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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
>
HE'S A GENIUS
WE ALL HAVE, or should have, wish we had, that friend who can fix anything. Even though we've upped our skills over the years there's always that...
... next level repair.
We can't do it.
Like my SID fork, today...
- packing in on descents
- rebound slower than a sloth
- adjustment dials backing out and loose
... I was in a bind.
Turns out the great C Gonzer lives where I'm visiting,
racing pals from a decade ago.
Within about about 20 minutes,
he had it working nearly good as new.
How'd you learn how to do this?
I just really like working on my bikes.
That's it?
Well, I am a mechanical engineer by trade.
That's it...
- love what we do
- study the basics
- achieve mastery
... genius level work.
===
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
80/57/23 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Feeling Is The Secret, by Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GETTING HIGH
TRAINING AT SEA LEVEL is no way to prepare for high elevation activities. Sure we have extra oxygen to go hard, which is always nice. But, it'd be even nicer...
... to be able to rip when high.
Which begs the question...
... why am I working so darn hard, putting out so little power?
Nah, that's obvious.
Kinda.
90 minutes into the ride today,
we'd been ripping up Big Mountain Pass (f'real).
Challenging?
Yes.
Wheezing?
Yes.
Gapped?
Indeed.
Here's the rill dill...
... even though the power is relatively low,
the breathing is labored.
Which presents a realhonesttogoodness truth...
- breathing too hard
- not thinking 100% clearly
- focusing on staying on pace
... it's hard to stay on top of the hydration and nutrition at altitude significantly above our normal.
We, me especially, gotta force it.
Another important consideration at high elevations...
... it's better to pace on HR than PWR.
===
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
83/71/12 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Feeling Is The Secret, by Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SETTLING...
THE IDEA OF SETTLING, for most of us, is repulsive. We'd never do that because our standards are too high...
... or, so we think.
Because we don't know better.
Welp,
today I realized
I've totally been settling.
While we do have trails to ride near home...
- skinny single track with rain ruts
- weeds elbow high
- punch climbs
... it's nothing like Utah..
Today, outside of Kamas was incredible.
My pals, PViddy and TimmyV, had been telling me it was great up here.
But, c'mon...
- smooth, fast and flowy
- adorned with greenery and trees
- berms so perfect the suspension compresses as you no-brake it
... expertly engineered trials.
Waywaywaywayway better than my home trails.
Once we know we're settling the only question is...
... what are we gonna do about it?
===
165ish, no scale
8ish 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
82/61/21 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A GOOD BREAK
TAKING TIME OFF can be restorative. Sometimes it's on purpose, other times its an unplanned forced situation. Either way...
... we're anxious to get back at it.
Like right now.
Being that I was committed to be all in at the biz conference...
... I skipped the last few days.
Including the typical epic Saturday.
Everything feels really good except my gut, which is feeling quite bloated...
... after lots of good food.
I suppose that's part of the anxiety, not...
- the drop in fitness
- the packed on pounds
- the connecting with the crew
... the sensation of being a caged animal.
Some might caution,
don't over do it.
A fair warning if working back from an injury.
But, this belly is yellin' at me,
get after it,
right now.
Can't wait to start shedding and shredding manana.
(I've got 10 days to turn it around before BWR UT)
===
165ish, no scale
78ish 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
83/63/20 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
>
AI DRIVEN?
AI could be all it's cracked up to be, if we can only learn how to use it to our benefit. But, new things can be...
... a challenge to learn.
Even scary.
One of the take aways on day 3 of I Do Epic was regarding AI,
and it got me thinking about racing...
... because as we say, Racing is life!.
My grand takeaway is AI's ability to deliver what we are looking for has much to do with regarding the prompts.
For example, knowing what you know about me...
... create a training program as if you were Javier Sola
Just like us at a race,
AI needs its head screwed on straight in order to deliver.
And a proper prompt is the starting point.
Making it human...
... what is the main prompt driving our training?
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish 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
85/73/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WE CALL IT SPOOKED
THE UNMISTAKABLE ENERGY of the start line can be overwhelming for the uninitiated. We feel it the moment we arrive at an event, and when we line up the vibe can take us...
... from confident and courageous to literal shaking.
Plans melting.
Rather than the controlled missile launch we'd imagined, we are overcome by the complete chaos of undirected explosions.
And, that's okay,
until we want a different outcome.
On Day 2 of I Do Epic, we spent much the day in a massive barn learning how a master horse trainer teaches and guides the beasts with energy vs force.
Demonstrating the animal's sensitivity to each other in the herd as well as to us humans, as we approached and worked with the horses.
Thankfully, the inanimate endurance tools we depend on...
- bicycles
- helmets
- shoes
... cannot sense our moods or energy.
Can you imagine mounting a spooked bicycle?
I've often wondered how I am able to reach a place of calm and certainty with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of my "closest friends"...
... so close to losing it?
I don't have a good answer other than...
- a safe race
- an unleashing of the training put in
- finishing knowing there was nothing left in the tank
... experience and expectation.
But, the old cowboy did share one nugget that really resonated with me...
... We create what we anticipate.
===
165ish, no scale
8ish 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
87/84/3 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
START WHERE YOU ARE
TRAVEL BRINGS IT'S OWN CHALLENGES when it comes to maintaining our fitness. Will we have time, will there be space, do we have the equipment...
... will we even want to?
Have the energy?
When I signed up for I Do Epic Live in the hinterlands of Idaho, I figured we'd be starting early and ending late so...
- 27 hours
- 380 miles
- 27000' of vert
... I made sure I'd put in a large training block prior.
Taking a break made sense, but...
... a funny thing happened when I woke up.
I had two and half hours to kill,
while situated on the shore of the Snake river,
with a lovely and lonely gravel road echoing my vibe.
My original plan was out...
- a long walk
- a ton of push ups
- a million air squats
... a quick and glorious spin was in.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish 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
89/97/-8 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANTED TO STOP SO BAD
GETTING AFTER IT for a long period of time can be a beautiful thing, if we are in the right mindset and our bodies are prepared...
... and we're used to it.
Even addicting.
But, if our head's not into it,
our bodies not prepped,
it's been a while...
... quitting looks might tasty.
Like today.
There we were, riding up one of the most beautiful climbs in Utah, the Alpine Loop...
- few cars on the road
- perfect spring weather
- forever views up into the snowpack
... a coupla dudes riding a good fast tempo.
And, about 45 minutes in...
... I wanted to pull over.
Have a smoke, errr bite of my bar,
dip my toes in the stream.
It would have been so easy,
and lovely.
Which is why I didn't do it.
Because I know from experience pushing through these moments is...
... what it takes to finish anything strong.
Well, and the reward of a chocolate chip cookie at Sundance...
... would be that much sweeter.
===
165.8/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
91/107/-17 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE OTHER CROSSTRAINING
IF WE'RE IN A RELATIONSHIP of any kind we're most likely going to be exposed to activities which don't perfectly align with...
... our primary objective.
Got it?
Yeah, we get it.
The thingaboutitis...
... it's usually more than okay.
Surfergirl loves to hike.
Any time we're roadtripping and I'm in a hurry to get to the beddown...
... she's plotting a once in a life time hike.
Like today,
just after 6pm
3 hours from our destination...
... we absolutely had to hike Kolob canyon for no less than 2 hours!
Yes, that's an explanation point because...
... old diesels need their beauty sleep
Her "reward" for this detour is me stretching out while she drives, which I'm pretty sure...
... she purposely fakes like she's tired and unnecessarily jerks the wheel so I'll get behind it.
While I have to admit the hike was outstanding, and served to remind me that I should do some regular hiking to prepare for the potential to be hiking at Leadville...
...it's pretty clear I have not properly trained her on driving in a relaxing and soothing manner nor bowing down to the needs of her old man's sleep.
===
165.8/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
no Stretches
88/98/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
>
BECAUSE I ASKED...
MEMORIAL DAY IS A BUSY ONE around here. All kinds of people out enjoying the day: runnin, bikin, swimmin, surfin, paddlin...
... things were chaotic.
I got a late start.
Preferring to get some work knocked and start prepping the van for our road trip...
... I slipped out just past noon.
There is a steep hill above a picturesque beach that attracts locals, nonlocals and everyone in between.
At the top, I saw an older woman lugging two chairs for her and her ancient father.
Normally, I'd just wiggle around them and the rest and go on about my day...
... but I remembered.
Hi there, can I help you with those chairs?
Oh, yes, please.
Leaned my bike on a palm tree.
Let's go down a little bit more, where it's a little flatter.
C'mon dad, over here.
This looks pretty good.
Thank you.
No problem.
How did you know we needed help, nobody else noticed?
Oh, I prayed I'd be useful today.
With that, I was off on a lovely tour of the southern part of our county...
... pavement, gravel roads and single track.
You're probably thinking Nice virtue signal Todd...
... to which I'll say, thinking of others is not my default or my strong suit.
I have to work at getting my heart to be fully functional.
===
165.8/12.7%
8.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
91/113/-22 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RANDOMNESS OF PROGRESS
NICHING DOWN is a legit way to go about maximizing results. We study the experts, learn all we can, put it into practice. The goal is...
... supreme mastery.
But, is narrow and deep the only way to get it done?
The best way?
Personally, I think I've learned more studying endurance athletes and coaches from other sports than I have focusing on bike racing.
Maybe, probably, there is more literature and research available.
Here are a few of my favorites
- running - Born To Run, Christopher McDougall
- triathlon - anything by Phil Maffetone
- swimming - Total Immersion Method, Terry Laughlin
- natural fitness - Natural Born Heroes, Christopher McDougall
... because they introduced me to new ways of thinking about endurance and fitness.
Bringing in randomness to our experience...
- events
- people
- travel
... can deliver game-changing progress hacks.
If we'll just open our ears, eyes, hearts.
===
165.8/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
88/99/-11 per Strava
>
AFTER TAKING SEVERAL READINGS
SIMULATING OUR 'A' EVENTS months in advance can be quite revealing, in bad...
... and good ways.
Once, isn't enough.
Every weekend is too much.
It's not a damned if we do,
damned if we don't situation.
More like a...
- damn?
- damn!
- hot damn!
... outcome.
With that in mind I turned to Grok to help me assess today's simulation because...
- what happens if I cut ballast?
- what workouts would improve my time?
- are there supplements that aid lung function at altitude?
... AI is damn fine when it comes to crunching numbers.
Because I'm a true and proud supernerd...
- 2 previous attempts in last 7 years
- body weight on those days
- power numbers as well
... I have the data, going back years.
I put Grok to work...
- I can improve
- I'm in a pretty good place already
- This is gonna be a heckuva lotta fun
... and came out with what I already sensed.
Grok thinks I can beat my previous PR,
which seems absolutely ludicrous...
... mainly because I have a lot of higher value things I want to accomplish this summer.
This is a typical use of AI for me...
- confirm/test/explore what's possible
- learn how to do things I can't figure out
- assist in leveraging my tiny helmet covered bean's processing power
... are you using AI to evaluate and make moves?
As the great Wille Nelson sings...
... After taking several readings I'm surprised to find my mind's (and body) still fairly sound.
===
167/12.7% oof!
7.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
90/114/-24 per Strava went kinda deep today
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S A LONE WOLF'S WORLD
NO MATTER HOW MANY friends are planning to do the A event with us, regardless of how many weekends we link up to train together...
... the bulk of our efforts are alone.
Unseen.
By nearly everybody, except that neighbor who we pass by at the same...
... godforbidden time each dark morning.
We're on the hunt...
- miles
- skills
- fortitude
... for more.
And even when we do link up, if we're truly committed...
... we might breakup, or off.
For example, I'm committed to ride a spritely tempo between all the worthy climbs tomorrow...
... where I'll move into the bottom to mid-threshold.
Because that's gonna be my pace at the A race,
and I've really got to train it now,
to maintain it then.
So, yeah, 7 miles up the climb I'll probably be alone...
... just like I'll most likely be on raceday.
Which is why I'm working on this jersey to where in in Leadville.
Personally, I feel like an inspirational, personalized jersey is good for...
... a 1-2% increase in performance.
If you're of the same persuasion...
- super aero jersey
- amazing imported Italian fabrics
- no minimum order required, make just 1
... go here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
===
165.6/12.7% (time to start trimming blubber)
8.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
85/82/2 per Strava (time to bump these numbers up)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
13 WEEKS SHOULD BE ENOUGH
AT SOME POINT, the training for the A event has gotta get real. Sure we have our base miles just because we are base-ically addicted, but...
... that's not gonna cut it.
Gotta get specific.
As of this moment, I'm 13 weeks out from starting the Leadville Trail 100.
It'll be my 8th time.
While I know the drill, I also know...
... I'm nowhere near ready.
Haven't done an hour long climb...
... since I don't know when.
Haven't ridden over 5 hours since October.
Haven't ridden my MTB more than twice a week in ages...
... haven't
haven't
haven't
haven't
haven't.
Equally overwhelming and energizing...
... the challenge is elephant-sized.
And, I'm gonna attack it one mile at a time.
===
164.6/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
86/89/-4 per Strava
>
STRETCH GOALS
STRETCHING seems to go in and out of popularity. When, how long, which moves are a essential...
... and that's not counting yoga and pilates.
Where to start?
That's a good question.
I'm no expert, which is why I check in with my physical therapy pal, Scott, from time to time.
Mostly when I'm miserable
or injured.
Which got me thinking.
The last couple of days my bike fit felt like it had changed...
... which is impossible, right?
Then, I thought...
... could my body have changed somehow?
Thinking back on my many visits with Scott...
... and how stretches had fixed various aches and debilitating pains.
It hit me like a ton of lycra!
I haven't been stretching regularly,
at all.
Got back at it this morning...
... dang, I'm stiff!
But, guess what...
... the bike fit felt back to awesome.
Stretch goals are the kind that have us reaching to our limits to accomplish what seems nigh impossible...
... I like setting those.
New/old stretch goal...
... stretch every night as part of my shutdown sequence.
===
163.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
86/91/-6 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT MASTERING THE BASICS LOOKS LIKE
THE VERY BEST PROS have mastered the basics. From techniques to tools, from sleeping to sprinting. They have it...
... all down cold.
How do we know?
Because at the very the very best are still practicing the basics...
... only the output is at a much higher level.
Duh!
Yeah, I know.
But, the real question is are we chasing...
- fads
- trends
- shiny objects
... or working diligently on mastering the basics?
===
163.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FROM FLOOR TO CEILING
BUILDING FITNESS can appear to be a mystery to the uninitiated. For the reasons, holding onto it is illusive. And losing it...
... downright easy.
It's a shame.
If the unwashed simply established a floor...
- a minimum daily commitment
- built over weeks
- and months
... they'd find their ceiling to be nearly limitless.
Instead, they get the bug or come clean with their naked selves...
... and progress rapidly for a short season.
Get thrown off track,
and start over.
We know different.
Our floor maybe is simple as getting outta bed and kitting up...
... knowing it's easy to get out the front door at that point.
After that, it's just a matter of raising the floor...
... to see how high we can fly.
Things I think about while riding zone two for 2 hours...
... because that was my floor today.
And, I always ride on Mondays.
===
165.6/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/90/-4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PRISONS WE CHOOSE TO LIVE INSIDE
>
HOW FAR SHOULD WE TAKE OUR BRO-SCIENCE?
