Cycling in Alignment with Colby Pearce

Reflections on the 2004 Olympics - Ep148 In this walking soliloquy, I share some reflections on the 20 year anniversary of the Olympics in Athens, Greece, which I attended as a member of the US team. I competed in the 40KM points race, finishing 14th out of 24 competitors.  Being on the Olympic team is something I can be proud of, but at the same time something I don’t feel compelled to talk about often. While it is certainly a significant landmark in my cycling history, it is also simply another experience that has shaped my perspective on sport and life. In both senses, I am grateful to be an Olympian [as they say, there is no such thing a “former Olympian”, you earn the title for life].  “You are looking at the world without time, Neo.”

Why Bike Fitting is Stupid - Ep147 On this episode I thought I would just dive in and stab a sacred cow in the face.  I share my thoughts on why bike fitting is “stupid” and by that, I really mean what a few of the challenges are in bike fitting.  Perhaps you agree or perhaps you do not. Either is OK but if the latter, I hope it is with good critical reasoning instead of someone else’s regurgitated opinion.  I look forward to your comments and thoughts, and as always, thank you for listening.

Michael Holt: Always the Middle Path - Ep146 This discussion is with Micheal Holt, whom I regard as a friend, teacher, and colleague. I first met Michael at a course at the Chek Institute about five years ago, where I learned he had been teaching meditation for many years. I ended up studying with him online and in person, and I have learned a tremendous amount from his curriculum.  In our discussion today we speak about his new email course, which will be released shortly and details Five Indispensable Skills. I think this course will be invaluable for anyone in my audience.  We also speak about Michael’s free online meditation course, which can be found on YouTube.  Links: Michael's Savage And Saint Website ►► https://savageandsaint.com/ Micheal's YouTube Course ►► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIeRtRkxvQ8&t=1357s

Thoughts on Sounds - Ep145 In this episode I discuss the relationship between music, health, and athletic performance. Some of my ideas and experiences are pretty orbital so fasten your cosmic seatbelt, or whatever, and then enjoy some tunes.  I made a playlist on Spotify of my of my most recent played tracks. These probably all fall in the category of Conscious Hip Hop. I am not really sure what that means but I vibe with it.  Links: My Spotify Playlist ►► https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6go2ZDpt8KlFh5n3EwILnO?si=53b250a1b2f14856 Follow-up on Steamboat GRVL ►► https://youtu.be/4Pbaxrlo7G8?si=o-yDwvmihoGUuA8t

** THIS IS PART 2 OF THIS EPISODE ** More with Dr. Courtney Conley. We Continue our discussion about all things feet including toe spacers, cycling shoes, and how to help me with my hallux limitus. Isn’t Latin great? Dr Courtney is endlessly passionate about the human foot and I am grateful she took the time to come and nerd out with me on this topic. I am sure you will find our conversation interesting, in particular if you have ever been challenged by your own feet during riding or off the bike. Which is pretty much every human on earth.  Links: Courtney's Website ►► https://gaithappens.com

The Fractal of the Feet with Dr Courtney Conley - Part 1 - Ep143 This conversation with Dr Courtney takes place in my fit studio. We speak about all things feet including toe spacers, cycling shoes, and how to help me with my hallux limitus. Isn’t Latin great? Dr Courtney is endlessly passionate about the human foot and I am grateful she took the time to come and nerd out with me on this topic. I am sure you will find our conversation interesting, in particular if you have ever been challenged by your own feet during riding or off the bike. Which is pretty much every human on earth.  Links: Courtney's Website ►► https://gaithappens.com

SBT RDX - Ep142 In this walking pod I offer some lessons I learned during the 2024 SBT GRVL race. I competed on the Black course and suffered epic cramps with about 35KM to go in the race, something I have never experienced in over 35 years of bike racing.  I discuss some hypothetical explanations for this outcome and also share thoughts on the race load for someone such as myself who trains a reasonable amount by normal person standards,  but arguably not enough to race a 200KM gravel race.  In the end, I conclude that I simply overcooked myself heading into this event. Being fresh is critical for any race that will eventually bring you to your knees. Somehow after all this time showing up for bike races, I managed to miss the mark on this one. Hopefully my experience illustrates how easy it is to do this, even for someone as experienced as I am at playing stretchy bike time.

