IMAGINE "OLD CALIFORNIA" BEAUTY
- rolling hills, coastal sage brush, granite boulders big and small.

Now add miles and miles of easytopass singletrack
- flowyfastfun trails you dream about and want to ride forever

... I probably shouldn't even post this.

Because now that I've figured out the Sagebrush Safari is the best XC course in Southern California, I want it all to myself.

It's a miracle this race isn't an overrun shyteshow with 2000+ racers on the line ala Leadville and Epic rides...

... it might get that way.

But, I hope not.

I hope it stays in the hundreds and off the radar.

I hope enough people come to be very profitable for Victor, and not one more.

It's too good.

Too fun.

It's also too good and too fun not to share.

So, I'll tell ya what... the first person to share this post on FB, Insta and Strava will get their entry paid for by little Ol' me... unless you're already registered, in that case you can gift it to your favorite pal.

Just shoot me links of your handiwork.

It was rather chilly when we started, 43degrees chilly.

I was glad I'd packed my KOM jacket... you know, the one I designed to wear on days like this.

It was perfect until it warmed up, then I tucked it easily into my middle jersey pocket.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black

So, if you have any days planned with chilly/wet starts you'll want to have this jacket.  It's wind and water resistant membrane is super thin and breathable, yet kept me warm and dry.

Use promo code: SAGEBRUSH

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black

WE ALL RODE TO THE TOP TOGETHER, I knew this first descent would be a preening of who's got speed/get outta my way.  So, I let them go.  Gave 'em quite the head start.  Then, I, the dork with Camelbak, proceeded to pick them off one by one.

One gent 'splained how he had to go slow as he was afraid his water bottle would be ejected over the rocky terrain.

I've never seen a Camelbak get ejected - but I have seen a rider get ejected and have his back protected by the liquid-filled bladder.

Another claimed he was bonking because he'd forgotten to drink.

It's so easy to drink and race with a Camelbak - jam hose in mouth, spit out when done.  No futzing about grabbing a bottle the trying to race and drink with 1 hand on the bar then somehow getting the bottle back in the cage... all while negotiating a techy single track.

I'm not saying the Camelbak was the reason I was shredding the DH, but I am saying there's a lot to be said for rocking the Camelbak... 

... it's secure and it's easy.

Which is part of my secret to DH speed. 

I learned it from the unlikeliest of places, a book called Zen and The Art of Archery.  This is an old book, and a quick read.  It's an autobiography of an amateur archer on assignment in Japan who winds up shooting with zen masters of archery.

My big takeaway:  hold onto the bars firmly, all nonessential muscle in your arms should be flaccid. 

That simple skill is so hard to master, seems so trivial, and is a key to uncorking real speed on a mountain bike.

 Speaking of uncorking... what's this dork drinking?

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

I'm a big believer in GQ6.  

I go with 2 scoops in a bottle, or 4 scoops in my Camelbak (50oz).  Basically 2 scoops/hour.  It's about 200 calories per hour.

If you want to check it out, use this promo code:  THEYLAUGHEDATME 

The code will expire soon...

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

---

164.2 lbs
No weights
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3163305576

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

IF YOU WANT TO UP YOUR CUTTHROATNESS, cue up F1: The Drive To Survive on Netflix.  It's got racing, it's got drama... and best of all, it's an inside view to what it takes not just to make the team, to win a race, but how you keep you job.

The big AHHA for me was this... every team has 2 drivers, in identical cars.

You know why?

Because the fastest of the 2 is going to keep his job.

Brutal.

Imagine starting every training ride, testing all your equipment, knowing your training partner is doing all she can to beat you... even at the races.

We kind of see it in the highest levels of road racing:  Froome v Wiggins, Movistar's 3 headed monster, LeMond v Hinault etc. 

Tonight, while your doing your pushups or pullups or yoga and getting all fired up watching Netflix' F1...

... who are you planning to slay tomorrow comehellorhighwater?

If you're a killer or feel like it sometimes, this might be the kit for you

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/jailbreak

It's our Speed Jersey Short Sleeve because... SPEED!

And, our Pro Bib because... PRO!

I know those are simplistic, hyperbolic reasons... so let me add all the fabrics are the finest Italy makes, and Italy makes the best.

The sleeves and legs are finished with a wide, comfortable gripper that holds the fabric perfectly in place.

The pad in the bib is rated for racing all day.  It's high-density, which means it doesn't feel like an adult diaper and it won't put your special purpose to sleep.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/jailbreak

This code will expire soon:  F1KILLER 

---

163.2 lbs 
PaddleBall
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3159759357

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

WHO'S CARVED ON MY MOUNT RUSHMORE?  If I owned a granite mountain, and if I was a talented artisan, I'd carve these heads for all to see.  Instead I've carved the ideas and emotions of these four racers into my mind, and in a sense my own body... I'm guessing you've done something similar.

EDDY. 

The great Eddy Merckx gave the greatest advice when asked his secret:  Piles of Miles.  So simple, so true.  Nothing beats time in the saddle.  Ever.  

But, there's more to that for me.  Most know he won the Tour de France a record setting 5 times.  He also one many 1 day classics as well as all kinds of track racing.  If mountain biking was a thing in his time, he'd have dominated that... and forget gravel.

Bonus:  he was merciless, hence his nickname The Cannibal.

LEMOND.

7 seconds.  That's the narrowest victory of the Tour De France ever, and Greg LeMond will own that indefinitely.

I remember watching it on ABC.  It was unbelievable, making up 50 seconds in a short time trial on the last day of the tour. 

Yes, he's USA'n, and first USA'n to win Tour.

But, for me, the impressive part was his belief in himself, that against all France he would win.  

Bonus, he broke the tradition of leaving wife and family at home - family first.

COACH JOE.

Joe Friel wrote the Cyclist's Training Bible.  Finally here was a detailed, workable plan, and I gobbled it up.

I had the pleasure of eating with lunch with Joe a few years ago, and I can tell you he's just as nice and thoughtful as he comes across in the book.

Bonus:  in his 70's he's still totally geeked on cycling... just like us.

SAGAN.

He crushed the competition at his first Tour of California, and I was hooked on his style.

He's a man of and for the people.

After that first ToC he came and raced our local weekly MTB race.  I thought it was just some wannabe in a Cannondale kit.  I lined up next to him, and he was nice as could be... then he disappeared.

Bonus:  he get's a lot of video time on his winning sprints and I've learned a ton watching and rewatching them.

Who's on your Mount?
Who inspires you when you're training, planning, racing?

Sometimes throwing on my kit feels kind of like becoming a different person, probably has something to do with all the inspiration.

By far the best way to change at the races with with the changing poncho.  It's easy, modest, fast.

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

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

And if you act quickly, this promo code will save you a few bucks: MOUNTRUSHMORE

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---

16.2 lbs 
50 pullups, 100 pushups
8 hours sleep
no ride - today

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

I CAN'T THINK OF ANY STATEMENT THAT BETTER CLARIFIES what racing is all about.  And, it's from an actor...that's right and actor... is there anything more fake than acting?  Yet, this actor gets it.

The emotion is real and raw... and resonates through every bone in every realracer's chiseled-on body.

Because... he actually raced.

A lot.

And won.

His words come from that place only people like us have experienced. 
Only a racer gets this. 
It's unmistakably pure. 

Racing is life. 
Everything else is just waiting.
-Steve McQueen

I love that.

For me, it's not that time stops when racing.  
It doesn't exist at all...
... just life.

The inner voice, gone. 
The cares of the world, gone.  

Just me,
my bike,
and my beating heart.

When the finish line is crossed, and the bottles are empty, I tend to want to keep my kit on.  Relish the moment kinda thing.  Sometimes a little longer than I should.

Which is one of the reason, before the race, I like to lube up the area of my crank and cogs.  Somehow that sounds a little pervy, but it's not...

... it's a simple call to action:  Protect thy special purpose!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/chamois-buttr

Personally, I prefer the Eurostyle... but, don't let that sway you... let this sway you:

Chamois Butt'r - Just a dab'll do ya!

And this promo code can sway you too - CHAMOISLOVE

https://pedalindustries.com/products/chamois-buttr

SHIPS FREE IN USA.