ONCE WE FIGURE OUT the gear and products that work for our bodies, it's, honestly, just amazing. It fits. It works. And we stick with it...
... because we rip.
Easy.
We don't want to change.
That can be a problem if what we love goes out of stock or worse...
... out of production all together.
A few years back, when Wahoo acquired Speedplay they dumped my tried and MTB pedals.
The Frogs.
Had I known, I'd have purchased at least 10 pair of pedals and probably 100 sets of cleats.
To my horror, I logged on and learned the sadsad news.
No mas.
When I woke and realized I was out of my favorite carb mix today...
- water
- plain ol' sugar
- and Liquid IV for flavor and electrolytes
... well, yeah, I took a stab a making my own.
You should witnessed the...
- disgust
- concern
- warnings
... from the crew when we stopped to refill our bottles midride.
I shared my mix was 4 tablespoons of sugar...
- you're gonna get diabetes
- go into a coma
- die early
... I could only laugh.
Just what exactly do you think is in your favorite powder or gel?
I got the idea from an ultra-trail runner I follow on YouTube.
He'd wanted to experiment and discovered how sucrose...
- quickly absorbed glucose
- more slowly absorbed fructose
... breaks down in the small intestine.
It's a 1:1 ration,
most high end mixes are 1:.8.
Ever look at the ingredients of what you're drinking?
My 4 very level tablespoons = 50 grams of carbohydrate.
But, isn't that gonna kill ya?
It's about the same as a can of Coke,
or a couple of candy bars.
So, yes, it will absolutely...
- crush our health
- give us that orange with 4 toothpicks look
- and lead to all kinds of degenerative diseases
... unless we are ripping and burning it up.
That 50 grams is about 50% of what I consume per hour...
... when getting after it.
How'd it work over 3 bottles?
Flawlessly.
Gonna test full strength this week.
This is bro-science...
... so take it with a literal and proverbial grain of salt.
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
660 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/88/-3 per Strava
>
FIRST (TASTE OF) BLOOD
WE'RE LIKE WILD ANIMALS. Once we get the first taste of adrenalin, charging through the countryside...
... with reckless abandon.
We're hooked.
The thingaboutitis...
... we gotta get that first taste.
16 years ago, my pal Dr. Jeff couldn't keep from...
... slobbering all over me.
About gravel riding.
You would love it.
Seems kinda lame.
Trust me.
Tell me why.
Well, it'a a combination of two things you love: road and mtb.
And it's fun?
Oh yes!
It took me 5 years to finally see a signal...
- steel
- heavy
- leather bags
... a lonely gravel bike on sale at the local bike shop.
I thought it was radical to ride the tires at such low pressure...
- 38mm
- 60 lbs
- with tubes
... now I'm on tubeless carbon hoops, rolling 18 up front 20 in the back.
So much has improved!
For the first year or more I rode gravel alone...
... like a lunatic in the wild.
It took 5 more years till a few of us were getting together...
... and another 3ish to do what we did today.
Ruckus URBN GRVL group rides.
In town for the weekend, Jeff joined us for today's masterpiece...
... I'm not sure he made the connection on the impact he's had on us.
===
165.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
6200 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
88/101/-14 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STOP BEING MEDIUM
THERE'S A REASON so many of us struggle to improve. Especially the newest of us...
... doing all we can to hang on.
Never improving.
I heard it said so well and succinctly today by one of my fave running coaches, the great Fred Duncan.
The question how much work we can survive in one session, it's...
- hard
- easy
- hard, again
... how many high quality outputs can we stack over weeks and months and years?
If we aren't resting, active-recovering we can't go hard enough on our hard days to see any improvement...
... we become really excellent at medium.
And, stay there.
Which is fine, if you're into that sorta thing.
But, I know you're not.
Which brings up today's ride...
- 23 miles
- ave HR 93
- ave PWR 102
... we did the impossible.
I say impossible because it's nearly impossible to get a group of athletes together and not start pushing...
... we pulled it off by setting the tone ahead of time.
The BRO ride is a super easy conversational cruiser...
... because bros need bro time.
Before slaying it on the weekend.
If you want to do a deeper dive on Fred's post it's here: https://x.com/Fred__Duncan/status/2055274916199502322?s=20
===
164.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/75/8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ZONE TWO MUCH
ANYBODY CAN RIDE ZONE 2. It's easy. Zone 1 is easy. Coasting is easier. The trick is...
... to stay there.
For a long time.
The past few months I've been doing my Z2 on the mountain bike,
on kinda steep trails.
Not spinning,
a lot of torque...
... then completely off when descending.
Which is somewhat easier than what I did today...
- keeping on the pedals
- with high cadence
- limited coasting
... Zone 2 on mainly flat, with a few rollers.
Turns out 2:80 spend doing...
- 90 minutes Z2
- 31 min Z1
- 9 min z3
... is it's own kinda hard.
1261 calories burned ain't nothing.
The mental game to stay at a given pace and basically never stop pedaling...
... regardless of the terrain.
I know you zwifties are wanting to mock me,
and I'm totally down with how much harder
it can be on a trainer.
I get it.
The real point is this kind of training...
... is extremely effective at building physical and mental endurance.
===
165.2/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER OF MID-WEEK RACING
MID-WEEK RACING has been around for ages and continues to endure because it's great training, fun to bring the community together...
... and get in some ripping intensity.
400 showed up to race Over The Hump last night.
A very healthy number of age group competitors...
... ready to battle.
I've missed the last two seasons,
so it was exciting to finally make it out.
I entered Elite 45+ looking to see how I'd rate.
Warming up,
I saw a lot of friends.
But, I was missing one.
My pal Eric was senselessly killed last year while riding his bike early in the morning, by a druggy.
After a decade of racing together...
- bro hugging each week
- seeing his babies grow up
- and turn into fine little racers
... there was a hole in my heart.
On the start line,
the energy was high,
the confidence eager.
We shot out.
I maneuvered leading into the first single track,
thinking okay this feels right.
There was only one solid climb,
20 minutes of redlining.
From leading,
to wheezing,
to 7th.
Ouch!
The downhill was a couple of miles long,
and it felt good - even PRd it.
Sliding out onto the double track,
I could see 5th and 6th,
and closed the gap.
Two of the three of us were pulling hard back to the finish line.
Just as we're about to hit the final single track before the finish,
we're caught by some of the guys we'd dropped.
At the same time,
we enter the tight turns we merge with the Beginners and Sport racers.
It's not pretty.
Some of us give the slower riders space,
others mob through.
I go from 5th to 8th.
Frustrated.
Upset about getting beat by the dude who wasn't pulling with us.
Finishing,
I stormed off.
Not my finest moment.
After a recovery drink and some spinning...
- reveling in my anger
- knowing it would motivate me
- looking forward to some specific training
... I realized how great it is to be racing.
Once I'd changed into my tshirt and jeans, I had time to reflect...
- we live in a free and prosperous country
- have the time and energy for mid-week racing
- I'm feeling 100% recovered from my TBI, while Eric is riding in the heavens and his family navigates life without him.
... and be extremely grateful.
===
165.2/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
590 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CONSISTENCY IS BORING AND...
THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF CHATTER on the interwebs regarding what happens by simply being consistent. What is often left out is the biggest battle...
... which must be won.
Boredom.
That's what the naysayers are thinking as we head out into the morning sunrise doing the unfathomable.
Sure, it can be monotonous to do the same workout over and over.
But, we aren't newbs or drones and know how to counter that by mixing it up, and socializing with likeminded beasts.
With unholy motivation we focus...
... on the rewards.
Months and years later,
we're nothing like the person we started out as.
Consistency might look boring to an outsider, but...
... we know it's lethal.
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/-4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DANGEROUS ENCOUNTERS
THERE'S DANGER just crossing the street. But, people do it and a lot more because it's part of life. We, on the other hand...
... like to raise the stakes.
Ignoring the warnings.
For years, I have casually read the signs regarding mountain lions and rattle snakes on our local trails and all over the western US.
In the process I've...
- a close up encounter with a big cat
- run over many sunbathing snakes
- stared down coyotes
... had one real scare and many thrills.
The cat was the most shocking.
I thought I was seeing a large loping coyote way up the gravel road.
Not uncommon.
Keep going.
Kept seeing as elevation changed.
Rounded a corner only to see a giant cat perpendicular to the road.
Staring at me.
Didn't do what you're supposed to do...
- stand your ground
- make yourself look bigger
... back pedaled and ripped up a single track, braking to make the turn at the top.
Went back to that spot many, many times,
raced up that hill as fast as possible...
... never came close to needing to brake to make the turn at the top.
That my friends is living.
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TIMING
TIMING IS EVERYTHING, and there is so much to be timed when it comes to racing. To time anything to perfection necessitates...
... starting very early.
Ultimately, requiring less energy.
We saw this today at the Giro.
The winning sprinter producing fewer watts than 2nd or 3rd place...
- 1480w
- 1870w
- 1580w
... making it look easy(er).
Because he timed his acceleration perfectly.
Not unlike sprinting for the line, the great Scott Adams stated...
... the secret to success is energy management.
Which helped me lean into doing my best and most important work early in the day when I'm most alert and creative.
What else...
- workouts
- relationships
- spiritual exploits
... can we improve with better timing?
===
165.2/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/87/-2 per Strava
>
BLAME IT ON THE DONUT
STAYING ON TOP OF THE RECOVERY is super easy to skip. Especially, if we are really on top of it...
... day after day.
We're rested.
When the opportunity presents itself to overdo it...
... we do it.
We think we'll be fine.
We aren't going to do die, but...
... we will be less than fine.
Like today.
After shortchanging myself on sleep two nights in a row,
getting talked into more than easy spinning,
skipping the hyper-ice sessions...
... all variables I couldashoulda controlled,
I suffered today.
The sting of ripping,
felt stale and suffocating.
When looked back on the data...
- on trails I've ridden
- raced up
- stomped
... I actually set some PRs.
The difference when between being fatigued vs fresh is stark...
... longfaced-droopy vs JUBILANT.
Eventually, I succumbed to the efforts,
pulling the plug halfway up a steepytechy...
... and limped to the donut shop.
Where, after a few moments and calories and water I miraculously...
... felt very fauxfresh!
===
165.2/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
6500 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/100/-13 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BRO!
ALL RACING AND TRAINING ain't the way to do it. The ubersuccessful connect with others on a deeper level, it's the glue we need...
... to help us hold it all together.
Not the training and racing.
Life.
Some say getting out and getting after is...
... cheap therapy.
I won't argue with that.
Getting out, and away, for a conversational workout...
... can be life changing.
Lifesaving.
But, we already know that.
Most of our friends don't,
or don't make the time,
or have the friendship.
Which got me out on the road way earlier than I wanted to today,
because I knew my pal had been traveling a ton,
and could squeeze in a ride.
And got me thinking...
- early start
- easy terrain
- all bikes welcome
... why not create a BRO ride?
Details in the image.
(Surfergirl has had this going with the Trail Angels for decades).
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/84/0 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BEST EFFORTS OSCILLATE
DOING OUR BEST. We hear from the time we take our first steps, through our teens, into adulthood. Then we preach it...
... to anyone who will listen.
Because it works.
As the great Tony Horton used to say on the P90X videos...
.. do your best, and forget the rest.
It's a legit way to live, except...
... our best oscillates.
We can get better at our best...
... is there anything more exciting than knowing that?
I found a fun features on Strava today.
The Best Efforts Power Curve has a little box we can check and...
... Show Estimated FTP.
The last 6 weeks I've been pretty dialed.
According to the app I've raced FTP 10 watts.
The feedback is helpful.
Knowing we can improve...
... is a devine gift.
===
165.6/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/91/-5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GO BIG, PUNK!
THROWING THE GEARS TO THE BIG RING used to be much more of a thing. With the advent of 13-speed, not so much. Lot's of 1x drivetrains...
... making things simpler.
Better...
- lighter
- more aero
- cleaner look
... depends on the use case.
MTB started it all,
can't even buy one with 2x.
Gravel bikes are mostly there,
some 2x systems.
Road and TT have special use for 1x.
Track and BMX have always kept it clean and simple.
Anyway, there I was this morning doing my dawgawn bestest to try and recapture my PR from Jan 2026 on a segment called Pain Cave because...
... who wants to just cruse home after hammerin'?
And it dawned on me...
... back in Jan I forced myself to stay in the big ring all the way up the steeps.
Did it work?
Kinda.
Knocked 2:47 off of last week's tepid attempt...
... still 48 seconds off the PR.
I looked back at my scale logs...
... I'm 2 lbs heavier, .5% higher in body fat.
Then my weight training...
... I'm doing a lot more leg work Sunday and Monday.
Probably not a great way to prep for Wednesday.
Lastly I looked at time spent in Zone 4 or above...
... 48 min in Jan vs 49 min today.
I'll take another cracky at it...
- come in lighter
- more rested
- caffeinated
... attacking with punk blazing style.
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-punk-collection
===
165.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/92/-7 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SUPER SUCCESSFUL DIET THAT IS POTENTIALLY KILLING OUR POTENTIAL
THERE ARE A LOT OF SUCCESSFUL plans to decrease our extra ballast. Perhaps the most powerful is one that we rarely actually apply to getting lean...
... yet allow to dictate our ultimate potential.
Case in point.
Eat the same meal, day after day...
... we'll get sick of it.
Eat less.
Waste away.
Lose muscle.
It's just a fact.
Yet, we do that same thing...
- same group rides
- same strength work
- same A race targeted
... with so much of our activities.
The inertia against improvement is overwhelming.
We can't do more,
become more.
We stall,
or worse,
we give it all up.
And why not?
It's become boring.
However, who can blame even the most monk-like amongst us who pack on the pounds because...
... there are so many amazing food choices to be had.
These days, living in any kind of a city, even the smallest, there can be found really creative and fun dining experiences.
We can eat more,
yes, become more.
Maybe not the more we are looking for.
If we're really going to reach new heights...
- new groups
- new strength work
- new A races targeted
... we must mix it up.
PS this applies to everything: love, family, business, sprituality.
===
164.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
720 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/3 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY COACHING IS MAGICAL?
REACHING OUT TO THOSE we think are in the know is pretty common practice. We can glean a lot. Getting serious about outcomes and...
... hiring a coach is next level.
#worth-it
I was thinking about this because last week I had two different people reach out to me about training questions.
Asking for my input.
Here's the dill.
For the most part a coach...
... isn't going to wave a wand and fix us.
What we're really paying a coach to do is...
... to tell us what we don't want to hear and hold us accountable.
It's rarely a question of knowing what to do.
Much more a question of willingness to do it.
And, ya know, when you're payin' for it...
... it does magically work.
(and, I heckuvalot faster than wingin' it)
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/87/-2 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MASTERY OF THIS LAW = MASTERY ON RACEDAY
THERE IS AN UNDERAPPRECIATED MIRACLE all racers experience, yet often fail to recognize or implement in everyday life. If we did...
... who knows what we could accomplish.
Parkinson's Law.
Regardless of the distance or event...
... given a set of parameters,
a cohort of competitors,
we go faster.
Nobody signs up for a marathon with the idea of finishing...
... When I get around to it.
We laser in on the distance, time required, prep like mad...
... and execute.
Parkinson's Law...
... Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.
We know this because on the week of the A race...
