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

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

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

We are wild.

Wolves.

Eagles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

THOUGHT EXPERIMENT:  What if we changed the order of things?

For years, the Tour De France started with a prologue, and over the course of 3 weeks got into harder and harder climbs, ending with a bunch of laps and a sprint in Paris. 

What if they raced it in reverse?

If the start was a bunch of laps round the Champs -Élysées with a giant crowd cheering the racers for an hour or so before they head out to discover who is the best.

Then we'd see fresh climbers slug it out on the first 10 days of massive mountains.

Follow by another 10 days of rolling terrain and sprints.

Ending with short prologue of 8ish minutes where racers are basically riding more than racing and basking in the glory of 3 weeks well done... and finishing fresh ready for a big party.

Would it matter?

Probably more than it mattered that I had the pricing and code wrong for this promo yesterday:

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves

The factory is taking this 2D rendering and turning it into a super sweet pair of gloves... and they'll be available in about 3 weeks.

Let me just interject a phenomenon I've noticed over the years, when we are under attack as a nation we get very patriotic.  There's been a marked uptick in our Patriotic collection the last 3 weeks.  I think these gloves will be a hit, and probably sell out.

So, if you want an early crack at them here you go: 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves

Use promo code: BESTTRICK ... if you're part of the PEDALposse, you can use your mo' betta' personal code.

---

167.2 lbs 
Coach Loran #5
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3368841663

ALL I KNOW IS I WAS ENJOYING A COOL EVENING, COASTING HOME WITH MY HANDS AT MY SIDES AND MY SMILE REAL WIDE... thinking I'm gonna call tonight's post The oldest trick in the book.

Because is there an older, cooler trick than that first time you let go with boh hands... not the first time for onetenthofasecond... the first time you were relaxed, cool as a cucumber?

Well, come to think of it there are cooler times... 

... like riding the Stingray off the curb, no hands...

... like casually pulling off your jacket or vest or warmers and patiently folding to properly fit in your jersey pocket all while rolling along in the bunch, no hands...

... like beating your friends across the city limits sign and celebrating, no hands...

... like ending a long day at the yob with a little spin, cleansing your mind, no hands..

... and the oldest trick, becomes the best trick.  

You wanna no another cool trick?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves

The factory is taking this 2D rendering and turning it into a super sweet pair of gloves... and they'll be available in about 3 weeks.

Let me just interject a phenomenon I've noticed over the years, when we are under attack as a nation we get very patriotic.  There's been a marked uptick in our Patriotic collection the last 3 weeks.  I think these gloves will be a hit, and probably sell out.

So, if you want an early crack at them here you go: 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves

Use promo code: BESTTRICK ... if you're part of the PEDALposse, you can use your mo' betta' personal code.

---

168.6 lbs 
Coach Loran #4 + 40 pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3364198985

GRAVEL RIDING IS REALLY FUN, brings a ton of adventure and all kinds of freedom on where yer gonna ride that day.  Any turn is a good turn.  Every path brings unknown potential.  But, let's be fair... it's not really racing if it's not dangerous.

Nobody goes crit riding.  

Road racing, means eventually there's gonna be massive risk taking.

CX you might stub your toe or skin your shin.

Mountain bike racing is synonymous with destruction of bikes and bones.

Which brings me to the first gravel racer, the original drop bar ripper, the King of Kamikaze... if you don't know his name, that's a true shame.

Because at the height of mountain biking, with the advent of DownHill this cat was running a disc wheel, an aero helmet, a skin suit, and looking smooth and planted while drifting turns at 50+ mpg.

That my lads and ladettes, my fellow parishioners of the church of the crank, is real gravel racing...

.. the rest of it is gravel riding, and it's super fun...

... but I can't stop thinking about the racing, the gravel type.

I reckon that's why I prefer my speedy KASK road helmet.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/kask-protone

This is by far, the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn.  And, I use it for everything road, XC, and of course gravel... 

... and you know I'll be wearing when I go gravel racing!

You can pick it up here: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/kask-protone

And you can save if you're part of the PEDALposse.

---

166lbs 
stretch and roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3359288764

FOR THE LAST FOUR WEEKS I'VE BEEN TRYING TO CONNECT A 100K GRAVEL COURSE AROUND DEEZ PARTS.  Finally got 'er done today... and it was a roughie.

I started too late, getting scorched by the midday heat... but, the course is so rad it didn't discourage me.

Here's why:

Starting from the sandy shores of the Pacific, I rode the 62ish miles and all but 5 or so were either on paved bike trail, gravel road or sweet single track. 

The route includes water crossings, beautiful old oak trees, tall grass and wild flowers... plus a large bobcat, a gazillion rabbits, and 2 red tail hawks.

There's 5000' of vertical gained, and it's mostly packed in the middle 30 miles.  These are not gentle climbs, these are make you want to walk climbs.  

Why have I been on this quest?

Did you read that part above?  JK... I dunno, it's just in my nature to figure out fun courses.  Plus, Jeff is coming to visit and he's been bugging me to ride gravel for 10 years... gotta show off our stuff.

I learned a few more things along the way.

• Carry lube.  On these long gravel rides if there's water crossings, it's a good idea to carry a small tube of lube.
• Low pressure, mo' betta.  I rode 35lbs in the rear and 32lbs up front.  
• One of those dorky boxes on the top tube would be handy for carrying extra food... I had 7 waffles jammed in my left pocket.

Questions you may have, should you choose to join us on an official Gravel Goon:

Do I need a gravel bike?  No, an MTB would be great.

Can I ride a road bike?  Doable with exceptional bike skills and a bombproof back.

Will you wait for me?  Probably not.

Will you have aid stations?  When it's official, fo' sho'.

What should you eat?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.

Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.

Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box.  The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

The other thing I learned/practiced was how to use a GoPro.  For my bday I got myself one... inspired by my friend Jose who takes such amazing pictures.  I asked what he used and he clued me in.  

I ran into 4 friends on the ride - Justin, Robot, Mark and Chris (pictured)... it's not as good as riding together, but it's darn nice to see the fellas.

---

165.8 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3353469209

A FEW MONTHS AGO A FRIEND ASKED IF I'D COACH HIM TO RACE THE LEADVILLE 100.  So, I fired off an email every day... with homework. 

Some of the information is tactical for Leadville. 

But, more importantly, the letters reveal nuggets which may be applied to any ride or race likely to leave nothing but the residue of who you are when it's over.

If you're planning to get your head handed to you at Dirty Kanza or BWR... or, just want to do an epic attack on your local mountains, you need the Leadville Letters.

For example...

Every Friday and Saturday you need to experiment with your food to find out what works for you.  Do not leave this up to the last couple of weeks before the race, or worse, the week of.  Figure it out early, then tinker with it.

Be the person people ask, not the one who’s unsure and ready to try something new on race day.

Okay, here is exactly what I eat and drink...

... revealed in the Leadville Letters are 20 years of mining racing some of the hardest more ridiculous courses in the western US, pure gold.

These letters will be shipping in June, and can be ordered here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-leadville-letters

However, if you're part of the PEDALposse no need to order as they're included with your subscription.

Not a member of the PEDALposse yet?

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

166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran #2 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
No ride.

MICKEY'S MESSAGE:

I learned my core is useless. Video #3 kicked my butt but will be back for more. 

Jake's take:

Loran kicked my butt (again) this morning btw :) never used the rubberband before but wow that hurt so good :)

Chris' crushing:

Week one was with the "I've got this I'm a strong competitive cyclist" attitude.  After the 3rd day I could hardly walk.  Quads, abs, sides were so wrecked I had a hard time getting in and out of the car, walking up stairs, and getting up off the couch.

IT STARTED OF AS A CHALLENGE TO "EVEREST" IN A WEEK - climb 29,029 feet.  But, doesn't 30k sound a lot better?  It did to me, when I started.  Then it didn't sound so good 3 days ago when there was still 12k to go.  And it sounded worse last night as the sun was setting.  And, even more worser this afternoon when I still needed over 4,000 feet.

But, you know... get done with work early, lube up with PR Lotion, 70 degrees, sunny...

... 3 hours later, and I'm at 5k for the day...

... and 31,834' of vertical in a 7 day period.

Yes, I know the cool kids all do that Everesting in 1 day.  On the same climb.  And I applaud them loudly.

I just wanted to do my own challenge.  And, 30k in 7 days sounded plenty epic.

The first day was on the road.  The second, fifth and sixth on the MTB.  The third and seventh gravel bike.  The fourth day I rested.