---

162.2 lbs 
LegsArmsShoulders
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3155307805

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO GO FASTER, most involve a lot more time training and more money.  Some of those are simple experience.  Take my pal Senor Suave, while a rocket on any bike he keeps losing time MTB racing.

For example, he did one of his first legit MTB races recently.  Everything was on schedule except his bladder.  Most races this is not a big deal, but experienced MTB racers would never make this mistake...

... and when he came back to line up, the corral was full and he found himself 50 people back in the pack.

Pee early.
Line up early.

But, that yellowhighliter ain't my point today.

This little gem requires a teenyweeny bit of time, and maybe a couple of bucks - maybe...

... and I'll be doing it this Saturday.

Preride the race course. 
The more you can preride, the faster you'll go.

You're going to be riding anyway, so ride the course.

Figure out places
to pass
that suite your strength
tricky sections until their easy
and so on and so on and so on
until when you're on it, 
you own it!

What if the course is far away?
Get there a day or two early.

What if it's just a 4 corner crit?
Ride 'em 4 thousand times.

What if....
Makeithappen Cap'n.

Which is exactly what Senor Suave did passing 45ish people, finishing fourth. 
I predict a podium in the very near future for him. 

I also predict a few of you are gonna wanna jump on this before the price goes up.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

163.2 lbs 
100 pushups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3150939306

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

PERFECT, PIOUS UNCLE PHIL WAS ONCE ACCUSED OF SWEARING... impossible to imagine 70 years ago... coming from him.

Dad inquired.

Phil asked Who?

So and so.

Oh yeah... well, it's true.  It was the only way I could get that S.O.B outta bed and out the door to work!

I have found this method quite effective in my own life.

Starting with
Get out of bed you

Followed by
Slow
Lazy
Dumb
Phat

Peppered with saltier fourletterness.
!@#$ 
%^&*

... and always puncuated with
It's time to kicksome@ss!

I ain't ashamed.

I'm committed.

To myself.

My dreams.

My mission.

My health!

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

I'm also committed to making you the softest, mostbestest tshirts so you're confident and comfortable when you let the world know.

Can't make it, Gotta Ride!

Use promo code:  IMCOMMITTED

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

164.2 lbs 
100 pushups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3148038901

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

WHEN YOU'RE AN ENDURANCE ATHLETE, when you really know how to dig, scrape and claw... you know truth when you see it.  

And, I love this quote from Molly Seidel:

I wasn’t paying attention to the miles or pace and just going off feel and when we made our move I just wanted to keep running the pace I felt good at.

That is truth.

It's why a lot times I'll toss the ol' computer in my back pocket when racing.

And leave it there.

Sure, I like looking at the data when it's all done... but some formats I find it too distracting...

... like any event under 2ish hours.

Who is Molly Seidel?... oh, just the first person who ever ran a marathon and at the same time qualified for the Olympics. 

THE OLYMPICS!

That's right...

... just going off feel...

... 'cause it felt good.

Dawgawn... I love that, gotta say it again:

I wasn’t paying attention to the miles or pace and just going off feel.

Going off feel, isn't that the be feeling?

Ever?

I know what you're thinking... musta been a long time ago, before the "modern age".

Nope.

It was Saturday.

2hours27minutes31second.

... just going off feel.

There's another kind of feeling, it's feeling of feedback I get through my hands.
Personally, I prefer very thin gloves. 
Real leather.
No padding. 
Immense ventilation. 
Full fingers.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

Yes, I know we should charge a lot more for these.  But, I guess I just want as many people to try them as possible.

Use promo code: GOINGOFFFEEL

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

161.6 lbs 
REST
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3146160956

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

I RECENTLY SAW A THREAD ASKING HOW TO RIDE SAND SECTIONS AT BWR.  Numerous longworded discussions followed.  Here's my simple truth:

1.  Ride more sand.

 Nothing is going to make up for actually riding sand... so if you don't live by a lovely beach, get down to the local play ground...

... practice.

2.  Aim for 10' beyond where the sand ends.

I think it was Moses who said Where there is no vision the people perish.  Whoever shared that ancient advice woulda been a heckuva gravel/mtb racer.  Because if you're looking straight down and not far forward you're gonna perish...

... look where you want to go.

If you just did those 2 things you'd be an ace in no time.  

There are two more essential techniques which you'll probably figure out with enough practice.

However, if you want to cut to the chase you'll need to click here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

161.6 lbs 
no lifting
10 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3143368168

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

I WAS ON THIS DIET YESTERDAY, and I lost 5 lbs.  It's a terrible diet.  One you should turn to only as a last resort.  But, it's nearly impossible to even try it on purpose.  Not that you should.  You could.  But, I wouldn't.

This diet is so debilitating I couldn't race today, even though I'm the lightest I've been in a year.

Weight down, power way down.

So I'm here.

On the couch, recovering.

It's the El Pollo Loco foodpoisoning diet... at least that's who I'm giving credit to, 'cause against my monklike ways I ate there Thursday - in a hurry, making things happen.

Spent all day Friday praying to the porcelain god - 12am on baby!

I'm on the mend today.

Surfergirl picked up a pack of donuts at my insistence... I knew I'd be better soon, and wanted something delicious to look forward to.  And, boy do they taste great!

I can't resist... I guess, because I'm going to get up and ride for a bit at some point today and I know I'll be needing lots of fuel in my Ferris Bueller I'msuddenly better moment.

Here's what I'll be chowing on my ride.

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

Use promo code FILLERUP to save.

Isn't it great to open the cupboard and see you're loaded up with all the fuel you need for the next ride?

---

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

160.6 lbs 
No lifting
12 hours sleep
No ride.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

LAST NIGHT I PATIENTLY WAITED TO TURN LEFT IN MY CAR.  The light turned green, I looked left and eased off the brakes rolling forward... I looked left again and hit the brakes!

A truck traveling about 50mph blazed through the red.... probably would have killed me...

... if I didn't have the bike racing superpower.

But, I do.

And so do you!

We all have Cyclngsense,
it's our version of Spidersense.

We use it all the time, every ride.

The more we ride, the stronger it gets.

The experienced rider rarely flats, new guy flats all the time.

Cyclingsense.

New gal struggles on a trail, experienced gal attacks it with glee.

Cyclingsense.

Driving experiences like mine above happen all the time, our Cyclingsense is so attuned we often don't even recognize it.

Same with sports, we quickly pick up any motion sport... our fitness, our developed peripheral vision, our Cyclingsense making it easy.

Socially too.  We casually strike up a conversation with a fellow rider and our Cyclingsense quickly evaluates friend or foe.

Because 99% of drivers lack Cyclingsense, I ride with blinking lights day and night.

I love the little Knog lights,
330 degrees of retinasearing power.

It's like giving Cyclingsense to the drivers.  

And isn't that a gem of an idea?

If you don't have daytime blinkies get these.
They're lite and aero.

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

  Use promocode -> KNOGCyclingSense <- to save 20%

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

... this code will expire within 48 hours.

---

165.2 lbs 
200 push ups
7.5 hours sleep
no ride today : (

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

(photo by Danny Munson)

WHAT MOTIVATES ME MORE THAN ANYTHING WHEN IT COMES TO BIKE RACING PREP is making sure none us ever utter these 3 words on RaceDay.  Nothing is more deflating, defeating or defanging.

I forgot my __________.

The results can be...

embarrassing... I've raced in my bathing suit and tank top.

inconvenient... I've borrowed a friend's sweattystinky backup helmet.

disastrous... I even forgot my shoes once.

... heck, doesn't even have to be a race...
... might just be a road trip with the crew. 

Which is exactly why I invented the RaceDay Bag™...

• Easy to pack
• Easy to find our gear
• Easy to get ridin' and racin'

Kicking boodwah on a bike starts with confidence, like knowing you've got everything you need.

But why stop there?

Want to know what it's in my bag, what I trust... depend on?

I thought it was impossible for a lotion to make any kind of a noticeable difference in race performance...

... then I podiumed at a race where I'd always sufered,

and set a PR of 8:15 at Leadville!

I'll neverever race again without PR Lotion.  

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

Follow the application instructions... be sure to put on a lot, and really massage it in!

When you place your order use this promo code: AMPSAVE10

... I was reminded of how great this product is just yesterday on our regular legripping group ride when Justin said, 

You're riding great.