... we magically get all our work down days early so we can travel and chill before the big event.
The gun goes off and...
... amazingly, produce heretofore unknown abilities setting PRs and often hitting or exceeding our goal finish times.
Getting our workdays wrapped up within 8-10 hours was burned into our brains through the school system.
It's a tough habit to break.
Accepting a reasonable output during those same hours is mollifying...
... but, uninspiring.
Dramatically shrinking the time to finish the race or project...
Massively expanding the output...
Defying Parkinson's law...
... should be our nature in all we do.
===
164.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/89/-4 per Strava
>
MISSLE LOCK
BEING IN THE DRAFT is such a wonderful feeling. We slot in and feel ourselves get sucked along at...
... a dramatically reduced effort.
It's slight at first.
Just like when we lose it...
... we slowly come uncoupled until suddenly we're on our own.
So it was on this morning's ride to the ride.
Me and my pals, jamming up the coast.
I bombed down a sizable hill in front,
shot up the other side,
they slingshot on by.
And the gap just starts opening wider and wider.
It was too early to be burning matches.
I made the prudent choice,
flicked my safety cover...
... and acquired missile lock.
It took 5 or so minutes of a measured effort, but then I closed enough to start to feel the draft...
... it's like the radar going from beeping to a solid tone.
Target acquired,
detonation imminent.
The rest of the ride would be much of the same...
... alternating attacks trying to drop each other.
I'd learned my lesson,
stayed locked and loaded the rest of the ride.
As a reward to ourselves,
we honed in on Parlor Donuts.
===
166.2/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
noLower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/103/-16 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE EPIC SUMMER TRAINING
WHELP, IT'S THAT TIME A YEAR when most of us have/will have/should have/ better have something to train for this summer. Otherwise...
... what's the point of living?
Going all summer without a goal is just okay.
So, let me just tantalize you with something insane,
dare I say the best gravel ride in SoCal.
Dana Point to Big Bear...
- about 50% gravel
- 50% of the pavement is bike trail
- leaving from the sand, summiting before sunset
... qualifies as epic.
Kinda far,
120 miles.
Kinda climby,
14,409'.
Kinda memorable,
nothing like gittin' 'er done with friends.
This will be our 5th year/6th running (2 attempts in '21).
The basic layout is...
- dinner at my place Friday night
- 5am official start on Saturday
- dinner in Big Bear
... leaving just before sunrise, finishing before sunset.
Click on it to see videos and pics.
I'll be posting more.
Put it on thy calendar: 10.10.26
Check my stats... we weren't killin' ourselves, click to go to ride.
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/80/3 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT IS STRONG?
WE HEAR IT said of others. We make the comment ourselves, too. It seams so natural until we think about it, that it's...
... being said of endurance athletes.
_____ is riding/running/swimming strong!
Huh?
We're mainly scrawny.
So what does Strong mean then...
- big fitness?
- big muscles?
... things I think about while zonetwoing out.
If it's just a muscle thing, does it mean because they are actually stronger...
... it's just easier for them to generate X than it is for the rest of us?
If it's a VO2 Max thing, does it mean they aren't any stronger...
... it's just not as taxing for them at X effort as it is for the rest of us?
Truthfully, this conversation with myself when I was doing...
- all out 10 second sprints
- atg weighted squats
- box jumps
... throughout the week.
===
166/12.7%
89ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
84/86/-2 per Strava
>
DAMNED IF...
SOME WORKOUTS are better than others. There are those when we just don't wanna do. And those when we're really feeling it...
... that c'mon LFG feeling.
What to do?
Or not.
Like today.
We'd already hit it pretty hard...
- bursts up in the 600W range
- plenty in the 400s
- rest in 300s
... not sure that qualifies as overunders.
At the end of that hellish 35 minutes,
we head directly to a segment called Pain Cave.
I didn't want to do it,
already feelin' smoked.
Told BBB I was just gonna cruise it.
But, you know how that can go.
I looked down and I was doing 380 watts up the final push and you were disappearing.
Since he said that, I thought maybe it wasn't a bad effort.
Numbers don't lie.
24 min today vs 20 min in January (a PR).
What's the benefit of doing it then?
I'll tell ya...
... to get fired up for next week.
LFG!
===
165/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
yes Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
85/89/-5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WOULD YOU RATHER...
THE ENDURANCE WORLD is vast and exciting. So many ways to test our mettle, against others and, more importantly...
... against ourselves.
We must choose one.
Focus.
Go for our own greatness.
So, which would it be...
- Tour de France Champion
- Ironman sub-8 hours at Kona
- Boston Marathon sub-2:05
... that would be personally most satisfying?
Or for you...
- Downhill World Champion
- Unbound Champion
- Leadville 100 sub-6 hours
... dirty racers.
Doesn't have to be any of those, but whatever it is...
... why aren't we 100% committed to making it happen?
This trip ain't gonna last forevah.
===
165.4/12.7%
7.ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 40 ATG squats and split squats
83/81/2 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY CONSISTENCY COUNTS
IT ALL ADDS UP. Every effort we make contributes to our pot of fitness, and while the ones half-@$$ don't deplete...
... they just don't get us where we want to be.
As quick.
Which is nothing compared to skipping.
Or quitting.
We're reminded of that every day when we're out and about seeing people of our generation.
It's like looking in the mirror and seeing what could have been...
... kind of a George Bailey thing.
This is why we say Every Day Is RaceDay.
===
164.4/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 40 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 40 ATG squats and split squats
85/93/-8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
19 TAKEAWAYS FROM LBL
THERE WAS A BIG SHOWDOWN at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the reigning unbeatable king vs the French teenage sensation vs the previous two-time winner...
... and I have some thoughts on that.
Not just that they swept the podium.
Firstoff, there was/is/will be a lot of chatter about...
... a 19 year old coming for the king of July, this July.
Some say too, young...
... should be holding him back.
To which I can only point to two other 19 year olds,
who didn't wait for their time,
their turn.
The very terrifying Mike Tyson,
knocking out everyone who dared.
Cooper Flagg who the critics claimed to be overrated,
before becoming the first teen to score 50 points in the NBA.
Paul Seixas has something more in common with the Tyson and Flagg,
the same quality Pogacar had when he came outta nowhere...
- which I find lacking in Remco, and so many others
... at 19, they were/are all having a lot of fun,
in love with the sport.
Simple.
Pure.
There's something beautiful and endearing to their approach,
we might lean into a little more.
===
164.4/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
650 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
84/84/-1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
JUST HOW MANY CODES CAN WE CRACK?
THE ENDURANCE ATHLET'S JOURNEY is endlessly fascinating, as continually learn more about what we are capable of. Add to that, the constant flow of new information...
... we are constantly cracking new codes.
That's funstuff!
I tried a new one today.
After years, and I mean decades when I say years, of my tried and true formula....
- 1 bottle per hour
- 3-400 calories per bottle
- under extreme training or racing
... I tried something new.
Yesterday, I was exposed to an old thought via the TrainerRoad podcast...
- drink water, when thirsty
- ingest carbs via gels or food
- increase carbs towards end of the effort
... which seemed very new, to me.
My main impetus for trying it out today was that a week ago at Sea Otter I started to feel very bloated...
... almost nauseous the last 90 minutes.
It was a real struggle,
and it sucked.
So, today I put it to the test on a ripping 4.5 hour ride...
- drank only 2 bottles
- got a little hungry last hour - didn't bring enough
- put out better numbers than I have all year, including racing
... I felt lighter, dare I say spry?
Def worth more testing.
===
165.2/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 60 ATG squats and split squats
86/97/-12 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A WEIRD AND INCREDIBLE OFFSHOOT OF LEG DAY
MAKING LEG DAY a regular thing is something some of us do in the "offseason" and few of us do year round because...
... that's just the way it's done.
What if it's wrong?
Since I've been extra committed to hitting the legs 2-3 times a week...
- with weights
- without weights
- super snappy, max sprints
... I've noticed something marvelous.
It's becoming harder and harder to back it down,
and do the spinny Z1 stuff.
Plus...
... threshold efforts are feeling easier and easier.
Why would that be?
I might just be getting stronger, but I think it's more like...
... it just feels so good to feel the burn.
===
163.4/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 60 ATG squats and split squats
81/72/9 per Strava (feeling mostly recovered from Sea Otter)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ONE THING NOT TO EASE UP ON WHEN TAPERING
THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT CONFLICTING INFORMATION is that it means most competitors are conflicted about any number of approaches to maximum fitness. Whether that be training...
... or on raceday.
Tapering matters.
We know we should rest.
Just what does that mean?
Here's what works for me, and why.
I cut back the volume, but...
... I never cut off the intensity.
Cutting back the volume lets my body recover and repair,
the fatigue melts away.
Putting out short bursts of race pace in the final 7-10 days...
- 10-30 second efforts
- at 80-100% of max
- then super easy
... keeps my muscles, tendons and brain primed for action.
You might find that conflicting,
test it and figure it out,
for you.
===
164.6/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 15 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 60 ATG squats and split squats
82/74/8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE TOOL KIT
HEADING OUT INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS we often carry tools of some sort. Usually, the basics. Sometimes more. Depends on...
... how crazy things could get.
Risks we are taking.
But, why do we do that?
We aren't planning to have a breakdown.
Yet, we know shift happens.
It's happened before,
gonna happen again.
The point isn't that we are expecting failure,
we are planning for success.
No matter what comes our way...
... we'll git 'er done.
===
163.8
7.5ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
83/77/5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DOES THIS MAKE MY BUTT LOOK BIG?
ADDING ANY NEW EXERCISE or movement often reacquaints us with muscles we didn't know we had, mainly because we've neglected to...
... engage them in meaningful ways.
We're sore.
My latest has been a pain in my arse.
Literally.
After my PT said I need to thoroughly stretch my legs with ATG (ass to grass) squats...
... I got started.
'cause I'm obedient as heck when it comes to my body's performance.
I used to do 'em.
In fact, back then...
- they don't bend over
- they lower down with legs
- to a full squat and make it look easy and natural
... I remembered seeing the little kids pick stuff up.
Anyway,
I'm back at it.
Started doing...
- a few ATG air squats
- to sets of 20 after 20 pushups
- to doing them with a 35 lb kettle bell
... and guess where I feel it most?
Los glutes.
Guess what is one of our biggest muscles,
and if engaged with a proper bike fit,
can develop all kindsa power?
Los glutes.
It's bringing me back to high school when the girl I was crushing on came up from behind in the hallway outside English class and pinched my butt...
... whispering Nice @$$.
Ah, the glory days!
Maybe I'll get it back, lol...
... at least a touch of the onthebike power?
===
165.6
9ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 40 push ups, 10 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 40 ATG squats and split squats
82/71/10 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PROJECT AND THE SYSTEM
THE IDEA THAT WE CAN HAVE a system to help us achieve a goal is a mighty fine way to approach any objective. Then, it's just a matter of...
... figuring out the inputs.
After we define the project.
It's looking like this summer is going to be...
- executing our biz plan
- planning a giant family reunion
- and being around for our latest grandchild's arrival
... while hacking Project Leadville.
Without training like a maniac.
By putting a system place,
I can take reasonable action each day...
... knowing I'll arrive according to plan.
Since my bike is already set...
- continue to build strength with sprints and weights
- get back to 2022's svelteness
- fix the everplaguing bike fit
... it's a matter of getting my body ready.
That should allow me to achieve Project Leadville:
- have fun and great energy daily
- put down a sub-9 time at Leadville this year
- stay on track for my very long-term goal of sub-9 at 70
... while keeping the main things - family and business - the main things.
There is a caveat to this kind of systems based action...
- Podiums are nearly impossible to predict
- PRs much easier manage and way more fun to chase after
... it works better for achieving PRs than podiums.
(I'm starting to wonder if I'll every write a complete sentence or an actual paragraph ever again. What is happening to my grammar?)
===
168 (gotta drop 10lbs)
9ish hours sleep
650 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 body weight squats and split squats
82/71/11 per Strava (there's no way this is accurate, I'm still wrecked from Sea Otter)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HUNGOVER AND LOVING IT
AFTER THE 'A' EVENT, nearly always comes some sort of hangover. Whether it's mission failure, mission meh...
... or mission accomplished.
Excess is inevitable.
For me that means doing whatever Surfergirl wants to do.
Rather than collapsing on the couch...
... like most Saturdays.
Instead, we drove the opposite direction of home...
- walked the length of the beautiful cove
- picked up insanely good pizza
- 16" not 9", cuz hungry
... to beautiful Carmel.
Followed by 3.5 hours of driving so we could wake when literallyworldfamous
Old West Cinnamon Rolls opened.
Then, 4 more hours on the road...
... cuz the lady likes to detour at the beach stops.
Arrive home,
unload.
Enjoy surprise visit and dinner with daughter and grandson...
... and, finally, collapse on the couch.
(normally, I love Monday morning... not sure about this one.)
===
167ish
6.5ish hours sleep
550 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: body weight squats and split squats
83/76/7 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SEA OTTER 2026: THE PLAN WAS...
THERE ARE FIGHTERS and there are wannabe fighters. We all identify with every type because at some point we've been there...
... battling our competitors and our minds.
Executing the plan,
get into Leadville.
But, as the great Mike Tyson sagely said...
... Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.
Which is what the start of every race always feels like.
Today, was no different.
5-4-3-2-1 and we're all redlined hitting the opening climb...
... aiming to enter the single track at the top leading, or right there.
Because after that, the next 5 miles are very difficult to pass.
Too narrow.
And, there's lots of passing to be done as we generally roll up on the group that started ahead pretty quickly.
During the first 5 miles...
- Me
- Dean
- and Greg
... our podium was pretty much set.
We traded pulls that first lap,
and entered the second and final lap on the same time.
Here is where I had to make a decision...
- Greg was distanced just a bit
- Dean seemed to be slightly struggling
- The Ol' Diesel was feeling pretty good
... race for the podium or for a good time?
They are different things.
I decided to just ride my pace.
A gap slowly opened,
then, a lot.
I couldn't see them.
Just settled in.
Stayed on top of my nutrition,
kept the pace at tempo or above...
... as much as I could.
20 minutes later,
Dean, that crafty sunnavagun,
was closing on a longish climb.
Race for the podium or stay on pace?
I stayed on pace,
the gap opened back up...
... and I kept my helmet on a swivel the rest of the way in.
Let me just pause for a moment and reflect on how good it felt to be out on my bike and riding well. It had been a rough last couple of days on several fronts, and this morning...
... I just wasn't feelin' it.
Surfergirl sensed it.
You okay?
I dunno.
You're gunna do great.
Not sure I care.
Some days are like that,
sometimes it's on raceday
sometimes it's on workday
sometimes on familyday.
We always have a choice...
... to buckle up and fight
or not.
I'm glad I did.
All went according to plan, except like a newb I neglected to look at the time I should be shooting for: sub 5:10.
5:11
FTW.
I'll gladly take that and the gold coin allowing me entry in Leadville.
===
165ish
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: body weight squats and split squats
85/88/-3 per Strava
>
BY NOW MOST PEOPLE HAVE GIVEN UP
Jan 20, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I JUST FINISHED THIS VERY USEFUL BOOK, it was agitating and illuminating right up to the end... when it went against everything I know about behavior. I'm not a doctor, but I to play one at PEDALindustries from time to time.