I learned a ton... which I shall share more of tomorrow.

For now, I'm stoked to have accomplished a new PR.  I've never climbed that much in a week.  And, I know my food strategy was spot on.

Which reminds me how poopular this special has been... and maybe you're on the fence about it and you know we are shipping immediately...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.

Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.

Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box.  The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

165.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3338986707

HAD A CAT NOTICE MY WEIGHT'S BEEN GOING UP.   TBH, it kinda freaked me out that people actually look at that.  Made me think I should stop posting.  Made me wonder why folks actually believe I'm posting real stats.  Then... I hearkened back to the day I first posted my weight.

It was in high 170's.

Now, It's in the mid 160's.

And that's f'real weight... when I first wake up.

And it's every day.

Because the only way to tell how what I'm eatin' is affectin' what I'm weighin' is by weighin' every day'n.

How'd I do it?

1. Weigh same time, every day.
2. Record it on an app.
3. Tell a friend, or 1000s like I do.

If you're serious:

1. No bread or baked goods
2. No packaged foods
3. Lots of fruits and vegetables and nuts

Keep it real...

1. Cheat once a week - I cheat on Sunday
2. If anybody asks if you're on a diet... No, I'm an athlete.
3. Have fun with it.

And to that cat who commented... yeah, I typically gain a few pounds after a big day like Saturday - 7 1/2 hours, 80 miles, 10,280' of vert.  And I cheated a lot on Sunday.  It'll be gone soon... and thanks for calling me out, that's why I post it.

Speaking of food, I'm gonna roll this promo one more day because it's been very poopular... and maybe you're on the fence about it and you know we are shipping immediately...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.

Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.

Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box.  The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

166.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3334068092

IN 2005, I WAS 75% THROUGH MY CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING SUPER-D.  Totally in the zone.  I'd just block passed a dude that just wouldn't get outta my way, and wanted to put as much distance as possible between the two of us.  Carving through the trees, I came to a very steep drop with a ladder to help with traction.  I was going too fast.

At the bottom of the ladder, my suspension compressed completely. 

My body kept moving.

Head first into the dirt.

I was stunned.

Covered in moon dust.

Nothing was broken - bones or bike.

I grabbed my bike, left my Oakleys in the dirt, and proceeded to shred the rest of the race course.

I won a 25 minute long race... by 7 seconds.

Forget the glorious ending... racing or not, if I'd laid there and slowly dusted myself off, found and cleaned my Oakleys, taken a "deep breath"... I eventually would have gotten back up to speed.  

Instead, I harnessed my Angrinalin.  Anger +Adrenalin.

Any hesitation and overwhelming power would have been lost.

May the Angrinalin be with you.

... and my you get back with great stories to tell.

I'm still rolling with this promo because, well... seems like people are digging it, and maybe you're on the fence about it but now that you know it's been working pretty good and we are shipping immediately you'll go for it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.

Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.

Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box.  The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

167.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3329019229

THREE DAYS INTO MY 7 DAY QUEST TO CLIMB EVEREST, and my legs a pretty sore.  5000' Thursday, 3000' Friday, 10,000' Saturday.  Took today off, per my plan... well, kinda took it off... did a 4 mile hike with the family, totally worth it.  That leaves 11,000' more, Monday-Wednesday.

I think the biggest factor causing pain is my poor route choice.  Too many 12-18% pitches.  

But, when time is a constraint... straight up and straight down is a heckuva lot faster.

My Rx is for the pain is stretching and rolling, and if I had the fancy compression bootlegthingies I'd be using that too.  

Rolling the legs, if they're fresh is nothing.  If they're sore... oh man, that really hurt.  But, it's a strange hurt because the more I roll the better I feel.

The question now is do I break up the next 3 days into an even 3000' ride... or 2k tomorrow, 3k Tuesday, 4k Wednesday... or 5k, 2k, 2k?  Some of that will depend on the work days, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to leave a bunch to be done on the last day, in the middle of the workweek.

What's not in question is the fuel I'll be using as I get back at it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

166.2 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3324127075

I'D LOOKED FORWARD TO TODAY ALL WEEK.  When I woke up the streets were wet.  When I left it was raining.  Five miles in the streets were dry.

So, that's how you're going to play it Mother?

The rocks at the first water crossing were gone, blown out by the gushing water. I charged it.  Knee deep.

The mist kept coming down, but the soil was good.  Lots of sand.

The second water crossing splintered into 5 different bottom bracket deep streams.

My drive train was smoked.  Screaming in the low gears.

Messaged CH.

You home?

Yep.

Got lube?

Yep.

See ya in 5.

It's weird to bum lube off a friend and not hug or shake hands... especially when he went to town on my chain, then handed me the lube.  I'd need it.

Seeing he was kitted up...

Where ya headed?

Up Harding - a local 9 mile gravel road climb.

You?

Trying to connect the Gravel Goon and nab 8000'.

Ride safe.

Roger that.

I was only two hours in.  2000' done.

Where we are the dirt switches from sandy to clay quickly.  Sandy can be ridden in a flood.  Clay... oh man, if it's been wet clay can clog your rig and have you walking in right quick.

The next 90 minutes I gained another 2000' but I had to forgo the Gravel Goon course... too much clay.  Close by, at this point was Harding.

Why not?

Plenty of sand there, and plenty of climbing.  Plus, I'll run into Chris on his way down and we can keep an eye on each other as we rip.

On the way over, I saw Tooch coming towards me... Hey Steve!

I hadn't been up Harding since '19 when it was graded.  It was terrible then, too soft.  But, all the rain had packed it and it was like a freeway.  No problem for my gravel bike, HVY MTL.

3000' feet of climbing later, I finally ran into Chris.  He was prepared.  PEDALindustries KOM jacket for the heavy mist, neck gator.  Me?... oh just my Camo kit.  50 degrees.  And time to plummet.

He gapped me on the way down.

We rode side by side up Old Mojeska, me in the gutter, him on the center line.  Talking.  Man, I've missed riding and talking.  I need my dude time.

We parted.  Him to rougher MTB trails... and I still had 30 miles of mostly gravel ahead of me.

I could see a blue sky to the west, where I'd be going. 

The trails were dried out.  Quite a few families were out.  Riding and hiking.

Ran into Joe... he was sporting a classic TMWC kit, and he reminded me I still owe him the 2020 kit.  Sure will be nice to fire up the factory soon.

9 hours after what looked like an unpromising day, I returned.  80 miles.  10, 280' of vert...

... and that's a great end.

Speaking of starting... is it time for you to start up your PEDALposse subscription?

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

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

---

164 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3318769837

IS GET BACK! THE BEST BEATLES SONG?  Get back to where you once belong!

I dunno.

But, I dig the beat. 

It's just a charger, a steamroller of a groove.  And that's exactly what I'm gonna need manana, bright n early.  So I'm playin' it on repeat while I get HVY MTL ready.

'Cause I'm getting back in the saddle for a long 'un.

It'll be day 3 of my 7 day challenge, and it's gonna - gotta - be the biggest of the 6 of 7 days I'm planning to ride.

 8k of climbin'... nearly all off road, on the gravel rig.

Nutrition will be the biggest factor determining when my body starts singing... 

Get back, Diesel

Here's how I'm gonna handle it:

Decent breakfast of fruit and nuts.

2 Scoops of GQ6 in 24 oz bottle per hour
1 Honey Stinger Waffle per hour
2 SaltStick Fast chews per hour

That should last me 6-7 hours... 300 calories/hour always bueno.

The waffles will be in my left hand pocket, 2 ziplocs with 4 scoops of GQ6 and a tic tac box with the salt chews in the middle pocket, phone and wallet in the right pocket.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

165.2 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3312205069

I HAVE THIS FRIEND, I shall call him by his real name because he deserves to be shamed.  Who knows... maybe he'll quit texting me and do something with his life.

Jeff texts or calls me every couple of months.

It always starts out the same.

Hey man, what's up?

Just doing my thing.

Check out this bike.

The first time he did this... let me interject, I once loaned him a bike for over a year... I thought he was finally gonna do it.  Actually plunk down the bones.  We looked at a lot of bikes.

Anyway fast forward 10 years... he pulls it on me again yesterday. 

Yes!, at least 10 years!!

Can you imagine not riding for 10 years, just talking about.  Thinking about it.  For what?  To save a couple some bucks?

Bikes are so good now, you can easily get 5 year of top performance out of a proper bike.  10 or more if you're not racing.

So Jeff... Jeff, Jeff, Jeff...