Now those are 3 words I always want to hear!

---

That code will expire soon.

---

164.6 lbs 
LegsShoulders
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3135299216

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

AS WE WERE SLICING AND DICING OUR REGULAR SOCIALRIDE/LEGDESTROYER THIS MORNING, I catalogued the 3 riders I  admire most.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a total Saganfanboy, worshipped LeMond's 7-second TdF win, and have relived Grewal's gold medal countless times... but, I don't ride with them.

I ride with these cats:

Takeshispulls guy. 
This rider rotates through to the front, takes his pull and eases over and off the power, doing all he can to keep the group's pace fast and smooth... never mucking it up, sucking wheel at the front.

Standsupsmooth girl. 
The girl stands gracefully stands up on climbs, often... never thrusting the bike back, scaring - or worse - the rider behind.

Pointsstuffout kid. 
This kid is always pointing out the holes, sticks, glass, etc... making sure the riders behind avoid peril.

These 3 make rides like today's trulytruly glorious.  

So, I study their moves and do my best to mimic them... 'cause when I'm all growed up I wanna be just like 'em

You know what else is trulytruly glorious?...

... this right here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

Truly.

 ---

165.4 lbs 
50 pull ups
6.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/3131287462

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I FOUND THE NOCARS WAY THROUGH TOWN.  There were cars, but not many.

I rode and rode and rode that route.  Mostly on Mondays, always by myself.

It was scenic, with a few punchy hills to stand up and pound the pedals.

But, then I didn't ride it much.  I'd ridden it too much.

It had become...

... Familiar.

No, it wasn't breeding contempt, but it was... 
Mundane.
Predictable.
Uneventful.

Conversely, we ride the same loop every Tuesday, going on 17 years.  It's always good.

Gus lives out in NC.  He sent me a pic of their Saturday ride.  The leafless trees, bundled riders.  The smiles.  It was 18 when they started, 40 midday.

It ain't the route or the weather, it's the people.

Which is why it's so key to have a silent chain, spinning free with no drag.  'Cause if your chain is whiney with lots of drag... sooner or later you'll be riding alone.

These are my go to products - one to clean, one to lube.  It took years time to find them, and I'd never mount up without them.  

The superpro thing to do is to wipe the chain clean and apply the lube the night before - one link at a time.  Painstaking, I know... but totally worth it if going fast is important to you.  And, when done correctly will last hundreds of miles.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

Use this code at check out - SOSMOOTHE - and save 50% on the 2nd item.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

---

165.2 lbs 
PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3128568351

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

I FINALLY GOT AROUND TO FINISHING PHILTHETHRILL GAIMON'S BOOK, Pro Cycling On $10 A DAY.  He concludes with two valuable lessons.

First, keep the workouts simple.

Phil's hardest training block ever was two weeks with Tom Danielson on Mount Lemon in Tucson.  I've ridden that climb myself... think of a long, long, long very steady climb.  Day one, 3 sets of 20 minute intervals... followed by 5 hours of easy riding.  Day two, 3 sets of 45 minute intervals.  Day three, rest or long and easy.  Then start over.

Second, you've got to believe in yourself.

This was painfully drilled into Phil's selfjustifyingbrain by Jonathan Vaughters, before Vaughters signed him to ride for Garmin.  Phil had lost crucial seconds and wound up losing GC, was bummed about it.  Rather than being consoling, Vaughters wisely rubbed acid in that wound remind Phil to believe in himself.

... normally I've got a bunch of pithypontification about right now, but not today...

Keep it simple.
Believe in yourself.

Here's a simple secret you may not know -> larger water bottles are more aero than small bottles... because they fill in the gap better and reduce wind turbulence.

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

I believe you should take advantage of this promo code prior to 2/26/2020

SAVE15

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

Yes, they still ship free if you use the code.

---

165.2 lbs 
rest
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3126596854

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

I COULDN'T HEAR THE SKIN GRINDING OFF, the rain too heavy.  I couldn't see the damage, the shadows too dark.  I couldn't feel the gash, the cold too stiff.  But, in my shivering hustle off the mountain I overcooked a corner... my lower leg grinding across the decomposed granite hillside.

That wasn't the plan.

We'd missed perfection by about 30 minutes.

Up until that Makita grinder moment, we'd cheated mamanature. We'd slept in, done our dadly duties. While the morning rain fell on our favorite dusty trail.

When we started, it was purrrrrfect... super tacky, traction o'plenty.  6 miles to the top, 2200', all single track... purrrrrfect single track.

We climbed it once, decently fast, under an hour. 

Ripped down.

Climbed it again.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.  But, when we got to the top the clouds came in and the temperature dropped.

Even with the incomparable KOM jacket, I was cold.  A beanie and leg warmers woulda helped... oh, and a light!

But... but... we'll ALWAYS remember today.  It will stand out.  One of those, Remember that time moments.  Unforgettable.

So maybe it did go according to plan?

... come to think of it, if I'd worn the leg warmers they'd be a little worse of but my leg better off...

I'd say 20% better off... so use this promocode TODDSPOORLEG to save 20% on these leg warmers/skin savers

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-leg-warmers

Use TODDSPOORLEG at check out

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-leg-warmers 

In the cloud, time to hustle down.

---

164.4 lbs 
50 pull ups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3123719136

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

SURE, IT'S A HECKUVALOT EASIER 30, 40, 50 RIDERS BACK.  It's 30% easier!  And that's the problem in a lot of cases.

Wanna get "lucky"?...
... get your buns up front.

Don't come whining to me with silliness like...

... you were lucky to make the break
... you were lucky you missed the pile up
... you were lucky in that sprint

Sheesh... I remember the one and only time I did Tour de Tucson.  There were about 7000 people lined up.  

Gun goes off.

I'm redlined instantly.

We are flying through town.

All kinda chaos.

But, I'm upfront and I can see.  And I'm safe.

Unfortunately, when things settled down a bit I drifted back and a break of 20 went away.  Full gas.  I'm thinking, not a big deal.  90 miles to go.  Then, I see the longest train I've ever seen in my life chugging along...

... and those guys are all in, ALL IN!

Like a scripted scene from a Bond movie they squeeze across the tracks, the gates come down, we screech to a halt.

They were never to be seen again.

If you need more luck in your life ya really oughta check this out...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

... but don't you dare click on that link if ain't in need.

---

165.4 lbs 
yoga
7.2 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3119578048

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

IN THE IMMORTAL WORDS OF NACHO LIBRE... Sometimes when you are a man, you wear stretchy pants.

I was reminded of that today as I headed out for a quick sunset blast... Sometimes when you are a racer, you ride two-a-day.

Why 2, today?

Because CH texted... Gonna rain Saturday, 80% chance.

Why 2, other days?

Because why not?
Because fun.
Because...

... did you know every time you work out you get a shot of Human Growth Hormone?  I read it somewhere.

So, when you see yer peers and they say something like... 

Damndude, you're looking good...
or...  Damngirl, look at you...
How do you do it?

... two-a-day.

It takes a lot of energy to fuel all that riding, and I like a variety of options like this

https://pedalindustries.com/products/honey-stinger-pack

Save big with promo code TwoADay. 

Ships free in USA.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/honey-stinger-pack

---

168.2 lbs 
Yoga
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3118086373

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

ONE OF THE THINGS I AIM TO DO is get the very best value for any purchase.  So, when I saw some cat advertising an amazing wallet for cycling I had to check it out...

... the hyperbolic promises were too great.

There it was, $50.  It was beautiful, all leather.  Very elegant.  Perfect for anything except actually cycling.

It reminded me of my first bibs, Blackbottoms.  The chamois was actually leather, and so were my bits and pieces after that first summer.

Being a poorcollegekid, I could scant afford 1 bib.  

I'd ride, wash, hang dry, repeat 3-4 times a week.

By summer's end they were sanctified - very holy.

Where was I?...

Oh yeah, wallets and the most humble cycling wallet of all times. 

• Made of actual bike parts
• Impossibly durable
• Military grade thread
• So grippy it will never fall out of your jersey

Delivered to your door for 20 bones

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wallets

... or less if you use promo code SAVE10, 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wallets
(I have 10 cards and cash in mine)

Customizable?

Of course... makes a great conversation piece, reminder of what's important, and a supergift for your sponsors.

