Lessons from the Simi Valley Four Fingers 400k

The Simi Valley Four Fingers 400k Brevet is one of those rides that quietly etches itself into your memory. Organized by PCH Randonneurs, the route starts in Simi Valley and extends like four fingers into the terrain beyond—Santa Paula, Ojai, Goleta, and Port Hueneme. With only six riders signed up, and after the first 15 […]

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Seals to Roses 600k: First Times and Long Miles

Saturday, May 3, 2025, 5:00 a.m. — it was dark, overcast, and cool in San Luis Obispo. No stars, just clouds and anticipation. The temperature was about 57 degrees as I rolled out on what would become a ride I’ll never forget — my first 600k brevet, my first point-to-point route, the final ride in […]

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How Reflective Tape Transformed My Hydration Pack for Night Rides

On longer rides, especially in remote areas where services are scarce, I rely on a hydration pack. Riding at night adds another layer of complexity, as visibility becomes a critical safety concern. Unfortunately, most hydration packs come with minimal reflective material, making it harder to be seen in the dark. While many brands tout their […]

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Update on My MRI Results and Recovery Path

This past week has been a pivotal one in my journey toward recovery. After receiving the results of an arthrogram MRI on my left shoulder, I gained a clearer, albeit sobering, understanding of the injuries sustained from last year’s cycling crash. Unpacking the MRI Findings The MRI detailed several significant issues: The Severity and Impact […]

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Taking Stock

As we move deeper into 2024, I find myself at a crossroads that I hadn’t anticipated at the beginning of the year. The past few months have been marked by a severe shoulder injury, initiating a sobering period of introspection and adjustment that has significantly impacted my cycling journey and overall well-being. Reflecting on Recent […]

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Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead to 2024

A Year of Triumphs and Challenges As we step into 2024, it’s a time for reflection and anticipation. The past year, 2023, was a memorable one in my cycling journey. While it came with its share of challenges, it was also filled with remarkable achievements that I will cherish forever. 2023 in Numbers These numbers, […]

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The Road to Hoodoo 300: Climbing Higher and Getting Stronger

This past Saturday, I found myself returning to the familiar landscapes of Mt Pinos. Much like my previous rides, I sought maintain an easy endurance pace, at about 65% of my functional threshold power. As the miles went by and I drew closer to the summit, I was reminded of the early morning rides from […]

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Mindfulness and the Art of Self-Deception

As cyclists, athletes, and even in our everyday lives, we often find ourselves pushed to the brink of our physical or emotional capacities. It’s in these moments that the battle turns inward, where our determination, resilience, and mental fortitude are put to the ultimate test. Over time, I’ve learned that to conquer the body’s resistance, […]

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The Road to Hoodoo 300: Mojave Mastery and Lessons Learned

As I continue my journey towards the Hoodoo 300, my training is becoming more focused and intense. Recently, I embarked on an arduous 141-mile training ride (Kill Bill Church / It’s a G Thing ), which began in Santa Clarita and meandered through Bouquet Canyon and Godde Hill, finally extending to Lancaster and the end […]

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The Road to Hoodoo 300: Training with My Support Crew on the Santa Clarita to Stallion Springs Route

With the recent completion of the Eastern Sierra Double Century, my sights are now firmly set on the upcoming Hoodoo 300 Non-Stop Solo race in August. This race presents an additional layer of complexity as I will be relying heavily on my support crew for nutrition, hydration, and other needs—a dynamic I haven’t had to […]

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