Book: Willpower is a super power.
Diesel: Willpower is useless, environment is the super power.
... we're heading into late January and most people have already been derailed from the New Year's resolutions...
Maybe if they had a few structures in place to support their goals they'd have a chance.
For example, and this is just me, if my goal is to be fast on my bike here are a few things that matter:
Weight.
If there's ice-cream within 100 yards, I'm eating it. Therefore, no ice-cream in the house.
Intensity.
By now most of you know I'm not a dosomeintervals guy, I'm a ridewithpeoplewhoarefaster guy... that's why I do our Tuesday morning "social" ride, because they beat the heck out of me every week... a beating I could never self-administer.
Rest.
I rest every Sunday, and I've been doing it for decades... consequently, training is not on my calendar and none of my pals even try to invite me.
Willpower is useless.
No one can babysit a cup cake without eventually devouring it.
Toss the cupcakes.
I'm guessing that's partly why y'all read the daily Diesel, because it reinforces your cycling environment.
One question I have is, are you ready to up your environment? If you are, click here...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse
---
163.6
100 pushups
9.25 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3028216552
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
TIME. TO GO.
Jan 19, 2020
by TODD BROWN
MY CODER CALLED ME AT 8AM ON A WEEKDAY.
What's up?
You on a ride?
Yep.
You're so lucky.
No, I'm not.
Of course, that's false and true. I'm incredibly fortunate. Unbelievably.
He knows that.
I know that.
What was my coder doing calling me at 8am... all excited?
His time saving code was working beautifully.
I haven't yet finished Dan Kennedy's No BS Time Management, but the biggest take away so far... put a clock on every wall, don't let time slip by.
Which is profound to me.
Every single ride my bike computer is showing me my moving time...
... and that's all I care about. 20 miles with a headwind take a lot longer than 20 with no wind.
When I look at my weekly stats I'm looking at hours not miles.... most weeks I'm going for 10 hrs, but this week I wanted to get a little more in before I taper back next week prepping for Saturday's race.
When I plan my week, I carve out blocks of time... and riding is always blocked out.
Healthy Diesel = Lucky Diesel.
Back to that time saving code... we've automated much of the process to add personalization to RaceDay Bags. You can check it out on our stock designs here:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-raceday-bags/products/patriotic-raceday-bag
We'll be rolling out to all the team bags this week. If we haven't gotten to your team yet and you're ready to order please email help@pedalindustries.com.
Speaking or rolling out... be seen with 330 degrees of retinasearing illumination.
These lights sell out all the time, but we have a few left - I'm sure they'll be gone within a few hours of launching this.
... if you click the link you can see how much I car about your safety.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-mid-cobber-wrap-around-taillight
---
165.2
Rest day
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3022885991
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
RE-AL-ITTY CHECK
Jan 18, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A NICE BIKE LANE, with a road next to it.
This is a perfect morning for a long ride.
That rider is going to chat me up, and it'll be good.
Samples of my default filter... and not just with a helmet atop my dome. It's my reality, and it's nearly always correct... like today, nearly.
Up early, in the van, and hitting Swami's Long... a true leg ripper.
Made a new friend riding along the coast. Brad. He's stationed on Pendleton, and sporting a very expensive Trek Madone. Must be a higher up, I figure. Yep. Which means when he says The base has some sweet gravel roads I'll take you on, it will happen.
Things were going to plan.
It was a nice morning, chilly. But, sunny. And I was comfy and aero with the KOM jacket.
I knew it would be a longish ride, 80 or so miles. And it would be fast. And... I was counting on it being hard, with a very high potential of me getting left behind at some point.
Not multiple points.
That wasn't the reality I was looking for.
But there I was, dangling off the back as we roared into Elfin Forest... the back of the second group, ugh.
Not a good sign, as two more giant challenges lay waiting.
The big boys went left, to go "Long". Yes, yes, definitely signed up for this.
Lake Wolford's 2 mile climb should take me 10 minutes... not over 11, with me riding solo. Ugh X 2.
The final regroup at the store introduced me to Dave. He moved down from Toronto because his wife couldn't do another winter. 30 lbs later, he's a player on this ride, even though it was his first time.
I warned him... Dave, the next section is twisty, punchy, and very pretty. Pay attention. I warned myself too... Get it together Diesel, 30 miles to go... with a headwind the last 6. Buckle down!
Somehow, it was almost easy.
Made it no problem, putting in my fair share of pulls.
Perhaps we took it easy?
Not so, data shows we were flying.
Did that pep talk change my reality?
... something to think about.
Something else to think about would be, should I ride with a taillight at all times?
Answer, YES!
Which one?
Well, this is the one I love... 330 degrees of retinasearing power.
They're sold out all the time, but I got my hands on 10 for y'all..
...and if you click the link you can see how badly I want you to be seen.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-mid-cobber-wrap-around-taillight
---
163.6
23 pull ups
6.5 hrs sleep (no bueno)
https://www.strava.com/activities/3022885991
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
OBSESSION: THE EASY WAY
Jan 17, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S ONLY ONE THING I LOVE MORE THAN PERFECT RIDING WEATHER, and that's rotten riding weather. Because I know the rest of the world is warm and snuggly, while I'm out.
Obsession makes it so easy.
There's no decision.
Time is set aside.
Gear up.
Ride.
No motivation needed.
Yes, I heard the rain as I slept. Yes, the roads were wet. Yes, it was extra cold and dark. Hell yes, I geared up and got out... for the most part I had the roads and paths to myself.
Totally worth it.
Speaking of worth it, if you're into the kind of things we're into then...
... check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse
---
163.6
85 push ups
7.3 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3019460450
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
FAILURE TO FAILURE
Jan 16, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN SLACKING LATELY... not goingtofailure-ing nearly enough.
At my home gym today, I just kinda wallowed along. Did the exercises until I was slightly uncomfortable.... couple of these, and a few of those.
I thought about my daily 20 pull up/60 push up thing and it occurred to me it was time to change it up.
Time to gotofailure.
For hecksake, the racing season starts next Saturday and I haven't ridden hard for months.
Sooooooo, whatdoesitallmean?
It means, Tuesdays and Saturdays are back on!
No more hiding in the back.
Get to the front.
Gotofailure.
Why not everyday?
Not productive.
What about my pull ups/push ups everyday?
Pull ups till failure Monday. Push ups till failure Tuesday. Leg stuff Wednesday. Pull ups till failure or surf Thursday. Push ups till failure Friday. If I can still walk after an epic ride, more leg stuff Saturday. Sundays? Rest.
What is failure? Well, it sure isn't one set and done. It means going till failure, resting and doing 40% of my previous set, till I can't do more.
On the bike failure? Riding up front like a boss. Attacking often. Getting dropped and chasing back on.
You know what Tom Watson, founder of IBM, said?
You want more success, fail more often.
One failure you don't ever want to have is showing up at the race or ride without all you gear, which is exactly why I created the RaceDay Bag.
This text from my buddy Scott cracked me up... straight from his team meeting.
I actually tested and created the PRO RaceDay bag for his triathlon team... but, he's been focused on kids for a few years and hadn't seen it.
And, I've been focused on creating something new. So, if you're into new things...
... check this out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse
---
164.4
Gym
7 hrs sleep
no ride today
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
THE ADVENTURE OF NEW
Jan 15, 2020
by TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY I EYED A NEW TRAIL, connecting to a road I recently discovered. Figured it would lead to awesomeland... this morning I found out, and the whole time I was thinking how much I hate my friend B---.
Man I hate B---.
Diesel, do you really hate B---?
No, I detest him.
Really?
Can't stand his guts.
Why, if he's your friend?
Because he is always pushing me, showing me new ways to do things, and letting me suffer through it, laughing while I'm drowning, totally calling me out.
And that makes you hate him.
Hell yes it does.
But, he's your friend.
Yes, he's a real friend.
The first part of the trail was really, really, really steep.
Really, if it wasn't tacky this morning I doubt I would have cleaned it.
At the top, I oriented myself and went off to find a slew of new roads and paths... kinda like a good friend - pics below.
Mostly, I ride alone.
For the sanity, me thinks.
Nearly always I'm sneaking up on some runner or hiker or walker. I used to give a polite Hi There. But, I didn't always work. Then I'd do my loud whistle, which usually scared the heck out of 'em. Now, I just love my little bell.
You can get one for as little as $19 and change, shipped free.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
If you're looking for some style and a classy way to pass, get one. Comes in lots of colors.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
---
165
0/0
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3013759418
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
THEY HAD IT COMING
Jan 14, 2020
by TODD BROWN
AS I RULE, I NEVER EVER "WIN" THE TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. This is directly due to the fact the guys and gals are a bunch of bloodsuckinggoodfornothingscoundrels! While I am a complete gentleman.
Ergo, my "attack" today had not a snowball's chance in hell.
Except... it was freezing.
Literally.
32 degrees.
You know what happens to a bunch of weatherwimpy Californians when it's cold?
The move slow.
Then slow down.
So there we were... freezin' our hands and feet off, barely moving up the steady climb, 5 miles from the finish line.
And I'm thinking Dawgawnit if we don't pick it up we might die out here.
Off I go, knowing those bloodsuckinggoodfornothingscoundrels would soon jump across, rest on my wheel, then leave me for frozen.
But, the gap kept growing.
Soon they were outta sight.
They were either feeling sorry for me as it had been forfreakingever since I won the day or they were too cold to care or I just had game today.
No matter what, there was a simple fact: at some point, they'd start charging.
And another simple fact: I wasn't waiting.
Beat 'em by 38.3 seconds.
I feel so bad.
To make it up to the guys who missed out today, I'm extending for a few more days the promo code cut off to order the kit we designed for our ride.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
Here's the code: TEAMTMWCCODE
It saves you 20% and expires soon.
Oh... almost forgot one last secret to crushing their hopes this morning... my legs were lathered up in PR Lotion... so let's do this:
Buy AMP PR lotion and save 30% on Brisker gloves. USE PROMO CODE BRISKPR.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pr-brisker
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pr-brisker
---
165.4
0/0
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3010925285
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
IS IT OKAY TO SAY THIS?
Jan 13, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IT FEELS WRONG TO SAY... but, we have a bunch of badass ladies in the posse. It's true. And it's not just because they are fast and fierce... they have their own style, and I LOVE IT!
A thousand years ago, I'd look at the pro women times and figure that's about how fast I'd cover the same distance.
Surfergirl likes to remind me of the time I learned that wasn't exactly true... we were at the Napa World Cup and reigning champ Paula Pezzo rode by. At that point, I'd been riding the course at a leisurely pace with Surfergirl and girlfriends. When Paoula rode by I said...
Uh, I'm gonna speed up and see what course looks like at my pace.
Sure...
Yeah, you know gotta practice my moves...
Whatever...
So yeah, in fanboydork mode I started following those shiny gold bibs. I was totally on the limit as she gracefully slipped out of view.
Yeah, the course is pretty tricky, hard to find a good line...
Not as hard as the floor is going to be tonight
Anyway, today one of the ladies asked...
How come no Ladies version of the PRs Over KOMs t?
Cause I'm a self-centered idiot.
No you're not.
I know... I'm totally awesome, but I just don't think sometimes. So here ya go!
Love it! Thanks Diesel.
No prob, thanks for speaking up.
Ladies, this is the same getsofterthemoreyouwash cotton and the same cantfeeltheprint inks. You're going to love it
PRs are better than KOMs. Any fool can grab a KOM, but only a master can grab a PR... and only a master knows if the public PR is legit.
Use promo code PRsOverKOMs
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
This t-shirt is going into production Monday, shipping around the 27th.
Remember to use promo code PRsOverKOMs and t-shirt delivered to you for $18.
That's right... get this incredibly soft warrior t-shirt delivered for $18 with promo code PRsOverKOMs... code expires 1/17/2020.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt
---
166 (uh, oh)
20 pull ups/60 push ups
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3009458098
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
DO YOU FEEL IN CHARGE?
Jan 12, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WHEN WE LIVED AT THE BASE OF SADDLEBACK, I'd roll out early and do the 35 mile loop by myself. The summit is 5600' higher than home. It was not uncommon to go hours without seeing a soul.
Completely confident.
No cell service.
Alone.
It didn't seem like a big deal...
... perhaps it should have, two competent adult men have been killed in the area in recent years.
One by a cougar.
One by a storm.
At the time, I always went with a prettygoodsize pack: 100oz of fluid, plenty of bars, tubes, tools, spokes, space blanket, rattle snake bite kit, whistle, windbreaker, beanie, warm gloves, zip ties, duct tape, very sharp knife, matches... and a kitchen sink for good measure.
I could, and still can, do nearly any trailside repair. It's not nearly as necessary now, the equipment is so much better.
There's a certain confidence knowing you can take care of yourself. You know it. Those around you know it, too. You're in the pictures, where others only see them posted later... wondering why they weren't invited.
I wish I had our new KOM jacket back then. It's much lighter and packs up much smaller and fits snug vs the old parachutestyle windbreaker.
When it dips into the 30's the KOM jacket is the ideal outer protection to wear over a base layer, jersey and arm warmers.
Which means I have to make you this hot offer... buy either the black or the hi-viz yellow KOM jacket and add arm warmers to you order.
Use promo code KOMLAYER to get the arm warmers free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers
Click here:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers
Add the jacket and warmers to your order.
Use promo code KOMLAYER and the warmers are free.
PS... watch the neat trick I teach in the video, you'll see it when you click on one of the jackets... you'll thank me later for this one.
---
165.2
0 pull ups/0 push ups
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3006513114
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
NORMALPEOPLE SATURDAY?
Jan 11, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IT'S 11:21AM ON A BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY. I should be just about done with an epic getoutandride morning.
I'm not.
Are you sick?
Nope?
What gives?
Me. I give. I surrendered to the busyness god and chose to have a normalpeople Saturday.
You?
Yeah. I know, felt like I needed it. Slept in. Hung out with Surfergirl. Did some writing. Heading over for some overdue housekeeping at our interplanetaryheadquarters.
Nah... c'mon, you gotta be pulling my leg...
Nope. True story. But the best part... the best part is I'll soon be rolling out in 65 degree weather vs the 40 degrees at 7am. Satisfied?
Totally.
I felt suprisingly stale when I finally got out for a ride. For sure I had made the right decision.
Eventually the legs came around and starting firing... managed to snag a few PRs - no wind or peloton assist.
PRs are better than KOMs. Any fool can grab a KOM, but only a master can grab a PR... and only a master knows if the public PR is legit.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt
https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt
This t-shirt is going into production Monday, shipping around the 27th.
If you're into superduper soft t-shirts, designed to fit athletes who know the PR code, well you might want to use promo code PRsOverKOMs and t-shirt delivered to you for $18.
That's right... get this incredibly soft warrior t-shirt delivered for $18 with promo code PRsOverKOMs... code expires 1/14/2020.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt
---
Dear Old Diesel,
I just finished I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Random reflections… amazing writer, incredible story, I don’t think things have changed that much – just different, which bothers me
I kind of feel powerless – I’m not sure what I should do differently
Again, Thanks for recommending, JG
Dear JG,
I don’t want to overthink this response... so, I’m going from my gut... knowing nothing about your personal life...
... stop watching the news and go make a new friend – color don’t matter. Everybody needs a friend. Be the change you want to see.