If you don't have one in your team store, let me know and we'll get it added. 

---

166.8 lbs 
LegsShoulders
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3115341348

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

COMFORT FOOD... is there a bigger lie?

After nearly a week with family celebrating the life of a loved one, I'm a bigfatpig... and it's my owndarnfault.

Comfort food was abundant, mass quantities everywhere.  

When I woke up this morning, finally back home, I waddled to the scale. Ugh!  5lbs in 5 days.  

It got me thinking about the old miserylovescompany thing... and is there anything more miserable than climbing with blubberstuffed bibs?

Of course, some would like company in such moments...
... but, not me...
... heck no...
... leave me alone, with my own thoughts of whattheheckwasIdoing?

I'm sure there's some sort of championshipthinking of paying the price today for victory tomorrow, you know a valuable life lesson summed up in a few choice words... but, let's just be honest... it ain't comfort food, it's...

DisComfort Food

Rant concluded.

The good news is, there's nowhere but down from here.. and if you're down with that then you're probably also down with joining the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

167,6 lbs 
0/0
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3111153557

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

THE 10 RACER COMMANDMENTS 

1. Thou shalt ride thy bike as much as thou canst whilst placing thy family and thy social life first, and whilst thou kickist butt at work.
2. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s KOM, but thou shalt chase thine own PRs.
3. Thou shalt eat whole foods whenever possible.
4. Thou shalt sleep 8+ hours.
5. Thou shalt be strong, doing pushups, pullups and such to failure.
6. Thy bike shall be clean, thy drivetrain free of drag, thy tires properly pumped.
7. Thy wheels, above all other parts, shall be the best thou canst pay cash for.
8. Thy jersey and bibs shalt make thee feel fast.
9. Thou shalt train with faster riders than thee whenever possible, and thou shalt train at the front of thy congregation.
10. Thou shalt have a day of rest, no riding. If standing sit, if sitting lie, if lying prop thy feet up, if they feet are propped close thine eyes and dream of winning.

Eleven... I could go on and on pronouncing from on high, if ya want more go here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

 ---
(still travelin')
unknown lbs 
nada
7ish hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3109428288

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

I'M VISITING THE PLACE WHERE IT ALL STARTED FOR ME.  Provo, UT.  Sure, I'd ridden my Schwinn LeTour around town as a kid, and I'd won the 6th Grade Motocross on my Stingray- which we'd call a Super-D today, but it wasn't until 1985 that I won a legit bike race.

It wasn't even legit, really.

The university ski coach had set up a cycling program centered on crit racing in the giant stadium parking lot.

It was here that I got my most valuable bike handling lession:  never let go over the brakes and always keep pedaling. 

What he was teaching us was how to keep our speed up and be smooth in a pack vs the typical beginner who stops pedaling and yanks on the brakes at the slightest concern.

Each weekday crit I got a little closer to the win.  The throwdown of the C's spint was intoxicating, and I wanted more.  On about the fourth or fifth try it worked...

... the passionate, mediocre surfer
... the weak link on a terrible tennis team
... the obscenely late bloomer with his first whiskers at age 21

... got a V.

And, as PhilTheThrill Gaimon says... it just takes one good day to start thinking.

I promptly spent my summer's hard earned cash on a Cannondale touring bike that some yokel in a struggling bike shop conned me into buying because "more gears = more options for speed".  

It didn't matter.

That bike took all the punishment I could could give it, and was stable as hell at speed.  I'm talking I-80 from Park City to Salt Lake drafting a semi at 60 mph with a t-shirt, cut offs, and a sweet pair of Vuarnets.

I was hooked.

For life.

Speaking of hooked, after skiing and hiking in the mountains the last few days I'm reminding how hooked I am on layers for keeping warm.  It's the best way to go, which I confirmed catching up with my pals that live up here.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers

Starting with the KOM jacket... and if you use code KOMLAYER...

... and add any other layer product you'll save 50% of the 2nd product.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers

Code KOMLAYER will be applied on checkout, remember to add the 2nd item first.

---

unknow 
nada
8.3 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3106753719

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

A REAL GIANT TAUGHT ME A VALUABLE LESSON.  It's not enough to be the biggest and the strongest.  That's not a guarantee of winning. 

This was laid out in the classic movie The Princess Bride.

Fezzik played by Andre The Giant - 7' tall, 500 lbs.
vs
Westley - a normalsized Man In Black.

Fezzik: I just figured why you give me so much trouble.

Westley : Why is that...

[squashed against a rock] 

... do you think?

Fezzik : Well, I haven't fought one person for so long. I've been specialized in groups, battling gangs for local charities, that kind of thing.

Westley : Why should that make such a

[squashed painfully] 

... difference?

Fezzik : You use different moves when you're fighting half a dozen people, than when you only have to be worried about one

[falls unconscious] 

It's impossible to learn to learn to win a group sprint by yourself...
It's hard to ride single track with someone much slower...
No one can figure out how to draft riding alone...

... as the giant said, You use different moves.

I remember the first time a saw my friend in real cycling shorts.  Lycra.  Not just any short, they were red.

Outrageous I thought.

And held up by suspenders!

Now I wouldn't dream of heading out for a ride with anything but a supremely designed bib like this: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/black-19-team-pro-bib

100% Italian fabric.  An anatomical chamois with multidensity foam.  Printed, but and sewn in our own California factory.

---

164.2 lbs 
nada
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3103441547

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT A SCREWYOU FUND IS... welllllllll junior, it’s enough cash to go at least 6 months without a check.  And, it equals confidence.

There are other types of screwyou funds.

When - waywayway back when - I was single, I strove to have a number of options... ya know, just in case things went off the rails at a socially inconvenient time. (Easy there, it’s a figure of speech.  Not literal)

We, you and me, we have fitness screwyou funds...

... and I'm making a withdrawal.

No riding the next five or six days.

Starting this morning... skied for the first time in a coupla decades, you know a board for each foot vs a snowboard - which I've done less and less. 

My nubby bikerlegs vs my college girl's dancerskierlegs...

... it was pretty even until around 330pm.  We'd been going straight through, old school on nothing but Snickers bars.

Finally... 

Dad, I'm tired.

I feel great.

Last run?

Up to you.

Truly a wonderful DaddyDaughter Valentine's Day.  Such fun to catch up with her on life.  I'm feeling quite blessed to enjoy a day like today.

... and that’s how to use the fitness screwyou fund.

 Of course, sometimes you want to unleash your screwyou fitness in the heat of battle and might be looking for a little inspiration.

Personally, I always feel a little more ready to battle on the bike when I don these camo socks

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-socks/products/camo-sock-sublimated

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-socks/products/camo-sock-sublimated

$15.99 and they'll be on your doorstep in a couple of days.

---

unknown lbs 

nada
7 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3099831660

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

IT’S CALLED PAYSHUNCE FOR A REASON

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT... the overhead view of a Peter Sagan sprint is always my favorite.

Man can he wait.

The barreling peloton screams into the final Kms and he’s miles back.

Payshunt.

One time, some cat put together a bunch of different on onbike camera views of a Sagan sprint.  Switching from front view to back view and back as he roared...

... accelerating as the rest were detonating...

... which is why he’s payd the big bucks.

Payshunce is a superpower.

Use it, or lose.

Even going after a PR, which can require the greatest payshunce of all.  Because the right PR will demand our very best.

In case you need a daily reminder

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prsrule

And if you use promo code PRSRULE, it's in your hands for a paltry 18 bones.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prsrule

I believe in you!

---

164.2 lbs 

nada
6.5 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3096630631

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

IF IT'S TO BE, it's up to ______.

If it's really up to me, then I better take it for reals.

That's why every year I put the big hairy audacious goals (BHAG) out there, to inspire me to carve the time I need to be ready on the big day.  Things like PRing Leadville last year, or going to Nationals this year.  

Really big.

Impossible.

The result is even on the days I don't wanna, the cold days, the booked solid days, the dark days, the rain days... I get out and ride.

Yes, of course part of the plan is to be a badass on the given day and slay my BHAG... but...

... the bigger part of the plan...
... the sneaky part...

... is the daily result: a healthier, happier, immensely more productive me.

It's a simple system, and it yields undeniable results.

