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THE CAVE
THE ANALOGIES we come up as endurance athletes can be so disconnected from reality because, if we're being totally honest...
... it's hard to explain to the uninitiated.
Let alone those closest to us.
They're things only we understand, and as soon as we hear it, we're like...
... Yeah, totally!
I thought about this today as we dropped into one our weirder family traditions...
- from 5 on up to 78
- wiggling into the openilng
- crouch crawling the first 30' in pitch black
... slithering down into Harris Cave.
Once we're far enough in, the lava tube opens up into a cavern, then...
... pinches down again for another cramped effort.
Before opening up to yet another cavern where we can stand and feel slightly less threatened by claustrophobia and...
... whatever might be lurking down there to get us, should our lights fail.
Which is analogous to ...
- forcing ourselves in
- adjusting and relaxing in the darkness
- before doing it all again to find out how far we can go
... the pain cave we all love and loathe.
===
165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
169/171/-11 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
LIFE IS PRECIOUS
TAKING RISKS these days ain’t what it used to be. Most of us live close to civilization. If we were to take a tumble, emergency medical services…
… would be helping us, whisking us a away.
Within minutes.
I thought about that, plummeting down a lonely dirt road in the middle of nowhere.
Life and death.
About 90 years ago, my relatives were working a sawmill they’d built (see pic).
A young cousin was manning a large log,
the timber bucked,
catching him.
His leg was gashed.
The others gathered to try and help…
- · 50 miles to town
- · horrendous dirt roads
- · no communications, no helicopters
… but there was nothing they could do.
He was dead in minutes.
Prior to stopping at the sawmill site,
I gotta ping on my cell phone.
Service is spotty at best out here.
Our daughter had gone into labor,
they’d easily made it to the nearby hospital,
doctors and nurses and all the supplies were ready.
===
Update: mother and baby are happy and healthy!
===
165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/168/-2 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE DIFFERENCE
KNOWING THE ORIGIN of things can be empowering if we can tie it into who we are and how we operate. But, in today's connected world...
... it's easy to operate unconsciously.
Asleep.
Which is why I've sold my rather large extended family on the virtues of trekking...
- no cell service
- rustic cabins
- tents
... out to the homestead.
Land my great great grandpappy lived on for 3 years to secure the title...
- where my grampa rode out the Spanish flu epidemic
- where my dad spend his summers cowboying
- where I spent a few days every other year
... over 100 years ago.
Some of the distant cousins still ranch,
most of us are city slickers.
Soft.
Unacquainted with the land.
How it...
- feels
- smells
- sounds
... when we're living unplugged.
You know what I'm getting at right?
The feeling we have when rolling with a group,
talking and sharing...
... because plugging in would distract from the experience.
Living.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
171/193/-23 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
LOOKING BACK AT TRANSFORMATIONAL
[as I prep for my A race, I thought I'd look back how I felt the last time I did it, in 2022]
IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but it might be for you. I came across this concept a bunch of times over the years. It never really sunk in until I heard it stated like this...
... I increased my volume a lot.
Yeah, we've all heard that. However, what followed hit deeply into my thought process and ultimately my training...
... It has been transformational.
Who doesn't want to transform their training?
Let me pause right here.
It might not work for you. The main reason is the timing of life just isn't right. For me, it's working...
... because I now have the time.
When I had less time, and less focus, a big week for me was about 12 hours...
... an average week, about 8.
These days, in fact this year, my biggest week ever has been 20 hours...
... the last four build weeks have averaged nearly 15, and 12 the rest of the year.
That's nowhere the 20-30 hours most pros put in. In fact, it's a challenge during this build session before Leadville. Frankly, I'm happy in the 12 range. Plenty fit...
... by making my average week equal my formally biggest week.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
In the end, it's about doing all you can do...
... a topic I cover in the 2nd chapter of my book.
Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
175/223/-49 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BAKING CAKES
HOW DO WE KNOW it's time to bring the high volume phase to an end, when preparing for the A race of the year? It's a lot like baking a cake...
... at some point we gotta put it the oven.
And, wait.
If we stretch out the build phase too long,
we run the very real possibility of over cookin' it...
... winding up burnt.
Crispy.
If we stop too far out from the A race,
well, then our training ingredients...
... might never rise.
Leaving us flat.
I'm sure there's some real science we could tap into,
or the wise voice of a trusted coach.
Barring those options, I lean toward...
- feeling exhausted
- not wanting to get outside
- residual, never-receding muskul pain
... as my top indicators.
I'm officially there.
Couldn't come at a better time.
I'll be spending an extended weekend...
- mainly talking
- hanging out
- relaxing
... at the family reunion.
Oh, that cake analogy...
... now is the time to give the training into deliciousness.
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
170/201/-32 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO BE STRONG
THE TOUR DE FRANCE took a big tumble today. Jonas, running in 2nd place, a previous winner and excellent bike handler failed to navigate a very tricky turn...
... and broke his clavicle.
Sucks.
Before the news hit, enlightening us all to one potential factor in causing him to go down...
... I was already thinking about why some crashes happen.
More importantly, why some hit the deck and shatter, while others...
... pop back up and keep racing.
My thoughts were self-centered of course.
The effort to do hundreds of...
- pushups
- pullups
- squats
... building up my body's ability to handle what is thrown at me, late into a ride or race?
It feels like it is,
as I feel in complete control 5 hours into a stout offroad ride.
At the same time,
am I putting body in a state where it is more likely to bend vs break?
These thoughts were going through my head as the skin and bones Jonas was clearly in massive pain.
Then, I heard the unthinkable.
After traveling hundreds of kilometers from yesterday's race to today's,
arriving very late in the evening...
... he was awakened for a drug test at 2am.
No matter what we are doing to keep our bodies in top shape to handle the demands of racing...
... missing sleep when we are already exhausted is a formula for disaster.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
174/228/-55 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY, IT'S ROUTINE
IN THE QUEST TO SQUEEZE IT ALL IN, we learn to develop and rely on routines. Do something consistently, and it becomes rote. Boring in the sense that...
... we don't have to think about it.
Saving us all kinds of mental energy, as well.
Here are a few examples that made today's ride, much better.
20 minutes into my 2 hour sprint to meet Smiley, I felt my rear tire losing a ton of air...
- added air with CO2
- noticed a leak
- plugged it
... took less than 60 seconds to diagnose and repair.
Thought I'd better text him to confirm my ETA, and noticed I'd left my phone at home.
Doh!
But, I have a reputation for being on time and it's routine for me not to wait, so...
- I pressed on
- arrived at Cook's at 9
- didn't see him there, waited 2 minutes at the trailhead
... and we blasted the climb together.
Mostly together,
he always starts out hotter than me,
becoming my top rabbit to chase and pace.
When I rolled up to the general store for my Saturday fix, 4.5 hours into the ride, parched and empty, without my phone to pay...
- popcicle
- Mexican Coke
... I didn't have to beg, because they know my m.o. and that I'm good for it.
And, that's just a smidge of routine evidence for operational mastery.
