AFTER SUNDAY'S RACE, BWR CA, I swore I'd take a really good break. Stay off the bike, until at least Thursday, because I knew I was...

... exhausted and mentally burned.

This morning's excuse to break my vow was really good...

... had to drop the van off to be serviced.

And, you know, that required riding my bike home.

Surely, 30 minutes of spinning would be okay.

Was it?

I mean, the legs felt like doodoo.

Here's the real problem...

• our minds need to relax, get away from the grind
• our bodies need the physical work
• our days are organized
  

 ... we've built a routine optimized for life.

The withdrawals were killing me.

Out I went at sunset...

... with no plan but to pedal some, and coast more.

===

165.7 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
93/16 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

PRETTY GOOD FOR ME,
is not good enough.

Only knowing there was nothing left to give,
is satisfying.

Reaching for the furthest star,
is true north.

Latent talents disgust me, I demand all God has given me be uncovered,
activated and deployed.

Anything less than everything,
is failure.

I define my wins not by others, or trophies,
but by my own golden standard.

I'm in pursuit of impossible.

===

164.7 lbs
7 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/5 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT for cycling, because Shimano and the city teamed up to put in a pump track. We went over tonight with the littles, thinking there would be a few kids...

... it was mayhem.

10 kids, more like a 100!

What's the best path to...

• fun
• skills
• power

... hands down, it's BMX!

Heck, that's how I started...

• riding to school
• popping wheelies
• jumping everything in site
  

... making all kinds of friends...

• comparing scabs and scars
• daring each other to ridiculous stunts
• taking apart and sanding and painting the frames

... bonds that remain unbroken to this day.

As the great Elvis Costello said...

Pump it up until you can feel it,
Pump it up when you don't really need it. 

---

166.7 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
96/-7 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

 

THE THOUGHT OF RACING TODAY was underwhelming. Sleeping in, watching Liege-Bastogne-Liege, taking a lazy beach walk with Surfergirl, making pancakes...

... anything, but clipping in and pounding the pedals.

Watts up?

Surely, it's not...

• Rock Cobbler in Feb
• BWR AZ in Mar
• Cactus Cup in Mar
• Sea Otter in Apr
• BWR CA today

... racing my Classics season?

I know it wears the pros down,
but not me?

I was flat before we even got going.

When I got a flat with 15 miles to go...

... I was so tempted to call for help.

Good thing I don't race with a phone.

I'm sharing this part, because it could happen to you.

So, I'm in a good group, with Carlitos and Kristen Smith.

We're moving.

Then I hit a rock, at speed...

... all the way to the rim.

Tire starts losing pressue.

Ugh!

I stop.

No signs of sealant or a punchture.

Hmmm?

Give it a CO2...

... all the air just blows right.

Give it another, my last...

... same darn thing.

I have just enough that I can ride very slowly.

I find one of those public tool stations, with a pump.

Yes!

Attach it.

Nothing in...

... all remaining air out.

I'm dead.

A good dude pulls up to loan me his pump, only he hasn't used it in years and can't remember how it works.

I should stayed in bed.

A few minutes later, the great Nate Adams comes blasting by.

I hollar.

He stops.

Gives me 2 CO2s.

I go for it.

Tire seals perfectly.

What happened?

I think I hit that rock so hard it broke the bead free keeping it from sealing properly...

... until all the air pressure was removed.

It remained sealed the rest of the ride.

Where's the lesson?

I need...

• rest
• a break
• time off

... to remove the pressure.

Once that's done...

... I can quickly get back up to speed.

View Details

HAULING DOWN THE FREEWAY to get to the BWR Expo this morning, I realized I've become hellaborring. And, I think it might be true for the simple fact...

... I'm laser focused on so few things.

So you can imagine the thrill talking to real people, in real life... 

... about atheism.

Because, here's sitch.

I can go all day about... 

• endurance sports
• building a brand
• my familiy
• religion

... my convictions, not necessarily in that order.

As a wise man once said...

One person's convictions,
are just boring as heck to everyone else.

This truly might be one of the greatest challenges we face by spending...

... so much time alone, training.

Especially, for those addicted to filling our remaining free time with scrolling, or binging YouFlix.

Our chances to connect deeply with others are fleeting.

So, there I am catching up with Carlitos, talking about his mother's passing, my brush with death last year, the miracles of our children.

And, he says it.

I'm atheist.

Really? 

We dove into the how, where, who, what, where and why of his conversion.

Fascinating.

No God?

Well, I believe in a higher power.

Ok, that might not be atheism?

Yes, but, it's where I am.

It was a great conversation between to brothers of the endurance faith.

Then, no joke, the couple in the spot next to me in the expo comes over and we're sitting there talking about the day.

Somehow, atheism comes up again.

Oh, yeah, I was raised a Catholic, but it wasn't working for me because it didn't make logical sense.

Now, this cat, is about the same age as our oldest, so it was really interesting to get his younger take on religion in general, and God specifically.

So, no God?

Nope.

But what about the sunrise, an old growth forest, a child's first breath?

It doesn't add up to God, for me.

Each of these conversations, were at least an hour long.

Respectful.
Honest.
Raw.

The first time in quite a while I haven't felt boring,
or been bored.

I'll tell ya this, though.

My guess is each of us, probably on the terrible hike-a-bike after 55 grueling miles...

... would like to have the hand of God give us a good push.

===

165.5 (carb loading)
8 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/5 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE THOUGHT OF RACING TODAY was underwhelming. Sleeping in, watching Liege-Bastogne-Liege, taking a lazy beach walk with Surfergirl, making pancakes...

... anything, but clipping in a pounding the pedals.

Watts up?

Surely, it's not...

• Rock Cobbler in Feb
• BWR AZ in Mar
• Cactus Cup in Mar
• Sea Otter in Apr
• BWR CA today

... racing my own Classics season?

I know it wears the pros down,
but not me?

I was flat before we even got going.

When I got a flat with 15 miles to go...

... I was so tempted to call for help.

Good thing I don't race with a phone.

I'm sharing this part, because it could happen to you.

So, I'm in a good group, with Carlitos and Kristen Smith.

We're moving.

Then I hit a rock, at speed...

... all the way to the rim.

Tire starts losing pressue.

Ugh!

I stop.

No signs of sealant or a punchture.

Hmmm?

Give it a CO2...

... all the air just blows right.

Give it another, my last...

... same darn thing.

I have just enough that I can ride very slowly.