We get really granular on the system with the PEDALposse, where we share what's working and what's not.

Join us!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

Join us before the price goes up in March.

How much?  I dunno... but, can't be giving it away fo' evah.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

_____

164.4 lbs 
legs n shoulders
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3094056015 <- snagged a KOM back - not that it matters.  Right?

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

ONE OF THE PLACES PEOPLE REALLY SUFFER ON A ROAD RIDE is when the group accelerates time after time.

I was reminded of this on today's ride... and the exercise I do at home to prep for days like today.

It was hellawindy. 

30mph gusts. 

Hella.

To make matters worse, it was the first week back splitting our little legripper into an A and a B ride.  Leaving just a handful of us to slice the wind together on the A loop.

Our rotation started smooth enough, but after about 15 minutes of really drilling it things started to fall apart.  The discrepancies in power between riders became evident, as stronger riders pulled hard and long and weaker riders clogged the front often unable to even pull through for a millisecond.

So, I have this little routine I do a few times a week.  It may or may not be helpful at all... but, it's kinda hard which is always good for building confidence.

It's simple.

Requires no tools.

And, probably doable in your own home.

Remember, I am not a doctor nor any kind of certified anything.  Do not do this if you are timid, unsure or a total klutz... though, if you think you'll fall please take video and post for the entertainment value.

Are ya ready?

Stand flatfooted at the bottom of a set of stairs and jump up 3 at a time. 

Probably best to start at 2 at a time... and I've had limited success jumping 4 at a time.  Repeat until failure (can't do more).

That's it.

Please, please, please be careful... and remember you're on your own.

Advice given.  

Here's another piece of advice... not for you, hopefully.  But, something you might want to share with a friend.

You should probably get a RaceDay Bag™.

Why?

Because you're always wondering where your gear is.

No I'm not.

Then, why are you asking to borrow my extra glasses?

I guess that could be advice for you too... friends don't let friends show up unprepared - especially if they don't want to loan their stuff.

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

Remind them to use promo code SAVE10.

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

---

165.4 lbs 
  push ups.
6.8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3091073638

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

IT'S NOT THAT I'M A GUINEA PIG.  I'm not.  Once I find something that works, I stick with it.  

It's not that I'm unwilling to change, I test things all the time.

What am I then?... a dude has cracked the code on a lot of what it takes to go fast on a bike.

I could force a bunch of my results down your throat, like the fact I've been a national champion twice. 

But where's the fun in that?

What's fun for me is when a cat like DH asks a question like this...

What kind of electrolytes do you use/ sell?

And I reply...

Here’s what I use:  https://pedalindustries.com/collections/electrolytes

I was in a hurry and should have added more... DH, I hope you're reading:

For all racing/hard training I strive for 300 calories per hour.  

Road/Gravel, I like 2 scoops of GQ6 in my bottles, and another 100 calories via Honey Stinger Waffles or Chews.

MTB, I get all my calories through the bottle if it's a short XC race... the flavor can be a bit strong, but the racing is so intense I find it impossible to eat.  A epic event like Leadville I'll eat more like the roadie above.

For adventures, I go with 1-1.5 scoops per bottle and eat as much as I feel like.

For recover rides, pretty much just water.

The other product on that link Salt Stick chews... and my hot tip for taking those is something I'll be sharing with the PEDALposse...

... check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

We're just launching the PEDALposse, I should let you know the price is going up soon.

 _____

163.8 lbs 
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3089585174

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

THERE'S ONLY 1 KIND OF BAD TRAINING DAY...

It's not fell and got a booboo,
Not rode too hard,
Nor rode too easy,
Not gotta a flat,
Not had to cut 'er short,
Not no one else could go,
Not got stuck in the rain,
Not lost Zwifting,
Nor any kind of weatherforced trainertime,
Not resting, if that was your plan...
... the only way, is to not train.

Today I rested, according to plan, and took a walk along the beach.

It also rained, and I loved that.  The sinisterside of me relished the thought of the locals who'd planned a big day staying off the bike.   

I hope that wasn't you... but, if it was maybe you just needed an extraawesome windandwater resistant KOM jacket?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/komglove

If that's the case, and you're the patient type, then I'd like to make you one of these awesome jackets. 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/komglove

And we'll throw in a pair of these gloves for free when you use this promo code: KOMGLOVE.

Go here: 
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/komglove

Use this:
KOMGLOVE

Who loves ya?

---

163.8 lbs 
Stretching
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3086679887

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

IT'S 650AM, SUB-40 DEGREES, FOGGY AND WET... I'm smartly outfitted in what some might consider pajamas.  I'm also late.  Going full gas.  Railing the turns.  Jumping curbs.  Shortcutting through ShoreCliffsElementary.

If I don't catch the crew at 705, I'm... How do you say in this country?...  Ehscrewed!... chasing 20+ miles, just to catch the even faster group.

So started the first 70 miles of my ride... of which I felt absolutely fantastic.

I'd woken up with pleeennnnnty of time.  PLENTY!.  530AM.  But, I was so groggy I completely lost track.

There was one thing I did right.  I got that darn PR Lotion on, and thick.  No, this is not a commercial for that magical potion... but, it is  a tiny lesson for me to check the source.

Last night I was skimming YouTube and noticed I had a few notifications.  One was from Tony and it was a nasty review on my review of said lotion.  It really bugged me, because I have shared the product with so many people and all results are 2thumbsup.  I tossed and turned all night, which is probably why I woke so early.  Then I had this genius idea...

... is he even a customer of ours?

No.

I'll leave it at that.

Anyway, that first 70 was pretty magical.  I felt really good.

There's a longcut on the ride called Old Mojeska.  It's a real kick in the teeth, coming after a lot of climbing.  Few do it, though I sell the hell out of it any time I do the ride.  It's very, very steep. 

It's smack in the middle of a 17.25 miles stretch with 2000' of climbing, called RR-Old Moj-Silverado.

I knew I was going good, and I'd done my best to surf the fast guys to the longcut.  Most of them went straight to regroup at the big oak tree.  I turned right with 2 bravecourageous souls.  We hit it as best we could, dropped down the other side... little Rayan, can't weigh more than 110 lbs, struggled to keep up on the decent.  We came around the corner, saw the resting group taking a smoke break... and I dieseled on.

They eventually caught me, and we worked hard to finish the last big climb of the ride.

I PR'd it!

But I don't want you think this is a commercial for PR Lotion... because there's a tiny lesson for you my friend.

All that climbing?... I felt strong and connected.

So get if you haven't already drop and give me 20!... seriously, do your push ups and pull ups.

Because even if you do succumb to my Jedi marketing tricks and in a moment of weakness purchase PR Lotion...

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

... you're still going to be a weakling riding around looking like a T-Rex... and we can't have that can we?!

Friends don't let friends ride weak. 

Usually I insert some sort of promo code to go along with blatant sales pitch... but this wasn't blatant, it was just me telling it like it is.

You know what though?  I really like telling it like it is... if you buy the lotion this t-shirt will ship free - you just need to purchase them both and apply this code: PRsRULE

We do a lot that tellingitlikeitis stuff here: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

Oh, I forgot to tell you how long and lonely the last 35 miles were of the ride...

They weren't!... because I fueled up, in remembrance of our Hawaiian Nana.

 ---

165 lbs 
Just stretching today
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3083723694

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

MY SWEET, SWEET MOTHER-IN-LAW passed away last night.  It was overdue, but we will still miss her uplifting spirit.

I rode alone, mistyeyed and laughingtomyself... all the emotions, reflecting on her influence in our family's lives.  These are the rides we all need from time to time, and they're best solo...

... stopping along the way.

---

Good things happened all day long, credit to her.

Scott called to say he'd received 2 bags... one should have gone to Alvin... which was great because Alvin called to say he couldn't track his order.  They live nearishby each other.

Nancy and Neal joined the PEDALposse.

Two new teams took the time to email me and let me know how lovely it is to work with designer Rocky.

... and Shane reminded me that he and Abbey and friends are coming over tonight to watch Abbey dominate on Ellen's Game of Games - it's finally airing.

As I wind down the day, I'm feeling very blessed to have known a great lady... her gravelvoiced husband parted long ago and I'm reminded of Johnny Cash's rendition of In My Life.

---

... a while back, she told us a new story...