Carry on.
Oh, and in case your wondering...
- a mini tool
- 2 CO2s + 1 nozzle
- Dynaplug RacerPro (4 plugs)
... what's in my mini raceday bag.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
178/263/-86 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
PRUNE, FOCUS, EXECUTE
HOW WE ARRIVED AT OUR CURRENT LEVEL OF COMPETENCY is a matter of choice. And, that's the challenge. In a world where we can do anything...
... it's easy to reach the end of the day having done nothing.
We know better.
Starting with pruning the options...
- uplifting
- challenging
- beneficial to others
... leaving only the good stuff.
Then, we focus...
- attracting
- believing
- feeling
... with the blinders on, seeing only our end goal.
Executing daily...
... continuously improving.
Very nice you say,
but make it practical.
Ok.
Here's an example.
I really enjoy racing and riding my XC mountain bike.
Knowing that, I've built up a race-ready rig...
... and taken it to the next level.
Most recently, that meant rebuilding the suspension...
- removing the Brain
- replacing a bunch of parts
- and all new lubes and fluids
... which now is supremely supple and plush, fork and shock.
When we are unwilling to prune, focus and execute...
... we are in our comfort zone.
The case there would be comfort with absolute crap vs...
... demanding the best performance we can aquire.
Got it?
===
165lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/169/-9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY?
AT A CERTAIN LEVEL, the set up of our equipment is highly personal. The reason is simple, we are putting in a massive amount of time. And, the minutest adjustment...
... can muck it all up.
A lot.
Leading to anything from a niggle to a...
... Screw it, I'm done with this sport.
So it was with great care that a swapped out my cleats today.
They weren't completely warn out, but they were a little sloppy and replacing them now vs a week before my A race seemed prudent.
I scrubbed up...
- pictures had been taken of the current position
- the area around the cleats taped off
- tools and lube lay at the ready
... put on my operating apron.
The procedure went as expected,
no complication.
The patient was warned to take it easy the next few days,
and expect to feel some initial discomfort.
Physical therapy, in the form of bringing a torque wrench on the next few rides, was presribed.
Like the idiot I am, I promptly headed out for 90 minutes and a fair amount of climbing...
... stopping for many adjustments.
Got close to the old position,
gonna take a few more rides to reach nirvana.
PS... if this seems dramatic, or overkill, blame my dad burning this lesson into my young impressionable mind. his first lawyering job was as a malpractice attorney and the first case was defending a doctor who cut off the wrong leg.
===
163.6 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
6800 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/192/-28 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I SCREAM
DURING THE LARGEST BUILD PHASE, the miles and hours are waywayway bigger than our norm. It can be daunting, overwhelming...
... we need a reward.
Beyond kudos.
Something to see us through.
Which is exactly what I was thinking today,
halfway through what will like be my biggest week of the year.
Building for Leadville.
The route would be much longer than my usual Dirty Wednesday...
... and it hit my like a icy bolt from the Silver Surfer.
If I stayed on the pedals,
I'd have time to stop by the General Store.
A hundred year old building I usually only visit on Saturdays.
The point being...
... the always have the best selection of Mexican popsicles.
I was flooded with a memory of my dad, and his favorite saying...
... I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.
And that was all I needed to get me through the summer heat.
Today.
What will it be tomorrow?
165.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 110 push ups, 22 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 110 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/217/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS 'A' SUPER COOL CAT
MOST OF US DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY of the famous group rides. I'm not talking about the one 5 locals started a couple of months back...
... I'm talkin' the legendary loops.
And, their morphing iterations over the years.
I was reminded of how our heralded TMWC...
... took it to the next level by adding some extra credit.
Called the A loop.
About 10 years ago, Super Dave Koesel made a great suggestion.
We should add on to the ride.
Why?
So we have something to do vs waiting for the guys at the regroup.
It took us a few iterations,
carving our way through a neighborhood,
adding on two punchysprinty climbs.
Finally, we had it perfected,
arriving just in time to meet the crew...
... and keep rolling full gas.
Plus, since we had just started cracking the hour on the original TMWC, back then...
... now we had an updated hour goal.
We've hit it on the A loop multiple times,
even got closer than we've been lately today, 1:02:54 (for me)...
... could it be because Super Dave was back in town, after years of being gone?
===
ICYMI... Super Dave is an aero genius... Remember when 3T came out with their aero gravel bike, years before that was a thing?... yeah, that was Dave's project.
Here's a link to his current company... look to see top secret versions of these bikes at the Olympics.
===
167 lbs 12.7% (I keep telling myself I'm 10lbs over goal because of all the strength work, but we all know it's because
7ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
166/216/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT SONG!
WE AIN'T SERIOUS if we don't have a our own battle song. The one we can count on when...
... well, all the time.
Could be a playlist.
Mine, current fave for firing up...
... Born To Run, Frankie Goes To Hollywood version
On repeat.
Now Chuck shared a forgotten gem with me for raceday...
... Kickstart My Heart, by Motley Crew.
Surfergirl on vacation...
... Don't Disturb This Grove, by The System
To get pumped for motos in the desert the kids loved...
... Animals, by Nickleback
When I head off to the pearly gates, my beatbox will be humming...
... Low Rider, by War.
What's yours?
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
5900 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/181/-22 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT THE EFFORT THAT COUNTS?
WHEN TRAINING FOR THE 'A' RACE, if we're really all in, it's imperative that we prepare by doing the work demanded by the course. That means we have to nail the pace...
... we can sustain.
Or do we?
Lemme splainit.
Say, I'm training for a punchy event with lots of power climbs...
... short 1-5 minutes, repeating.
I could do intervals at a specified power output...
... or I could go for the burn I know I can barely handle for 1-5 minutes.
Or, take my upcoming Leadville MTB race, I know the pace I need to sustain to meet my goal finishing time.
Training the effort required...
... is part art and part science.
The science might say we need to put out an average of X watts...
- getting over a steep, short pitch
- hustling to catch a group
- tucking a long downhill
... the art is knowing when to go above or below the power needed.
Being intimately aware of the effort > callous commitment to pace.
===
165 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
163/209/-46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS POLARZING
THE DEBATE RAGES ON, whether or not polarized training is valuable for the unwashed or is it just for the uber elites putting in bigbig hours. To really get a grasp on the argument...
... let's look at from other perspectives.
Take marketing.
In marketing, we tout what makes us special, unique, desirable...
... while pointing out the enemies of our awesomeness.
For example, when it comes to bags I might communicate dome bags with everything piled inside are just complete trash and chaos...
... where as our RaceDay bags make raceday smooth, easy and successful.
In politics, the party we align with makes the others out to be stupid, incompetent and evil...
... where our party is full of benevolent geniuses.
It's the same with...
- religion
- sports teams
- abortion, climate change, guns, borders, etc
... topics never to be brought up at Thanksgiving dinner.
What does this have to do with training and us?
I'm just trying to set the stage....
- too much time in tempo
- not enough aggregate training
- inadequate or non-existent recovery
... polarized training has enemies, too.