I find one of those public tool stations, with a pump.

Yes!

Attach it.

Nothing in...

... all remaining air out.

I'm dead.

A good dude pulls up to loan me his pump, only he hasn't used it in years and can't remember how it works.

I should stayed in bed.

A few minutes later, the great Nate Adams comes blasting by.

I hollar.

He stops.

Gives me 2 CO2s.

I go for it.

Tire seals perfectly.

What happened?

I think I hit that rock so hard it broke the bead free keeping it from sealing properly...

... until all the air pressure was removed.

It remained sealed the rest of the ride.

Where's the lesson?

I need...

• rest
• a break
• time off

... to remove the pressure.

Once that's done...

... I can quickly get back up to speed.

View Details

HAULING DOWN THE FREEWAY to get to the BWR Expo this morning, I realized I've become hellaborring. And, I think it might be true for the simple fact...

... I'm laser focused on so few things.

So you can imagine the thrill talking to real people, in real life... 

... about atheism.

Because, here's the sitch.

I can go all day about... 

• endurance sports
• building a brand
• my familiy
• religion

... my convictions, not necessarily in that order.

As a wise man once said...

One person's convictions,
are just boring as heck to everyone else.

This truly might be one of the greatest challenges we face by spending...

... so much time alone, training.

Especially, for those addicted to filling our remaining free time with scrolling, or binging YouFlix.

Our chances to connect deeply with others are fleeting.

So, there I am catching up with Carlitos, talking about his mother's passing, my brush with death last year, the miracles of our children.

And, he says it.

I'm atheist.

Really? 

We dove into the how, where, who, what, where and why of his conversion.

Fascinating.

No God?

Well, I believe in a higher power.

Ok, that might not be atheism?

Yes, but, it's where I am.

It was a great conversation between to brothers of the endurance faith.

Then, no joke, the couple in the spot next to me in the expo comes over and we're sitting there talking about the day.

Somehow, atheism comes up again.

Oh, yeah, I was raised a Catholic, but it wasn't working for me because it didn't make logical sense.

Now, this cat, is about the same age as our oldest, so it was really interesting to get his younger take on religion in general, and God specifically.

So, no God?

Nope.

But what about the sunrise, an old growth forest, a child's first breath?

It doesn't add up to God, for me.

Each of these conversations, were at least an hour long.

Respectful.
Honest.
Raw.

The first time in quite a while I haven't felt boring,
or been bored.

I'll tell ya this, though.

My guess is each of us, probably on the terrible hike-a-bike after 55 grueling miles...

... would like to have the hand of God give us a good push.

===

165.5 (carb loading)
8 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/5 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

HAULING DOWN THE FREEWAY to get to the BWR Expo this morning, I thought a rather strange thought. And, I think it might be true for the simple fact...

... I'm laser focused on so few things.

I'm boring.

So you can imagine the thrill get to talk to real people, in real life... 

... about atheism.

Because, here's sitch.

I can talk all day about...

• endurance sports
• building a brand
• my familiy
• religion

... my convictions, not necessarily in that order.

As a wise man once said...

One person's convictions,
are just boring as heck to everyone else.

This truly might be one of the greatest challenges we face by spending...

... so much time alone, training.

Especially, for those addicted to filling our remaining free time with scrolling, or binging YouFlix.

Our chances to connect deeply with others are fleeting.

So, there I am catching up with Carlitos, talking about his mother's passing, my brush with death last year, the miracles of our children.

And, he says it.

I'm atheist.

Really? 

We dove into the how, where, who, what, where and why of his conversion.

Fascinating.

No God?

Well, I believe in a higher power.

Ok, that might not be atheism?

Yes, but, it's where I am.

It was a great conversation between to brothers of the endurance faith.

Then, no joke, the couple in the spot next to me in the expo comes over and we're sitting there talking about the day.

Somehow, atheism comes up again.

Oh, yeah, I was raised a Catholic, but it wasn't working for me because it didn't make logical sense.

Now, this cat, is about the same age as our oldest, so it was really interesting to get his younger take on religion in general, and God specifically.

So, no God?

Nope.

But what about the sunrise, an old growth forest, a child's first breath?

It doesn't add up to God, for me.

Each of these conversations, were at least an hour long.

Respectful.
Honest.
Raw.

The first time in quite a while I haven't felt bored,
or been bored.

I'll tell ya this, though.

My guess is each of us, probably on the terrible hike-a-bike after 55 grueling miles...

... would like to have the hand of God give us a good push.

===

165.5 (carb loading)
8 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/5 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BWR CA, is the 3rd event we've sponsored this year, after Rock Cobbler and Cactus Cup. Over the years, my motivation to be involved in the sport this way...

... has evolved.

Why do companies sponsor events?, is one question.

But, I'm more interested in your thoughts.

What you, as a participant...

• want
• expect
• count on 

... from your sponsors.

Do you want to see the latest and greatest products and services?

Are you wondering how much the promotor must be making from the sponsor money?

Is getting free shwag a draw?

Maybe it's just connecting better with the company?

If you didn't get a chance to see our Instagram post about the course today...

... the first sector is legit rocky, and will test your bike handlings skills.

I rode it.

My fat, 45mm gravel tires.

26 lbs up front, 28 in back.

Still very jarring.

I'm probably going to stick with that, even though the start will be a very fast and rolling climb.

Yeah, I know when we hit the dirt...

• chunky gravel
• to steepish single track
• then steep rocky climbing

 ... around mile 9 it will be decisive.

I'm will to risk slilding back some spots for two reasons:

• a lotta cats gonna explode on the dirt climb
• I'd rather be comfortable and in control over the long haul

.... worth it?

We'll find out.

Come by the canopy and we'll compare notes.

===

164.5
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
0 minutes Reading/Journaling
96/1 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S NOT ENOUGH to monitor our heart rate and the amount of power we're putting out. There's more...

... we need to be aware of.

Yes, more than watching our competitors,
and surveying of our surroundings.

Here are my top 3...

• time
• miles
• heart rate

... for BWR CA.

Heart rate, because if I'm alone - which happens almost always in gravel racing - I need to know how much I can demand my body.

Miles, because I will attach white tape with each climb's pinnacle, so I know how long I need to push to reach the next downhill.

Time, because I want to stay on top of my nutrition, and for me that means 400 calories/hour.

The rest...

• speed
• power
• cadence

... are meaningless once the flag drops.