Love ya man!, T.O.D.
---
164.6
0 pull ups/0 push ups
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3003148253
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
THE UNI'S
Jan 10, 2020
by TODD BROWN
YES, I HAVE A UNICYCLE and I can most certainly ride circles around you. Not figuratively my fellow member of the PEDALposse, literally... in a fun, playful way.
That's what unicycles are good for.
They are not good for actually getting anywhere, though I did ride it backpack-laden to high school for a year... it was more fun and cheaper than driving.
But the uni's I want to chat about are the other uni's... I'm betting you have at least 2.
I do.
My work uni: cycling-themed t-shirt and flipflops.
My riding uni: caressing and perfectlyfitting fabrics drenched in a sexy design... feel fast, ride fast is a real thing!
My rarelyworn uni, aka dressupchurchfuneral uni: black slacks, black tie, black flipflops, white shirt.
For many, my work uni is a play uni... I get that, but we are having a lot of fun over here and our work uni is... howdoyousay... apropos?
Most people don't care about t-shirts.
For them it doesn't matter that the cotton gets softer and softer the more you wash it. They don't care that we've developed special inks that you can't feel on the t-shirt. It's not a big deal if the fabric is cut for an athletic fit. And, they certainly don't wear t-shirts secret with warrior codes.
But that's what this t-shirt is... a secret warrior code: PRs are better than KOMs. Any fool can grab a KOM, but only a master can grab a PR... and only a master knows if the public PR is legit.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt
https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt
This t-shirt is going into production Monday, shipping around the 27th.
If you're into superduper soft t-shirts, designed to fit athletes who know the PR code, well you might want to use promo code PRsOverKOMs and t-shirt delivered to you for $18.
That's right... get this incredibly warrior t-shirt delivered for $18 with promo code PRsOverKOMs... code expires 1/14/2020.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt
---
165.2
20 pull ups/60 push ups
7;5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2998898355
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
MY BATTLE AT THE BAR
Jan 09, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THAT DAMN BAR. It's been owning me for about 6 weeks...
You're too weak!
You don't have time!
Haven't you had enough?
Well, NO MAS!
A new Diesel is in town... I strode up, grabbed it by the grips and rattled off... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,, 6,,, 7,,,, ugh!
Beaten, but undaunted, I dropped and rattled off 21 push ups... I always do 3 times as many push ups as pull ups.
My daily number is 20 pull ups/60 push ups. To date I can't do them in a row... but, I could do a lot more before... oh how it pains me to say this... before quitting.
The shame of it all.
Quitting.
Maybe it was just pausing?... nah... that sounds even weaker than quitting... Oh, look at the little baby he paused...
Anyway... why do I do them? First, Geoff Kabush said if you can't do 50 push ups, you'll never win a mountain bike race. Second, pull ups are really good for building outofthesaddle sprinting and climbing strength.
---
Which reminds me, some of the strongest riders I know get the pleasure of dropping me every Tuesday morning on our social ride.
Whether you're a local and join us regularly, want a piece of iconic SoCal memorabilia or have your own Tuesday ride... ya gotta love this design ace designer Joe came up with.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
Don't miss this offer.
Here's the code: TEAMTMWCCODE
It saves you 20% and expires at mid-night on 1/13/2020.
Meanwhile... if you're looking for a beautiful kit design, letmeknow.
---
Speaking of missing... did ya catch this new addition yesterday?
Dear Old Diesel,
I had so much energy when I rolled up to my driveway and then crashed hard after I showered. Ice pack on my head and heating pad on my neck! What do you do for recovery?
Thanks, NM
PS... I thought it was just a social ride...
Dear NM
My go to recovery is a handful of amino acid tablets as soon as I walk in the door. Followed by a quick shower. Then a smoothie with protein power (sometimes 2 of these if it's a hot day)... and I'll usually eat a few handfuls of mixed nuts or macadamia nuts as well.
- T.O.D.
PS... It's not just a social ride... that's how we sucker you in
-> gotta question for The Old Diesel? send it to help@pedalindustries.com
---
164.8
20/60 <-- hell yes I did!
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2996079355
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
ORDER OF THE DAY
Jan 08, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IT MATTERS, THE ORDER WE DO THINGS. And, I'm constantly tinkering with how best to start the day.
But, the reason for a particular way to start the day might make it more powerful.
For example... first we put on our socks, then our riding shoes. First we prepare our drink in the bottles, then we load them into the cages.
Well duh!
Yeah, I know... but check this one out.
For many years, when the kids were small and at home, I'd get out and ride my bike first thing. The reason was to be sure I got my workout in.
The last four or five years, I've gotten up to read something uplifting then planned my day then got the ride in. The reason being... honestly I can't remember the reason.
Over the weekend, one of my nowadultkids shared his new routine:
Dad, I get up and put my running shoes on and go for a run first thing. Every day.
Since when?
1/1/20
Then what do you do?
Come back, meditate and review the day ahead.
Why in that order?
Because it's easier for my brain to wake up while I'm running. Then, when I return I'm alert and have a better session meditating and clearer view on what I'm going to accomplish.
How's it going?
I love it.
So, I checked with another of my nowadultkids.
How do you start your day?
Wake up, and I'm out the door walking to the gym in five minutes. Listening to a podcast.
Really?
Yep.
Then...
Then, I crank the workout jam music and get after it.
How long you been doing that?
3 years, since I started working.
Why?
It just works... I'm just ready to crank at work.
Do you ever skip?
Never.
I'm a whole 3 days in... and gotta tell ya, I think the punks are onto something.
Here's the secret sauce, 'cause we've got gear...
... I get it all prepped the night before, the bike is by the front door and all the gear is laid out and ready. All I have to do is grab my bottle from the fridge and start pedaling.
Come back, straight to the shower for no more than one song, quickly fuel my body, then purposely fuel my mind for the day.
---
Should this ride first ask life's questions later approach tickle your fancy, you may need a warmer glove.
Here's the dealio... buy a pair of Brisker Gloves and when you add our SuperLight gloves to your order you save 25%.
The promo code is: RIDEFIRST
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
Buy the 100% Brisker gloves and a pair of our SuperLight gloves and save 25% with promo code: RIDE FIRST
---
164.4
0/0
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2993294182
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
---
Dear Old Diesel,
I had so much energy when I rolled up to my driveway and then crashed hard after I showered. Ice pack on my head and heating pad on my neck! What do you do for recovery?
Thanks, NM
PS... I thought it was just a social ride...
Dear NM
My go to recovery is a handful of amino acid tablets as soon as I walk in the door. Followed by a quick shower. Then a smoothie with protein power (sometimes 2 of these if it's a hot day)... and I'll usually eat a few handfuls of mixed nuts or macadamia nuts as well.
- T.O.D.
PS... It's not just a social ride... that's how we sucker you in
-> gotta question for The Old Diesel? send it to help@pedalindustries.com
NOT OUR PROBLEM
Jan 07, 2020
by TODD BROWN
MY BUDDY WAS LAMENTING HOW CROWDED HIS GYM IS RIGHT NOW. Apparently it's a storm he weathers each January. Not us. The biggest storm most of us are weathering is...
... whether or not the covers are going to keep us trapped in bed.
The roads and trails and trainers are open for business and there's plenty of unused capacity.
---
Speaking of unused capacity... apparently my pals Pete and Dave had some unused friendhelperness...
My tire sprung a leak shortly after the group got going... I pulled over and so did they! yes!
Like a well-trained F1 team we had her lifted, swapped and dropped in seconds... allowing us to easily catch back on for the meatypainy part of the ride.
That was cool.
---
Speaking of cool... I roped in new a rider for today's edition.
Her take after being dropped: hard ride, cool people.
... she'll be back.
---
Speaking of being back... ace designer Joe is back with a beautiful kit celebrating our weekly group ride The Tuesday Morning World Championships, aka TMWC.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
Normally, we don't share this code with the unwashed... but, over the years, we've shipped the annual TMWC kit across the country - heck out of the country. So, why not share it with all of ya's?
Here's the code: TEAMTMWCCODE
It saves you 20% and expires at mid-night on 1/13/2020.
Meanwhile... if you're looking for a beautiful kit design, letmeknow.
---
165.4
0/0
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2990484694
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
MY GENIE
Jan 06, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE UNDER THIS ROOF THAT WANTS AN ANSWER TO THE SELECTIVE NATURE OF MY MAGICAL POWERS.
When it comes to my bike not working I'm able to summon my genie, or so it seems.
The shower controls and the only I can do is call Nick the plumber.
My electronic shifting went out 1 mile into Saturday's ride.
Tomorrow is my favorite road ride, and as of 7pm I hadn't touched the bike.
I Googled changing the batteries.
SRAM's website says it's a 5 minute job, I multiplied by 10 and figured I could do it myself. They say peel back the brake hood and do the job. This is where my time started adding up because I'm so damn weak in my hands. My genie assured me I could get it down.
It seemed impossibly hard. I checked with Mike, who'd just replaced his. He has the newer model, which from his description seemed like any toddler could handle.
15 minutes later, I'd removed 1 battery. ID'd as medical battery 2032. Checked my RaceDay Bag - I usually have 1 in there, which I did, but not the required 2.
Quick trip to the store for batts and all said it took me an hour and ten.
Do I dare google shower controls?
---
How much do I love our Tuesday ride?
Enough to summon the genie.
Enough to have done it for 17 years.
Enough to create kits just for the ride.
Enough to invite everyone I meet to join us.
I sucker 'em in, tell 'em It's just a social ride.
This year's kit is going to look so sharp.
If you're looking to get new designs for your team, we'd love to help you out.
---
Almost forgot... Teams!, now's the time to get your canopy ordered... because we have the ProCanopy Special going: top, frame, roller bag for $799.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/canopies-flags
---
165.4
0/0
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2987680523
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
I SEE SAID THE...
Jan 05, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I'M AN OMNIRACER, not a monoracer. Meaning, I'll race Road and MTB and Gravel. Life would be more clear if I was a monoracer, but I'm not.
I like 'em all...
... surprised?
Today I busted out the new paper calendar for 2020 and went surfing to search events listed on SoCalCycling, USACycling, TeamBigBear, QuickNDirty, RaceOC, Epic Rides, LT100, DirtyKanza...
Then I penciled all the ones that have potential (put 'em in pen for Feb so you could read 'em in the pic).
Will I race 'em all? Maybe.
To win? Not intentionally - but it's been known to happen... something about the pressure being off... many I'll use as an excuse to see my friends, to test product, to test ideas, etc.
The only "A" so far is Sagebrush Safari a classic MTB XC race - end of March. I've never done it, and I know the course is challenging and the competition ravenous.
There's a slim chance I can get into Dirty Kanza, which would be another A... if not, I'm thinking Cascade Classic stage race as an A... they are both end of May.
Valley of the Sun stage race has potential to be the focus in Feb.
Sea Otter in April is always fun - I love the circuit race... and they added a gravel the next day... then I could do the MTB, which I've never done there.
The only other potential A is MTB XC Nats... I'd planned to do MTB Marathon Nats but turns out I have a family conflict that weekend... so XC - my weaker of the two - might be it.
The point of sharing this info is putting the all the races on a paper calendar does the magical thing and certain events start to pull on me more than others.
I think it's the paper.
Physically handwriting it all.
Makes it real.
That's how this omniracer sees.
This process is part of a book I'm working on, The Racer's Life.
Who knows maybe I'll calendar it in and finish it this year.
---
On the calendar for tomorrow is the last day of the Conti BOGO
Use promo code CONTIBOGO to get 50% savings on Continental GP 5000s and Terra Speed when you buy 2 or more tires.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
The code CONTIBOGO expires Monday, the 6th, I'll put the big order in on Tuesday and your order will ship in about a week.
---
163.4
0/0
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2985492498
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
ROOKIE MOVE 45
Jan 04, 2020
by TODD BROWN
HOW MANY ROOKIE MOVES CAN THERE POSSIBLY BE AT THIS POINT? This one is so not pro.
Ugh.
So there we are, carpooling down to the start of today's most excellent ride. It's a beautiful morning, and I'm really looking forward to seeing my friends in San Diego. The fellas are all geeked up, and we're covering topics I shan't never write about.
Innocently (or was it?), MG said last time he did the ride his shifter battery failed.
Note: not the derailler batteries, which I check every night before I ride... because I'm not a rookie on that anymore.
The shifter battery?
Yeah, the one in each brake lever. (we are both running SRAM wireless)
Hm... didn't even know I had one. Going on 3 years, and I've never touched it.
Yeah, I was surprised... I've only had the bike a short time.
I'll have to check that out, I say to myself...
... you know where this is going right? Can ya feel it? Well, I couldn't. I was in my happy place, with my pals about to get destroyed on the most vicious ride around - Swami's Long.
Sure nuf, one mile in and my shifting is nil. Well, not nil... it was just like MIke's only working on the right shifter and every time I tested it I'd go down a cog and never up.
At least I was stuck in the small front ring, and small back... no that does not make it less of a rookie move. It's just a consolation prize for being the loser of the day.
Shyte! I gotta turn around guys.
I splain the sitchyashun.
They go on to play... shedding tears as we part.
I go on a tear, nabbing PRs all the way home. Grab my gravel bike, HVY MTL, and hit it hard.
Is there light at the end of my rookie tunnel?
Probably not.. good thing, 'cause if I wasn't out making these mistakes you might make them too.
---
One of the reasons I was PRing the rest of the day - yes there was just a little anger in the legs - is the wider tires I'm running at lower pressure.
Threw the 28s on my road bike and the 40s on my gravel bike.
The science says wider tire with lower pressure is not only faster but more comfy...
... the Old Diesel says Yep, based on perceived exertion these wider tires are more better...
... guess we better do a BOGO so y'alls can test me on this.
Use promo code CONTIBOGO to get 50% savings on Continental GP 5000s and Terra Speed when you buy 2 or more tires.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
The code CONTIBOGO expires Monday, the 6th, I'll put the big order in on Tuesday and your order will ship in about a week.
---
164.4
0/0
6 hrs sleep - no bueno
https://www.strava.com/activities/2981813822
https://www.strava.com/activities/2982564991
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
FASTER, NOT EASIER
Jan 03, 2020
by TODD BROWN
"IT DOESN'T GET ANY EASIER, YOU JUST GO FASTER"
- Greg LeMond
Does this really need an explanation?
How about a challenge then?
What blondie is trying to say there is that the effort we put forth doesn't get any easier... meaning we are just into riding hard... and with more training that same perceived exertion sees us going ever faster.
My challenge is this... not only doesn't it get easier - the racing and such at higher levels - it actually gets harder because the quality of the racers is that much more better.
It gets harder, and you go faster, and it's awesome
- T.O. Diesel
---
One of the reasons we go faster is we get smarter about our equipment choices, and I gotta tell ya... I'm really digging the wider tires I've been riding.
Threw the 28s on my road bike and the 40s on my gravel bike.
The science says wider tire with lower pressure is not only faster but more comfy...
... the Old Diesel says Yep, based on perceived exertion these wider tires are more better...
... guess we better do a BOGO so y'alls can test me on this.
Use promo code CONTIBOGO to get 50% savings on Continental GP 5000s and Terra Speed when you buy 2 or more tires.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
The code expires Monday, I'll put the big order in on Tuesday and your order will ship in about a week.
