it out...
Our mission is simple: help you have the best RaceDay ever.
That's it.
If we're making it, it's because it makes RaceDay better.
If we're selling it, same.
If we're doing it...
That's the mission we've chosen to accept, make RaceDay better...
... maybe that's what inspired me over the weekend to design this hat?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat
I really do believe that.
Every day is RaceDay.
What I did yesterday - rest and relax with family.
What I did today - early spin, put food on table, Coach Loran workout
What I'm doing tomorrow - pushups/pullups, hustling at work, and a frisky 50 miles
What I'm doing the day after...
... you get the idea, it all matters and builds on itself - the training, resting, working, dressing, lubing, wrenching, socializing, etc...
... to make the actual RaceDay great - there's no point to it if the family ain't into it, the table's bare, the body weak, etc.
I like reminders like this in the form of a hat. For less than 20 bones you can have one, too... just remember, not shipping for a few weeks - gotta get 'em made.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat
---
163.8 lbs
Coach Loran 43 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3654153384
DADDY LONGWHEELS
Jun 21, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES WHEN I RIDE. Some of them are decent. Some I hot up a bit. Some inspire what I'm going to write. Some support what I rode.
Take this pic... the low sun, making the long wheels.
Capturing that moment, of riding at the end of a long day.
I specifically remember this one from a month or so back. It had been long... early start filled with some rather unique challenges. Not impossible, but not easy. I was grinding as the day came to a close... really hustling... I wanted to get out and clear my head before heading home for the evening.
Sometimes it's better to get a ride in before turning in.
This was one of 'em.
And the long shadows were both reminder and reward for a day well spent.
An industrious day, on and off the bike. If you've felt that way, maybe you'd like to sport the softest tshirt on the planet... just to kick around in.
I know TBD Racing loves this t-shirt because we are making a bunch with their team logos.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-shadow-t-available-in-5-colors
Comes in 5 different colors, sells for $19.99 and shipping is included.
Unless you use promo code: LONGWHEELS
(PEDALposse use your special code to save even more).
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-shadow-t-available-in-5-colors
---
165
Stretch n roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3651974250
ARE E-BIKES REALLY BIKES?
Jun 20, 2020
by TODD BROWN
LATE AS USUAL, I carved through the elementary school... my 4 minute saving short cut. Sliced the b-ball courts, skirted the empty lockers and jumped the curb to cut across the silent parking lot.
On the main street, a lone rider approached in the opposing lane.
A hoodie, no helmet.
Jeans, no lycra.
E-power, not woman power.
I flashed the peace sign.
She flashed a smile.
We knew.
We knew we were onto something.
We knew.
We knew though our rides were going to be very different it di'in't matter.
We knew...
... and we rode on into the morning, smiling.
With some effort, I managed to catch the guys... we rode hard and met up with the rest of 'em, and then rode a lot harder... then we peeled off and rode easier... alone again I slowed it down a bit more.
Still smiling.
That was the first leg of my triathlon...
... the second was a healthy surf sesh with the family...
... the third leg was the toughest of all...
... forcing myself to wake up after picking up my book and promptly going comatose.
It's been a long time since I'd napped that hard. Probably needed it. Definitely.
Some days are pretty hard charging, like today.
Others are pretty darn relaxing, like tomorrow.
But, no matter what they're all RaceDays to me.
All have a purpose.
None go to waste.
Every Day Is RaceDay... and if you're of that ilk, then ya just might like this hat. It won't ship for about 2 weeks because I just got the idea to make 'em t'nite.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat
The hat will ship for free if you order within 30 minutes of reading this. For less than 20 bones you can sport this hat... just remember, not shipping for a few weeks - gotta get 'em made.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat
---
165 lbs
Surf
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3644936331
DO YOU HAVE CURB APPEAL?
Jun 19, 2020
by TODD BROWN
AT SOME POINT TOMORROW MORNING THINGS WILL GET DICEY. Not on the way up the coast. Not up the 20ish minute climb. Not the lazy run around BackBay or up the river trail.
No... about 2 hours in, we'll connect with the oftenfearsome Food Park ride.
The pace will go from spirited tempo to rather quite very extra frisky.
From shoulder to shoulder chatter to bar banging silence.
At that point, I'll do something that early on seemed death defying... but, now seems commonplace and comfortable...