At least, 
that's my plan.

===

163.1
8.2 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
97/-3 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TO TRULY MAXIMIZE our speed racing offroad, we must excel at bike handling skills. What ever differences we might see in road speed, cornering for example, is...

... multiplied offroad.

A split second lost leaning through a turn on pavement...

• slippery
• uneven
• rocky

... can turn into seconds in the dirt.

Consequently, the easy sprint to close the gap on the road, while taxing,
might never be closed on the dirt.

Now a lot of YouTubeGurus spout off a zillion different choices...

... depending on the make up of the soil.

You know what I think about that?

Selecting a tire that works really well in almost every case is way better than...

... the brain damage caused by picking 10 tires.

Why?

Because getting to know one tire over all kinds of terrain...

... is a sure thing.

===

163.7
8.2 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
98/0 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MY LOCAL MECHANIC is really good. If something's broke, he will fix it quickly and get me back on the road. Which is a good thing because...

... I needed to get my baby in n outta there this week.

Race comin' up.

In prep, I swapped out my brake pads.

They were pretty smoked.

Normally...

• pop 'em out
• new ones in
• align

... it's no big deal.

Until yesterday,
no matter what I did,
the dawgawn things kept dragging.

After...

• sweating
• swearing
• swearing some more

... I hustled over, and begged.

Could I have just had him quickly swap out the brakes to begin with...

... instead of making it more difficult and time consuming?

Sure.

But where's the fun in that,
for me?

And, where's the profit in that,
for him?

===

164.7
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
97/0 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

 

THE GREAT JIM COLLINS enlightened the business world to the BHAG - the Big Hairy Audacious Goal. I'd like to advance that a little further to...

... the ARG.

The Absurd Race Goal. 

You wanna know why?

Actually, a better question is...

... what is so great about an ARG?

Well just the fact that...

• it seems impossible
• nobody believes we can do it
• there's a possibility we might die trying

... makes it seem absurd.

To outsiders.

Not to us.

Because we'll have to...

• radically change our training
• dynamically improve our equipment
• reject anything that takes us off mission

... it's an irresistible challenge.

Anything less isn't going to...

... inspire us to reach further than ever before.

===

166.3
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
98/-20 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO WIN a race. Some more honorable than others. But, If winning is all that matters, then... 

... might as well study this master class.

Amstel Gold 2025.

The winner,
was not the favorite.

The top 2 favorites,
were alone to contest the victory.

One problem.

The third guy, the favorites disrespected, was...

• feigning exhaustion
• acting submissive
• preparing to pounce

... had plans of his own.

In a nutshell, Skjelmose' one heroic move was to make the effort to chase down #1 favorite Tadej, and in the process drew out #2 favorite Remco.

Once teamed up with Remco,
he held back, going so far as asking Remco to slow down.

With Remco doing most of the work,
they caught Tadej.

In a final display of great acting, 
he cowered behind the two great champions.

While they're busy sprinting it out for the win...

.... Skelmose magically has way more power than the two best riders in the world and snags the win.

Sometimes...

... the best actor wins the race.

===

166.8
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
98/-20 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

 

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF RACERS in the world, and we can be friends with both. Today, I lucked out and rode with the kind that pulls...

... the best out of us.

We don't ride together much.

In fact, not nearly enough.

Why is I love this kinda racer is kinda what you think,
and kinda not.

We each competed at Sea Otter last week,
I did Gravel, he did XC.

Since TimZ climbed to the top step of the Sea Otter podium,
I was excited, and slightly nervous.

Could I keep up?

Turns out,
as we casually rode,
we each managed to snag a KOM.

Not that we're into that sort of thing - lol.

Which brings up...

• spur each other on
• share what's working
• appreciate the beauty all around

... why it's such a treat to have this type of friend.

The pace is good... 

... the experience is better.

===

165.3
7.5 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
100/5 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TODAY'S RACE in Belgium was a stunner. As I'm heading out for a spin, I see on YouTube the final km's of the Brabantse Pijl. There's a long-range break of two guys...

... Wout and Remco.

Nothing new there, except...

• Wout's surgically repaired knee looks horrific
• Remco still has numbness in his shoulder
• it wasn't a couple of buddies out riding

... these two dropped all the other pros with 50k to go.

I know they're getting paid,
but, they have made millions.

They don't need to get back to racing
They could stay on the couch,
throw in the lycra.

Instead, they finish 1-2.

Maybe quitting isn't all it's cracked up to be.

===

165.3
7 hrs sleep
PullUps PushUps 
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
96/-1 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE 'A' RACE is exactly five months out, almost to the day. Gravel Nats. The course I have to imagine, given what little I know about MN, is going to be...

... flat, fast, punchy.

Exactly what we don't have here.

I've been racking my brain about how to simulate...

• terrain
• topography
• physical demands

... so, I'll be ready.

Trust me,
pushing hard uphill is completely different from...

... steamrolling along the flats.

Both require fitness.

Climbs around around here are steep...

... with plenty of descents to coast and recover.

Not so, on the flat stuff...

... no reprieves, just constant power being put down.

This week, I think I found the perfect ride...

• crit specialists
• pro triathletes
• gravel kings

... and it's stacked with dream killers to destroy me.

What luck!

===

166.7 (wish that extra 5lbs was muscle)
7.5 hrs sleep
PullUps PushUps SplitSquats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
97 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

AFTER THE RACING at Sea Otter, I was catching up with my pal Dave. The convo got onto training, where we both downplayed what we do to the point of...

... wondering if either of us trains at all.

Then we laughed at what we really do.

Do you do...

• intervals
• zwift sessions
• work with a coach

... any thing structured?

Nope.

Same.

Just a couple of group rides a week.

Same.

Now, before you gettin' all sassy 'splaining...

• the whoa's of snow, rain, sleet
• haven't seen the sun for 6 months
• live in a small town with no one to ride with

... I get it.

So does Dave,
and half the country.

The mortal of the story is to...

• relax
• be flexible
• keep it fun

... life is short.

The other mortal of the story is to pick a...

• day
• time
• place

... and start invitin' to the group ride,
if you don't have one.

Why?

We're mortals...

... the urge to compete is in our DNA.

And, that social ride is always gonna turn spicey,
like a race.

Consistency is key.

===

164.9
8 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
97 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE FIRST TIME I heard of F.R.O., was on some prototype tires Intense Cycles had me test. I thought, that's cool...

... a special designation.