---
164.8
10/30
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2978756786
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
KOM WITH EAGLES
Jan 02, 2020
by TODD BROWN
YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY... ride with eagles, KOM with eagles.
Or... you're the average of your 5 fastest friends
Or... birds of a feather race together
Or...
Well, it's only total BS when a an old diesel like me KOM's a segment ridden and raced by thousands.
THOUSANDS!
True, I was racing right along with birds of a feather.
But, I was more like the sum of my 5 fastest friends.
Further, I see order has been restored to the Stravaverse and an actual pro, John Janneck, has unseated me... if only by a second, it is more juster for him - more jester for me.
Or is it?
I mean, it was me.
On my bike.
Under my own power.
Whipping up on the Nation's Number One Beast and his Legion teammates and a quiver of other national and state champions.
Therefore, let it be known that for about 2 minutes yesterday I was a total badass on my bike due almost entirely to the presence of my most excellent and fast friends... even if they weren't trying I was blowing away my previous times.
Let it also be known... this truism is a real thing.
The faster our friends, the faster we ride.
The better our friends...
The kinder our friends...
The wiser our friends...
... the more 'er we are.
---
Or was it the Jailbreak kit?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/jailbreak
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/jailbreak
Want to see a great finish by the Nation's Number One Beast?
164.8
back in the gym
6.66 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2977227707
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
INTROVERT ON THE LOOSE
Jan 01, 2020
by TODD BROWN
TAKE ME TO A PARTY AND I'M A WALLFLOWER. Take me on a bike ride and I'm like...
Hey I'm Todd, what's your name?
That's weird, right?
Fact is, I'm just not that excited to meet most people... I don't know why.
But, I love meeting bike riders... and I do know why. We're just cool people, at least I meet a lot of cool people out riding. It's easy to break out of my natural introverted self.
On the annual Newyearsdaytakeovertheroads ride, I saw a bunch of my riding friends from LA area, where the ride starts, and made some new friends.
I had no problem grabbing a Gatorade and seeing the 2for$3 asking a guy to join purchases with me. He knew my name, I was embarrassed not to know his. Then he refused my offer to Venmo him the $1.50.
I stuck out my hand, and got his name... Robert.
Thanks Robert!
When the ride got back to the coast and the LAs headed north, a new rider joined us heading south.
Stuck out my hand...
Hey, I'm Todd.
I'm Brian.
Turns out Brian works at the Canyon USA Showroom in Carlsbad with my "bro" Freddie JMZ - you ever meet Freddie and you'll get the bro ref. Brian's somewhat new to our riding locale... we traded numbers and I added him to our local chat group.
---
Aside from breaking out of my social shell riding... I made the ChainGang kit because this is going to be a breakout year for PEDALindustries.
I was surprised how many people were digging it on the ride, but more so when I stopped for a snack. Dude that could be a body double for Hulk Hogan comes out and says...
Man, I love that outfit!
No, I didn't educate his Hulkness that the proper term is kit because that would be uncool... and bike riders are cool peeps.
---
One thing is for sure... when you're breaking out you want to be as light and fast as possible. The Mini-RaceDay Bag is perfect for holding the bare necessities tight and aero under your saddle.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
And this is your chance to break our bank because for some reason the shipping is free on these right now... can you believe that?
A killer storage solution for $19.99 that ships free?
Yikes... I better get that changed, but until I do... have at it.
---
165.4
0/0 (lazy)
6.66 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2974157112
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
BIGGEST FAILURE OF 2019
Dec 31, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TONIGHT, ON THE EVE OF A NEW DECADE... I'll be depriving myself of my much needed handsomesleep.
I'll wake up too early.
Stumble around.
In a fog.
And that is my biggest failure of 2019 - not getting enough of this free magical elixir.
Will be 2020 any different?
It's not gonna be off to a good start.
I will for sure rise early to ride with 500 of my closest friends as we take over Pacific Coast Highway.
Want to go faster?
Sleep more.
Want to react quicker?
Sleep more.
Want to be smarter?
Sleep more.
Want to lose weight?
Sleep more.
Want to look better?
Sleep more.
Want to....
...sleep more.
---
This is the point where I include some sort of cool product I've found to enhance the riding experience... you know that.. and you're probably wondering how's The Old Diesel gonna work that in...
... well, I just did my darnedest to sell myself (and you) on sleeping more...
... and it's free.
No promo code needed.
---
165.4
0/0 (lazy)
7 hrs sleep
Quickie - https://www.strava.com/activities/2971162086
Family Ride - https://www.strava.com/activities/2971810449
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
WALLPAPER GIVEAWAY!
Dec 30, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I CHANGED MY WALLPAPER YESTERDAY. Not in the house, on the phone. Scrolling through the many options, I chose two recent pics... my wallpaper gives me away.
No family shots.
Or goals for the year.
Just images I dig.
The home screen (above) uses a background from a recent betweenthestorms quickie, where I found a new "Closed To Public Access" road that gave me great access through town. I chose it because it reminds me to be aggressively adventurous, it has a lot of black and the app icons are easy to read.
The lock screen is from a recent day on the local single track. I edited the crud out of it on my phone, and though I have no skills or training I like the way it turned out. It makes me smile.
Taking pics has been a pleasant addition to my riding and writing as I think they help tell the story of this crazy sport we all love... many of the people I follow take really cool pics as well and inspire the heck out of me to ride new places.
---
One of the things you want to have when traveling to a ride is our changing poncho... makes it easy to change any where, and makes for a nice way to wipe the mud off bike and bod.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
I have this fantasy of pulling up to a race and seeing an entire team changing into their kits while wearing matching changing ponchos.
Send us your art and we'll mock your team changing poncho.
-tb
167.2 (high of the year - not good)
0/0 (lazy)
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2968567228
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
IF YOU'RE LIKE ME
Dec 29, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE LIKE ME - which you aren't because I'm totally into riding, racing and socializing on bikes in the reverse order I just spouted them off which is really weird - then it's time to put down the biggiantunattainable goal for 2020.
If you're like me - which you aren't because I took fattening up for the winter literally for all 12 of the Christmas Days starting on Thanksgiving never skipping a day until today - then your first goal might be to start carving off the lard by eating less and riding more.
If you're like me - which you aren't because I blew off the training and the stretching and the gym work the moment the kids pulled into town and can't touch my knees let alone my toes - your second goal might be to take a yoga class.
If you're like me - which you aren't because I spent my meager xmas funds on everybody else forgetting to save a couple a bucks for myself - then you might be dreaming of a new bike.
If you're like me... wait... what... you're like me?
Really?
You're gonna set some ridiculous goals?
Let's do it.
Today...
... 'cause the ruckus is gonna start early on 12/31, and we'll be worthless on 1/1, and probably back grinding on 1/2...
Personally, I'm leaning towards some big gravel event - not sure which one - and a stage race - either Gila or Cascade Classic.
How 'bout you?
---
Whatever I end up doing, the main focus is always about feeling fast - doing those things that make me feel fast on a bike. The old standards are weighing less, looking sharp, and having a clean rig.
Which is why I always say: Feel Fast, Ride Fast.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/feel-fast-ride-fast-available-in-5-colors
And why I think you really ought to try out Smoove chain lube... so much so, that if you buy the t-shirt you can get the lube for 50% off using code FEEL SMOOVE.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/smoove
Buy a Feel Fast. Ride Fast t-shirt get Smoove for 50% savings use promo code FEELSMOOVE.
-tb
165.6
0/0 (lazy)
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2966945663
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
JUST LIKE OLD TIMES
Dec 28, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TODAY WAS JUST LIKE MOST SATURDAYS when we were a young family. Up before the sun for a quick ride and back for breakfast with the kids then off to do something fun.
In fact, it's been that way all week with everybody in town.
It's nearly impossible to have a routine.
All my stuff is missing, and I'm sure it's the kids fault.
How the heck did I get anything accomplished back then?
On our hike, we reminisced about all the winter weekends in the desert camping and riding motos. These were the maintenance months and years. Winter bike riding was mainly Monday-Friday, very early. In the summer, I'd usually have one big mountain bike race to train for. It was good life balance and kept me in decent shape.
I notice the kids' routines are similar, but their things. Hitting the gym or surf early on a Saturday morning before breakfast and family time.
Some of them even ride bikes... my favorite rides.
---
Since they've been visiting I think I've worn the Wild Child kit at least 3 times. Inspired by having them home? I dunno...
...but, I do know the socks are in production and they're going to be really cool.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
I'll post pics as soon as they're done.
Ride your bike!, tb
164.6
0/0 (lazy)
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2963104924
https://www.strava.com/activities/2963781698
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
I'M AGOG!
Dec 27, 2019
by TODD BROWN
OF ALL THE PLACES ON EARTH, I have to imagine this is one of the easiest places to be AGOG.
We have miles and miles of wide roads with wide bike lanes, bike paths, dirt roads, and lots of single track.
All of which has a tendency to produces riders like me: decent road racer, pretty good mountain biker.
What I mean by AGOG is this...
You take the pretty good skills many of the riders have around here and put them on a gravel bike and all of the sudden their prettygoodness turns them into A God Of Gravel - AGOG!
Just give 'em a gravel bike and they are instantly at the top of the food chain.
---
I was thinking about that, how when we develop talent in a variety of areas and combine them often we get 1 + 1 + 1 = 4 or 5 or 6.
Most top performers have developed a number of talents that when put together give them super powers.
For example, I remember Hakeem Olajuwon crediting growing up playing soccer with his fantastic footwork as an NBA All Star.
Once you learn how to see it, it's everywhere...
Anyway, it's just something I was thinking about on my ride today...
... which is why it's necessary for me to carve out the time to ride regularly.. and I have no problem saying Can't make it, gotta ride!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
... cause who knows, maybe I'll take my passion for cycling gear and combine it with my manufacturing skills and my design skills and start company called PEDALindustries?... ya never know.
164.6
0/0 (lazy)
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2960633013
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
BRETT, BERNARD AND BURRITOS
Dec 26, 2019
by TODD BROWN
BRETT AND I MET UP TODAY FOR MEXICAN FOOD... We meet up most years for a Christmas lunch, where he regales me with his latest meeting with cycling big shots.
Today he shared the crazy story of scheduling a $4,000,000 print press for a very small run of limited lithos on paper that cost $12/sheet.
The plan was to print them early then have a nice trip to Europe where Bernard Hinault and Roger De Vlaeminck would then personal many of them and sign the rest... as would the original photographer.
Ah plans... in a nutshell, they printed a month behind schedule and the planned working vacation turned to a world championship race against time.
One offshoot was asking Hinault who he admired as a kid racer... his answer: Merckx. Another was discovering cycling gear openly hanging to dry in Hinault's house. In other words, the gods are a lot like us... fan boys (and girls) who wash their own clothes - just a helluva a lot faster.
Want more proof of their humanness?
They also have their spouses do their bottle handups.
In this heretofore unpublished photograph, De Vlaemicnk's wife is caught in running in high heels extending a bottle of champagne. Roger's reaction when he saw the pics: Nice legs!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/roger-de-vlaeminck-1971-tour-de-france-limited-edition-of-500
If you want one of these beautiful lithos, I'll cover the shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/roger-de-vlaeminck-1971-tour-de-france-limited-edition-of-500
_____
166.6
0/0 (lazy)
8 hrs sleep
no ride today
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
SURPRISE WARS
Dec 25, 2019
by TODD BROWN
INSERT WHATEVER YOU CELEBRATE THIS TIME OF YEAR, now imagine you're totally into the thing you're into, and your dear one has been trying to get you just the right gift for a decade or so... and pretty much given up.
Sound familiar?
Surfergirl gave up getting me just right bike gift long ago, in a decade far away.
As I result, I've been known to put a package or two under the tree for me from her.
But this year, she rolled the dice and made something really cool... that I would never do for myself.
She hijacked my Instagram and made these cool tiles representing highlights of my year on wheels: winning Tahoe, PRing Leadville, along with a few others.
They are really cool, and have double stick tape for hanging/placing on a wall... which I shall do at the PEDALindustries lair.
The other surprise was Collegegirl insisting on getting in the water... not a surprise like, I'm shocked, but more of a Wow, she's finally hooked and that's gonna make Mamma very happy.
I hope your celebration was a hit too.
---
That thing for me?... Fizik foul/cold weather booties.
TBH, we can get away with toe warmers nearly always... but there is the occasional low 30's morning which these would be perfect for.
Gave 'em a test this morning... and Toddystoestoasty.
Even managed to get caught out in the rain... and Toddystoesdry.
They're mostly sold out at the moment, as soon as we have good stock we'll round up a sweet deal on 'em.
We have have most things back in stock in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, if you're wanting to give the gift of PEDALindustries but not sure what to get may I suggest the gift cards?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
Keen shoppers will use SAVE10 through the end of the year.
_____
167 - oops
0/0 (lazy)
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2956198846
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
DEFINITELY ISN'T THE NEW 50/50
Dec 24, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE FELLAS RIBBED ME PRETTY GOOD THIS MORNING. For the past month or more, every Monday night in our group text I confirmed I was a solid 50/50 for our Tuesday morning ride.
I missed 'em all.
We've been busy.
So last night, figuring we were shutting down the office for a few days, I confirmed I was definitely in.
Stayed up late dusting off the road bike,
fixing a flat,
affixing the lights,
making my drinks,
stacking my snacks,
laying out all the layers,
going down my list and checking it twice.
Yep, I was geeked to see the freaks...
they are ya know,
for sure...
up every Tuesday well before the sun,
40ish strong in the fair weather months
20ish stronger in the dark and cold winters
... you get the idea, these are my guys (and occasional gals) and I was looking forward to a long ride and talking about the holiday plans and who's in town and what they were looking forward to and you know...
Up at 520, out the door at 540.
Right on time.
Half a mile from home... did I mention it rained all night and the roads were still slick and it was dark?... I hit the lone piece of glass in the road. Sliced my new tire.
Tsssst, tsssssst, tsssssssst.... I came to a stop.
Rats!
Turned around, coasted downhill, rushed inside, through everything on the gravel bike and gave it all I had.
Caught the fellas half way through the ride.
It was just what I needed.
At the finish, we gathered and wished each other well... and one of my pals said...
Ya know, I'm glad you finally made it back out... we were afraid Definitely! is the new 50/50.
---
The house is quite now. We've been to Gramma's and back. Our marrieds are with the outlaws and those still here are a sleep, like babies.
I'm up, doing my Santa thing... definitely!
---
It's hard, well impossible, to see the new KOM Windbreaker I wore this morning. It was perfect. No wind gets through, all I had on underneath was a jersey and arm warmers.
This video is pretty cool where I show how it neatly fits in my back jersey pocket.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black
If you can ride now, this jacket is made for you... if you're snowbound for a bit, this jacket will get you out sooner.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black
_____
164.6
0/0 (lazy)
6.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2954015303
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
SEPARATION OF BIKE AND STATE
Dec 23, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IT'S IN THE CONSTITUTION SOMEWHERE, or it oughta be.
Jefferson clearly wrote:
“Believing with you that bike riding is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of bike riding, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between bike & State.”
"the free exercise thereof"...
... the key to such free exercise, in my experience, lies in the hour a man, woman or child is willing to rise...
... which reminds me of what fun I've been having annoying my college girl. Such a sleepy head.