If you spent $5000 on a really, really nice race bike.  And rode it for 10 years. It would cost you $0.73 per day. 

Seventy-three cents a day, Jeff!...

... 73 pennies a day for more fun than any amusement park, wonderful health, and terrific friendships with people like me.

But, not me.

Not now.

Don't you dare text or call me or lead me on one more time Jeffrey Chavez!

I don't want to see or hear you until you ride up on 2 wheels of our own.

Ya hear?!

Phew... that felt good.  

You know what else feels good? 

The secure feeling of knowing there is nowayinheck your wallet is gonna fall out of your jersey...
The reminder that yes you are a badassbikerider every time you grab your wallet...

... you can only get that with incredible, the oneofakind RaceDay wallet.

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

I came up with it for one of our local rides called Swami's Wednesday Worlds.  A ride of the most ferocious kind.  The kind Jeff will never be on because Jeff is all talk... but the kind you might be on if you ever come visit.  And if you do, you'll need our I.D.

Use promo code: JEFFISCHEAP

Or if you're in the PEDALposse use your personal code.

---

165.6 lbs 
Stretch and roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3308097196

ONCE UPON A TIME I HUNG OUT WITH DR. DENIS WAITLEY.  By that time, I was already a fan of his audio book the Psychology of Winning.  And, I'd heard him recite his classic poem Someday I'll many times.

But, what really stuck with me was his retelling of the great American skier Bill Johnson, and his gold medal quest... specifically a statement Bill made one month prior to shocking the world. 

Bill was a nobody.  23 year-old punk.  Racing an event no American had ever one, neverever.  But, he qualified for the Olympics and here's what he said...

“I don’t even know why everyone else is here,” he said. “Everyone else can fight for second.”

Denis used that story to demonstrate how the reticular activating system works. 

In his words...

The reticular activating system performs the unique function of filtering incoming sensory stimuli, sight, sound, smell and touch. And determining which ones are going to make an impression in your mind. It decides from moment to moment what information is going to become part of your world.

In our biking words...

We go, where we look.

His conclusion...

Concentrate your attention on where you want to go, not away from where you don’t want to be. Because you’ll always move in the direction of your currently dominate thoughts.

Our biking conclusion...

Look only where we want to go.

Speaking of going places, are you going to ride with the PEDALposse?

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

---

166.6 lbs 
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3305351474

I HAD A ZOOM MEETING TODAY, and 1 great lesson.

It was work related.  Before we even got started, dude had the gears to state I'm outta here in 30 minutes.

We cranked, hyperofocused, for 30 minutes.

At the end, I asked...

Where are ya off to?

Gotta go for a bike ride.

Sheesh... I didn't even know he was a rider let alone a master teacher in using time constraints to get a lot done.

He totally gets it.

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

It's not that I'm a selfish pig, well I might be but this tshirt isn't proof of that... this tshirt is proof I know I'm a heckuva lot more productive when I'm getting the ride in...

... and you can get it delivered to your door for under $20 with this promo code: 

ZOOM

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

167
Pull Ups
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3298166546

AT THE RISK OF SOUNDING LIKE THE OLD CROTCHETY GUY, I gotta tell ya... the road racing in the 80's, pro and amateur, was a million times more exciting than the last 10 years.

First the pro, because gotta save the best for last.

I was youtubing around last night and pulled up Greg LeMond's amazing time trial. 

Now, the thing that's not amazing is all the manufactured drama.  They did that back then because the entire race was packaged and shrunk for American's into a 2 hour special. 

So... if you can get past that, the actual story of a guy making up 50 seconds by averaging 33.89 miles an hour for just under 27 minutes is stunning.

But, that was just the start... 'cause youknow how youtube can getyou.

Next thing I know I'm watching all these classic battles of that era.

And here's the difference... those guys would make crazy, riskitall attacks.  Just bonkers.  Unlike today's tres boring powermetermetered approach.  The were like boxers throwing one haymaker after another.

So good.

The video quality isn't that good, but dang... that drama is delicious.

And amateur racing of that era compared to t'day?

Well, first there was only road racing and track racing... which really means only road racing.

With only one outlet, and an American World and Tour champion, and the 7-11 team doing their thing... road racing was nuts.

Imagine this... it's unbelievable when I think about it... but, true.  No internet, strictly word of mouth and a few flyers in bike shops... crits with fields of 120 Cat 3's would sell out, consistently.  

Road racing was so hot...

... but, we were not.

Most of us were in our 20s and had not clue how to train or ride etc.  We were simply in love with the sport and digging the adrenaline rush.

And... like the pros... we were swinging for the fences ourselves.  Team work was nonexistent.  Everybody wanted to win, wanted the glory.

Yep, the drama was just flippin' awesomesauce back then.

The fact that there was so much energy with just one outlet was the big difference.

One that hasn't changed on the road is the need for a stealth back under the saddle.

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

That, right there, is the mini-RaceDay bag.  It's made of MTB inner tube, and cinches down with a fat piece of velcro.

Developed by yours bikely because I can't stand listening to thing rattling around.

Fits the basics:  tube, cartridge, levers, and a couple a bucks.

Completely silent.

This is lowtech at it's best.

And you can get it delivered to your bike stand for less than 20 bones.

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

---

167.2 lbs (the horror)
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3294015788

The one thing you can control in life is your effort.
- Mark Cuban, owner Dallas Mavericks

The moment I read this tweet, I knew I had to share it.  

But why?

Because that sacred early morning ride is one of the few events I can control?

Because the connection between effort and results on a bike is so much more obvious than other sports?  Lots of people regularly make a lucky shot, non-existent is the lucky sprint.

I'm not sure I can put into words why that statement resonates so strongly with me.

But it does.

Deeply.

In a satisfying and disturbing way... like that picture that vacillates between the old lady and the young lady.

Which reminds me why I like these lights so much.

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

They are very lightweight, and very disturbing.  I run them front and rear, day and night. 

And I know people see me... they're that alarming.

Use promo code: EFFORT

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

---
164.8 lbs
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3290108448

ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR, I used to ride to San Diego and take the train home.  It was 80 miles down, 20 miles home.  A nice century, and an easy pace.  An all day adventure, sunrise to sunset.

The amazing thing about that ride was not the ride itself, though it is splendid.

It was the fitness I'd have the following week.

L.S.D. - long, slow distance - can be just the thing for S.F.R. - short, fast riding.

In fact, I don't think it's ever failed me.

And, it's always fun.

So, with my diabolical plan hatched for next week's riding with predicted sunshine, I dropped some L.S.D. on today's ride.

I'd tell ya right now what my plan is, but I gotta make sure the weather is gonna be a willing partner.

Speaking of willing partners, I'm stoked that PEDALposse member B.L. is going to share his app with us some upcoming challenges... with prizes, too!

If ya haven't checked out the PEDALposse yet, there's no time like Easter to give yourself a treat.

Here's the link: 

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

---

165.6 lbs 
20 pullups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3286554616

NOBODY GOES TO LEADVILLE, KANZA, LOTOJA because it's easy.  We go because it's hard.  And we know, no matter the result on the given day, we're gonna be a heckuvalot better for it.

So, when the messages started coming in this morning...

• Coach Loran kicked my butt
• That was brutal, I'll be cursing you tomorrow
• etc

... well, it made me just giddy as all getout!

It's so easy to make things... easy.  To keep the bar low.  To make your kids' breakfast when they're 17, but there's no lasting joy in it.

It's the big gran fondo, the impossible century, the 10 mile climb that gives us, me for sure, joy... because they require a lot, and the deliver incredible experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

But, you know what the real benefit is?  Yes, I know you do.  It's the confidence we gain that...

I can do hard shtuff.

... I can climb that mountain, I can lift that for you, I can stay focused when it's all goingtoheckinahandbasket... because I've done it before and I'm prepped to do it again.

Which brings me back to Coach Loran... she's prepping the PEDALposse to be stronger than ever, on and off the bike.

If you're into that sort of badassery, what are you waiting for?

Join us ->https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---> Live reading of this post 

---

164.8 lbs 
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3280878185

IT'S RAINING EVERYDAY, but it's not raining all day.  And the part that is raining, has hardly been worth calling rain.  In fact, the app calls it 25% chance of rain.  And this week, that's meant the streets are wet but the top tube isn't.  Which isn't really riding in the rain.

Riding in the rain is when the glasses are bubbled, the gloves are soggy and the socks are swimming.

I'm good with the bubbled glasses.

And I don't really mind soggy gloves.

But once the socks ares swimming, I'm done.  It must be some primordial warning... 