Clearly, I misunderstood what F.R.O. meant.

I'll tell ya the adventure first.

About a week into testing, I climbed to the top of our biggest mountain.

About a 4000' climb,
which means a 4000' descent.

It is a screamer.

Lots of straights, 
hitting upwards of 45 mph,
braking super hard into the turns.

Towards the bottom,
something didn't feel right.

I stopped.

The tire tread was delaminating,
grotesquely bulging.

Coulda died?

Maybe.

The prototype tire, 
intended For Race Only... 

... wasn't ready.

I was reminded of this today on my MTB.

Stomping up a hill, I heard the sad Ting! of a spoke snapping.

I asked myself...

... What the heck are you thinking riding your race wheels every, single, day?!!

Which begs the question...

... Should we invest in F.R.0. gear?

What is truly F.R.O. worthy?

For my money, and it's real money...

• Tires
• Wheels
• Complete bike

... in that order.

A duplicate of our race bike, we just beat the daylights out of and a F.R.O. bike we bust out once a week and at the races.

After that, as proven today, training wheels, even as great and amazing as today's wheels are, a set of trainers are a really good idea, especially for the off-road scene.

At a very minimum, some fresh rubber a week out, is always a good idea.

===

164.7
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, SplitSquats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
96 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

COULD AI DETERMINE my spirit animal? Some of have wondered what animal represents us best, others have taken the deep dive to align...

... with the animal spirit.

GROK, what is my spirit animal?

The AI presented a survey for me to take,
asked me refining questions,
and told me the answer.

Except it didn't.

I already knew.

Kinda.

Per GROK, I prefer...

• The Mountains
• Flying Solo
• Freedom

... I'm a Golden Eagle.

Without any AI assistance, we created the winged-wolf logo about 7 years ago.

Fitting.

See that jersey up there...

• Spirit Animal
• Mantra (No One Of Consequence)
• Neon green sides and bibs Surfergirl could see from afar

... for an A race in 2019.

Now, here's the cool part.

You can do the same thing...

• design a custom kit
• include your spirit animal
• and inspiring mantra

... with a simple click.

Right there: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project

Why am I so passionate about this?

Because I want you to Rip On RaceDay! in your style.

===

164.7
7.5 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, SplitSquats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
96 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

AS USUAL, the journalists completely missed the action that was the key move. This time, it was Paris-Roubaix, where it was headlined The Mistake That Cost Tadej...

... A Chance To Win."

Makes you wonder if these cats ever ride bikes competitively,
let alone race.

What should have been the headline?

It wasn't a mistake,
it was pressure,
and fatigue.

But, mainly pressure.

Not pressure to perform,
these aren't children.

They're professional racers.

Tadej is a great bike handler.

Matthieu is the best bike handler.

Every corner,
every technical challenge,
Van der Poel is taking tiny, imperceptible bits of time...

... when he's leading.

And, pressuring Pogacar at all times to match him...

... when he's following.

Savage racers, whether they are leading or following...

... know how to create pressure.

The kind the wears their competitors down,
until they crack, crumble, are crushed.

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot what the headline should have been...

... Van der Poel Rails Corner To Set Up Solo Victory.

===

165.8
7 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, SplitSquats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
97 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

 

I FIGURED I'D NEED four bottles to complete the sixty miles of gravel racing. Then, I checked the weather and reduced that to three bottles... 

... and upped the calories to 400 per bottle.

Good thing.

Because as my Camelbak with fifty ounces, and 800 calories, was getting low...

... I reached for my bottle.

Uh Oh!

Not there.

Launched on one of the smokin' fast downhills.

Could I make it on just the Camelbak and the one 200 calorie gel?

Normally, I'd say no way.

But, I tried something new...

• Wednesday
  • giant apple fritter
  • in-n-out 3x meat with fries
  • shepherd's pie with extra potatoes
• Thursday
  • giant plate of danish pancakes, syrup and butter
  • 2 regular in-n-outs with buns and fries and lotsa catsup
  • half a pizza
  • large bag of SkinnyPop
  • cherries and blueberries
• Friday pre-race
  • apple
  • 3 Entenmann's Chocolate donuts
  • Honey Stinger waffle on the start line

... a lot of simple sugars the two-days prior.

Did it make the difference?

Honestly, I think it might have.

Energy was good for the nearly 4 hours of racing.

I think it needs more testing,
especially the donuts.

===

165 (no idea, traveling)
6.5 hrs sleep
No strength work
10 minutes stretching
0 minutes Reading/Journaling
99 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

 

IT WASN'T A BLISTERING START, but it wasn't nothin' to be in 4th position at the top of the road climb and into the chicane before...

... opening it up on the dirt.

The ensuing really fast gravel downhill,
seemed to go on forever.

Other than clinching my glasses with my teeth, they were fogging from the fog, everything was going surprisingly well.

Which is the problem with tapering for a race.

We, well, at least me, feel great in those opening miles...

... it's easy to blow up early on.

Looking at my power readings and feeling my thumping heart...

... I knew I couldn't keep it up.

It was time to settle into The Old Diesel mode,
I've missed this guy.

I unhitched from the leaders,
about 8 of them floated away.

Now, it was time to ride on my limit vs someone else's.

Lots of alliances are formed in these situations.

Mark caught and passed me,
I did all I could to speed up,
we worked together.

After lap one, I was back on my own.

I knew Mr. Brownjersey was up there somewhere.

Suddenly, all I'm seeing is brown jerseys ahead of me.

I close in,
check the elbows for wrinkles,
and keep riding and chasing back.

Finally, I catch him.

C'mon ol' timer!

He's got nothing.

Dang.

Woulda been a good time for an ally.

A few miles later I catch the giant, in the white jersey.

I can't believe it.

We work together until I dork it going on to a singletrack.

I spend the next 15 minutes chasing.

And, lo and behold, he's linked up with Dave.

We're not exactly drilling it,
more like deathmarching it.

Up ahead is a super steep gravel road with big rain ruts.

I know if there is a wobble, and I have to uncleat, it's highly likely my tingy legs will fully cramp...

... and I'll be done.

So, I make an effort to lead into that short bit of nasty.

Slowly, and I mean slowly, a little, tiny gap opens...

... and stays there until the finish.

I wind up second, to the great Tinker Juarez...

• the high school tennis player
• sandwiched between two Olympians

... and just ahead of the great Dave Littieri.

What a day!

===

There is something to be said for persistence.