I used to sunbathe in the nude on top of our house.

No!

Yes, I was always worried Momma would catch me.

Such a Wild Child!

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

If you're feeling a little wild, this is a pretty good place to start

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

If you've never heard this version Johnny recorded it just after June passed... it's an old Beatles song.

164.4 lbs 
180 push ups
6 sleepless hours
https://www.strava.com/activities/3079938325

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

I HATE DOING THE DISHES, and I hate doing pull ups.  Taken individually, they go straight to the back of the procrastination line.

So, how did I do 50 pull ups today?

Before I get there, let me share a few of the countless benefits to doing pull ups.

Posture.
Yep, you my deskboundstaringatglass friend will experience better posture doing pull ups.  I'm not sure if it's the actual pull ups or just the confidence one gets by being a badass pullupper.

Another...

Climbing powerfully on the bike. 
No more sitting back down in defeat after 2 pedal strokes - especially effective when combined with push ups.

More...

Sprinting speedily. 
Grab those bars and feel a bigbrawnyconnection as you unleash your mighty fury.

Back to my hack...

1.  Have a pull up at home, mine is upstairs jammed between a bathroom door.

2.  Do as many as you can.

3.  Unload some dishes.

Repeat until dishes are done and body is smoked.

Here's my breakdown - switching between palms out and palms in.

9-7-5-5-4-4-3-4-2-3-2-2-1 50

All that may sound silly,
or maybe you're just so dedicated already,
possibly you're in love with the T-rex look of many cyclists...

... but if any of that resonates, you really ought to check out the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

But, before you click over there...

My friend BC shot me a text: What's the posse all about?

Honestly, I'm not sure.

Should I join?

No.

Now why wouldn't a want a longtime, raploving pal like BC to join?  For the simple reason he's not sure.  If you're not sure, don't even hover over the link...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

... might accidentally click it, but if you're sure you're down for something different then join us.

---

163.8 lbs 
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3078456037

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

THERE'S A CERTAIN MISPLACED CONFIDENCE one can get with a high level of fitness.  I'm unsure as to whether it's healthy or not... I mean it is healthy, well healthy related... I guess it's just ego.

Before you go spiritualbuddhamystic on me... just admit it... you feel it too.

For instance, I remember - distinctly remember - when all the ladies were fawning over my massivefootballstar friend thinking to myself... Yeah, he's cool and has big manly muscles but ladies I can drop him any time I want on a bike.

Or, the time I compared myself to myself to Mike Tyson... Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth/I unleash my sprint.

One of my favorites was the time young Miles joined us on the Saturday Hour of Power... he was quite sure he'd stick it to us and I was thinking... you're sizing us up based on age and you're about to get a lesson in cardiokungfu bikestyle.

Confidence is one of Miles great traits. 

I remember how confident he was that within no time he'd pay me back on the bike - which he did, and I loved.  Better, I remember how confident he was that he'd overcome his visual challenges and turn them into a plus thereby pursuing his dream as part of the US Navy.

It's the kind of confidence that only comes with miles on a bike, or time spent on any endeavor.

The more dense the training, the more dense the the results...ConfiDense.

Of course another definition of dense is stupid, and yes I know it's stupid to compare myself to others... I still do it more than I care to admit.

Want more confidense?

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You don't even have to wear this shirt to gain confidense... just having it your drawer and seeing it is magical.

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---

163.8  lbs 
arms/shoulders/legs
8 hours sleep
no time to ride

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PART OF THE SECRET SAUCE OF A STANDING GROUP RIDE is always riding the same course.  We never detour, never wait and always start on time.

But, not today.

Our detour wasn't to escape the wind, we'd have slept in if we wanted to escape it... and let the record show, a wholelotta the gang slept in... those that were up for the challenge know that sometimes it's hellawindy in a race and a good thing to practice...

... and the rest of us, me especially, were there to say farewell to one of our ride's OGs, Backpack Kevin.

Most of the current generation don't even know him. 
Don't know he was one of the truly elite local MTB racers in the 90's. 
Don't know he used to join us on his work commute, with a loaded back pack and ride us off his wheel. 
Don't know his kindness and always happy outlook.

Jim brought a cake, I brought a TMWC tshirt, the rest of the guys brought their love...

... and that's what I cherish about this little social ride, the love.

If you want to share the spirit of this ride, check out this year's kit

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If you have a ride of your own and want to appropriate this design, we're down for that too...

For a few days, you can save 20% with this code TEAMTMWCCODE

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---

164.8
173 Push Ups
6.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/3071370443

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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THERE'S NO WAY I COULD WATCH THE SUPERBOWL without chips 'n Surfergirl's guac.  And things would have been ok if I'd stopped there.  Even better if I hadn't prepped my gord with giant apple fritter to get things started.  But I Suiperbowled myself all dawgawn day... topping it off with bowls of ChicBoomPop with every KC touchdown, such was the state of my handtomoutheyesonscreen coordination.

How much did I pack on?

The better question is how quick can I pack it off?

Before I get to that... I checked in with Littlepants on her progress with the Whole30 diet.

How's that working?

I quit.

Really, why?

I read a book that dieting isn't a healthy relationship to food.

So now what?

Now I listen to my body.

No help from my college kid.

So... let me be completely honest - I'm always honest with ya, just feels extra honest to say that - the only reason I know that poundage and more is coming off is because I just looked at the calendar...

... and in 7 weeks, it's on!

... 7 weeks is all it takes.

... 7 dedicated weeks

... focused on beating my nemesis!

Now, before ya go say... But, Diesel you said PRs were better than KOMs!... 

... I hear ya, and that's true, but for me, and possibly for you, it's a lot more juicy packing my own can of whoopass to beat a guy I know I have almost no chance of beating...

... in fact, it would be a complete miracle if I was within a mile, a mountain bike mile - which is a lot longer than a gravel mile and hellalonger than a road mile - of this cat, such is his godgiventalent and monklikededication...

... so I began this morning, with decent ride on my MTB... because it's time to go all in training the position... and I followed up tonight with pull ups till failure, which I'm doing between paragraphs here... and I'll keep doing it until that deadly day when I shall spring on said unsuspectingnemesis my viciousnastyhomemade can of whoopass..

... sure I could listen to my body like a sweet college kid,
or I can look at the calendar like the ragingdiesel I plan to be...

- here ends another episode of Crazytalk with TheOldDiesel

In honor of such crazytalk, I'm gonna be wearing this tshirt all the time

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

You know the drill, for a mere twenty bones you too can rock crazytalk

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---

167
50 pull ups
7.75 hrs restless, tossnturn, atetoomuch sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3068563492

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.

A FEW CARS AHEAD A LONE RIDER WAIT FOR THE GREEN.  USACyclng redwhiteandblue jersey, USACycling black shorts.

Is it a real racer?

Can't tell, looks like an oldish bike and wheels.

Sure looks lean.

Might be a real one.

The rider shot out Supermanlike, leaving now doubt.  We eased by a lane over, too far to yell... 

... Hey Andrew!

Yep, 98% sure that was Andrew Vollmer.  Known him since he was a stringbean under a giant helmet racing NICA.

I'd heard he and his friend Kevin Vermaerke were in town training.  Closing in on 20, they're both working hard to make it.

Fitting that this week I'd finally gotten around to starting PhilTheThrill Gaimon's book, Pro Cycling On $10 A Day.

If you've ever wondered what kind of life these young pros are living, I highly recommend the book.  Phil is a great story teller... sharing tidbits of truth and wisdom mixed with background info on many riders you may have heard of.

... I tried to write that paragraph above for about 10 minutes... let me try one more time... it's a helluva entertaining book for bike racing nuts like myself.

Which brings me back to young Andrew, training alone... Phil asks the question in his book, What is it about bike racing and loner weirdos?... my answer, maybe that's part of the superpower all racers have... being okay enough with ourselves to enjoy being alone?

Maybe we enjoy the peace?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/peace-speed-jersey-short-sleeve

I know I enjoy the peace I find logging solo, soulful miles... if you're the same you might enjoy them more clad in this jersey or it's wild child fraternal twin.