... yer feed er wet, yer gonna die!...

... because I can pretty much ride in all kinds of treachery:  freezing temps, hail, snow, the dead of night, 110 degree heat, ferocious winds... but I know my miles are numbered the moment I feel the tops of the socks start to drown.

It's only a matter of splashing and drenching until it works it's way inside my very expensive shoes and the warning bells start to sound and the legs start to congeal.

Then the very sad trumpets sound, and the little diesel that could calls it quits.

But, not this week.  

This week the rain drops fell on my matte black KASK helmet... and I loved it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Normally, I'd insert a promo code here.  But, there's no discount on these unless you're part of the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

165 lbs 
Coach Loran killed me - film on the 11th
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3273817672

I PURPOSELY ROLLED OUT TONIGHT WITH NO BOTTLE AND NO FOOD.  I know myself, and if I'd rolled with food and drink I would have ridden a lot longer.  That's one type of cycling governor.  

Sure enough, about 60 minutes I started to get real bonky.

Bonking is never a good idea.  It can do lasting damage to your muskels that can take weeks to recover from.  But, this was a baby bonk.

... back to the plot of this email.

Governors are things that limit what we want to do.

The awesome Joe Friel, in The Cyclist's Training Bible,  dedicated a big chunk of his message to figuring out our what he calls our limiters and what to do about them.

An obvious limiter is power to weight ratio.  If you have a low power to weight ratio climbing is going to be hard.

Coach Loran and I were talking about this today, because she's lost 16 pounds using her Fit56 program and she can't believe how much better she's climbing.

The other side of that is getting stronger. 

And, as I've talked about lately... not only is getting stronger easier than you think - 2-4% of your day - but it's not just about getting those gnarly pistons below your hips more stouter, there's much speed to be gained by strengthening our core and upper body.

Position on the bike can be a limiter.  

Pro bike fitters will tell ya, a proper fit can get you 10-15% more power.  Even if they're off by 75%, a 2.5-4% gain in power can easily be the difference between winning and losing.

Equipment can be a limiter. 

Going from clunky wheels to aero with ceramic bearings can to anybody from zero to hero.

Then there's apparel... is that jersey a parachute only a drag racer could love?  There's a reason our Speed jersey looks like it's made for a prepubescent punk.  First, it's made from the finest Italian yarns that have massive stretch capabilities.  Second, it's made to be skin tight... no flappy crappy.

Did you know... 
Studies show...

A good aero helmet is on par with a good set of aero wheels in increasing your speed?... and heckuva lot less of an investment.

Did you know...
I looooovve KASK helmets?

I always thought they looked super cool.  Then my buddy John got a job at H2 and started repping the helmets.  He had a sample in his car.  I tried it on...

... it fit perfectly.  Really.  Like, put it on and never take it off.  Which is exactly what I did.  I'm not sure how John handled his next few sales calls, because that was his only sample and I wasn't giving it back.

 I've worn my Protone from crits to Leadville to LoToJa.   Same helmet, for 4 years.

That's quality.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Normally, I'd insert a promo code here.  But, there's no discount on these unless your part of the PEDALposse.

---

165 lbs 
Coach Loran's Abs/Back/Gluts
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3273817672

WHEN I WAS YOUNG WARTHOG - when he was a young warthog! - I wondered if my biker legs would easily carry me up the treacherous slopes of Mount Everest.  

I read Into Thin Air as prep for Leadville.

I thought I had a grip on it.

Today I spent 1 hour on Everest... by that I mean I explored what it would be like to do the Everest Challenge - 29,029' in 1 day.  I climbed 2800ish feet in 1 hour.  

The gradients were too steep to climb seated, or at high cadence.  And, too tricky to relax on the decent.

So many questions surfaced:

Best average gradient?
Best time of day to start?
Best nutrition strategy?
Long 30-60 minute climb?
Short 12-20 minute climb?
Where is a shaded climb?
Where would the wind be light or favorable?
What gears to run?

After that first hour of dedicated climbing, I meandered home and knocked another 1600ish feet.

I think I could average 2000'/hour, which would mean 15ish hours.  That would be 6 hours longer than Leadville and LoToJa.

It would be a massive challenge.

To start, I'm going to knock out 29,029' over the course an upcoming week.  Even that will be about 50% more climbing than I've ever down in a week and nearly 3X my average week.

I don't know if there's a PR tracker for that...

... but I do know our t-shirts get KOMs for being the softest t's on the planet.  Trust me, these will be your all time faves.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts

Today, and only today, it's buy 1 get 1 free.

Here's the code: 1day

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts

I've surprised myself quite a bit lately... and I think it has everything to do with a slight change of habit.  The old ways are being replaced by new ways.  The curious thing is according to the nerds at Strava my Fitness is quite a bit lower than it was in January, when I getting ready for the first race of the year.

Yet, I've snagged a number of PRs.

How can this be... an old diesel getting better?

Well, here's one way to PR... and I can't 'splain it.

With all the rage about fatter tires and lower pressure being faster... why the heck am I faster on my gravel bike on a lot of fire roads than on my MTB with fatter, softer tires? 

That shouldn't happen.

But it does, a lot.

Here's another way I've been PRing... the last coupla weeks, as I've scouted a 100k gravel route that I'm calling the Gravel Goon, I've hit trails near our old place where we lived 5 years ago.  5 years ago, I was 10 lbs heavier and a whole lot weaker.

Less weight + more strength = more PRs.

But, the biggest difference is the change in training during the last month.  No group rides, which is how I traditionally get my intensity in.  Which means... while I've been putting in some pretty big weeks, I've been building my base... growing my capillaries, my aerobic capacity.

While I haven't been chasin' PRs, I have snagged quite a few.

Long live the PR quest!

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

A WISE MAN ONCE SAID, 

Our hearts define who we are.

He's not a bike nut, like us.

Nor is he much an athlete, that I know of.

But he's right.

We'll only go as far and fast as our heart permits...

What we consume...
How we spend our time...
Matters...

... those with big hearts make it big.

And so we train hard, eat right, dial in our rigs that one day we can produce a good result in a bike race...

... but we also must rest.

For me, that means taking at least one day a week to get off the bike.  True rest.  Unplugged from all distractions.  I choose Sundays...

... and early mornings,
to put some a that chickensoupforthesoul kinda stuff in first... before anything else, like the news and socialmedias.

Every race requires a healthy heart, especially the human race.

---

If you're lining up for big race, or riding indoors and sweating it up good, well, let me recommend a proper lubing for the area of your special purpose...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

Did you know it comes in all these flavors?

Did you know we ship it for free?

Did you know you can get it for 50% off when you purchase PR Lotion at the same time?

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

Yep... get game changing performance with PR Lotion and keep your other area of performance nice and buttery.

Use promo code:  LUBEMEUP

And you'll save 50% on the Chamois Butt'r

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

---

164.6 lbs 
stretch
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3260058023

IS IT EASY TO RIDE 100K? 

No, not really.  It takes a lot of hard work just to be able to ride far and fast.  But, it's worth it... it's a feeling like no other.

Effort brings rewards.

I was rewarded today with a gorgeous sunset during another go scouting the Gravel Goon ride.  I had to stop, such was it's pull.

Maybe it was the endorphins, being 40ish miles into the ride?

Or, the grassy single track that seemed to lead right into the clouds?

Whatever it was it was, it was more that just a sunset.  It was something I needed at the end of a full week.

Those the rewards we get which make the effort worth it.

Along the way we get other rewards, like knowing how to make that 100k ride more enjoyable.

For instance I really like Chamois Butt'r for long rides.  It's magic for nether regions in tip top shape.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

Did you know it comes in all these flavors?

Did you know we ship it for free?

Did you know you can get it for 50% off when you purchase PR Lotion at the same time?

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

Yep... get game changing performance with PR Lotion and keep your other area of performance nice and buttery.

Use promo code:  LUBEMEUP

And you'll save 50% on the Chamois Butt'r

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

---

165.6 lbs 
strech
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3256339681

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

COACH LORAN KICKED MY BUTT AGAIN TODAY.  Yep, we hit the gluts and abs hard.  She said something off the cuff, but I thought it was super profound.

It's 20 minutes Todd, 2% of your day... everybody's got 20 minutes.

I had to do the math.  It didn't seem right.  But, it's right.  20 minutes is 2% of 16 hours of wakey time.

And you know what's cool about that?

That 2%, spent wisely can equal 2% or more faster on the bike.  

Where do I notice that strength?  On the long climbs and long rides.  Sprinting up little climbs, or just straight up sprinting.