Well, a lot.

Somedays it works,
others, not so much.

I have often felt why am I persisting at X when Y looks so much better?

The truth, we're not seeing all the shit that lies below yonder pasture...

... better to deal with the shit we know and grow our own green grass.

 

IT'S RACE DAY TOMORROW, and this week has been soooooo boring. Too many don'ts, from riding too hard to eating too much to sleeping too little...

... the lethargy is real.

Why?

So we feel fresh and spicy on race day.

Will I?

Mmmmmmmabye.

While tapering we always watch the fitness score, per the training apps, drop.

Hence, the call to put in some hard miles.

But, with additional hard workouts comes fatigue.

Got it?

Tapering = Fitness down, Form up.

Frankly, I haven't see for my Form in positive territory form months.

So, while the overall Fitness is nowhere near what I'd hoped...

... the Form is in a good place.

Gonna be fun to see how it checks out.

===

165 (no idea, traveling)
8 hrs sleep
No strength work
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
93 
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S BEEN A BUSY FEW DAYS, and I didn't get everything dialed in last week.  Normally, that is the time for perfecting the set up. But...

... sometimes we have to adjust.

At the last second.

Right now...

• new cleats
  
• rear derailleur

... these are at the top of my list.

Fiddled with them for the last 3 days.

Adjust,
pedal,
adjust,
pedal,
adjust,
pedal.

They're mostly good,
and if they let me down...

... it serves me right.

Then, just now, I was winding down in Buelton, halfway to Sea Otter...

• It's only a flesh wound
• blood all over the place

... I massively stubbed my pinky toe, after dinner.

Mashing it into my race shoes,
cinching down the Boas
fretting on the shifting...

... should keep my festering mind off any perceived leg pain come Friday's race.

===

165 (this is not the race weight I was looking for)
8 hrs sleep
No strengthwork
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
95 (looks like I'm reste4d)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

GETTING THAT FIRST WIN is intoxicating. We go from this might be fun to Heckyeah! I'm a racer, in an instant. Encouraging anybody, ourselves included...

... is a tricky endeavor.

Because, what is a win?

I was thinking about this today, as I considered the best way(s) to get that first taste of success for...

... our two new sales reps.

We athletes measure...

• PRs
• Miles
• Speed

... the inputs that lead to success.

They give us confidence,
that there will be a payoff.

For us, at PEDALindustries...

• contacts
• design sessions
• custom team stores launched

... are the metrics that matter.

Just like bees who...

• forage
• process nectar
• store in honeycomb

... the right inputs give us the sweet outputs.

===

163.6
8 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
99 (fitness per training peaks)
30 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE TEENS HAD SET UP A JUMP. As I came around the sweeping turn, with a little too much speed, I began drifting wide and perfectly lined up to send it. At the last moment, I locked up the rear...

... sliding and slicing to safety.

There was no way I was going to launch into a blind landing.

Challenging as it looked on take off, when I rolled around to scout the landing...

... I could see it was straight forward and smooth.

How many things are like that?

We see something that looks impossible,
look behind the curtain...

... and realize it can be done, if we work at it.

===

164.5
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps
20 minutes stretching
98 (fitness per training peaks)
30 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I'VE SEEN A SHRINK. There, I said it. It wasn't out of weakness, or anything foo-foo. I was battling for my life, and I couldn't figure out how to move forward...

... using a hammer, when I needed a screwdriver.

That's what pro's do.

When we're stumped,
blocked,
broken...

... they give us the tool(s) we need.

We fix the situation,
usually ourselves,
get on with life.

Now, I'm in therapy again.

My favorite physical therapist is back in town.

I saw him Friday for my back.

In a matter of about 20 minutes

• he assessed me
• found the exact area of trouble
• taught me three different stretches

... he gave me tools I needed,
told me it'd take 4-8 weeks.

As the great Lloyd Christmas said...

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

===

TBH, already feels remarkably better.

So, if you're suffering...

... get some therapy.

===

If you're local, see Scott Moncrief at ProSport in Mission Viejo.

 

FOR SOMEONE WHO TALKS ABOUT PREP all the time, you'd think I'd have noticed the conditions of my tires, earlier. But, there I was on a steep and dusty climb...

... puttin' down some power.

The tire slipped,
I eased off,
sat down.

PR gone.

Not the kind of thing you wanna do in a race.

The local shop was outta stock on my favored Terra Speed 45s,
ordering online would take too long.

What to do?

The rain bike's tires, were barely ridden.

While I swapped 4 tires...

• broke beads
• remounted
• refilled

... I was lost in the inspiring words of a conference.

Which made me wonder...

... Why do I listen to so much political poison?

When I could do some wrenching...

... on my bike, and my soul?

===

165.1
8 hrs sleep
0 Strength
20 minutes stretching
101 (fitness per training peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

LAST HARDISH RIDE BEFORE SEA OTTER next week, tomorrow. I had two offers, both tempting. One would likely see me dropped early, riding alone; the other would likely trash me for a week...

... pre-riding BWR CA course.

I chose neither.

At this point, the burnout is real.

Better to ride something...

• fun
• fast
• friendly

... close to home.

The main goal will be to...

... stay as close as possible to on-the-limit-race-pace.

Why not the other options, they sound harder?

Because, even though Sea Otter is not an A race, it will be very hard and challenging...

... I believe when the training is done, it's time to work on the psyche.

Rides that ...

• build confidence
• skill-building
• not draining

... are best, in the final days of prep.

===

165
7.8 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes stretching
97(fitness per training peaks)
30 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

A FRIEND WHO'D I'D BEEN MISSING messaged me to go for a ride today. I had to go early, needed to be in the command chair to goose a few initiatives...

... we planned a meet up.

Hmmm, 'not like him to be late.

I checked my phone.

My shifters aren't working! I think my battery on the lever is dead. So bummed.

Just like that...

• no catch up with a friend
• more riding solo
  
• plan changed

... a reminder.

Batteries must be charged, or ...

• brain gets fuzzy
• emotions swing
• reactions slow

... we have a good chance of a poor performance.

Or, worse, we miss a chance to ride with a friend.

Here's my hack...

• check 'em before putting the bike away
• check 'em again at night while prepping for the ride
• check 'em one more time before rolling out of the garage

... and get my buns in bed early.

'Cause I prefer to be a creative thinkin', cool cucumber, with lightning reflexes.