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Just for this week, we'll say buy the Peace or Wild Child Jersey, get the socks free use promo code: WILDPEACE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/wild-child-sublimated-sock

---

165.2
0
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3067040915

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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SOMEWHERE ALONG THE TRAIL MY SOULBROTHER PETE AND I misappropriated a line from The Man From Snow River.  There's a scene where the young buckaroo cowboy shows up the villains, and the allknowing wise old man says...

'Im n 'is 'orse are mountainbred.

Any time we raced, any time we rode on the edge of oblivion, we'd pump up with our best 'strailyun accents

'Im n 'is bike are mountainbred.

But, it was true. 

We were mountainbred.

It was all we rode.  

At the time, I didn't even own a road bike.  And it showed.

Everything was second nature.... jumping, skidding, turning, no-braking, ridiculous speed... it was easy, flowy and relaxed...

... and the climbing, oh lordy, the climbing was effortless.

But that was then, and today was... painful. 

The first mile or 2 of our 9mile3000foot time trial climb was discouraging. The position felt off.  The power, limited.  It was just a grind.  Not fun.  It had been too long.  

... what am I thinking proclaiming that this is going to be a mountain bike year?...

But, a funny thing happened on the way to the top... as Chris and I climbed and chatted about "life"...

... I started to feel better, I settled in, found my groove, and got a glimpse of that mountainbredness.

... the last 2 miles were exquisitely awful, perfectly terrible... a sensational sensation, confirming this very real fact...

... there is betterness with specialization, maybe not greatness, but clearly to get a lot better it takes a lot more focus.

The great Eddy Merckx encouraged piles of miles, to that I add -> on the bike you'll be racing... only then will it all become second nature, only then will I once again be mountainbred.

---

One thing I've always loved from my original MTB days is a superlite fullfinger glove... you know the kind you can wear even on a hot day, the kind that are so thin you forget your wearing a glove at all...

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I know we shouldcould and onedaymight increase the price on these by 50%, but until then you can get 'em delivered for less than 20 bones.

Crazy, I know. 

---

164.8 
0
6.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3063107998/segments/75976170969

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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I COULD BARELY HOLD MY PHONE.  My arm was quivering.  My chest was too.

What was wrong?

Should I be concerned?

... no.

I was holding the phone at just the right angle to activate the muscles I'd thrashed an hour earlier doing push ups to failure.

160 of 'em, in this order:

36-21-17-12-12-9-8-7-7-6-5-4-5-5-5-4-3–160

... all because Jeff Kabush said you'll never win a mountain bike race if you can't do 50 push ups in a row.

I'm getting closer, because Jeff inspired me...

You know what else is inspsiring?

Riding on a well organized team... if you're on a team, and you need a new canopy or just a new top... the pro canopy special is going, reply to this and we'll get cracking.

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---

165.2 
160 pushups
7.25 hrs sleep
no time to 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.

RECENTLY I WAS TALKING WITH MY BUDDY WHO IS AN UP AND COMER IN HIS FIELD OF WORK.

How do you do it, perform so well?

I get a lot of rest, plenty exercise, and purposefully relax my brain.

And...

And that's how I can be at my peak at for the few truly important hours of work...

Ah... peak performance, not constant performance.

Yes... exactly!

Makes sense.

Can't always be hammering on the bike.  Everyday can't be all out.  Not all rides, should be races.

One thing I do on my non-peak days to improve my speed  is give my drivetrain a some love with these 2 products:  Wend to clean, Smoove to lube.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

Takes just a couple of minutes, and makes a world of difference.  You'll easily gain 300 watts/kilo... well, maybe not that much... but when you hear that chain spin, you'll be confident in your ability to be a silent assassin.

If you're ready to kill it on the next ride, click here...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

... they won't ship free, for a mere 30 bones, forever...

... and remember, Peak performance, not constant performance.

---

165.2 
46 pull ups
7.25 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3058132343

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.

EVERY 20 YEARS OR SO I'M REMINDED of my first real commitment to flying through the air on two wheels.

There a I was, an immortal 9yearold in the back yard.  Tossed the shovel, ready to test my foot-high jump. 

Got up to speed,
Got airborne,
Yanked hard on the bars.
Too hard. 
Smacked my mouth.
Busted my lip and my new front tooth.

My uncle, the dentist, glued on a replacement for what I'd cracked off.  It looked terrible, but I didn't care.

At 14, the parents upgraded me.  New dentist shaved what remained and slid over a poorly matched cap.  I didn't care.

Couple of decades later a better matched cap, which finally gave out a few months ago.

Got my new, cap this week.

Sometimes I wonder if I'd not knocked that chunk of tooth off...
or if I'd not crashed my BMX bike, ripping the skin to my knee cap...
or if I hadn't spent my afternoons delivering 50 lbs of magazines by bike...

If hadn't had those hardships and traumas, would I have appreciated all the highs those two-wheelers delivered...

... would I still be hooked?

It's hard to know, just like it's hard to know why people join the PEDALposse...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

... maybe you ought to check it out?

---

163.8
Shoulders/Legs
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3054022297

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 OVER 16 YEARS AGO HALF OF OUR NATIONAL FOREST BURNED DOWN.  The result was a doubling overnight of the mountain lion population in livable habitat. 

Lions roamed the local golf course, peering at playing children.

I continued to do long rides alone in the local mountains.  Sure I'd see a big cat or two, but always from behind... they are generally very shy.

One November afternoon, I was racing the sun back to civilization.  While dismounting to wiggle through a fence line, I noticed a coyote up ahead.  Thought nothing of it.  It was about 1/4 mile ahead on the only fire road leading home.

Coming around a bend I could see it loping down the trail and around another turn.

Still didn't bother me.

At the bottom of a little climb I thought I might have seen it.

Closer.

Wierd, 'must not know I'm here.

Getting near the top, I passed the first single track and though it was a fun one I wanted to go another half mile to the better, faster trail.

I hit the brakes.

The "coyote" turned sideways, perpendicular to me. 

Fifteen feet away, it seemed to cover the width of the road.  Small head on end, big paws underneath, powerful haunches poised to pounce, and the longlonglong tail.

Eyeballs to eyeballs...

... LION.

In a split second I did everything they tell ya not to do.

Turned my bike around,
back to that single track,
up short, steep hill in the big ring,
skidding at the top to make the turn
flying over every rock and rut to safety.

Then I took a breath and thanked God.

A few months later I had an even more bizarre and tragic encounter.  I'll tell ya that another day...

... rest assured I went back to that corner and hit that short hill many, many times and never, ever had the need to brake at the top to make the turn.

Maybe if I'd been wearing these camo socks he wouldn't have seen me...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/camo-sock-sublimated

https://pedalindustries.com/products/camo-sock-sublimated

Of course, that's plain sillytalk... but this promo code isn't SOCKSTODAY.  Use it while supplies last.

---

164
200 push ups
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3051122304

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 PROBABLY MANGLING THIS QUOTE, but I like the idea enough that I just gotta share it.  And it starts with shares.  Specifically, Warren Buffet's advice against thumb-sucking when it comes to buying shares.  It goes like this...

If you are fully capable of doing X, do it... don't be a thumb-sucker!

Which I take to mean... if I've got good health, and I don't maximize it in this incredible moment in human history, in this free country... well, I'd be a thumb-sucker.

I reckon that's why I like to have at least one A race a year.  Something to really focus on for 6-8 weeks prior, and also keep me motivated to have great overall health the balance of the year.

... as time flies by, I want to fly with it - fast as I can,
so I rise with the sun,
every day,
and say,
Let's go.

Sometimes that means driving to a beautiful climb, and when I do that I bust out the world famous changing poncho

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There's no better way to change in public... and there's no better time than right now to order with this promo code:  CHANGEINSTYLE

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---

163.4ish
38 pull ups
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3048224741

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.

MOST RACES HAVE A RACE BIBLE.  Most racers skim it, figuring beentheredonethat.  Traveling home today I was reminded of the one time it really paid to read the race bible - it was only a paragraph or two.

I wondered if I could find the old crit course.  It had only been a hundred or so years since I'd raced it. 

It was in Goleta off a road with a funny name.

Glenn Annie Road... That must be it.

Yep.  

Found it easy.

The site of my favorite road victory.  

All because I understood the format and my breakaway companion did not.

Win And Out

What that meant was the first person across the line won, then everybody else did another lap racing for 2nd, and so on down 5 places.