Strength equals speed.

Where do you find another 2%?  I find it either first thing in the morning, or in the evening when I unwind.

Or you could just be a lazy sloth.

Don't!

Anyway, Loran and I are spending more than 2% of our days creating videos so you too and get some free speed.

They'll be included with the PEDALposse.

---

164 lbs 
Abs/Gluts/38 pullups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3252006572

THEY'VE GIVEN UP ME, and I can't blame them.  Have they given up on you, too?  Back in the beginning, it was easy.  But, now it's just impossible.  I'm too far gone.

When I first got the bug...

I remember the handlebar mirror my girlfriend purchased for my racing bike.  She thought it would help me see what the others were doing while I sped to victory.  Seemed like a good idea to me too... oh, the shaming that followed.

Then there was super cool Italian pro team jersey my mom got me, it was so bright and colorful... all the cool guys mocked me, again.

So, I got smart and put together a list of gear that would be nice to have for a gift.  And that worked pretty well while things were not so technical. 

But, the more passionate I got for cycling the more impossible it became for me to wait... and forget surprising me with just the right thing.

Alas my pickiness for awesomeness led me to today... to a family who truly loves me and gets me...

... a wonderful time around the dinner table, and a stack of dark chocolate bars and other treats.

I'm a lucky man.

Oh, and what did I get myself for my birthday?

A few hours scouting out a super rad gravel route.  Even came up with just the right name:  GravelGoon.  And plunked down $12 for the URL.

Who knows, next year I might even invite some friends to ride it with me on my special day?

If your family is anything like mine, well they might just want to get you a gift card.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card

---

164 lbs 
yoga
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3247838416

NETFLIX HAS THIS GREAT DOCUMENTARY RIGHT NOW CALLED A LIFE OF SPEED: The Juan Manual Fangio Story.  Fangio won multiple championships with 4 different manufacturers:  MercedesBenz, AlfaRomeo, Ferrari and Maserati.  He raced F1 well into his 40's. 

That will never happen again.

Unlike bicycle racing, today race car success is much more about the car and the team behind the driver... some say it's only 5% the driver.

For us, it's much more about the athlete.  I'd say it's athlete first, team second, then the equipment.

We all know FitDiesel much faster than FatDiesel.  

One thing I've noticed with all the upper body and core work I've been doing is that I can climb endlessly out of the saddle.  It's truly remarkable.  I never realized the reason I would sit down on a climb and spin had so much to do with how pathetically weak I had become.

Do you pushups and pullups... and stay tuned because this month we're launching our first work out video.  In less than 2% of your day, you're gonna get your butt kicked... and lover every minute of it.

Which brings me back to Fangio.  Several times he repeated the following words...

You must always strive to be the best,
but you must never believe you are.

On the surface it's easy to say, Well yeah.  But there's real gold there.  If ya think about it...

You must always strive to be the best, 
but you must never believe you are.

... World Champion gold.

Part of being the best is looking for opportunities to win.  An open gap to shoot, an inside line to take... 

... so, while things have been slowed down on the cycling side of our biz, we are all hands on deck making fleece face masks.  

https://fleecefacemasks.com/

We launched a fleece mask specific site today.  We have plain colors in stock, ready to ship... and yes, we can make them in your team colors too.

https://fleecefacemasks.com/

---

164.6 lbs 
Legs/Shoulders/Abs with Coach Loran
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3244667247

.MY FAVORITE ROCKY VILLAIN IS CLUBBER LANG.  He's so raw and terrible and confident.  The movie version of Tyson.

While Rocky is cruising along knocking out tomatocanhasbeens, Clubber is beating people senseless.  

Rocky's manager knows Clubber will crush Rocky, so he dodges the fights. 

But Clubber is coming, and finally confronts the ItalianStallion in public with the greatest makeyouhatehim quote ever:

Hey woman! Hey woman! Listen here: since your ol' man ain't got no heart maybe you'd like to see a real man. I bet you stay up late every night dreaming you had a real man, don't ya'? I tell you what, bring yo' pretty lil' self over to my apartment tonight and I'll show you a real man.

Rocky gets destroyed.

But that's not the point.

We all have Clubber Langs in life.  Whether that's a racing nemesis or a ferocious headwind or a climb that's always a little too long... it's the Clubber Lang that brings out our very best.

Only Clubber could teach Rocky this lesson..

Nothing is real if you don't believe in who you are!

I WAS RECENTLY READING AN "IT'S THE BEST" ARTICLE... in a bike mag.  When I read this type of article on subjects I know a little less about I just take it granted...
Well of course that's the best droptop sports car under $30k with 4 tires... 
and, Clearly that's the best Enduro motorcycle with wide ratio gearing made for Dakar...
or, this is the best singlestory layout for high desert living...

I'm sure that really is the best gravel bike for under $3500 made by a major advertiser in said mag.

And, I guess that's the point...

... when you actually know yer stuff,
the articles turn out to be pure fluff.

It's been said that the best bike out there is the one we're riding, but I'll go ya one better...

... the best bike out there is the one I'd be saddest to lose,
the one I'm least likely to sell off.

Which is the weird, irrational part... for me anyway, the bike I'd want to keep most is the one that I...
Shelled out the fewest bucks for
Have never won anything on.
Ride most often
Treat the worst
Can count on.

It's a trust thing... and I trust it to deliver good times, at all times.

Kinda like trusting me when I say the PEDALposse is going up next month

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

---

165.2 lbs 
100 pushups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3235008439
https://www.strava.com/activities/3236854224

TOM CURREN WAS THE BEST SURFER OF MY GENERATION, and he didn't care a whit for his sponsors.  I remember my bikeracing friend Bill, then a big shot at Quiksilver, ranting that Tom was a terrible athlete to front the brand.  Bill liked LeMond. Tom was no tightly wound euro... he didn't seem to care about winning,.. didn't show up for the people paying the bills.  He showed up to surf.

He became a 3-time world champion... soul surfing.

Colin Strickland reminds of Curren.  A man cutting his own path.  He turned down an opportunity to race the classics for  Jonathan Vaughters.

He's a soul rider.

And he used that soul riding to dominate  the Red Hook Crit Series.

Then owned World Tour pros at Dirty Kanza.

Yesterday I gave my soul a good cleanse... here's my Rx:

Load up with plenty of fuel,
a gist of where you want to go,
and let your loved ones know you'll be back before dark.

Take the route less traveled, at whatever pace your feelin'.

No chasing or waiting.  Just riding.

Ease off the pace a bit and bust out some real food.  A waffle, a PBnJ, dried fruit, salted dates with almonds.

Coast along.

No hands.

Save. Our. Souls.

Who knows there just might be a championship or PR up ahead.

You what else is up ahead, a price increase on the PEDALposse.

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

I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my...

---

163.6 lbs 
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3232871708

TODAY'S RIDE WAS EPIC:  killer loop, fast times, incredible weather.  And, I think it had everything to do with the six (6) hours I spent warming up. 

Not exactly pro protocol, on a trainer in front of the team motorcoach in just my bibs, sweating with a gold chain swinging back and forth... this was something much better.

Get up early, skip breakfast, load van with boxes, meet kids at their new place, unload van, drive to old place, load up van, unload at new place, back to old place for a final load, unload at new place, eat 4 slices of pizza...

... simple enough? 

TBH, I was pretty pooped out... but I really, really wanted to figure out this new loop I'd plotted in my head all week.

By 3pm, I was on HVY MTL ready for a 100k of dirt, gravel, water and good 'ol asphalt. 

I could have taken a nap.

Right...

I felt great.

It was 62 degrees and sunny.

Every turn greeted me with lush greenery.

I wasn't sure of the General Store would be open, given the lock down, but it was my halfwayish point and I'd need fuel... it was.  I grabbed a Mexican Coke and some Reece's Peanut Butter Cups.  Stood 10 feet behind the couple in front of me... my mouth was watering, the Coke looked so refreshing.

Do you take Apple Pay?

Yes, we do.

... if only their Apple Pay reader worked, silly me forgot cash.

You know what, it was such a wonderful afternoon I didn't even care.  I'd be fine. 

2 bottles with 2 scoops of GQ6 and 3 Honey Stinger Waffles was prefect for 4 hours, 55 miles, 5500' of vert.

But, I was hellbent on going a full HUNKR (100K ride)... and that last 7 miles took at least another 3 hours.

There's just something about sticking with the commitment... no matter how tired, no matter bonked.

Nobody'd know if I cut it short.

But that's not our style.