I was thinking about that today,
because I had a great day with the fellas.
Here's how I set it up...
- Monday Z1
- Tuesday romping group ride, all zones all out
- Wednesday high Z2
- Thursday low Z2
- Friday Z1, barely tapping the pedals
- Saturday, 6 hours at Leadville pace with nearly 2 hours at threshold or above
... finishing the final ride, feeling pretty darn good despite 9000' in 80 miles.
If you disagree...
... then, I have succeeded in providing you some polarizing thoughts on polarization.
===
165.4 lbs 12.7% <- this blubber has got to go!
7.5ish hours sleep
600 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/241/-74 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S GOING TO BE HIDDI
TRAINING FOR AN EPIC ride or race is always tricky. It's so easy to over do it on the preparation when we want to be confident that we are ready...
... to go the distance.
Battle hardened.
So, when I put together tomorrow's route and added...
... It's going to be hideous.
I had to ask myself...
... What the heck are you thinking?!
This goes against my plan to prepare for Leadville this year by staying under
- 5 hrs
- 8000'
- 80 miles
... fresh and not torched.
Aiming for more power,
and efficiency.
We're going to over every one of those metrics tomorrow,
plus it's a group of hitters and we'll be hitting it.
Yes, I could pull the plug,
or just not show.
But, who are we kidding when we say stuff like that?
(Hideous rides call to my soul. How 'bout you?)
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/152/-1 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT WE ARE
LOOKING WHERE WE WANT TO GO takes great discipline. Not to be distracted by the lady in the red dress is...
... a skill that deserves mastery.
It's not easy.
Time and time again, ripping the course, we have to ignore the obvious perils and...
... stay focused on our goal.
Going as fast as possible,
error free.
Oddly,
limiting our vision to the best path forward is relaxing.
Calming.
Requiring less energy.
Ultimately, a heckuvalot faster.
So, we practice the skill all the time and when we have those Oh shift! moments...
... we forgive ourselves, and reset.
Perhaps the great Emerson said it best...
... What we are, that only can we see.
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/98/-8 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
THE SLIGHT EDGE
BECAUSE WE USE OUR GEAR every day, we don't always notice the performance is degrading. It's gradual, and we are...
... more concerned with our own numbers.
But, the gear matters.
If we remember anything from the dominance of Team Sky it's...
... marginal gains.
They matter.
Not necessarily individually,
collectively they stack and become game changers.
So are the marginal losses.
I share this as a cautionary tale.
While in Park City a few weeks back,
bombing miles and miles of sweet single track...
... my fork went from finicky to very funked up
My pal Chad helped me get it working enough to enjoy the trip.
As soon as I returned, I rang up the local suspension whiz Mike and gave him the situation.
He ordered parts from Sram to rebuild and improve the fork by replacing the Brain.
Simple enough,
and 7 weeks before Leadville.
Dropped off the bike Monday, planning to have it back for the weekend and continue to perfect my oneness with my steed.
Hey Todd.
Hi Mike.
We gotta small problem.
Uh-oh.
Sram sent the wrong parts.
Dang.
Yeah, it's gonna be another 10 days.
Is the suspension torn to pieces?
Yes.
Ok, I understand.
Now, here's the part we all need to understand...
- we need to stay on top of the maintenance
- allow plenty of time for parts to arrive
- and for the mechanic's schedule
... in order to have the slight edge we need on raceday.
===
165.8 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 125 push ups, 25 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 125 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/103/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
2026 TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE LIT
ABOUT THE MOST FUN we can have is upping our game for the weekly group ride. The good ones all have memorable names. Just saying them sparks...
... anything from fear to fun.
Like The TMWC.
A ride we started 24 years ago...
- 30+ riders every Tuesday at 630
- most wearing the ride's kit
- with an annual throwdown
... and is still ripping today.
Today wasn't any ol Tuuzdee...
- the regulars
- the outta towners
- the first timers hoping to hang on
... it was the unOFFICIAL 2026 Championships.
4 categories...
- Women
- U35
- U50
- U100
... racing for glory.
Bragging rights for a year.
The course has never changed, but...
- fullgas from the start
- even paced 'till The Wall
- saving it all for the Corkscrew finish
... the raceday never plays out the same.
Today unfolded with bouts of massive power,
dropping to conversational,
and back at it.
The only thing that was the same was Alessandro...
... pulling off the first Threepeat.
He was so far off the front the camera crew mistook him as some cat who happened upon the course...
... except he raced up The Wall with god-like speed.
Put over a minute on lil' ol' me,
and nearly everyone else.
Insane.
Priscilla crushed the women's field,
snatching longstanding, legit QOMs.
It's not all about the wins, though.
Juan was voted most-improved,
and Eric picked up rookie of the year.
These aren't participation trophies ...
... they represent outstanding effort, week after week.
Congrats to these cats....
Overall
Alessandro
Kody
Andrew
Women
Priscilla
Maria
Vi
U35
Andrew
Eric
Scott
U50
Kody
Drew
Alfredo
U100
Alessandro
Rob
Mani
Still reading?
Wondering how we pull it off?
Our 4 rules are key...
- Leave on time
- Obey the law
- Make a friend
- Have fun
... plus, always be inviting.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/2024-tmwc
Use Promo Code TMWC2026 To Save 20% On The Gear
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/100/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHO HAS THE BEST TdF ANALYSIS?
THERE ARE A LOT of professional pundits pontificating the particulars of each stage of the Tour de Frants. Then, there's the amachurs. Us handlebar hams...
... handing out our homemade takes.
Who's best?
Certainly it's not Velo's...
Jonas Vingegaard was left choking in Pogi's exhaust and came to the line two seconds back after the 1.7km hilltop kick to Les Angles.
... latest retarded hyperbole.
Cycling News' take...
A devastatingly-long and sustained acceleration by Tadej... with a two-second advantage.
... wasn't much of an improvement.
Jonas said it better...
It's a shame, of course. But when we started the Tour, we expected to lose time... so it's a good starting point that I'm tied on time with Tadej.
... and more accurately.
But, he's not selling ads for eyeballs.
My eyeballs and ears like to take in...
- Chris Horner for pointing out the knucklehead moves of the day
- Lance's podcast for the entertainment
- GCN's breathy and breasty euroness
... if I have the time.
And then there's NBC's crew...
- I do feel for Brent and TJ having to educate the unwashed with silly cartoons and goofy bets
- No way I could ride the sissybar like Christian or do the man on the course stuff like Steve
- Amid correcting, Bobke does a good job as the straight man
-
Phil may miss a few deets, but that voice is still gold to me
... collecting a solid paycheck.
Nothing wrong with that.
For actual, pure analysis...
- concise
- relatable
- insightful
... I think Tom Danielson does it best.
He delivers it via blog, vlog and podcast.
You're probably thinking Nice job taking potshots at people just trying to do their jobs...
... to which I'll counter, I'm grateful we have so many real human points of view vs the AI slop sure to come our way.