===

164.7
6.8 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
98(fitness per training peaks)
30 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

GETTIN' IN A RIDE, run or swim, on our bdays is a mighty fine thing to pull off. A lot of us do something epic to mark every lap around the sun. It might be on the very day, or later in the year...

... but, something gets done.

Surfergirl asked, What are ya gonna do for your birthday?

I dunno.

Gotta do something.

Just wanna go with the wind, do what I want to do.

So, I...

• Got up and read
• Re-wrapped the bar tape
• Grabbed an apple fritter
• Did some quick customer service
• Surprise visit with Shane and kids
• Chatted with a couple of customers, friends... friendstomers?
• Went for a spin
• Scanned today's orders
• Checked in briefly with the team
• Writing this blog post
• Going to quit early and see Black Bag

... basically, the same thing I do every day, minus the movie and fritter.

Feelin' darn fortunate completing the 63rd trip 'round,
doin' what I love to do,
every day.

Life has it's headwinds and tailwinds.

Gotta ride 'em all.

Like this one today.

Starva recorded my 2nd fastest time ever...

• 25.7 mpg
• 138 bpm
• 215 w

... on a segment I've covered 762 times.

Wind'll do that,
even with gravel tires.

That's the icing on my cake.

===

164.7
6.8 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
99(fitness per training peaks)
30 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE WEEKLY GROUP RIDE TODAY, was horrendous. I felt sluggish, the legs barking, struggling to contribute to the pace line, and hit my high points...

... I just wasn't feelin' it.

What could be the reason(s)?

Oz, I sucked today, couldn't get going.

Why?

Didn't get to be early enough.

Nice excuse, you gonna blog about it?

When I got home, 
the denial was real.

No way did I want to see the Starva truth.

Had to be horrid.

Between flippin' pancakes,
I took a look.

What the heck?

The numbers were almost the same as last week,
when I felt great.

Turns out, I really only dropped off the pace during the 90 minutes.

Sleep deprivation for sure.

But, guess what else?

I decided to go solids for fuel vs. CarboRocket.

I realized...

• I drank 75% less fluid
• consumed 40% fewer calories
• and, yeah, a full 60 minutes less sleep

... that's how to feel terrible and still kinda get it done.

Take homes...

• Get to bed early
• Stick to the liquid diet

... for racing or riding hard (it was a 3.5hr effort today).

===

164.6
6.8 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
98(fitness per training peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

Date line: 4.1.25

PEDALindustries, based in the epicenter of the action sports world, announces a ground shaking product called the NAERO. Developed for the tech-hungriest segment of the market...

... searching to shed every second possible.

These racers...

• carbon everything
• rocket science helmets
• serums to improve every system

... thought they had it all.

Purchasing speed is their guiding principle.

The Naero is on pace to sell out in it's first week of availability.

How does it work?

1. The racer trims a sheet of Unobtainium
   
2. Wraps it round their neck
3. Heats with blow dryer.

Presto, the masters racer has the neck of an 17-year old...

... no more turkey flaps flapping in the wind.

Early adopters will also receive secret instructions to apply Unobtainium to their...

... elbows and eyelids if necessary.

According to the company...

... 5 watts per flap can be saved.

"This will solve exactly what's been holding me back."
- C. Froome

"Forget motors, give me the Naero."
- F. Cancellara

"Lance, lets crush these punks"
- J. Ulrich

Get your now at https://pedalindustries.com/products/naero

===

166
8 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
96(fitness per training peaks)
30 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

 

ARE THESE GUYS WINNING THESE BIG RACES, going solo from 10s of kilometers from the finish line, really that much physically better than the rest? When I look at it...

... something isn't right.

I know the best are the best.

But, the rest aren't just hacks off the street.

Think about it.

How can one guy escape off the front and everyone else not form...

... a working, cohesive pace line?

Let him dangle.

Then, pounce for the win.

Instead, these long-range attackers have discovered a hack...

...and it may not end any time soon.

Because it's working.

What is needed

• hope
• sacrifice
• coordinated effort

... is true leadership.

Let's get after it this week!

===

164.6
8 hrs sleep
0 PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
97(fitness per training peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

 

ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE RACERS, is the great John Tomac. He came up through BMX, dominated the MTB scene, XC and DH, started crushing the roadies...

... eventually racing in Europe with the Motorola road squad.

How did he do that?

Locally, some of the very best racers I've battled...

• superior sprinters
• excellent bike handlers
• calm as cucumbers slicing and dicing crits

... trace their roots back to BMX.

What do BMXers do...

...  over and over again?

30-40 second all out sprints.

Not,
let's go fast.

Ride it like you stole,
lightning starts.

I thought about that as I cooled down,
close to home.

The ride was fast,
and I'd felt great.

Best I've felt all year.

Confirmed by a few of PRs, on Starva.

I think my Power Spikes sessions...

• all out
• 10-20 seconds
• lots of rest in between

... are starting to pay dividends

Over the course of about 2 hours, 
I'll get in 20-30 sprints with
tons of rest in between.

Maybe I was inspired by this outstanding collaboration we are doing with the one and only...

... Radical Rick!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/radical-rick-store

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/radical-rick-store

===

164.6
7 hrs sleep
0 PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
99 (fitness per training peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IN FOUR WEEKS, I'll line up for my first BWR CA. All I know for sure is, the competition will be fierce, the course will be fast...

... and I'll be tested.

Time to do some strategic training.

Today, I took easy, hoping to have good legs for tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Saturday, will be...

• gravel
• single track
• a romp with a fast road group

... a very mixed surface ride.

It won't all be race pace.

Because most gravel rides, at some point, turn into solo efforts where being able to hold a high tempo for hours is a difference maker.

I'll start out at tempo,
on the dirt.

Threshold four about 30 minutes,
on the road.

Back to tempo,
on the dirt.

Between now and BWR CA is Sea Otter, in two weeks.

That will be a good test for my fitness...

... and with a massive amount of luck, I could qualify for Unbound.

Gunna be a fun 4 weeks.

===

163.6
8 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
95 (fitness per training peaks)
40 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MAXIMIZING OUR POTENTIAL on a bike, requires a proper bike fit by a pro. My fitter, Ashley, and I have, have been working together for years. We used a variety of methods adapt...

... my slightly shorter right leg.

It's a journey...

• bikes
• bodies
• adapters

... are constantly changing.

For a few years we've been working with various cleat adaptors.

One was too wobbly,
another too restrictive,
I gave up and chucked 'em.