You know what is our style?

The PEDALposse.

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

And next week the price is going up.

---

164.6 lbs 
Lifting Furniture
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3229812993 

ONCE YOU GO DING-DING, you'll never go back.  Why just this morning I was working my way home on a gentrified dirt path... one of those fancy jobbers the developer put in so the buyers could feel adventurous 50' from home.

That's cool with me... folks gotta start somewhere, or they'll never get to where we get.

Bonus, the trails are rarely used and allow me to connect all kinds options from roads to paths to singletrack right on out to nowhere... which is exactly where I need to get this morning.

On my way back from nowhere, on the final dirt path before the paved road home, I came upon a sweet lady.

Ding.

DingDing.

Ding.

Oh... why I couldn't figure that sound... I thought it was dinner time.

She had a lovely, coquetteish smile.

I smiled back.

I love this little bell.  So much better than my teenage superwhistle, or a bunch of HeyTheres.

Ding.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-oi-bike-bell

This the kind of thing the PEDALposse saves a little more on.

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

The PEDALposse price is going up next week.

---

165 lbs 
arms/shoulders
6.5 hours sleep (not enough)
https://www.strava.com/activities/3224337190

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

YOU KNOW HIGENE IS IMPORTANT, that's why I rinse my legs once a week.  Sometimes, even two times.  Rarely, three or more.

It's all part of my diabolical training... one of the reasons you may get me on a training a ride, but RaceDay be totally different.

Do you rinse your legs?

Errr... do you even know how to rinse your legs?

Not wash.

Rinse.

A rinse ride is where you go out and go real easylike.  
Heart rate, very low.
Power, negligible.
Cadence, high.

It feels like a big, fat waste of time.  But it's not, at least for me.  For me, it's integral to what I do.

Train hard, then rinse.

I usually rinse on Thursdays, after Monday openers and Tuesday hammering and Wednesday tempo/climbing...

... rinse, and repeat.

Keep your power low and your cadence up real high,
Going on a rinse ride gonna have a real, a good time!

You know what else is a good time?

The PEDALposse. 

How good?

Click it out before price goes up next week.

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

---

164.4 lbs 
Yoga
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3220507815

RAIN PLUS SUNSHINE PLUS TIME ALWAYS EQUAL HERO DIRT.  That moist, tacky stuff.  The kinda dirt that turns mere mortals into super heroes.

That's the dirt I love.

It keeps me out past my dinner time.

I can't help it, it's too entreating to be denied.

Every turn is a little faster, the bike leaned a little more.

But, there's something more than the obvious tactile and visual feedback from which confidence flows.

Here dirt is quiet.

Weirdly quiet. 

The kinda quiet you don't even notice, but it's there.  Urging us to go faster...

... and faster ... 

... yes, nights like tonight, I'm deeply in love with Mother Earth. 

Does that make me unfaithful?... I dunno.

But, I do know I'm very faithful to the PEDALposse and excited to move into the next phase.  The price is going up next week.

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

---

165.2 lbs 
30 pullups, 104 pushups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3218807723

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

I WAS NEVER MORE SURE OF THE NEED TO BREAKAWAY FROM BRITAIN THAN TODAY.  The Brits have a deep and romantic passion for long, long, long time trials.

They're proud of this.

They measure them in miles, not klicks.

From their governing body website:
Most races are at fixed distances (10, 25, 50 and 100 miles) or fixed time (12 and 24 hours).

10.  Okay, I've done a few of those on Fiesta Island... even nabbed a state medal once.

25.  I'm not TT'r, so that sounds longish.

50. Uh... no.

100.  Are you nuts?

Fixed time, 12-24 hours....

... well, I was thinking about that today as I headed out to do our TMWC group ride... by myself, because that's the thing do to at the moment...

What possesses the Brits to have such a fascination with said competitions? 
Why torture yourself so?  
Didn't Cav' start off doing those?
Or, Wigo?
Or, Froome?
Or, Thomas?

-> Insert sound of screeching brain cells here <-

If it's good enough for those legends, maybe it's not such a bad idea?

In fact, it turned out to be a pretty darn fun and hard ride. MikeZ entered the course about 30 seconds ahead of me. 

I passed him as quickly and definitively as I could.
But, that gap wouldn't grow. 

Then, he did the same to me. 
But, that gap wouldn't grow.

I made one final pass before The Wall.
But, that gap wouldn't grow.

... and that was okay.  It pushed us on.  Just having each other within 30 or so seconds made things a lot more funner.

Jorge saw our hi-jinx, went and gave it a shot and texted this

Who knows? We just might develop some championship grit if we keep this up.

There was one thing I was missing this morning, and that was my PR Lotion.  For sure, next week I'm lathering up.

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

I hope MikeZ and Jorge aren't reading this, and I hope you get out and chase some PRs.

Use promo code: FREAKINDIESEL

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

---

164. lbs 
50 PullUps
7ish hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3213860103

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

---

Here’s a quick update on things over here with regards to the restrictions we are under:

1. We have answered the call by the government to support essential needs and retooled our workflow to help produce breathing masks medical professionals need – more info.
2. All InStock Orders and Partially Complete Custom Orders are shipping from our Sales office.  I’m personally taking care of that.
3. All pending Custom Orders and Pre-Orders are ready to print – this is 80% of the work.  As soon as we are allowed back online, these jobs will be completed and delivered.
4. The design team is working remote and continuing to prep files for production once we are given the go ahead.

Stay safe.

PETE AND I FOUND THIS KID TO CUT OUR HAIR.  His exuberance for life and hair was magnetic.  He grew up with Brian Lopes, and recycled his stories for us.  But, the best part about this kid was his constant, and I mean constant, use of the phrase...

...Right on!...

Hey man, how's the riding?

Super good.

Right on!

And the family?

They are great.

Right on!

Everything ended with Right on!

Dudes being dudes, Pete and I started saying Ride on! to everything he said.

How's are the ladies treating you?

Oh man, my girl is sweet.

Ride on!

And biz?

You know I love what I do.

Ride on!

Years, decades?, later, we still work it into our conversations with each other.

How's was your trip?

We had a blast.

Ride on!

Did you take your bike?

No, just surf and wife time.

Ride on!

My son sent a text early this morning.  

Back to my normal schedule!! After sleeping in all last week, it feels great to be up before the sun again! Sticking to a schedule is huge—the experts were right!

He's right.

It's time to get back on schedule.

Tomorrow, I'm doing TMWC.  Not with the crew.  Not wise.  Not cool.  By myself.  Back on schedule. It's time to...

... Ride on!

PS... have some fun, work Ride on! into your lexicon.

---

164.6 lbs 
100 pushups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3211898739

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

I WANT YOU TO KNOW, THAT I'M HAPPY FOR YOU.  
I wish nothing but the best for you...

... dawgawnit, it was so great to see so many people out riding bikes this weekend.

They were in every shape and size.
Cruisers
Foldables
BMXrs
and 10 Speeds

A few, like us, working out the base miles, continuing to pull back on the bow with the calendar cleared and no target to hit.

Most, with that goofyEinsteingrin, falling back in love with the wind on their face under their own power. 

My favorites are the kids fulla spunk... the young kids who just realized this sport might just be better than love itself... boys and girls with...

... helmets high, high, high on their foreheads,
runnin' shoes on platform pedals,
grabbing the bars like the bike just might get away...

... I love your energy

My daughter will be joining your throngs. 

She's gonna do a triathlon, not an actual organized triathlon.  Surf for an hour, ride 16 miles, run 3.  Her own numbers.  Her own race.

Where'd you get that idea?

I heard about this girl who trained for a half-marathon and on the date of the cancelled event she just went out and did it.  So, I'm going do my own triathlon.

Here's my chance to get her off to a good start, because she oughta know.  Give her all the pointers a loving DieselDad can give.  Starting with getting her bike dusted off and teaching her the basics...

Maintenance
Nutrition
Handing
Positioning
Helmet placement

Which begs the question... 

Should I just head on down and race the Sagebrush Safari on my own?

Maybe a few of us can drive down separate, do a time trial start.  Set a few course PRs, maybe even get a big cup... could be the start of something new.

Ya know what else could be the start of something new for you?  The mysterious and secretive PEDALposse...

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

... I'm here, to remind you,
to check it out.

---

165 lbs 
Yoga
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3208761197

MORNING GREETED ME WITH MUCHO WORK.  By 10am, I had gone from PJs to kit.  A few more things to do... and at 1215ish I finally got out to stretch the ol' legs... and rest the ol' noggin.