Links to Tom's work:
https://cinchcycling.cc/blogs/news/tour-de-france-stage-3-tadejs-boxing-match
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/81/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING
MOST OF US have a test course, a segment that is our fitness barometer, where we lay down a valiant effort, then upload it...
... to see where we're at.
Sometimes years of data points.
When we're prepping for the A race we'll hit it hard.
The results are instructive...
- PR'd it
- on track
- woefully wanting
... from elation to devastation.
Gratefully, it's usually good and confirming info.
But, what about when it isn't?
Like my Leadville prep test up a similar climb to Columbine...
- 1:10 in May
- 1:14 in June
- 1:15 in July
... which is honestly, quite discouraging?
The May effort I was waiting for my friends,
in June I was chasing all the way,
in July I went alone.
July's effort was the shortest
June's was much longer,
May's the longest.
Big takeaway...
... my fitness is going backwards.
So, find the positives...
- I'm descending better than I have since the TBI
- the nutrition plan seems to be on point
- the bike is nearly complete
... and make adjust ments.
I still have 7 weeks to turn it around...
- stop shredding my legs with weight training
- get back to throttling Saturdays
- stack the Zone 2 miles
... and I have some definite ideas on how to do that.
Will it work?
I dunno.
What won't work is quitting.
Thoughtful, calculated perseverance is always the right answer.
===
165.6 lbs 12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/87/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HALF THE FREEDOM
WE KNOW where the 50% mark is on the course. The distance. The estimated time it takes to get there. The food we'll need to arrive and...
... finish with good energy.
But, is that enough?
Knowing vs doing,
totally different things.
The first half of 2026 is gone.
For some, it flew right by.
Others...
- bored
- unengaged
- beset by challenges
... had a different experience.
We are free to stay the course, or...
- 10x goals
- Committed mindset work
- Severing whatever is holding us back
... recalibrate and blow everyone's minds (ours included).
God, bless America.
===
Nowza good time to crack that journal open and document the amazing things we've accomplished to date.
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
Let's rip!
===
164 lbs 12.6%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/88/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GUITY AS CHARGED
THE EVIDENCE IS OVERWHELMING, there is no defense for the flagrant violations of society's norm...
... we've got a problem.
And, we don't care.
It's who we are...
- city limit sign? let's race
- KOM within reach? let's race
- event 700 miles away? let's race
... we're constantly on the lookout for our tribe.
We rarely watch sportsball,
we'll watch a TdF stage start to finish.
We do find comfort in the couch,
after an absurdly long day outside ripping.
We do devour ice cream and cookies,
but only when the calorie deficit is irredeamable.
We aren't normal...
... we're race junkies.
===
If that resonates,
you might want this shirt,
which I'm pretty sure we priced wrong at $20.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
I'll fix the price after the holiday.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
===
165 lbs 12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/96/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BROKE OR BROKEN?
IT'S AMAZING what we're willing to put up with. I suspect it's just in our nature and probably why...
... we thrive at the endurance game.
We tune it out.
And, here's the dill.
Pretending things aren't the way they are...
... can be demoralizing.
Yesterday, I had my cracked front windshield replaced on the van.
It wasn't huge,
but it was slowly growing,
ever since our trip to Sea Otter.
Neighbor Rick came out to chat and asked me why I replaced it.
Honestly?
Yeah.
It was making me feel poor.
The thingaboutitis, if I'd had the rock chip fixed immediately...
... the cost would have been minimal.
Which begs the question...
... what are we allowing to languish and bring us (our performance) down?
===
166.4 lbs 12.4%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING ON PEPTIDES
THE TEMPTATION to tap the pharmacy is getting realer every day. Call it the effects of the human genome project or clever marketing...
... lotsa people on the train.
I've been surprised.
Just in the last month or so, some of my much younger (30s and 40s) and generally healthy friends...
- trimmer
- slimmer
- sexier?
... have let me know their results from peptides.
They aren't athletes who compete,
just dudes wanting a better bod.
My response is always the same.
Dang...
... I can't do that because I'm a racer.
I know...
- the likelihood of getting tested is practically nil
- the evidence of peptides disappears quickly
- the help they deliver is real
... but, I'll know.
So I push on in the land of...
- working hard
- eating clean
- getting rest
... and I'm quite okay with that.
===
165.8 lbs
7 hours sleep
540 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RIDE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU WOULD RIDE WITH YOURSELF
EVERY NOW AND AGAIN we get an insight that touches our hearts and when we try and explain it to others they just don't get it. Not their fault. We just need an analogy...
... we can all relate to.
Try this one.
I'll do my best to share the change of heart I had recently...
- a homeless woman sitting on the corner of a busy sidewalk in front of a food court
- people, me included, waiting for the light to change
- ignoring her sad, red eyes like they didn't exist.
... it wasn't my finest moment.
We're all rich.
I'm on a stupidly expensive bike,
but no cash on me,
gazing ahead.
Ignoring the obvious hurt and loneliness.
I was ashamed...
... of my inability to see the once beautiful baby at my feet.
What would it have cost to acknowledge her?
And it hit my heart so hard...
... Love they neighbor as thyself.
Finally I got it,
and I'll do my best to share it with you.
If we really loved our neighbors as ourselves we might...
- be a little nicer, kinder more patient
- genuinely ask how they are, if they need a hand
- we might hold the bar a little lower or a little higher, out of love
... not the awkward, stumbling empathy that paralyzes us.
Genuine desire to help others as ourselves out knowing that...
- if we were raised differently
- made regrettable choices
- had terrible experiences
... but for the grace of God go I.
It reminds me of my good friend Todd Darley, a better Todd than I, who always rolls out with food.
One day we're ripping up Mulholland with a spicy group, gonna PR it...
... and Todd disappears.
Where'd you go?
Stopped to talk to the homeless hiker?
What?
Yeah, wanted to make sure he was okay. Gave him a bagel I had.
Last Saturday, a dude in a pick up with a trailer full of tools pulled up to me and Chad and flipped us the bird...
... I laughed and asked myself Now why would I do that? Having a bad day? PTSD from cyclists?
I'll never know that dude's literal problem...
... just hoping this change of heart stays with me forever.
===
165.4 lbs
8 hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/91/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS THIS CODDLING?
WE'VE ALL HAD to face the unbearable hot situations. Sometimes in training, others in a race. But, that's the thing...
... we've all had to face them.
That's life.
So, when the geniuses at Velo led with Extreme Heat Could Force Radical Rethink of the Tour de France...
... I sighed.
Stop the coddling.
They're professionals.
Then Surfergirl chimed in...
- 2013 Tour of California
- 4pm finish
- 114º
... But, remember Palms Springs.
We started early and rode the stage ahead of the pros.
Dropping down into the desert floor was like riding into a giant hair dryer.
Oppressive and awful.
My son and I staggered into a 7-11 and chugged giant Slurpees...
... finally lowering our body temps to be able to ride to the finish.
The pros came in and literally collapsed on the sizzling black and gooey tarmac.