Michael O'Brien We Are Kintsugi -  Part 2 - Ep141  This is Part 2. This episode is a discussion with cyclist Michael Obrien, who had a transformational life experience in 2001 when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bike.    We speak about the Japanese form of pottery known as Kintsugi, in which a broken bowl or vessel is repaired, and the glue is layered in gold leaf. Rather than attempting to conceal old wounds, traumas or fractures, this method seeks to highlight the returning to wholeness that happens in the process of healing.  I am sure you will enjoy our discussion which centers more on philosophy, meditation and tribal relations than cycling performance, directly. However, as you know, health is the foundation of optimal athletic performance.  Links: Michael's Website ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/ Michael's Podcast ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/kintsugi-podcast/

Michael O'brien We Are Kintsugi - Part 1 - Ep140 This episode is a discussion with cyclist Michael Obrien, who had a transformational life experience in 2001 when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bike.    We speak about the Japanese form of pottery known as Kintsugi, in which a broken bowl or vessel is repaired, and the glue is layered in gold leaf. Rather than attempting to conceal old wounds, traumas or fractures, this method seeks to highlight the returning to wholeness that happens in the process of healing.  I am sure you will enjoy our discussion which centers more on philosophy, meditation and tribal relations than cycling performance, directly. However, as you know, health is the foundation of optimal athletic performance.  Links: Michael's Website ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/ Michael's Podcast ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/kintsugi-podcast/

Movement is a River  - Ep 139 During this walking podcast I discuss the idea that all movement is like a river. I offer that we must direct and cultivate the qualities of the river of our movement with a specific intent, or this river will be wild, untamed, and end up in the wrong place.  I offer this analogy to help people understand that their daily movement patterns impact their movement in sports, and their movement in all of life.  I also offer some practical takeaways to help direct the river of movement into a more optimal fashion.  Movement is a daily practice that requires attention, embodiment and awareness.

Saddle Forward! - Episode 138 This walking podcast is a commentary on two different perspectives about forward saddle positions that have been floating around in the intersphere. They got me thinking so I figured I would drop some thoughts on this topic.  The first discussion is around an article Dan Empfield posted on his website slow twitch dot com. I agree with some of what Dan says, and some of it I don’t. I am glad he wrote the article as it helped clarify some ideas in my mind.  The second is a video on you tube on a channel called Peak Torque. This guy has some wid theories about why Pogacar has his saddle so forward and I think he is pretty off base. He also explains why he likes to put his saddle nose down and has been telling other people to put their saddle nose down. There are multiple logical fallacies in his reasoning. I call it like I see it.  I hope you find this discussion useful.  Thoughts? Hit me below. Let’s have a discourse.   Links: Dan Empfield’s Article ►► https://www.slowtwitch.com/Bike_Fit/Road_Bike_Fit/Have_You_Noticed_Hips_Moving_Forward_in_the_Peloton__8986.html Peak Torque Video ►► https://youtu.be/9n6nTNiacm8

Three Attributes of Cyclists - Ep 137 In this night time walking adventure I speak about the three characteristics a cyclist must have in order to express their highest potential as an athlete. The episode is inspired by conversations with Jonathan Vaughters about what it takes to be good. His list included 1) Marathoner 2) F1 Driver. He has a video about this in our Team EF Coaching education portal.  JV says you have to have a big engine, and be able to drive a bike. I agree, and I would offer a 3rd item to this list: 3D chess.  Meaning: a cyclist can’t just corner like a maniac and drop watt bombs. They have to selectively, intelligently choose when to utilize their strength. This is what differentiates cycling from Marathon running or swimming events: cycling is a sport that is heavily influenced by the size of the athlete’s engine, but it is also influenced heavily by physics and terrain [read: mostly draft effect and hills] which change the weight of the variables that influence performance.  My gripe with many modern coaches and athletes is that they over train the engine and neglect the other aspects. Even worse, they really only focus on one particular aspect of the engine. This makes you one dimensional and opens numerous possibilities for race day failure.  These concepts don’t only apply to competitive elite or World Tour riders; they apply to all riders at every level.  A bit of artwork is included to help you conceptualize these ideas as I am teaching them.  Do you agree? Think I am wrong? Did I miss a major attribute? Comment and let the world know.  LINKS:  Team EF Coaching ►► https://www.teamefcoaching.com Peter Defty Episode on YouTube ►► https://youtu.be/PrPdlT3apT8

Forest Walking in Japan - Episode 136   In this discussion I speak to my audience of somanauts about impressions Japan has left on me and how these concepts can help us in our practice of sport and life.  Wandering through the forest, I discuss cleaning your room, respect for other humans and reverence for nature.  As always, I hope you find this discussion helpful.  Questions or comments? Hit me.  Move with intent, be present, listen to intuition.

Locavore - Episode 135 Today’s conversation is with Craig Taber from Locavore Delivery. Locavore works with the highest quality farms across the front range of Colorado to deliver meat to your doorstep.  We speak about the relationship between scale and environmental impact in an economically driven market, the convenience of Amazon, and the boundaries and belief systems people put around meat. Craig unpacks some of the misunderstandings around store bought meats and the challenges of being a consumer who shops at modern super markets.  We offer some practical takeaways for shoppers and some philosophical nuggets about health and wellness that you will hopefully find insightful for you and your family.  About Locavore: “We offer pastured meats from a growing community of local ranchers that really do things the right way. We are proud to offer farm tours to all of our suppliers on a regular basis, so you can see for yourself how we do things. That is a level of transparency that mail order meat companies just can’t offer and a level of quality that grocery stores can’t touch.” Links: Locovore Website ►► https://locavoredelivery.com/ Locavore on Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/locavoredelivery/

The Cold is my Teacher - Ep134 Grandpa Pearce is here to tell you a walking story again. The story is about cold.  Cold can teach you a lot about yourself. It is an opportunity to work with the breath and to have an alternative means of generating a focused state.  It also brings about an experience of equanimity following the event.  Do you work with cold to enhance your durability or health? What has your experience been? Share in the comments.  As always, thanks for listening.

