Hello from Redlands, California. I’m currently sitting outside of our host house up on Oak Glen. I’m in town for the Redlands Classic, with the lofty ambition of riding for GC.
Today’s Substack is going to be a bit of an update as to what’s happening this week, but also announcing a new headline sponsor of this newsletter.
Welcome, AG1
Starting today, a new title sponsor is coming onto this Substack: AG1.
You’ve probably seen AG1 at some of the biggest sporting events in the world. They sponsor the U.S. SailGP Team, England Rugby and pretty much every leading triathlete in the world. It’s not just sports either, they work alongside leading podcasters such as Andrew Huberman, and even that British guy who races cars really fast - Lewis Hamilton.
There’s a healthy amount of imposter syndrome with this partnership!!
So, what is it?
AG1 is a foundational nutrition supplement scientifically formulated to support whole-body health. There are more tha 70 high-quality vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients inside it.
It comes in a powder form, and you mix it with a small amount of water and drink it each morning.
I spend some 150 days - if not more - on the road each year and there’s something about a routine that keeps it all together. Those little things that no matter where you are in the world make you feel a small sense of normalcy. AG1 has become a part of that morning routine.
Here’s a link to check it out with a welcome offer too: http://drinkag1.com/joelaverick
What does it mean?
You’ll be seeing the famous green AG1 branding on this Substack, and also on my helmet during races . The biggest gain of this partnership is that it allows me to focus more time on writing on this Substack and bringing more writing to you guys. And of course to stay healthy throughout my crazy season. Spending so much time travelling and racing, health is the gold standard!
I’m hoping that with time, I’ll be able to collaborate with other AG1 athletes to bring bigger and better content here.
Road Racing in California
I feel a strange affinity to Redlands. Maybe it’s because it’s a race I read about all those years ago in Phil Gaimon’s books. I was still a kid in school and racing ‘pro’ was just a dream. Maybe it’s because it was Ribble Rebellion’s first race and that brings so many good memories. Or, maybe it’s because I get so few chances to race on the road these days that when I get the opportunity it truly excites me.
It doesn’t make sense for me to race Redlands. It’s complicated to explain to my personal sponsors that I have to guest for another team. It’s a pain in the arse to source and build a TT bike for one 20-minute effort each year.
But, I love it. There’s no way of saying this without sounding a bit wet, but it’s good for my bike racing soul.
Sometimes, it really is that simple. Do things because you want to, do things because they’re fun and make you happy. Do things for you.
I’m putting pressure on myself for Redlands. I want to race for yellow and go for GC. If I win GC will it change my life in the slightest? Probably not. If I have a shocker or a race will anyone care? Equally, no.
In a weird way, both those things are liberating.
The race starts on Wednesday afternoon with a TT around Lake Perris. We headed out there yesterday for a course recon and it’s as twisty and turny as I remember. Doing recon of a course that the last memory you have of is race day is often funny.
Getting into that racing mindset is impossible when you’re on recon. Something just hits differently when the number is pinned on, plus you’ve got a mix of caffeine and adrenaline running through the veins.
So, it’s onto racing. Sorry if things go quiet here the next week or so. Stage racing always has a way of making you extremely busy!
While you’re here…
I’ve added a paid subscription and a ‘Buy Me A Coffee’ link to this post. As the year progresses, I’m planning on building this blog and putting out articles which I’ve always wanted to write but, for whatever reason, haven’t wanted to pitch. Your contributions allow me to do that.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/joelaverick
The following brands are racing partners of mine which allow me to do cool stuff.
AG1? Really?
What’s your team for Redlands?