She had a point.
It was horrific.
After wading through the Velo clickbait I discovered the "radical rethink" just meant considering starting the races at 9:30 vs the typical much later starts that finish in the hottest time of the afternoon.
You know the real tragedy isn't the coddling, it's that...
... I won't be able to go for an early spin and watch the race finish live.
I'm sure I'll find a "radical rethink" of my entertainment consumption.
===
163.4 lbs
9 hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/99/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MOVING THE COMFORT ZONE
IT CAN BE PERPLEXING to know a truth from personal experience, to share it because we care, and see it not be received...
... because it's scary.
Like ripping downhill.
I have a few friends who are training for a big event with me.
There will be a fair amount of climbing,
followed by a fair amount of descending.
None of it...
- steep double-track
- wide open hardpack
- a bit of chunky rocky stuff
... will give most mountain bikers any trouble.
Unless we're racing,
really going for it.
Even then, most will be fine...
... but, they could be so much better.
And here's the headscratcher...
... I can't get them to ride much harder trails in preparation.
They protest,
avoid,
skip.
Because I'm absolutely failing to ride home the point that learning to rip more challenging trails now...
- steeper
- chunkier
- twistier and slicker
... will move the comfort zone.
Moving the comfort zone means we are...
- more efficient
- relaxed
- calm
... saving all kinds of physical and emotional energy.
While others bog down with Oh shift! moments, we can turn those sections into...
- recovery
- relaxation
- moments of bliss
... something to look forward to, and potentially gain/make up time.
If we're into that.
I am.
You?
(Where else are we too fraidy catty to move the comfort zone?)
===
163.6 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/114/-23 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BUT, DOES HE REALLY CARE (NOW)?
ON RACEDAY it's fair to say nothing else matters but the race. The training, the fine-tuning, the sacrifices...
... they're all coming together.
We need to rip.
But, when it's all said and done...
... should anybody, ourselves included, really care?
Take a dude I heard about...
- inspired and helped millions of cancer patients to believe they had a chance
- single-handedly lifted a dying sport getting legions to pedal
- operator of a massively popular podcast
- successful investor and businessman
- father of five children
... does he really care that he's not recognized as winning 7 TdFs?
For all you haters that are now triggered, the unsubscribe button is above and below.
For the open minded, contemplating our own mortality and personal achievements...
- family
- race wins
- inspiring and helping others
... what would you prefer?
===
164 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/93/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of The Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all things marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
INNOVATION THROUGH IGNORANCE
IGNORANCE AND IGNORANT are such ugly words. And don't even speak ignoramus. Referring to anybody with those words...
... is just plain mean spirited.
Ain't gonna make ya friends.
Yet, the truth is, many of personal innovations come from ideas...
- never heard of
- never thought of
- never been exposed to
... we were completely ignorant to.
Here are a few of mine...
- swimming to control breathing
- lift heavy, low reps
- sprints for power
... that have helped improve over the years.
The swimming one I came up with on my own when training for Leadville in the early days. I wanted to control my breathing and keep my breaths deep.
The lift heavy, low reps I learned from one of the great Phil Mafetone books. He only pioneered Zone 2 training coaching Mark Allen to become the most complete and dominating triathlete of his era.
Lift heavy, low reps was also heavily preached in the fascinating book Underground Secrets To Faster Running, by Barry Ross.
Sprints for power came from the awesome Fred Duncan, a premiere track coach.
The idea that we are born to be athletic and should treat our bodies as such came through loud and clear in Christopher McDougall's book Natural Born Heroes.
I could go on...
- crusty old curmudgeons calling me out
- lessons learned through experience
- defeats whose sting was wicked
... but that's not the point.
The point is we've got to continually expose ourselves to new ideas and concepts and experiences in order to...
... keep innovating and growing.
Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Socially.
===
1664 lbs
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/102/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE VISION BORED
VISION WHILE RACING isn't everything, but it's right up there with oxygen. We gotta breathe, we gotta see...
... to move forward.
I was thinking about that today while zipping down a twisty trail.
If I let my eyes start to focus on what's up close...
... my speed drops and I become much more reactive.
When I'm focused far ahead...
... I go much faster, slipping into a state of flow and things are magically easier.
The thing I was thinking about was my vision board.
Mulling over the things already accomplished, as well as what is in the works.
The vision board seems to work the same way...
... focusing on the outcome, not how I'm going to get there.
Some of you may be thinking Dude is nuts,
others nodding your heads That's right.
Either way, I'll leave you with this thought from King Salomon...
... Where there is no vision, the people perish.
===
166.2 lbs
8 hours sleep
620 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/108/-19 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TUCK AND ROLL!
AERO. The term is like a science fiction blob that oozes it's way into everything, eventually killing everything in sight and taking over the world...
... with no end of it's pervasiveness in site.
Can we escape the creepiness?
The thingaboutitis, once we go slip down the aero tube...
- positioning
- equipment
- apparel
... it's almost impossible to stop.
That list falls short of the whackiness...
- hands on the mtb fork crowns at Leadville
- hydration bladders stuffed in front of jersey
- dropper seat post for bombing road descents
... which actually works.
I was thinking about that this morning as I crested The Wall, about 15 seconds behind the leaders.
Pedaling till I was spun out...
- butt hooked on end of saddle
- hands next to the stem
- chin on the Wahoo
- elbows in
- knees in
... I assumed the position (I'm not a butt on seat tube believer).
Would I, could I catch before the bottom?
Being on my lessthanaero gravel bike...
- spun out with gravel gears
- rolling shallow depth road wheels
- rockin' a well ventilated KASK helmet
... I needed every aero advantage I could get.
After rolling up on the 3 in between the two leaders...
... we rotated, taking short and speedy pulls.
It took forever to catch,
all the way to the final curve.
I'm already thinking about next week...
- actual aero helmet
- clean shave on the legs, face, arms(?)
- and, yeah, gonna bust out the Speedsuit
... what else I can do to improve my aeroness.
On my previous road bike, I clocked 51 mph...
... today's set up shows 47.4 mph.
Tuesday can't some soon enough.
===
168 lbs
7 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs
89/113/-24 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CUI BONO?
THERE ARE A LOT OF DEALS that get cut on the race course. Some are obvious, some hidden. Many between competitors...
... for money, glory and pride.
The worst deal of all?
Well, that depends on Cui bono?...
... Who benefits?
Deals between competitors kindasuck, but...
- hang on for camera glory
- work to stay in break
- straight cash
... we can usually tell who benefits,
and who pays.
No, the most insidious deals...
- staying up late
- backing off the finishing sprint
- starting the new diet "tomorrow"
... are the ones we cut with ourselves.
Because nobody benefits,
'cepting our competitors.
===
167.4 (Happy Fatter's Day - sheesh!)
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
85/90/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY INSANE CULT
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
86/98/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TODAY WAS A ROUGHIE
SOME BIG TRAINING DAYS are better than others. The reasons are myriad. Which means when it goes sideways...
... it's up to us to figure it out.