Dr. Allen Lim: All About Salt - Ep133 This conversation with Dr Allen Lim covers a broad range of topics including heat stress adaptation, handing up water bottles and driving busses when you have a doctorate, salt and the sodium - potassium balance.

Go For A Walk - Ep132 This episode of Cycling in Alignment is about the most fundamental pattern of human movement: Walking. Old school cycling would command that riders stay off their feet but I would offer that this is an old ideal that should be lit on fire and kicked off a cliff.  Walking is an absolutely essential aspect of the human experience and one that is easily taken for granted. Without proper gait patterns, many basic movement are compromised and at best daily life becomes impractical; at worst, it becomes impossible.  Cycling makes us bad walkers but lots of walking will help your cycling.

GOATA: Ricky Stanzi - Ep131 This conversation is with GOATA Movement coach Ricky Stanzi. In our discussion, we unpack the philosophy of GOATA movement, what it is and the origin of this philosophy. GOATA stands for Greatest Of All Time Athletes. It is a movement education system that is based on movement principles observed in young children, tribal peoples, and the best movers in many different sports. From these observations, seven global laws were created. To hear more about this system of movement, enjoy our conversation. Links: GOATA Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/goata_movement/ GOATA Website ►► https://goatamovement.com/

Shop Local and Organic / Birdwatching for Cyclists – Ep130 One more solo walking podcast in which I tell you a story, grandpa Pearce is here to tell you about the way things used to be.  The point I am making specifically is about how modern training has become dictated by head units and power zones, and why this is problematic.  Riders assume that they are more productive or will make greater gains by following a precise workout plan or description but I would offer this is incorrect. Training is best guided by sensation and intuition, based on understanding of the athlete’s goals and objectives. Many modern riders don’t like this because this method is perceived as nebulous or imprecise.  Links: Contribute! ►► https://www.colbypearce.com/podcast/

Forging, hardening, quenching, sharpening – Ep129 This episode is a discussion of how the creation and construction of a Japanese samurai sword, or katana, is an excellent analogy for training in cycling. I break down these concepts in parallel so we can have a better understanding of how cycling training is performed in the proper sequence, and I explain how and why modern cycling is attempting to bypass this sequence to the detriment of the athlete.  Phase 1 Initiation:  Start with sand: this is you at the start. Raw material.  Apply heat. Heat is the equivalent of intention. A dream, goal or objective. Yin vs Yang. Heat is masculine, cool is feminine. The dream is what gives drive to the training, it crystalizes intent. Shape the dream. Phase 2 Hardening:  Hammer molten steel.  The initial training: repetition. Not super hard, but hard enough to shape. Too hard and you will shatter the molten steel or flatten it. You want to shape it, not shatter it. This is endurance training.  Cover with mud to prevent oxidation.  Smelt - stick pieces together. You can’t see the metal, you judge when it’s’ ready from the color of the fire and from intuition.  The color of the fire is training intensity - Intuition = feeling of when it is time to remove from the flame Phase 3 Purification:  Fold the steel many times to get out the impurities. Folding = intervals. “Strike while the iron is hot”. Adjust the carbon content of the steel. This takes lots of work and power. At lunch, the sword makers hands may be shaking. If you stop half way through, the sword will break. The process must be complete. It’s a battle against the heat: heat is the dream, you are shaping the dream and working with it. “Pray and move your feet” “Dream and move your ass” If you miss a hit on a thin sword, it becomes dented and damaged. You must strike with precision.  Final shape is decided so concentration is required.  Finish with clay - this is applied to form the Hamon pattern, which comes out when the tempering is done. Apply the clay to the metal, this creates the Hamon pattern, which indicates the hardened steel from the spine of the sword, the cutting edge. Each Hamon pattern is unique to each sword. This is your exact expression of fitness in a given race: your speed, reactivity, ability to execute tactics, corner, sprint, climb, endure. The clay is heated to 720-800 degrees C, then plunged in water repeatedly. This is when the soul is infused in the sword. The curved nature comes out, as the sword warps during quenching. This is the final process that makes the sword both flexible and unyielding, the blend of these two attributes gives it true cutting power.  Phase 4 Sharpening: Blade is sharpened. Final step. A sword sharpener studies for 10 years under his master. It takes 2 months, 8 hrs / day for 6 days/ week to complete one Katana. It is a difficult, honorable task.