A stunning Spring day.

Everyone was out.

And I had a plan hatching... why not ride up and hit all my 5 favorite climbs in Laguna Beach?

There's the celebrated "7 Sisters".  Seven climbs from sea levelish to a thousand or so feet.  Grades of up to 25%.  But, 3 of the climbs, for me, just aren't that interesting.

So, my plan was the "5 Bros".  5 climbs, just as redonkulous, but with better views and suckyouin architecture.  For the locals:  Alta Vista, Temple Hills, Skyline to Top of the World, Summit Dr to Del Mar to Moulton Meadows Park, Sea Island to Isle Vista.

5000+ feet of climbing in perfect weather by myself.

The legs never tired.  

With no reason other than cleaning the climbs, I found a blissful rhythm.  

An easy sweat bounced off my Wahoo.

I was working, but it wasn't work.  Just joy, at the end of a challenging week.

A verse came to mind, from the Book of The Old Diesel:

If you don't trust me by now... then for heck's sake, trust Emil.  He's a cool cat.

A WEEK AGO WE WERE GOING FOR A CERTAIN, GUARANTEED VICTORY.  Then, we weren't.  Someone hit the brakes, hard!

But, I think we are in a better race now. Maybe you can help?

Nationwide we have health professionals that need a mask to wear over the limited supply N95 masks, which must be changed after each patient visit.

Our factory, as of last night, can only make essential products.

We need to get the word our to the health professionals that we have answered Governor Cuomo's call to supply reusable fabric masks...

... which will help keep our people working.

Getting the word out, that's how we win twice.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/fleece-breathing-mask

THIS IS A FLEECE MASK, which is what Gov Cuomo called for, today, 3/20/2020.

Fleece masks have been shown to be on par with surgical masks for virus protection - 75%.  The N95 mask is rated at 95%.

The CDC recommends changing the N95 mask after each patient is seen.  With the current shortage of masks, medical personal are keeping the N95 on and changing a reusable mask like this between each patient visit.

Our fleece masks should be washed between patient visits and can safely be washed with chlorine.

Here is information from Oxford Academic
-> https://academic.oup.com/annweh/article/54/7/789/202744

Of course, we can make them custom with your company logo.

Please forward to any medical professionals you believe are in need of these masks first.  

Our current capacity is 200/day.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/fleece-breathing-mask

May all our races end in victory.

_____

164.4 lbs 
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3201478353

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

OH, YOUTH.  THE VIGOR.  THE UNBRIDLED PASSION. 

The first time it felt so good.  The starter said Go!, and I went, and then it was over...

... premature acceleration.

The next time out, surely I'd gotten a handle on things...

... I led right up until the finish line.

Next I tried the long range attack...

... only to drop my bomb a good half mile from the mark.

If you've ever hung your head in frustration at never timing your max just perfect, then this post is for you.

Yes, you, regardless of age or experience, can do better.

You may never win, but there's no reason to misfire your big fire.

So, here are 3 things you gotta do:

• Be a warrior: practice sprint, by yourself.  Go find a nice straight road with at least 4 well spaced light posts.  Roll into the first one at 70%, shift and go faster until the second one, shift and go 9/10ths until the 3rd... here is where the warriors displace the weekenders, go all out to that fourth post.  It's gonna burn, you're gonna wobble, the lungs will be searing and the slobber sloshing.  Be a warrior.
• Own the lights.  Don't just lazily clip in and yawn your way back up to speed.  Grab those bars, snap those cleats, and get to ramming speed as quickly as possible.  
• Latch onto the best.  Those first two will help you with this one.  Find the fastest wheel in your group - a skill you need to hone in and of itself.  Now, every time there is a sprint get on that wheel.  Superglue yourself.  And watch... don't even try and come around or win... just latch on.  Notice how he gets up to speed, how he out maneuvers the others, and how far out he launches this final effort.

These 3 practices are still practiced by yours Diesely, because they work.

Want more?... well, here's the place...

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

I know, it's a little unclear.  There's a reason for that.  For those who join, it's real clear.

---

164.4 lbs 
200 push ups
no ride todau

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

I SNAPPED OFF PRS YESTERDAY, HO-HUMISH.  It's pretty easy to do around here, where nearly every ride spouts countless segments.  Rarely is it worth the time it takes to investigate the digital trinkets.

The real PRs are legendary...

Like our local 9 mile, 3000' dirt climb up Harding Truck Trail.
Or the Alpine Loop in Utah
Or Mount Lemon in Tucson

Since there's no organized racing at the moment, and since 99% of Strava segments are plain silly, now is the time to lay hold on that elusive PR.

Is it an epic climb?
A pancakeflat TT?
The Everest Challenge?

Or, maybe it's just a ridiculous ride like the one I'm looking at, so far and hideous it'd never be done again... The surf of San Clemente to the peaks of Big Bear - A Surf N Summit?

With all the racing being shoved off to the fall, it's a good reminder that the only race that matters is the one against our 2nd best.

So what's it gonna be?
What are you going to go after?
What's gonna keep your fire stoked?

While you're thinking about that, consider this... if you love these posts, you'll probably love the PEDALposse too.

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

I know, it's a little unclear.  There's a reason for that.  For those who join, it's real clear.

---

165 lbs 
arms/shoulders
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3196215427

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

THE SITUATION I'M ABOUT TO DESCRIBE ACTUALLY HAPPENED, only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Motorpacing:  the ages old training method of riding right on the fender of a motorcycle to work on your speed or riding right on the bumper of your team car to catch back up to the peloton.

This wasn't motorpacing.

This was Todderpacing.

I was late, going all out to catch the fellas... and uh-oh, there's one of 'em now... fixing a flat, nearly done.  We get 'im situated and I look into his eyes... we both know I'm a wee bit faster than him and there's only one way we're gonna catch...

You've got to stay right on my wheel!

Okay.

Todderpacing, named after some weirdo, is where the stronger friend goes to the front and the slower friend hangs on.

It's a great way to train for each friend.

The Todder, the rider on the front, must go right at his maximum without dropping the friend.  This requires keeping the power very, very even and smooth and picking the cleanest of lines through turns.  

The friend, the rider hanging on, must stay pegged to the Todder's rear wheel.  Any gap opened up and the friend will be ejected.  The friend must also resist pulling through when feeling rested - often called premature acceleration -  as this will cause the friend to tucker out and get ejected.

Todderpacing is a fine way for two friends of unequal speed to train together and have a ball.

I highly recommend it.

I also highly recommend you check out the PEDALposse.

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

Especially since we changed the look...

... and might I add, especially if you enjoy these emails and want a deeper connection to what we're up to.

I know it's sounds mysterious, but there's a reason for that.

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

---

163.6 lbs 
Yoga
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3192041677

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

IT'S PRETTY EASY FOR ME TO WHINNY THE LIST OF CYCLNG MOVIES DOWN TO 3.  Frankly there just aren't many to choose from.  That said, there are a few I love.

First, the classic, Breaking Away.  This was my introduction to passionate cycling.  I found it while I was in college.  I was already dating my bicycle, but here came the love affair that has never ended. 

Best line:  I want something American damnit, gimme some french fries! ... I loved that line...

... and boy could I relate to parents that didn't get it. 

My dad made an emergency visit, as cycling had her finger wrapped around my heart.  He was concerned at my weight loss - 162.  All the time riding indoors as snow fell.  Clearly I'd gone mad.

What possesses us?

It's nearly impossible to describe, but it's very obviously and purely romantic.  

Second, A Sunday In Hell.  Is there anything more better than Roger De Vlaeminck and Eddie Merckx pulling up to Paris Roubaix in their own sports cars with multiple bikes mounted to the top?  Both of them gushing with style and confidence.

Their crews anxiously greeting and fawning over them.

Of course, De Vlaemink is on a Gios... the same electricbluewonder I scraped my summer savings to buy in '86.

This documentary is so pure and honest and brutal in the truth of what it means to race.

Third, and don't hate me... well, you can... but...

Third, for me, is the first Rocky movie.  Yes, Rocky! 

From the training scenes to drinking raw eggs to ultimate underdog status... this movie epitomizes why I love the build up as much or more than the racing, and why I love the finish as long as I know I gave it my all.

Silly as it is, it is just amateur racing after all, but on more than one occasion of an epic Leadville or Vision Quest or LoToJa I've crossed that finish line and yelled Susie, Susie, Susie... so glad she's put up with me all these years.

So, there you have it.  As you toil from home and wonder what to do after you've ridden a ton while "working remotely", you can always dig into these classics.