Like today.
I knew it was going to be a big day...
- 7 hrs
- 87 miles
- 10,500' of vert
... on Monday.
There are only 8 weeks to get our Leadville legs, and me and Let's Go need(ed) to do some simulation.
For me,
today,
I just never got comfortable.
Never felt that feeling of being on top of the pedals and...
... smoothly moving like a Singer sewing machine.
It was much more like a broke down pumpjack one might see in the hot and dusty oil fields of Bakersfield...
... in desperate need of lube and love.
Clunk.
Clunk.
Clunk.
I've narrowed it down to a few things...
- going too deep on Thursday after solid Tuesday and Wednesday
- rolling the gravel wheels vs road wheels on Friday's BRO ride
- hitting the legs with resistance Sunday-Thursday
... and I should know better.
I'm gonna add to that...
- probs too much tire pressure
- def hotter today than our last attempt
- carrying a third bottle to be safe on hydration
... some I can control, some I can't.
In the end, I think it really comes down to not being sufficiently recovered.
On a positive note, given the fatigue level...
... we averaged 12.7 mph with zero drafting over a similar profile to Leadville.
Not bad.
Not great.
But, we can work with that.
Oh, and I'm feeling quite extra speedy on the downhills.
Time for...
- In-N-Out burger, fries and shake
- some good sleep
- and a day off
... to set the pins up to be knocked down next week.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
89/113/-25 per Strava (someone's tired!)
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT TOPSECRET SECRET
THE IDEA OF A PUBLIC DECLARATION is not new. Lots of people have proclaimed they will accomplish X goal and gone on to do just that...
... because it works.
There is a hitch.
The haters,
the perceived haters,
hating the idea of haters.
There are plenty of famous athletes who have made the call and fallen flat on their face...
... sometimes by knockout.
Which is why most of keep our plans secret,
denying ourselves the power therein.
I'm onboard with that.
There is also power in keeping our intentions unknown.
Wherein lies another hitch.
If we're posting our stats with the Strava lords,
that might be considered a passive-aggressive statement.
Which begs the question...
... if we're keeping our mouths shut, do we keep our training private?
Personally, I'm open book on that, except for my top secret racing agenda which scrawled in code...
... on my vision board.
===
164.6
7iah hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
83/84/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IMAGINE THAT!
WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, can ya even remember that?, we had tremendous imaginative powers. From games to friends to travel to faraway places...
... our lives were boundless.
What happened?
Did reality set in?
Did we set conditions on our dreams?
Did some kind old bag of wind tell us not to have our heads in the clouds?
The thingaboutitis...
... when we register for an event or race, all bets are off.
We've already imagined...
- the trainging
- the equipement
- the travel and accomodations
... to start.
More importantly, if we're really on our A game, and you and I are!...
... we can see the finish line, and exactly how we'll be at that moment.
Which isn't child's play.
It's actually...
- life
- business
- relationships
... how doers get it done!
As I'm writing this I'm reminded of the gloves I wore today...
and the shirt I'm wearing right now
This is gonna be a total marketing faux pas because we're neverever supposed to make too many offers, but...
... I imagine more than a few of you will want this reminder to Rip!
Order the Gloves, get the Shirt for FREE.
Use this code: LET'SRIP
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lets-rip-buy-t-get-gloves-for-free
===
162.6
8 hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
85/91/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EMBRACING THE BURN, DAILY/OFTEN
WE'VE ALL FELT THE BURN. Some of us love it, some of us hate it. No matter where we are on the spectrum...
... the burn is coming for us.
Is it minimizable?
Maybe.
If yesterday is any indicator, I may have stumbled upon something.
For the last few weeks, I've been steadily increasing my ATG air squats.
From reps of 10 to reps of 30.
If you haven't done them lately, or ever...
- standing
- to full "ass to grass"
- to standing
... it's quite a shock to learn our trusty bottom half may not be as durable as we think.
When I started 10 burned,
then 20 really burned...
... the last 5 of 30 were a massive struggle.
Back to yesterday's hammerfest, when the burn came on it was like my body saying...
... Oh, we're gonna burn now. Buckle up buttercup, I've got this.
Rather than pulling the plug at the onset of burn, I embraced it and powered on.
Best I've felt in weeks/months.
Now, I'll be the first to admit it could just be that I was supertapered going into last weekend's BWR UT and I might just be having a good response to the taper followed by the 3.5 hours of racing across the high desert.
But, even if that's the case...
... the burn of 30 ATGs feels so good.
Gonna keep upping it,
apparently 100 is a thing.
(yes, on top of split squats and probably bringing back box jumps)
===
165.2
8 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 90 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
85/96/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE TOOK ME BACK
IT'S REALLY HARD TO LET GO of something we love. The fear we won't get it back is legit. Yet, the opportunity of enjoying something new...
... is real, and tantalizing.
The known vs the unknown.
Once we move on, that thing we left behind might...
- forget about us
- reject our return
- change and move on
... it's risky.
No, Surfergirl didn't leave me or vice versa.
But!...
... I did leave my beloved TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships) for another ride: Wednesday Worlds.
The main reason, and it's very valid, waking up at 5am and rolling out in the cold, dark, pre-dawn was leaving me almost worthless for work the rest of the day.
The lesser reason, I was thinking the blazing intensity of WW would be a better work out.
Well, a funny thing happened when a downloaded the Tuesday vs WW data...
- significantly more time above threshold and VO2 max
- much higher average and normalized power
- and, the best, all my pals were there
... to smack me in the face!
For sure, it helped that the sun was up when I rolled out.
And, I was putting down power on the road vs battling dust, rocks and terrain.
The fellas were all welcoming...
... probably because they knew they'd dump me up The Wall and send me home with a good lycra whipping.
Gawd, I've missed this ride and these awesome cats.
===
165.2
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
84/83/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVE ME 10 WEEKS
HOW LONG DOES IT REALLY TAKE to get into top shape for an A race is a question we'd all like answered. For an Olympian, it might be years. For us...
... we might have a few months.
Or less.
Depending on when we sign up, and the vagaries of life.
But, let's just say we are fitter than most,
not as fit as some.
Then our focus will be...
- long climbs or power climbs
- slogs into the wind or a million turns
- finishing in ones and two or a ripping bunch sprint
... more on race specific training.
Given a good baseline of fitness, my general rule is...
- our bodies
- our equipment
- our travel and logistics
... it takes 10 weeks to really sharpen the saw.
For me, aiming for Leadville on 8.15.26, I've got time...
... but, no time to waste.
And, so it begins.
===
164.6
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 60 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
81/72/9 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: The Search, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PREPARATION/EXPECTATION EQUATION
DECONSTRUCTING OUR RECENT PERFORMANCE is critical for improvement. The longer we wait, the foggier our recollection. Details we were sure of...
... become memories full of bias.
It's natural.
Who wants to remember what went wrong, when we can glory in all that went right?
Other than screwing up yet another sprint for the line, nothing really went sideways for me at BWR UT.