... cement surfing, with whirling pedals an inch or so from the unforgiving curb.
I can't even tell you when it went from Oh shyte, hang on! to Excuse me, pardon me, just moving up here... don't mean to be a bother.
But it did happen.
And, it's been a handy little tool in the handbag of handy ways to move up in the pack.
Of course, ya have to be confident to do it... which is why a prefer to ride with fullfinger gloves.
Not just any glove.
But a very lightweight glove, one you don't even know is there except for the fact that the connection from hand to bar is even better than bare skin.
It's tackier.
Firmer.
Like this glove.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
It comes in lots of colors and consistently earns praise like this...
... okay, so we're out of XL Orange. We'll make more... but, at $20 - including shipping - you can see why we're temporarily sold out Neil's faves.
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
Use promo code: CURBAPPEAL
---
164.8 lbs
Pushups Pullups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3638912593
I CAN SMELL YOUR DESPERATION FROM 'ERE
Jun 18, 2020
by TODD BROWN
COUPLA DAYS BACK CRAIG DROPPED BY THE SHOP TO WORK ON SOME CUSTOM KITS, at the same time Matt was hustling in to change before our ride. Me thought, then me said...
You two cats should meet each other, one of ya's builds fancy houses and one ya sells fancy fire places fur fancy houses. Matt, meet Craig... he's new in town.
And right before my eyes I saw the smooth, confidence Matt displays on the bike in action doing his day thing.
Rather than be PeppyPete asking How many fire places da ya need?
He asks Who do you use now?
So and So
Oh, yeah those guys are pretty good, they're located way up in LA right?
That is a masterclass in not being desperate.
Desperation stinks. It's like skunkstench... and ya just want it off a ya and gone.
PeppyPete races, too.
He's that guy jumping all over the place. Chasing ever attack, leg stretch, and false twitch.
PeppyPete is impatient... and while peppy at the start, always finishes as...
PoopedoutPete.
MasterfulMatt on the other hand, is very, very tough to beat... on the bike, and at work...
... just like how he slyly transitioned to Well, if you're looking for a local guy I do about 90% of the biz down here...
... he whips me about 90% of the time.
If you're got a little PeppyPoopyPete in ya, find your local MasterfulMatt and just watch him go to work... and ladies don't let the names fool ya, there are plenty of PeppyPoopyPenelopes and MasterfulMarcias as well.
Things MasterfulMattandMarcia do:
- Eat from the 4 Magical Food Groups
- Workout off the bike
- Use proper recovery tools and techniques
All things we focus on in the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
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165.4 lbs
Pullups Pushups Stretch Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3636573549
IN THE RIDE OF THE BEHOLDER
Jun 17, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I READ THIS ARTICLE IN MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION ABOUT THE BEST TRAIL EVER. The author, Doug Bradbury?, argued that the best trail was the one you rode the most because it's the one with most the memories. He was convincing.
Tonight I took my longlostpal Jeff on nearly all of the Gravel Goon route. Which I love. But, I didn't want to oversell it because of the above mentioned argument.
We chatted up on about 30 years of life. Where the rest of the killers had ridden off to, family updates, and rehashing some truly epic racing and living.
All the while connecting path after trail after dirt road after paved sections through some of the prettiest parts of our urbanrural terrain.
Crossing streams.
Riding under a tall jungle canopy.
Circumnavigating a lonely pond.
Returning with the endless big blue expanse to our west.
More than once Jeff commented on the spectacular natural surroundings.
Was it the reminiscing?
Or, the Gravel Goon course?
Who cares... when you make friends for life, and ride again, all options are the best ever.
For a few minutes we sat on the bench in front of the shop. It was a little like one of those dumb I love you man beer commercials. Kinda funny, I know. But, it was awesome too.
We grabbed out changing ponchos... and like a commercial for you my dear reader Jeff said I love the things you come up with.
So... if you're looking for something to buy yourself, that none of your longlostpals have, look no further...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
Watch the video, it's some of our best work... showing how to change in public, at the races, with your fans waiting for your Sharpie...
Use promo code: RideOfTheBeholder
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
165.4 lbs
PushUps and PullUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3632129324
LANCE ARMSTRONG'S ONLY SIN
Jun 16, 2020
by TODD BROWN
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
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164.8 lbs
Coach Loran Video #5
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3626958513
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