And... if you need to load up on nutrition you know I've got ya covered.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/filler-up

Use promo code FILLERUP to grande

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/filler-up

164.4 lbs 
50 pull ups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3188728452

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

I love winning and will do all I can to beat you.  And I mean all I can.  I'll out sleep you, out rest you, out pullups you, out eatbetter you, out maintainmybike you, out health you...

... but, for me it's never been about the gold trinket.  Oh, I like 'em and keep 'em and even frame 'em... because they are a bold reminder that it's always been all about my health... that on a given day I had my optimum athleteness

Social 
Mental
Physical
Spiritual

Our best health is a must to deliver our best results in any situation. 

For me that means my best...

Rest.
Focus.
Strength.
Nutrition.

And I get that by preparing to race my bike.  

Aren't we fortunate to have found a great, lifelong sport and path to great health?

As the most interesting man in the world says, Stay healthy my friends!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ride-your-bike

For the month of March 2020, buy one get one, use promo code RIDEYOURBIKE

... and give it to a friend, or have a back up for yourself.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ride-your-bike

---

165 lbs 
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3187309177

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

I'M FEELING QUITE HAPPY GO LUCKY THIS WEEK.  In spite of rain every single day, I managed to get in 7 rides in 5 days.

Kinda like a Hobbit...

... you know first breakfast and second breakfast.

Dodging the rain showers - they were hardly storms - I squeaked in a couple of twoadays.

Today's were great... sticking with the food theme, it was a family sandwich.  Ride in the morning, meet the kid's for lunch, ride in the evening.

With projected midday rain, I grabbed HVY MTL - my gravel bike - and followed a new route to get things started.  That bike has really opened up a whole new world of rides.  It's a more creative kind of riding, following the pull of any trail or road or sidewalk that needs exploring or curb that needs jumping.

For better or worse, with the unpredictable weather, I'm tending to do more soul riding than structured training.  Scratch that, it's definitely for better.  

After surfing the roads and trails around town on HVY MTL, we checked out a new condo the kids are looking at leasing.  It's closer to us.  It's so fun to be part of their lives.  Feeling very lucky about that. Then we showed them the nearby tasty Greek food at Surfin' Souvlaki.

Chris and I met at the bottom of the San Juan Trail at 3pm.  All single track, straight up for an hour.  30 minutes back down.  The top was in the clouds, cold and misty.  Chris pulled the plug after 1 lap.  I went for another..

... it turned out to be the best ride of the week.

When I got back near the summit the cloud had cleared. 

A full sky.

Not a rider around.

Irresistible peace everywhere.

And little ol' me.

Covered in it,

Like the misty dew drops, gently cleansing my soul.

Yep, I'm feeling very lucky.

But, it wasn't luck that kept my water from launching out as Sparky and I were were shredding hero dirt.

No, that bottle stayed put because I have the best water bottle cage ever.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/mandible-bike-cage

WHAT WE SAY:

Been racing these cages for 8 years.  The same cages, taking them from bike to bike.  Nothing - NOTHING - holds a bottle like the Mandible.  If you're racing the bumpy stuff, this is the only cage to get.. Not because it's crazylight, because it works.

Weighs a scant 28 grams.

WHAT THEY SAY:

Mandible is the top Arundel model; its grip is the strongest of all Arundel cages. It's great in extreme situations. Mandible cages have weathered the Grand Tours, the Spring Classics, Worlds, all of it. Durable and elegant.

Here's the dealio... we're putting in an order on Tuesday, will ship about a week later.

Use promo code FRODO

https://pedalindustries.com/products/mandible-bike-cage

Note... I was going to hold off on ordering these until we moved to our new location, but ya know... the rain's gonna stop, the snow's gonna melt, and I'm wanting the best for you.

 ---

164.6 lbs 
Yoga
8 hours sleep - git yer sleep!
https://www.strava.com/activities/3183292600
https://www.strava.com/activities/3184107987

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

THERE'S THIS WEIRD THING THAT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN AN "A" RACE GETS CLOSE.  I don't know if it's the pressure I put on myself or if it's focusexhaustion.  But, it's real.  And, I must deal.

Am I weird?

Yes, Old Diesel... you are weird.  We all are, and we love it.

Oh, that warms my fit and strong heart.

So, here's my deal... I just don't have the fire to get out and ride as the A race approaches and gets more and more real.  The rides seem like drudgery.  It takes conscious commitment to go out and do them...

... but, I do go out...

... and guess what?...

... once I'm out there, within a mile or 5, I'm in the groove and wanna ride all day.

Why is the Sagebrush Safari an A race for me?  

Well,

• The fastest guys in my age group are gonna be there
• The course is fantastic, and while I will lose big time on the opening 7 mile climb
• The descents are ALL perfect for T.O.D - fast and flowy

... "So, you're saying I've got a chance"...

And that's the kind of thinking that gets The Old Diesel fired up - shootin' smoke out the pipe.  The fact it's hardly a given I'll do well, but that I have a chance.

I love that.

When we were young and just getting started SurferGirl found this song, Don't Disturb This Groove.  She played it over and over.  On days like today, it's on my mental sound track.  It just pops up and reminds me...

... once I'm in my groove...

... their ain't no stopping...

So I grab a kit that matches the groove of the day.

Today it's this kit, because Sagebrush Safari is right on the Mexican border... and while it's too high for cactus blooms, there will be plenty of soul searching in a race like this.

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

This is a limited edition kit, and we have not yet hit our 100th kit.

Use this promo code: MYGROOVE ... and the matching socks and t-shirt are free.

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

---

163.6 lbs 
Yoga
7.3 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248/posts

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

SO THIS MORNING, THE OL' WEATHER APP SAID CLEAR SKYS 'TIL 11.  I looked out across the horizon (we are on a hill and I can see 70+ miles when it's clear) and it didn't appear so good, but apps never lie.  Any hour in, and it's really coming down.

It wasn't the workout I wanted, but 'twas betterthen nuthin'.

Tonight, in between doing my pushup sets, I'm laying everything out for an early morning spin...

... even though the app says rains a comin' again.

I figure the app owes me, right?  And will pay me back with an unpredicted dry spell.

Who's to say if I'm being foolish or faithish by preppring, all I know is...

... luck comes to those who are prepared.

Part of my prep is picking out the right glove for tomorrow.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves

I've been using these gloves all winter, and I really like them.  Today, in the downpour the were perf.

Should you have a little faith in yours foolish, use this promo code:  FAITHISH

https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves

---

164.2 lbs 
100 push ups
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3177292591

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

PARIS - NICE IS THE FIRST PRO TOUR RACE I'VE WATCHED THIS YEAR, and it seems like a good time to weigh on which teams did a good job on their 2020 kit design.

I'm only going to talk about the top 3 team designs, because the rest are terribleboring.

INEOS - unique colors, clear who the title sponsor is...

These cues of course are not surprising because they are the same eyecatching cues used when SKY exploded onto the scene.  We instantly know which team, and who is the sponsor.

EF - bold colors, first to introduce the fade so many teams have followed... 

Vaughters has a history of bringing in a new design element going back to the early days of his Garmin-Cervelo team with their argyle.  And, I really like what they are doing with the punchy colors and fades.

What you may not know is our designer Joe - creator of the Wild Child designs and others - designed those early kits for Vaughters.

MCLAREN - I know it says Bahrain, but who cares... McLaren man! 

Here are truly striking colors with design nods to the Formula 1 team.  This is my favorite kit for 2020.  I'd like it even better if they could ditch the rest of the sponsors cluttering things up.

What does any of that matter?  Well, not at all unless you're looking for a kickash kit design for your team.

Keep these 3 things in mind:

• Bold Colors
• Striking design
• 1 main sponsor/team name

Even if you have a legacy color, or legacy elements there are ways to tell that story visually that will allow you to stand out.

Sponsors like standout designs, fans like stand out designs... and crew wants that too.

Here's a little side note, business story.

We use to offer free artwork, it seemed like a good thing to do.  But, the problem was it took forever to wrap up a project.

Now we charge, and the projects are not only better designed but done in record time.

No matter what business you're in...

... when people pay, they pay attention.

Here's another one, and it's a lot more relevant to this post...

... when you feel fast, you ride fast.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/feel-fast-ride-fast-available-in-5-colors

We're going to close this design out to make room for our upcoming move.

Use promo code BENIECE...

... and you can have this T delivered for $12.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/feel-fast-ride-fast-available-in-5-colors

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164 lbs 
31 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3176063259

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.