And, if I'm being honest, Billy tested my legs on the overpass coming into to town. Whether or not he knew it, and I stayed glued through the the pain...
... I was hurting.
There are a few things that went really right...
- The chef's pasta the night before at Chef Alfredo's, with Danny and Lisa, was delish and just what I needed.
- The AirBNB I found at the last minute - a 3-bedroom house was perfect and the beds wonderful.
- The 8:30 start was a little too late to skip breakfast, so I went with my gut and mowed down a couple of chocolate Entenmann's donuts, half an apple, and a couple of cups of my trusty mushroom hot chocolate.
- I picked up Skratch Super High Carb and ran 6 scoops in my 2-liter pack and another 3 in one bottle.
- To stay ahead of cramps, I ate a Salt Stick chews.
- For the bike set up,
- Ceramic Speed chain held up really well to all the dust, even after getting doused with cold water by Smitty at the final aid station.
- The tire pressure was pretty low, 22lbs in back 20lbs up front. I rimmed out a few times over the random chunky stuff while in a paceline. That's always risky. But, I also felt like I was much more comfortable than other competitors who dropped off the group over time.
... the last was mindset.
Preparation vs Expectation.
I came in pretty rested having spend the previous 2 weeks on my MTB in Park City.
Because of the altitude, it was difficult to put in hard efforts of any meaningful time. Hours in the saddle were solid, but even a lot of that was spent ripping down hill.
I'd give me preparation a B, which was fine for a B race.
Knowing that, my expectations were quite low.
Here's the point...
... poor preparation with high expectations is a formula for frustration and a crummy day on course.
Whereas...
... awesome preparation with low expectations always makes for a fun race and often surprising outcomes.
===
163.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 70 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
82/74/7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
IF THINGS AREN'T ENDING UP as we'd like them to, the obvious thing to do would be dong something different. But, that can be a hard pill to swallow because...
... we're comfy and don't wanna change.
Hope isn't a strategy.
Or, a tactic.
So, even though I was hoping I'd be able to fend off the change with a few hundred meters to go at BWR UT, the mofo I'd been working with for the last 30 miles...
... stuck a shiv in my back.
There was nothing I could do.
Had no answer.
Surfergirl, bless her little beating heart, could see I was frustrated with myself and...
... accidentally twisted the buried blade.
What are you going to do about it?
I think it was an innocent, honest, loving, caring question due to the fact that she's seen me frustrated with something...
... then, draw up a solution and make it happen.
Truthfully, does it really matter if close out a racing effort by taking some cat on the line who I may never see again?
Not even.
What matters, to me, is that I execute the plan.
In this case...
... having something left at the end, to rip a fast finish.
The kool kids call that durability.
I call it having your shift together when it counts, which means I'll be needing to...
... wrap up long rides with sprints that sting.
===
164ish no scale
7.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/86/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THE RACE TOMORROW?
THE NIGHT BEFORE any race is not a normal night. No matter how practiced we are there's always something different to our routine. Sometimes...
... we just make it up.
Why not?
It might work,
or not.
Surfergirl keeps asking me are you excited?
I wanna say yes,
and I know I will be tomorrow...
... about a millisecond after we start.
Until then,
my energy tends to be low.
Not depressed low.
Hybernation low.
Lethargic.
Slothy.
Trying to amp me up, she asks...
... have you looked at reg to see who's going to be there?
That's the kind of thing that...
- if I glanced at it now
- the night before the race
- when I'm trying to chill and sleep early
... would def keep me up and tossing and turning.
No, that's not my agenda.
I prefer to...
- lose all hope
- ditch all desire
- punt all pretense
... and shut 'er down with my favorite pint.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/70/11 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOSTALGIA
WE ALL STARTED this endurance journey somewhere, likely not where we are today. Introduced by a friend, sometimes on purpose, others inadvertently. While we may change locales, and the friends become distanced…
… we’re still here.
In the game.
We may have the opportunity to go back to where it all started.
For me, it was…
- my roommate’s bike
- a finagled purchase of my own
- secrets of sprinting revealed by Bret, who raced track nationally for San Jose Bicycle Club
… in Provo, UT.
I rearranged my classes…
- to start as early as possible
- so I could ride every afternoon
- before cruising the library to cruise the cubicles in search of a “study” partner.
… because I had priorities to attend to.
Today I hit a climb I’d always wanted to check out, Cascade Springs, but it was a battered gravel road back in the day.
Now, it’s pristine pavement all the way up over 8000’
Followed by a plummeting descent that is as magical now as it was 40 years ago.
I’ve moved,
but, I never really moved on…
… and, I’m quite okay with that.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/68/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE TRUE PRICE OF FREE ADVICE
A WHILE BACK, I connected with the COO of a well-known bike brand. We were working on a collaboration at the time. I asked him for some...
... advice on what we're doing over here.
Today, we met for lunch.
Looked at from now to the end of the year,
the objectives I want to accomplish,
what I think is possible.
No different than...
- capabilities
- weaknesses
- peak seasonal events
... planning the race season with a coach.
After some yummy tacos,
and back of napkin calculations...
... we came up with a solid methodology to implement.
Like any great coach,
my friend made it so simple to understand...
... and gave me the confidence to go for it.
I was prepared to pay a minimum of $1,000.
In the end it could be way more expensive than that...
... if I don't take action.
It could cost me 100s of 1000s.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/77/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE SUFFERING AND EPICCING TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?
WE ALL KNOW that group workouts are torturous by nature. It's not a secret. Yet, we continue to show up beating after beating because...
... suffering loves company.
Alone, for most of us, is no good.
We won't see it through,
we'll ease up when we should be hardening up.
The bonds we end up forming are often unbreakable...
... we're in agony together.
Suddenly people who barely knew each other are fist bumping and ready for the next one.
What's the opposite bondforming experience?...
... when we're pushing geographic boundaries together.
Like today.
It wasn't the 90 minute climb topping out at 9160'.
Nope.
It was the 60 minutes of downhill...
- ripping through the trees
- sliding around gorgeous berms
- jumping rocks and roots and stumps
... feeling like we were cheating life.
Epiccing, like suffering, loves company.
We set off in search of adventures that will push beyond the comforts or riding around the block...
... the unknown and undiscovered beckoning to be shared.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/71/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COOCOO FOR CLIMBING
IF WEIGHTED SQUATS are a lot better than air squats, is climbing a lot better than riding on the flats? And, if climbing is better...
... is climbing with a weighted vest mo' bettah?
Things one wonders.
And takes to extremes.
I remember backintheday, rolling out with 100oz hydration pack on my back and 2 large waterbottles filled with sand.
It seems so silly now,
almost as all the ruckers.
On a bike we can measure power.
So, we know.
We know we don't need to stress our backs with extra weight or stupid add ons...
... we can just pedal faster.
Velocity X Force - Power
Which taken a step further...
... climbing aint gonna train us any better than flats.
We gotta put out the power.
There is a caveat, if we like...