The three of us drove up, Surfergirl with new baby Trev came to watch.  I was pretty sure this was going to be one of my last serious races, and I really wanted to win so I'd have the points to upgrade to Cat 2.

We met up with Andy and Lisa and baby Jasmine... and I'm pretty sure Andy did his own upgrading in a different race.

Fun times.

Back to the winning... these were the days of 100 strong fields and lots and lots spectators.  LeMond was winning TdFs, 7-11 pro team was the American powerhouse, and bike racing on the road was the big thing.

Enough drama for ya?...

Table set.

So there we were, flying around this loop with a number of bends and only one 90 degree turn.  A .7 mile loop - I measured it today. 

It was easy to get out of site if you could get away. 

It was also easy to get shuffled to the back, and the train was so long it nearly stretched the entire straightaway.

There were lots of preems (prizes for first racer on a random lap) to keep the pace high.

I was watching the lap counter, prepping to be in the right spot for the first sprint... the one for 1st.

With 2 laps to go, they gave out a $50 preem and this kid just goes for it... and I roll the dice.

I bank on the field not chasing because they'll want to save it for the sprint, and I put all my money on the other kid wanting the fifty bones.

Honestly, I'm not sure if I've ever ridden faster or smarter in my life... we worked really hard together and as we came around the bend to sprint for the money...

... I faked like I had nothing left and let him pull long and hard for his prize...

... he was gassed, done...

... I looked back, could see I had about 10 seconds and pinned it...

... to this day I remember looking at my Polar (a brand long gone)...

... 207 beats a minute... I felt nothing, no pain, I wasn't even breathing... it was amazing... 

... my favorite win, ever, all because I took the time to read the bible...

Now, before you get all preachy on my and say Diesel you should always read the Bible... just know I haven't raced without a thorough reading in a long time.

Which is easy, because I love reading and learning and sharing...

One of the places where we share what we learn is at the PEDALposse, and if you're into that sorta thing ya oughta check it out:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

A few more pics - Andy hasn't changed... and come to think of it, my hair is back to that style just dyed grayish

lots of easy bends... it was such a great course.  fast and safe.

---

164ish (guess)
no work out
8.2 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3046482524

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.

WHEN YOU LOOK DOWN AND YOUR COMPUTER INDICATES 170 bpm, and you're feeling no pain... it can mean a couple of things:

If you're barely moving, you're probably sick... go home, straight to bed, take your helmet off.

If you're really ripping, you're probably on a good day... try and keep your emotions in check, especially if it's early in the race.  Things can, and probably will, change.

Or...

... before we get to that, let me just cut to the chase.

There is one race around here that is tailormade for me... just enough climbing to hurt the pure sprinters, a longfalseflatdecent to discourage the pure climbers, and a 2 minute power climb to the finish. 

The last 3 years, it's be an A race for me and I've had magical days, but this year's plan is for MTB and I almost skipped it.

I'm glad I didn't.

A slew of really good racers aged up, and we had a good-sized group of 40 or so.  There was lots of probing and attacking.  I covered a few, until I started to feel some cramping coming on.

About 20 of us came into the final 2 minute climb, and I managed to get my self into perfect position on the wheel of last years' winner who was on the wheel of the best climber around. 1-2-3.

We ripped up the bottom, shed everybody and hit the flat before the final rise.  It's all big ring, and fast.

At this point my cramps hit hard and my legs seized up. 

150 meters to go.

1st and 2nd were gone.

Ya know the feeling when there's nothing in the legs and you're just begging them to turn over.  Pleading.  On hands and knees... and they just don't want to go

I looked back... the guys were coming hard... I looked down... the legs were cramping hard... I looked back... they're closer... I looked up... the line was farther away... I sputtered across the line.

3rd.

So yeah, the 170 no pain... I no idea I'd be on a fine day..

Once the delirium was gone, I pulled up Strava... had to know, were we fast?

The data show we hit the bottom just as hard as last year, 1:14... but this year I had nothing for the sprint.

The difference, the prep.

But, the only reason I got up that first section so darn fast and was still able to hang on for a podium...

... I believe...

... in my heart of hearts...

... was PR Lotion... I really do believe that.  

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

Have you tried it yet?

If not, please do... it's a game changer.  We ship it for free, and just for the next few days, you can use this code AMPSAVE10.  Trust me on this.

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Go get some.

---

164 (guess)
no work out
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3043071623

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'VE BEEN THINKING HOW RACING IS A SNAPSHOT OF LIFE.  Probably because tomorrow is the first race of the year and I'll be on this emotional rollercoaster....

Maybe that's why I like racing so much... it's one reincarnation after another, each with a chance of doing a little better...

...kinda like chasing PRs, which inmybiased opinion is way cooler than a KOM.

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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 PRsRULE and t-shirt delivered to you for $18.

That's right... get this incredible warrior t-shirt delivered for $18 with promo code PRsRULE... code expires 1/28/2020.

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---

163.2
no work out
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3039164791

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.

QUICKIES... we do custom bags for a team called Getting It In Cyclists.  I like that, because sometimes I'm squeezed for time but I still get the ride in.

Like today.

I knew I had a bunch a stuff to do, and I knew I wanted to loosen up the legs before the first race of the year on Saturday.

Laid out my stuff last night.
Feet never touched the floor, right into the socks.
Slipped on the clothes, slipped out the door.
Back in 90 min.
Outta the shower before Freddie could cry the final line...

'Cause we are the champions

... and champions figure out a way to get it in.

Speaking of getting in... a lot of my pals got into Leadville via the lottery this week.  Which reminded me I need to finish my book...

How To Win The Leadville Trail 100 MTB Race

The book covers the many secrets I've squirreled away after 6 successful BigBeltBuckle finishes.

It's the kind of read the Posse will get just for being part of the Posse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

_____

163
100 pushups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3036739174

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

THE COROLLARY TO YESTERDAY'S MESSAGE, using OPP (Other People's Power) to coast across the finish line first, is UFP.   

Attention wheelsuckers...

Racing using OPP takes great patience because early on we're all high as kites on adrenaline, caffeine, and a whopping emotional load of manifeelgreat.  

It's an art to hold back your inner Kraken.

For this reason, you must calm yourself and do all you can to look like idontgotit.

Got that?

That's racing... and just one idea on how to win.  It is not wheelsucking.  I mean it is, but it's purposeful.

Now the corollary, UFP and where to get it.

UFP is Up Front Power...

... and you get it by getting your buns to the front of the group...

... often.
... until it burns.
... and you wanna quit.

... then, you'll have UFP, which is what you're going to need to lead across the finish line when it truly counts.

Train up front, 
Race smart.

If you're into racing smart, ya really ought to check this out

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

_____

164.8 lbs 
Legs/Shoulders
7 hours sleep
no ride

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

WE ALL KNOW THE POWER OF O.P.M., other people's money.  Some of us know about Other People's Power.  Fewer know how to harness its magic. 

On Saturday, I'll be racing.  Most likely a road race, though the call of the dirt is strong....

My mobile mechanic stopped by last week.  It had been a while.  Before he got started, I could see this catatethebird smile... he couldn't contain himself...

I took you advice.

Uh... which advice?

About LoToJa?

Yeah, which part?

(I've given this kid so much advice... mainly because he listens.)

About not working.

Oh yeah... the old, Only lead across the finish line trick... and?

I won.

You won!

Yep.

This advice works exceptionally well at LoToJa - a 200 mile race across 3 states to Jackson Hole WY.  It works because:

1.  There are a lot of people who are all geeked up and can't control themselves, and they are more than willing lead for miles and miles.
2.  See #1.

There's just no reason to get in their way. 

You'd be a fool to steal their glory.

Let 'em have it...

... and for heck's sake, be the last one to lead (ie:  win the darn thing!)

It's not the only way to win a race, but it's definitely a handy skill to have should the situation present itself.  Just takes a fair amount of patience and fakery.

... I wonder if I'll be able to use it Saturday...

One thing I can use Saturday is my Wild Child Socks

https://pedalindustries.com/products/wild-child-sublimated-sock

If you're feeling wild, you might want to ship them to yourself for free with promo code: THEOLDDIESELFREESHIPPING... just do me a favor and only get the socks, well, unless you want something else to ship for free...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/wild-child-sublimated-sock

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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

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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

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