We think this has created a muscle imbalance, and been the major cause of my lower back pain.

It has been so bad lately, 
I've been considering giving up gravel and mtb...

... going back to dirt.

Today we mounted up a new adapter, seen in pic above.

It gives the little bit of lift I need,
and has all the stability of a normal cleat.

After we got it all set up,
it felt amazing.

Excited about that.

In the meantime, I borrowed Surfergirl's car last week to go to vision therapy.

The weather was cold,
I cranked up the seat heater.

Guess what?

After an hour of heat on my back, it felt like new.

So, I purchased a heating pad like my dear ol' granny had.

I've also upped my stretching.

And, included farmer's carries, on one side, in my routine.

I'm very hopeful we can get things under control in time for Sea Otter.

===

164
7 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
96 (fitness per training peaks)
40 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S INTERVAL DAY.  I'll be alone for these.  I always am.  No one will see me out there, which is why it's so easy to dawg it, even skip the last few.  Instead...

... I am pushing beyond what my body wants to do.

Uncomfortable.

What happens when we do this?

Because, as the great Dylan Johnson recently posted on his YouTube...

https://youtu.be/x-eUPB9wzYY?si=HEn6r9MP42zawRhR

... these efforts build durability.

Durability, he claims, and I agree, is a key ingredient and possibly the most important metric and indicator for predicting success.

But, nobody sees these durability building efforts,
we get no credit.

Until we're there,
at the finish,
steady...

... strong.

Going the extra miles in our...

• training
• careers
• relationships

... makes all the difference.

===

Today, we completed our 37th year together...

• Two
• became 5
• now we are 11

... miracles can happen going the extra mile.

 

COULD THE COMMIES HAVE IT RIGHT? On the surface, I'm saying No freakin' way! But, as Socrates put it...

... To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.

Before I admit my fundamental failings,
here's why I'm thinking the commies have a point.

They...

• teach
• enforce
• hoodwink

... this gem.

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

Let's apply that to one my favorite things to do on a bike...

... get in a steamrolling pace line.

Because there is nothing like feeling of people working together in harmony,, and the resulting speed and power...

... we could never accomplish on our own.

Which means, 
the strong might pull a little longer,
while the weak hit the front and quickly slide over.

I'm generally down with that.

What I'm not down with...

• turn skipping
• wheel sucking
• paceline punking

... probably because I seem to get pipped or blown away at the line, as a result of such shenanigans. 

Which is why I think I might be a dawgawn pinko myself,
like Uncle Karl,
or worse...

... Lenin.

What would they do if they so much as sensed non-participation?...

... Off with their helmets!,
still on their heads.

Witness my wretched weakness!

I'm holding out hope for my capitalist conscience to win over my evil bolsie bent...

• coaxing
• encouraging
• demonstrating

... after all, it's just a ride, a chance to practice racecraft.

===

Coach Charlie's tips are solid: https://empirestateride.com/paceline-riding/

===

165.6
7 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
96 (fitness per training peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I COULD SEE A BLOB about a couple of hundred yards ahead. It was junk half in the street, part on the sidewalk. The cars were all swerving out and driving by, I planned to do the same...

... avoiding any inconvenience.

Only it wasn't trash.

It was a man,
who'd taken a tumble.

He was sprawled in the street, trying to steady himself...

... his wheelchair balancing on the curb.

I stopped,
hustled over,
cars whizzing by.

The motorized wheel chair was quite heavy.

Front wheels on curb, he asked me to push the button.

Rear wheels grabbed perch, and pulled the chair back up on sidewalk.

We got him settled.

I'm Todd.

I'm Bob.

Do you need any water? Want to call anybody?

No, no... thank you for the help.

I got back on my bike...

... pedaling under my own power, on a gorgeous morning.

The tears started to flow, was it...

• memories of my near life changing injury last year?
• the countless times I've crashed and bounced up?
• the sadness for a fellow lover of the morning's limitations?

... so many emotions.

The final, lingering one...

... I've got to do better for those in need, the opportunities are everywhere.

===

166
7 hrs sleep
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes stretching
93 (fitness per training peaks)
40 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

FOR MOST OF US, there were no tryouts. We rode, we ran, we swam. After prodding from a friend, a flashy flyer at the coffee shop, a seed was planted. One day, we woke up and said...

... Hey, I should try a race.

What have I a got to lose?

Nothing, just...

• pride
• confidence
• social standing

... and everything to gain.

The space between registration and finishing oscillates...

... between daunting and piece of cake.

One moment we've got it all under control,
the next we are freakin' out,
or want to quit.

Before we ever start.

It's not a tryout,
where we hope to get picked...

... it's a figure it out,
and we pick ourselves.

We keep going, pressing on because...

... we are endless fascinated with the idea of how far we can go?

===

165.6
7.5 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
0 minutes stretching
94 (fitness per training peaks)
40 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT WAS LIKE A TIME MACHINE today. A little knee-high that looked all of fourteen years old slipped off the front and basically just disappeared.  None of the hitters chased...

... they let 'im go.

Maybe they had to?

Meanwhile, I'm hanging on...

... wonderin' what's going on.

The last time a little 120ish lb rascal was playing with us like this...

... he went on to join the pro tour.

Kevin Vermaerke.

Before that, I can only think of Floyd Landis.

There are probably others in between, and before, who've reached the highest levels of the sport, and many who have gone pro.  

For sure.

The question is would the kids have...

... thrived without a supporting and challenging community?

 

HEARD A GOOD ONE TODAY. My pal and first cycling coach, Bret, was driving with the great Erik Zabel behind a large group ride, in San Francisco, spread 5 wide across the only lane....

... Zabel had a few thoughts.

Who are these guys?

Oh, this is well-known group ride.

They are Ferrari riders.

Ferrari riders?

Then followed some sort of mangled German, Bret didn't understand...

... yet, got the gist.

What do mean?

You, you have pedal stroke like sewing machine...

... these guys on fancy bikes mash in squares.

Hmmm...

Like weekend Ferrari drivers.

I don't the point was to denigrate the hardware, more of...

... a comment on looking vs acting the part.

Truth is...

• practice
• coaching
• genuine feel

... it takes time and determination to develop a smooth pedal stroke.

Here are a few...

• rid a fixy
• one-legged drills
• high cadence, over 120

... ways to improve pedal stroke.