- climbing big mountains
- ripping punchy stuff
- pounding the flats
... our bodies will adapt and become more efficient at the one we love and gravitate towards.
Me personally?
I'm coocoo for climbing,
and bananas for bombing.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/63/17 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HEAR ME OUT
SOMETIMES IT'S JUST PLAIN FUN to make fun of Velo, "powered by Outisde". Whether it's their clickbaity titles, AI drivel, or soulselling advertorials...
... there's at least one good laugh a day.
Here's my current favorite.
Stop Complaining About Sound, These Are The Best Headphones for Cycling
Roight!
Because decreasing our ability to engage with our surroundings when traveling 20+ miles per hour in our underwear on...
- trails
- gravel
- pavement
... is a great idea.
Genius.
Next up...
... Stop Complaining About Night Vision, These Are The Best Sunglasses After Sunset.
There is no best.
At best, assuming it's not clickbait or advertorial would be...
... These Headphones Least Worsen Your Ability To React To Danger When Riding.
Or, for the trailrunners...
... These Earbuds Reduce Getting The Shift Scared Out of You When A Bike Rider Has Been Saying 'Hey There' For 5 Minutes and Finally Gives Up and Passes You.
Now for you in the back jumping up and down ready to tell me to not be so closeminded...
... I hear you.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
>
POP TART POWERED, BEE STUNG... ATHLETE unINTELLIGENCE
SOMETIMES, we just gotta change it up. Do something different just fer fun. Go against...
... conventional wisdom.
I thought it had been a good week...
- 177 miles
- 17:26 hours
- 20951' of vert
... given I'd been knocked down by a 24 hour bug.
Mostly in the dirt,
mostly with friends.
Yet, every single ride Strava's Athlete Intelligence...
... scored it as recovery or recovery and endurance.
Apparently, the AI couldn't account for the fact this sea leveler was suffering at 7000-10,000 elevation.
Rolling out this morning...
- a few scoops of Envy
- 4 pop tarts
- 1 Carbs gel
... I grabbed what I had + 100 ounces of water.
While I hoped to put down some power, since all I'd done was "recovery and endurance" rides...
... I knew the truth.
Leaving with a simple plan,
ride until I ran out of food and water.
It was an epic day in the mountains...
... topped off with a bee sting in the gut a few miles from home base.
Memorable.
===
164
9 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ADVENTURE
SOMETIMES, the road really is better than the inn. We realize that whatever we are aiming for may not be all that great, but...
... putting in the work gives outsized returns.
Gratitude blooms.
Like today.
My pal Charles charts out this loop...
- 32 miles
- 4700' of vert
- topping out at 10,000'
... which seems really cool.
Until we hit our first massive fallen tree and bushwhack around it.
Then, patches of snow,
too long to ride.
Followed Puke Hill.
The view...
- The Great Salt Lake to the west
- Park City to the East
- Not a soul around
... stunning.
Somehow the goals seem weak, lacking...
... when beauty abounds.
If we'll just stop to look.
===
165ish, no scale
7ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN TRAINING ISN'T ACCORDING TO PLAN
THE BEST LAID PLANS can go sideways for a variety of reasons. I'm not gonna list 'em since I don't want to poison your mind and have you...
... manifesting awfulness.
'Cause I'm questioning just that about myself.
Did I manifest...
- 3 days off at I Do Epic
- riding with friends short on time
- puking my guts out last night after a miserable 70 minute ride
... or, is it just life?
Doesn't matter too much,
except part of my GrandMasterRipOnRaceDay plan...
... was a massive training week this week to make up for last week
and leave me slightly buried for BWR next week.
I consulted AI all night...
- possibly caused by using pure table sugar on my rides
- hydration via room temp peppermint tea
- a few Tums
... while Surfergirl laughed at me and secured the remedy.
Arose after 10 hours, feeling a lot better.
Energy seems good enough to day...
... to meet up with the local slayers.
The prudent thing would be to skip the meet up,
spin at most, or sleep...
... a proper adjustment.
But, screw it...
... I've got plans, too.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/57/22 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
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.
BROWN v LASAGNA
Nov 30, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THIS IS KINDA GROSS, but it's true.
After losing the battle at LeBigfamilyholidaydinner #1, aka Thanksgiving, I noticed a new way to measure my blubber.
Rather than hop on the scale, I just stare at my belly button. What was once a button hole is now more like a sink hole.
To think, a year ago I was the lightest I'd been in decades. I even set a PR up The Wall.
Now, I'm a tired slug.
I keep telling myself, Oh it's all the weights you've been liftin', all the pull ups and push ups.
But, then I see it.
Staring at me in the mirror.
Like a mini mouth... feed me, feed me, feed me, feed me.
Well, just like Carroll Shelby in Ford vs Ferrari, I'm heading back to LeBigfamilyholidaydinner in 4 weeks. And I'm brining a Ken Miles attitude with me... we're gonna start chucking parts overboard!
First up... politely let my stillvisiting mom know that candy all over the place has gotta go.
Second... Surfergirl is outta town for a week so that should curb my enthusiasm for lasagna at 9pm.
Third... more water, got off that somehow.
Fourth... wear more clothes on and off the bike. I have this unproven, psuedo-science theory that if I get cold my body wants to fatten up. And, it has been cold lately especially in our warehouse.
Fifth... remind myself, it's okay to be a little hungry for a few days because soon my tummy will shrink and that feeling will go away.
Sixth... go ride Swami's next Saturday and get dropped, which will get me ticked off, especially when Andy is singing while I'm seeing stars.
Seventh... is there a better gift to give myself this year than waking up on 1/1/20 knowing I won't have some stupid NY resolution like turning my sink hole into a button hole?
---
I guess this means I really gotta ride with purpose... probably a lot of zone 2, the sinkholefilling kinda pace.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gott-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
_____
166.2 lbs
0 pull ups/0 push ups
6 hours sleep - I know, but that movie was so good last night
https://www.strava.com/activities/2902386654
Ride with us: click for info.
WORST SON EVER
Nov 29, 2019
by TODD BROWN
BE CAREFUL, IT'S WET OUT THERE! said the voice in my head.
It's hard to shed the mom's voice... at any age.
But, it wasn't in my head...
... her concerned pronouncement shrieked down from her room... in our home.
Shyte!... next thing I knew I was wondering if my jersey matched my bib and if I needed to get her permission to be home late after playing at the office all day.
... and worst thing is... she's going to read this between now and the time I get home from tomorrow's ride. She reads them all. She's my No. 1 fan for heck's sake.
I'm doomed.
Which only means I'm going to ride even crazier, and be home later.
Just kidding, because...
Our daughter also has a room at our AirBNB... which she will be vacating at approximately 2pm to drive back to school - 2 states away.
... ya know what I'm gonna say...
Be careful... blah, blah, blah.
---
Can't wait to load up my new Wild Child RaceDay bag... they're in production now.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
It's gonna go perfect with the kit... and I don't even need my mama to help me pick it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
_____
165 lbs
20 pull ups/60 push ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2900172782
Ride with us: click for info.
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