She made a good point today, though I doubt the schooling had any baring on the observation:
Dad, you live to annoy me.
Yes, yes it does bring me great joy. Especially since my ride was rained out this morning.
Which basically means, I'm keeping you alive.
---
She's partly right, but what really keeps me a live is feeling fast and riding fast.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/feelfast-deal
And when you're riding fast it's wonderful to have the very tactile feel of our superlight race gloves
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/feelfast-deal
To give ya a little inspiration, use promo code FEELFAST and when you buy the t-shirt you'll save 25% on the gloves.
Both the gloves and the t's come in lots of colors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/feelfast-deal
_____
165.6
0/0 (lazy)
8.5 hrs sleep
rained out
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
WE'VE COME A LONG WAY, AND I WANT TO GO FURTHER
Dec 22, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE LAST BOOK I READ - RESONATE - said this book would change my life: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.
If you're into life changing books, stay with me as I critique myself in a bike riding way.
What I learned: generally, I had no idea how far we'd come as a nation nor did I have an inkling of where we'd been.
Sure I read Tom Sawyer, and ate popcorn watching A Time To Kill. But, those stories allowed me to sit comfortably in my chair and be entertained.
Maya's book is different.
First, she writes with immense creativity and economy... and I love that style.
Second, she set me right down in the eyes and heart of an innocent and beautiful child who is witness to too much ugliness.
Third, she changed the way I understand and feel the history of many of my friends.
Collectively we have remade our country. There is still much to do, but at this point it's personal work that needs to be done. The heavy lifting is largely complete.
Let me bring it back to our bikin' world... I was shocked at myself yesterday.
It is seems so easy to be provoked by a stranger who is just being a tool rather than let it go. And I wasn't alone. This stranger got under a lot of skin in a couple of turns.
How?
He was slower and our group was roaring through a dicey singletrack. I asked to pass he said No and then clogged the trail. Just a dude being a tool. Elbows out, I made a less than dainty pass.
It didn't have to be that way.
I was quick to react terribly.
Others did the same.
It happens with cars on the road... guy passes too close and I'm ready to kill. It's nasty... and I'm not sure where it's coming from.
I'll spend more time meditating on this as I ride... making a conscious effort to be more forgiving and loving.
Because in the end, we are all caged in some way... and we'd be a lot better off singing.
---
Rather than sell ya some nifty cycling gear, I'm going to gift 10 of these books. If you'll read it, get it. On me. Free.
It's not a Festivus gift, just a gift from one cyclist to another.... and no, I'm not going to pay you $20 for a book report like I do my kids. However, I'd love to read your thoughts when you're done.
It's short.
Here's the link:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/why-the-caged-bird-sings
Peace.
LONGISH RIDE, SHORTISH DAY
Dec 21, 2019
by TODD BROWN
MONTHS AGO ME THOUGHT, Diesel ya oughta ride all day on the shortest day of the year. Right? If you're ever going to ride all day - sunrise to sunset - this would be a good one.
Things were lining up with spectacular weather before a week of solid rain.
So, for sure this is gonna happen.
Up at 530.
Rolling by 630.
7am is the official sunrise today, but the ride I'm doing starts at 8, twenty miles up the coast.
On the way up this cat whips around a corner and soon we are chatting about the glory days... the mighty Ziggurat loop with world class regulars like Gold Medalist Steve Hegg, RAAM winner Pete Penseyres, and many state, national and world champions.
We lament the bland all black bikes and kits that dominate the scene today... which he very obviously was fighting back on.
I made it to the start with 20 minutes to spare. Which was cool, as it gave me time to make a few adjustments to my rig and unload some of my pre-dawn hydration.
The new tires I'm testing out are surprisingly fast on and off the road. For example, aside from arriving early, later in the day I managed to PR a massive and steep dirt drop called Mathis - locals will be impressed that I did it on the gravel machine.
... okay, so let me tell ya about the group I was meeting up with:
1. The invite clearly stated: we're riding tempo, download the course, we love you but we ain't waiting.
2. The supreme leader's Strava handle is Bikenut. He's a beast on the road and on the dirt. And while I was rolling giant 40s, he was on his road bike with 25s. #skills.
3. The followers are all certified nuts with huge talent and huge nuts for going fast.
With a touch feely welcome, 30 or so set off.
The first climb 20% were gone.
Another 30% either flatted, dropped off or quit by mile 19.
Meanwhile, I'm constantly asking myself when we are going to ride tempo, or if I even know what riding tempo means anymore.
About 30 miles in (50 for me) some trail bunny stops Bikenut and the flirting begins. Next thing we're all in a group picture and they are trying to trade phone numbers.
This is also a literal highpoint on the ride and as we crest P.I.D. I can see home. And I come down with a case of Seeyafellasitsbeenfun, because I'm thinking my daughter is home for the weekend and the other kids might be around too.
It wasn't all day, but it was plenty: 80ish miles, 8000ish of vert.
Next year!, or maybe sooner... I'm addicted, and not recovering.
I am addicted to other things... and just yesterday learned something you should NEVER do.
I love Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chamois-buttr-eurostyle-8-oz-jar
But I did a BozoNoNo and put their Embrocation on my knees before applying the Butt'r. If ya didn't know, the Embrocation is meant to heat up your skin for cold weather riding. And well, if ya put it on then apply the Butt'r to the region of your special purpose... uh, FIRE!
TMI?
Probs... but back to my other addictions.
I'm also addicted to AMP PR lotion... which should also NOT be applied before the Butt'r
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
and Honey Stinger waffles
https://pedalindustries.com/products/honey-stinger-variety-pack
Which you can apply to your watering mouth at any time, as long as you have washed your hands after appling Ebrocation and PR Lotion...
... to celebrate the fiery start to my weekend, you can join my addictions with this extraspecialspiffy offer:
Buy Chamois Butt'r and PR Lotion and get the Honey Stinger's Free... use promo code TODDSADDICTION.
Ride your bike!, tb
_____
164.6
0/0
6 hrs sleep (wife's fault : )
http://strava.com/activities/2947798036
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
TERRAIN SURFING & A FIERY START TO THE DAY
Dec 19, 2019
by TODD BROWN
FIRST THERE WAS CHANNEL SURFING... in it's original form was Grampa asking me to get up and change the channel for him... then websurfing... then liking and swiping... and it finally hit me why gravel riding is so very hot right now...
---> this is a subliminal message, pay no attention: Buy Chamois Butt'r and PR Lotion and get the Honey Stinger's Free... use promo code TODDSADDICTION <---
... the reason it's so dawgawn popular is because of what the internet (a worthy post on the topic) is doing to our brains...
... we can't focus, can't finish what we start, can't remember a thing....
... a gravel bike lets me (and you, too!) start on the paved road, connect to a dirt road, poach a single track, jump a curb...
... it's truly a terrain surfer... and like all surfing it's muy addicting.
If we have to be addicted to something, I can think of worse.
But, I won't.
I am addicted to other things... and just this morning learned something you should NEVER do.
I love Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chamois-buttr-eurostyle-8-oz-jar
But I did a BozoNoNo and put their Embrocation on my knees before applying the Butt'r. If ya didn't know, the Embrocation is meant to heat up your skin for cold weather riding. And well, if ya put it on then apply the Butt'r to the region of your special purpose... uh, FIRE!
TMI?
Probs... but back to my other addictions.
I'm also addicted to AMP PR lotion... which should also NOT be applied before the Butt'r
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
and Honey Stinger waffles
https://pedalindustries.com/products/honey-stinger-variety-pack
Which you can apply to your watering mouth at any time, as long as you have washed your hands after appling Ebrocation and PR Lotion...
... to celebrate the fiery start to my weekend, you can join my addictions with this extraspecialspiffy offer:
Buy Chamois Butt'r and PR Lotion and get the Honey Stinger's Free... use promo code TODDSADDICTION.
---> this is a subliminal message, pay no attention: Buy Chamois Butt'r and PR Lotion and get the Honey Stinger's Free... use promo code TODDSADDICTION <---
Ride your bike!, tb
_____
165
20/60
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2945299709
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
YOU MAKE IT EASY
Dec 18, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IT'S LATE. I'm tired. Just wanna chill. Put my feet up.
But, I don't.
I change.
T-shirt. Board shorts.
And I slowly start my work out. Don't want to at all. Not even a tiny bit.
But, I do it because of you!
Knowing for a fact that you have resigned, that you're resting... it gives me energy.
My push ups are deeper, my pull ups cleaner, my kettle bell kettler...
Oh yes Father Time... you ain't gonna catch me!
...
Hey PEDALposse... you're not on the couch are ya?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/off-off-off-on
Please, please, please say no... but, just in case y'all need some inspiration get this t-shirt.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/off-off-off-on
_____
165.4
Gym Work
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2942399225
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
THE MOST RIDICULOUS BET I EVER MADE
Dec 17, 2019
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND KEVIN IS A NUT. He bet me $300 that his combined time at the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race and LoToJa - the 200 mile road race from Logan UY to Jackson Hole WY would be better than mine.
First, who makes bets like that?
Second, who would do those 2 events back to back?
Third, what made him think it would even be close?!
But, that's Kev. Volume cranked to 11 all the time... and I love him for it. He's always getting me thinking.
One day he said to me, I'm going to write a book and be a best-selling author. And he did it.
He crazy.
Today he texted me, Wanna ride in the morning?
Well, how could I pass that up... haven't ridden with him for at least 10 years. We got some catching up to do.
No doubt there will be some new whacky bet.
Which is probably be a good thing because generally I'm cooking up some diabolical race plan by December - and I got nothing at the moment.
... My favorite part about what they call an "A" race is the process. The planning. The equipment choices. Specific training. Lodging. Race kit. It's endless, and I love it when it all comes together...
For sure I'm planning to wear this kit at Sagebrush Safari... the idea of slipping off the front never to be seen again is just too appealing, even if I fall off the back.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/military-camo
Maybe I can get Kevin to come down and do it?
Ride your bike!, tb
_____
166.2
0 pull ups/0 push ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2939171491
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE
Dec 16, 2019
by TODD BROWN
MY BUDDY HAS BEEN BANGED UP ALL SEASON. When he texted last night to ride... I thought, Heck yeah!
We met at 7am.
So good to see him on a bike after 8 months... after all, he was my No. 1 Stravamate last year.
The downside of his back injury is he's got a long road to get back to destroyerstrength. The upside is he's decoupled from the pressure to be in tiptopshape and finding a lot more time to spend with his young kids.
The physical therapy is helping... might need surgery.
Bro, this a blessing. You're at the time of life to lock in on your kids. That's what I did at your age.... I still rode, just not as much. Enough to stay in shape, and race once a year.
I'm not sure he believed me... the blessing part nor the I dialed it down part. But, I did it... and though I know he's super discouraged, I'm sure this is all for the best.
Never quit riding... the health benefits are monumental - physical, mental and social - and we need to maintain them order to best serve those we love.
Facebook shows me this picture every year about this time... it's a nice reminder of all the winter weekends we spent in the desert.
Now, the childrens are well into their careers... and I have time to ride as much as I like.
One thing is for sure, my bangeduponthemend pal sure could have used some PR Lotion this morning...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/accessories-1/products/amp-pr-lotion
... he was suffering... huffinandpuffin like no other... and I loved it! 'cause he was crushing me last year and he'll be crushing me again soon enough
... come to think of it, he's the one that introduced me to this miracle product. I distinctly remember the hot summer night in '18, out at OverTheHump, and he was lathering up praising it's magicness...
... ahhh, he'll be back before he knows it.
Did I mention we stock and ship this product for free?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/accessories-1/products/amp-pr-lotion
Ride your bike!, tb
_____
165.4
20 pull ups/60 push ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2936959885
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
FUEL FOR FIGHTING
Dec 15, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S NO GETTING AROUND IT, I need an enemy to stoke my fire. That's me.
Others need a challenge, a seemingly impossible ride to finish.
Some just need an invitation to sign up.
I knew one guy that always had to win.
But me, I do my best work when it's me against X.
Sometimes it's a real person, other times it's an avatar.
It gets me out of bed, makes it easy to skip desert, find the time for an extra loop.
There's just something about having an enemy...
Is it healthy?
I dunno.
Don't care.
Part of the game is doing my best to be underestimated. To line up all friendly and humble... my fangs covered, guns holstered... that kinda thing.
So, I reckon I'll line up kitted out for peace...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/peace-speed-jersey-short-sleeve
You know that'll throw the competition off, right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/peace-pro-bib
Especially if they catch me pulling it out of this
https://pedalindustries.com/products/wild-child-raceday-bag
_____
164.4
0/0
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2935940065
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
HAVE TRAVEL, WILL BIKE
Dec 14, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I KNOW IT'S A TERRIBLE HABIT, BUT I CAN'T SHAKE IT.
Last night/this morning we were out at Joshua Tree for the Geminids meteor shower. Everyone was all geeked up, but me.
I mean, it was cool because I love our high desert. There's nothing like it. And it was great to be with our friends.
But the whole time I'm thinking...
This full moon is perfect for night riding
These boulders are so grippy, like Moab slick rock
There's got to be some sweet single track out here to ride
Paul is an amazing camp cook and grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon, stuffed mushrooms and jalapenos, followed by delicious tri-tip.
Camping food always tastes better, this was way better.
And I'm thinking...
This is just the kind of meal I'd eat before a huge ride
I wonder if we'll get a ride in or just sleep and sleep in the morning
The moon is like a giant spot light. To really see the meteors we'd need to wait until it set around 2am. The fire burns hot, so does some political banter.
Bright streaks eventually arrive. Beautiful and mysterious heavenly motions. Totally worth the wait.
I doze off.
We all do.
8am... and I'm thinking
The fellas will be in full gallop on the group ride.
I'm here. Unplugged, and digging it.
The Surfergirl says C'mon, let's ride!
(Staged photo)
Breakfast
Desert flowers
Campsite
I want to do more of these camping/hiking/stargazing/mtb/gravel weekends... can you dig it?
Am I a Bonehead for see the potential for riding no matter where I go?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/bonehead
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/bonehead
The problem with the RaceDay wallet is it holds a lot more than you'd think... which means, if I'm not careful I could easily ding those credit cards outfitting the van better for camping.
Just in case your tempted to do these kinds of things... buy the Bonehead T-shirt, and add a RaceDay Wallet to your cart for free... no promo code needed, I did some fancy programming for this offer.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
Friday night, sunset hike
Ride your bike!, tb
_____
164 est.
0/0
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2933008856 - ride with her
https://www.strava.com/activities/2933417753 - rode the last bit home
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
THE LIFE WE CHOSE
Dec 12, 2019
by TODD BROWN
BEFORE WE BET THE FARM.
Before we propose marriage.
Before we sign the dotted line.
Before we shoot our mouths off.
Before, before, before.
Go for a ride for heckssakes! Take 'er for spin. Get the wind on our beautiful faces. Sweat it up some, and then some more.
It ain't just a bike.
It's therapy.
It's bike life.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/bikelife-grey
It's the life we choose.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/bikelife-grey
Just in case your contemplating a big, end of year purchase... buy the Bike Life T-shirt, and add a RaceDay Wallet to your cart for free... no promo code needed, I did some fancy programming for this offer.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
Ride your bike!, tb
_____
164.2 lbs
20/60
7.5 hours sleep
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
DRESSED FOR (FUTURE) SUCCESS
Dec 12, 2019
by TODD BROWN
AREN'T YOU GOING TO FREEZE?