===

163.2
8 hrs sleep
Pullups and Pushups
10 minutes stretching
91 (fitness per training peaks)
40 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

FEELING SO COLD, I wondered what I could do.  I thought back to the dawg daze of summer.  I needed more than simply...

... thinking hot thoughts.

It wasn't enough.

Here's the science...

• face
• palms
• foot bottoms

... we have 3 distinct areas.

Keep these covered and warm...

• gloves
• toe/foot covers
• bandana or face mask

... if cold.

Keep 'em shaded and ventilated...

• a visor
• ventilated shoes
• perforated gloves

... if hot.

Colors matter, too.

Which is why we make white gloves.

It's Buy One Pair, Get One Pair right now...

... and yes, we have lots other colors.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/full-finger-gloves

===

162.7
7.75 hrs sleep
Pullups and Pushups
10 minutes stretching
92 (fitness per training peaks)
40 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I'M RELIGIOUS by nature. It shows up in almost everything i do: work, fitness, learning. If I find a practice or ritual the inspires me, keeps me on track, or changes me...

... I'm down for incorporating good stuff.

When my pal showed up on Ash Wednesday with the traditional mark on his forward, I asked him...

... What are you giving up for Lent?

Sugar.

I was impressed, and inspired.

Giving up one of our most addictive drugs ain't easy.

Join me.

Uh, not really my thing.

But, after a few weeks I thought...

... You know what, that's not a bad idea.

So, I gave up sleep.

Not, sleep sleep...

... sleeping in.

Getting up at 530am is easy for me about half the days of the week, the other half I'm more of a 6 or 630 wakeruppper.

Because I follow the great Joe Friel's advice...

... I wake up when i'm done sleeping.

I wanted to do it...

• for the discipline
• to get my day started earlier
• so I could get our and ride when it's sunny and warm

... to make a change for the better.

Waking up naturally at 530am will happen simply by forcing it...

... eventually exhaustion makes early slumber easy.

Viola!

Change made...

... by Easter Morning.

===

164
7.75 hrs sleep
Pullups and Pushups
10 minutes stretching
93 (fitness per training peaks)
40 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

 

WEARING FLIPFLOPS ON THE FACTORY FLOOR isn't the smartest idea. Especially, where there is no heat. In winter. Our production manager looked at my feet, looked at me...

... aren't your feet cold?

How could I explain why my feet are impervious to cold?

I mean, who can relate to...

• 20+ mph
• skin tight lycra
• shoes with all kindsa perforations

... what I'd done before the sun rose, temp around 40 degrees?

I could barely feel my fingers,
use the shifters
and brakes.

My feet?

Gone.

Honestly, I love it.

For a couple of hours...

... the discomfort is energizing.

I'm alive,
ready to charge the day.

===

What I was wearing:

• skull cap
• jersey
• bibs
• fly vest
• arm and knee warmers
• superlight gloves
• fastmax sock

What I could have easily added/swapped out:

• toe warmers
• cold weather gloves

===

163.8
7.75 hrs sleep
Pullups and Pushups
10 minutes stretching
92 (fitness per training peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

YOUNG PUP was up the road a bit.  I was on my mtb, so figured I couldn't catch him. But, I was going about the same speed and...

... cut through the dirt.

How ya feelin' after Saturday?

I'm feelin' it, those guys are so good.

I was smoked afterwards.

Tell me, I've done that ride 5 or 6 times now, and I just can't hang on...

... are those guys pros?

We've all had those thoughts...

• we think we're in shape
• they show their in better shape
• we wonder how it's possible they're so much faster

... when we're new, there's just no way to appreciate what it takes.

Or, took.

Right?

I mean, looking at the other athletes, they don't look that much different.

If at all.

So, what gives?

Here's the fact.

To get good at endurance sports...

• mentally
• physically
• spiritually

... we've got to learn how to endure.

Enduring doesn't mean plowing through the suck, it means...

... appreciating every second, until years have passed.

They're not pro, 
they've been riding for 5+ years.

It takes time, to be refined...

... in the refiner's fire.

===

164.7
7.5 hrs sleep
Pullups and Pushups
10 minutes stretching
88 (fitness per training peaks)
40 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

GETTING TO DO THE RACES we want to do is not easy. There is so much that has to align to make it happen...

... so, what's the secret?

The great Marc Andreessen said it best...

If you know what you want, and you go for it with maximum energy and drive and passion, the world will often reconfigure itself around you much more quickly and easily than you would think.

How do we do that?...

• Get a calendar
• Fill in the family, work, social commitments
• Find a race we really want to do with no conflicts

... and make it hap'n cap'n.

===

165
8 hrs sleep
No strength work
10 minutes stretching
89 (fitness per training peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

EVER FOUND YOURSELF right behind an absolute beast, only to take a quick glance and realize...

... all the other fools have been left in dust?

Happened to me today,
and it was quite foolish.

It didn't seem so at the time.

I felt great,
our lead kept increasing,
and the great Alfredo was hammerin'.

Then, we caught a light.

All gains...

... poof!

As the group reached escape velocity on the final steep section of the first climb, I thought...

... Uh oh, I'm looking at a lonely next 15-20 miles.

Why did I take that risk, to go with a pro triathlete?

Because it was a training ride.

What was the pay off?

The most taxing ride in months,
I rode much harder, per Training Peaks, 
than at BWR and Cactus Cup races.

By a lot.

Which produced a huge fitness bump.

Why didn't I race this hard?

Racing is often very tactical...

• use our matches prudently
• let the other guys pull and suffer
• going just fast enough to hang onto our finish position

... because the goal is often to simply place well.

Doing the minimum...

... is often a winning formula.

Training is like a laboratory...

• speed
• effort
• intensity

... where we find out what is possible.

It's not risky in a race, if we already know...

... we can handle it.

===

Two years ago, I was at the state road race championships.  The previous year, my sole focus was Leadville, where being able to hold high tempo/low threshold for hours is key.

I still had a ton of that type of fitness.

In the two first miles, I popped a little hill.

Not a big effort.

But, for some reason, the group didn't follow.

So, I kept going at Leadville pace, building up nearly a 2 minute lead.

After a full lap, 22ish miles, my pal Andy bridged up, and now we were working together.

Eventually, 3 others made it across.

Neither Andy nor I won, but we managed to get on the podium...

... and enjoy a dream scenario, in a break, with a friend.

===

===

164.7
7.5 hrs sleep
No strength work
10 minutes stretching
91(fitness per training peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248