(I love it that she still has interest in my best interest.)
No, not gonna freeze. I dress for the riiiiide,
not the rollout.
I've seen many a rook kitted up for a polar express only to wonder where to stash the parka and mittens 20 minutes into the ride.
Been there done that?
Hopefully not lately.
I get it.
It's so tempting.
First, we have to escape the grips of our covers.
Then strip and put on cold lycra.
Stumble to the garage.
Cold helmet.
Cold shoes.
Cold gloves.
Wo. Wo. Wo. WO!
You don't do that last part do ya? Hellmet no!... the lid, shoes and gloves are in the house... and even if you're as chincy as me with the thermostat set low, it's still a lot warmer than the gair-auge.
Sometimes, when she's not looking, the bike is even in the house.
Yep.
Anyway, it takes practice and guts to dress for the ride vs the rollout.
Part of my practice is the Weather Channel app, the hourly updates for the coldest parts of the ride I plan to hit.
The guts... well, sometimes ya gotta kit up with something inspirational like Team Big Banana.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/team-big-banana
This man of confidence jersey is designed by Joe... a stud if ever there was one.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/team-big-banana
With matching bibs
Whatever takes... get out there... awesome stuff awaits like this gem I found waiting for me this morning.
Ride Your Bike, tb
_____
164.2 lbs
20/60
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2928568421
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
WAR AND PEACE - A TALE ON TWO WHEELS
Dec 11, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I WAS FINALLY, FINALLY!, CAUGHT UP ON WORK AND SLEEP and planning to head south and catch the evervicious Swami's Ride.
When I say evervicious, I mean it.
There is no flat group ride that comes close to sustaining the speeds we manage.
28-30mph, the whole way.
The plan was to get on down south and catch the group as they clear the southern entrance to Camp Pendleton, then roar on back up the coast and home.
Twasn't to be.
War games.
A young man met me with a nasty road block and a winning smile politely blocked the way.
Sorry sir, road is closed.
No prob. War games?
Yes sir.
Where are you from?
Texas, sir.
Stationed here?
Up north in Seal Beach, sir.
Is that a carrier out there, it looks weird.
Yes sir, it's a carrier. Smaller, though. It carries helos.
Do you work on it?
No sir, I work on a ship designed to hunt mines.
Fantastic. Thank you for your work.
Merry Christmas, sir.
Heading back, I was grateful for this young man.
There's always next week.
He'll be gone.
And we'll continue to enjoy the peaceful fruits of his work.
Peace.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/wild-child-raceday-bag
These are in stock now. Can't promise how long quantities will last, but we'll make more.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/wild-child-raceday-bag
Also, the glove order is going in tomorrow to ship Monday... use promo code BADDIESEL to save 25%.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves
https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves
Ride Your Bike, tb
_____
164 lbs
20/60
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2926486413
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
SKIP TO THE LATE MY DARLIN'
Dec 10, 2019
by TODD BROWN
A COLD SLIDER WAS WAITING FOR ME (that's a miniature hamburger) on the lonely counter.
I'd blown it.
Ugh.
But, she shoulda seen it comin'... afterall, when a rider known as The Gentleman calls with tickets to the KROQ Christmas Concert on Sunday night and we go 'cause she loves concerts... and I gotta a very early start Monday... and I'm down 2 guys at work... and training a new guy... and we run a seasonal business that crescendos in December... and I sleep past my Tuesday 515am alarm and miss the morning ride... and work all day, skipping lunch... and she invites me to ride at 4pm... and I get home at 530... thinkin' I can get a quick ride in while she is out walking, 'cause I'm late... well, she shoulda seen it comin'...
There wasn't a snowball's chance I'd be home by 4pm, or dinner.
A cold slider, on the lonely counter.
I shoulda seen that comin'
What rotten husband...
... and not feeling bad about it, because I've learned if I don't take care of my health first, then I'll soon have nothing to offer her or anybody else...
... plus, I'll make it up to her, take her tree shopping tomorrow. She likes that. When she asks to surf this week, I'll go. She loves that.
If she had to make it up, well, I'd like to see a new pair of cold weather gloves like these...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves
But, you're partner is probably perfect so you won't be seeing these anytime unless I make you a devilish offer... use promo code BADDIESEL to save 25%.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves
Ride Your Bike, tb
_____
164.2 lbs
0/0
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2925321012
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
THE COYOTE SHUFFLE
Dec 09, 2019
by TODD BROWN
OUR WEEKLY SOCIAL RIDE IS PERFECT FOR PRACTICING THE COYOTE SHUFFLE, named after Mr. Wyle E. Coyote.
New riders have the opposite of this move mastered so well, it's a miracle they ever come back.
Old wily vets practice the shuffle so stealthily it's hard to even notice.
And in between those two are the cats who get stronger.
The Coyote Shuffle is demonstrated best on our 4-5 minute climb dubbed The Wall. It's a real screamer. Starts out easy, gets steeper, then pitches straight up to a pinnacle before plunging down the other side.
Timid/Lazy/New rider thinks...
I'll start in the back so I'm not in anybody's way,
tries to hang on but as riders are slipping off the back gets discouraged and eases up before the top of the climb.
Wily vet thinks...
Perfect place to practice the Coyote Shuffle
goes to the front forcing riders to come around barely making it over as the last straggler.
Cat who gets stronger thinks...
It ain't over, 'til I'm over
bares down hard on the pedals pushing all the way over and down the other side, perfect position for what comes next.
As I write this, I realize I'm a little of each depending on the season.
Sometimes I'm just plain lazy.
Other times I'm feeling wily and want to do the least amount of work and still stay in the game.
Then there are the times when it counts, when I'm putting in the efforts to be in toptopshape and I'm yelling to myself...
IT AIN'T OVER, 'TIL I'M OVER!
When I'm strong, I can always execute the Coyote Shuffle in a race to conserve energy.
It's a stealthy move, like the Stealth RaceDay bag:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-bag-2-0-stealth
And steatlhy moves like the Coyote Shuffle have been known to win a race or two.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-bag-2-0-stealth
_____
164.8 lbs
Gym Work
6 hours sleep
no ride
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
RESONATE
Dec 08, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T ALWAYS GO TO TEAM MEETINGS, but when I do it's because they resonate with me.
Some teams are so good at getting their message out... what they stand for, people naturally want to join.
In the case of ThinkMTB, the founders' lives all changed when they discovered mountain biking.
The team started as a company wellness program, and although the owner sold the business he's kept sponsoring the team.
That's passion.
I dig that.
It resonates with me.
It's what inspires me to write each day... to know that maybe some slothful soul will conquer Rollover Disease and get out and ride.
It's why we're "the girl" or "the guy" everybody in our family and on our street turns to for all their biking questions.
We are resonating with them when it comes to bikes and health.
It's why soakingwet-Bryan replied to my Dreaming of Hell and High Water message confirming he got it done.
We may not be any smarter, but at least we're healthy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/higher-education-importanter
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/higher-education-importanter
_____
164.2 lbs
0/0
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2920739406
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
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BIG FEAT, SMALL MILES
Dec 07, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THANKFULLY, I WASN'T FORCED TO BRAVE THE WEATHER CHANNEL'S PREDICTED DOOM. The chill was even gone, roads on the drying side of wet.
From my perch, I could see squalls to the north and south.
It'd be a HVY MTL day, close to home.
Lotsa climbing.
The big feat would be how much vert in 2 hours.
My metric, in case your wondering or comparing (never a good thing), is feet gained/miles ridden... anything over 100'/mile inmyhumbleopinyun is an honest climbing day.
What I didn't count on was finding a new path/road/trail... right above my dawgawn office. Jake probably knew (in answer to who knew?), but I didn't... and it made the feat that much better.
There's just something about HVY MTL... it's a bloodhound for new routes.
... which I freakin' love.
Along with all the lovin' was a whole lot of huffin' and puffin... I managed
4000' in 24 miles <- 166'/mile
My Florida friends couldn't do that if they hit the big overpass over and over.
My Rocky Mountain friends could do it on one big climb.
Took me 8 climbs, but that's how our town is...
...wildly challenging, dirt or road, like the Wild Child kits...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
a wild place to ride... which probably inspired these designs.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
Ride Your Bike!, tb
_____
165 lbs
0/0
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2917867153
Ride with us: click for info.
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.
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DREAMING OF HELL AND HIGH WATER
Dec 06, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I KNOW IT'S GONNA BE HELL TOMORROW, for the Weather Channel tells me so.
Don't care.
Really.
I'm riding.
I'm gearing up.
Even if it's only 15 awful minutes.
For sure I'll ride until...
... my socks are soaked and my toes are drowning.
... my knees are red with hyper blood flow.
... the wheel spin has blasted through my chamois.
At least that's what I'm telling myself tonight...
... maybe it's because I wore this shirt all day today (which you can have delivered for twenty bucks)
https://k9aew5n3se3t3ej4-24897792.shopifypreview.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
Or was it this one? (also twenty bucks with free shipping)
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
Honestly I can't remember... I just hope I remember my commitment to get it done when I wake up.
Ride Your Bike!, tb
_____
164.4 lbs
20/60
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2915299682
Ride with us: click for info.
YOUNG KID SEEKS WISDOM FROM OLD DIESEL
Dec 05, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I VOLUNTEER MENTOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLERS. One of the kids has taken to riding his dad's waytoobig bike - dad 6'2", kid 5'6".
But, he loves it anyway.
Today he asked, How do you ride in the winter?
I rattled off... I bundle up and ride early or I commute to work and take a long route home for lunch or I bundle up and ride late.
His look said it all...
Kid, what do you wear when you ride?
Board shorts and a t-shirt.
Oh man... we gotta fix that. Git over to the office so we can get you kitted up.
HAHAHA... I said to myself as he walked out. Another day and another dollar...
Just kiddin' y'all!
I know we've got some older style gear we are closing out that will fit him perfectly... and I'm stoke to givvit to him.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
Why? you ask?
Well, once upon a time we used to have a slow production system so we'd order a lot of product and hope it would sell.
That's a tough way to operate.
Now we are fast.
Kits take about 3 weeks to make - your custom design or one of our designs.
We keep our inventory lean and are constantly replenishing.
Consequently, our closeouts are almost sold out.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
Which is a very good way to operate.
Maybe you'll get lucky like the kid and find something in your size, too?
_____
164.4 lbs
0/0
7.5 hours sleep
http://strava.com/activities/2914151333
Ride with us: click for info.
LAME DUDES KNOW HOW TO WIN
Dec 04, 2019
by TODD BROWN
NOBODY'S LOOKING WHEN WINNERS WIN. Occasionally we see the results.
But, the winning happens...
On the trainer in the garage.
Fighting the pull up bar in the bathroom door jam.
Saying no to the Girl Scout gangsters at the grocery store.
Up at silly o'clock to get secret miles in.
Winner's are winning all the time...
... and occasionally they get to climb the podium.
Few make it without the support of the partner... many a lame dude has worn this Love My Wife shirt heading out to race, and returning home.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/love-my-wife-v2
Smart dudes.
_____
163.6 lbs
Gym Day
7 hours sleep
No ride, rain.
Ride with us: click for info.
BRING IT ZOMBIE!
Dec 03, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WHEN THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE HITS, we'll be ready.
Fitness? Check.
Bike? Check.
Food? plenty of drink mix and bars... could easily go a week.
Lights? lights? oh no!...
There I was tonight, ripping along a pitch black gravel road... zombies lurking in the shadows... my Niterider shining all 600 watts... and then not...
The glow of the blue power indication a pure lie.
It died.
I hit the brakes.
Flashing red taillight...
'cuz this is Thriller!'
... my eyes adjusted and I rode on, fast as I dared.
I'm may not be brave, but unlike most of my neighbors and family... I'm zombie ready.
Just one more great reason to be a bike rider!
A prepared one with camo gear... this kit is in production, but I'm to geeked to wait for the proper pics
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/military-camo
... planning to race this camo at XC races next year, especially marathon nats...
what do they say...
Outta zombie's sight, outta zombie's mind
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/military-camo
_____
164.2 lbs
0/0
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2909778979
Ride with us: click for info.
NO DISC CUSSING
Dec 02, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I WONDER HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO HAVE AN 'OH SHYTE' MOMENT ON THE ROAD?
Honestly, might not happen.
Rarely happens with rim brakes, unless it's rainin'.
But, I've noticed that on HVY MTL - my gravel machine - I seem to PR a lot of paved downhills without even a minor fret. or butt pucker.
Those disc brakes deliver juicy confidence... unlike the weak, coy braking on my carbon rims.
But today's fickle braking on the road is nothing compared to what it was on MTBs a hunnert years ago.
If it wasn't the dust or the mud, just guessing when the red hot rims would decide to grab was a form of roulette... one I learned to love, and coldly dropped for my first disc-equipped lady.
The first Turner 5-Spot changed EVreethang for me'
So predictable.
Dependable.
Soon 'nuf, I was pushing the boundaries of the lugs more than anything.
Anyway... enough histree.
The point is there's a lot less cussing with discs.
I'm all for cutting down the cussing... which reminds me...
If yer in the market for one of the many fine products make and yer concerned yer secret Santa is gonna blow it, just have 'em get ya a gift card.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
It's a lot safer for you and for them.
Ya know what I mean?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
_____
165.6 lbs
quick gym
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2907133280
Ride with us: click for info.
THE MASTERPIECE THAT IS RACING.
Dec 01, 2019
by TODD BROWN
"BE PERSUADED THAT THE FIRST QUALITY THAT IS NEEDED IS AUDACITY."
- Winston S. Churchill
Yes, the Winston Churchill.
The same one who was a gifted painter, and promoter of painting.
Kinda like us.
Fighting the good fight at work each day, and finding joy on two wheels.
Which brings me to my point... each A race or epic ride is like a painting, and the only way I've found success is by being audacious from the start.
Months out, sometimes even years, I target an event.
I start with a blank canvas.
Time and equipment and diet and all that goes into prepping for the big day are my brushes. I paint each day, revealing to myself and the world a more clear picture of who I am.
It's the truly audacious goals that have produced my most vivid days on the bike... of recent... to podium at LoToJa, to PR at Leadville, to finally climb with the leaders at San Luis Rey.
The lesser goals, the lazy ones, have lead to the most miserable races and rides. When my heart and soul aren't in it. The goals which on the surface seem so ho-hum, turn out to be quite ugly... cramping so bad at Nosco I wanted to cry, getting shot out the back at San Dimas with miles to go, heck I even started with the wrong group at Dirty 30.
Audacity doesn't guarantee success, it only promises an unforgettable experience.
As I wind up this weekend of thanksgiving and prep for the final, busy push to 2020, I'm thinking about the kind of picture I want to paint... the brushes I'll use not just on the bike, but at PEDALindustries and with my family, and socially and spiritually.
How audacious can we be?!
---
You may notice I've turned the comments back on... praying the spammers won't find us... and looking forward to what's on your mind.
What should never be on your mind is wondering how you're going to change at the next race... because we've go you covered with the changing poncho.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
_____
167.2 lbs
0 pull ups/0 push ups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2905334106
Ride with us: click for info.
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