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2026 is the summer that Los Angeles lost it’s dry heat. On this episode, we dive into what is going on with the humidity and weather, then discuss what we can do as cyclists to deal with these conditions. Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

Jeff Zen checks off his 2026 Goal - climbing 40,000 ft (12,300 m) in a single ride. Nutrition was the key to being successful, and on this episode Jeff talks about how to approach training your body to deal with the stress of fueling as you ride. This episode is perfect for anyone finding it difficult to build a positive connection to fueling on the bike. Drop into the podcast notes for more nutrition content, as well as ways you can donate to the podcast via Venmo and PayPal. Nutrition Episode Ep 22 - Training for Big Rides (it’s summer time bb!) Ep 12 - Cycling Logistics - Part 2: Nutrition Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

Jeff Zen starts this episode with an update on training progress leading up to his big ride in 2026 to set a new elevation record. One year ago, Jeff got an ebike - which has been a surprising tool in helping to build fitness through creating more opportunities for recovery. Jeff covers how he chose his bike, and what the maintenance and riding experience has been like. Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

Looking back on 2025 and forward to 2026, Jeff Zen talks about goals - an annual ritual that helps him continue to make progress while also making sure he’s being intentional with his time. In this episode, Jeff discusses which goals from 2025 he was successful with and where he wants to go in the next year. 2026 will be a different year - trading broad goals for one very specific goal. Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

The Rapha Festive 500 is Jeff Zen’s favorite challenge. Jeff shares tips and recommendations to make this week of riding for the Festive 500 challenge go as smooth as possible to increase the chances for success. Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

190 miles and 21,000 feet through Angeles Forest. In 2020, his first big ride out of COVID lockdowns, Jeff Zen finally completes a route he created in 2018. The entire route takes you over 3 of Angeles Forest’s highest points - Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts, Cloud Burst Summit, and Mount Gleason. Listen to No Drop on Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Check the Strava Route for The Burning Elmo Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

Summer riding has been enormous - 12 rides over 100 miles in the last 4 months. Jeff Zen is taking his recovery very seriously with a week of rest (decreasing volume and intensity by at least 50% for 7 days), and talks about why he takes rest and recovery so seriously. Episodes Referenced (on Spotify): Ep 24 - Rest Ep 26 - Necessary Garbage Jeff Zen on Strava Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

What gear to use for cycling is important for building consistency. On this episode, Jeff Zen discusses the gear that has played a critical role in helping him form a comfortable and consistent connection to cycling. Jeff also recaps a few of the adventures he has had over the summer - including his most recent 4 hour century. Check the podcast notes for a link to his Strava profile. Jeff Zen on Strava Road Runner Bags Website BB Infinite Website Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

Back to Jeff Zen’s favorite type of riding - BIG RIDES. In the previous 2 episodes, Zen discusses how he prepares for rides 2-weeks prior, as well as the day before. Now, after the ride is complete, on this episode he discusses how the ride went, and how the preparation for it contributed to completing the ride. Follow No Signal on Instagram Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

TOMORROW - 200+ miles and 20,000 ft. This is the final 24 hours before a big ride - a crucial time to take care of low-energy tasks like preparing food and pre-packing the bike. In the last episode, Jeff Zen discussed more labor intensive preparations like bike maintenance and shopping. With the bike dialed in and ready to roll, now he focuses on stress-free forms of preparation. Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

Getting the opportunity to ride 200 miles or more doesn’t come often, so maximizing your chances for success through both on-the-bike training and off-the-bike preparation is crucial. Through years of experience, Jeff Zen has developed an off-the-bike routine for thoroughly preparing for big rides, beginning about two weeks before events. In this episode, Jeff talks about the first things he does to prepare for a big ride—all in anticipation of his first major ride of the year. Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

The moon is a valuable partner during through the night bike rides. The light of the full moon provides up to 100 times more light than when the moon is at it’s smallest. In this episode, Jeff Zen discusses how important the moon is and how he has planned some of his biggest efforts in tandem with certain lunar phases. Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

Nicolas “Nico” McCarthy-Moya is the Manager at Rapha Los Angeles and 3 time California State Cycle Cross Champion. With a shared interest in helping newer riders connect to cycling, Nico and Jeff discuss specific drills to build skills as well as mindset tips to encourage a positive and lasting connection to riding bikes. Nico’s Instagram: @NicoM8 @rapha_los_angeles E-mail Rapha Los Angeles: [email protected] Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

To take care of others, you must take care of yourself. With fires raging in Southern California, the strength of community is more important than ever. Jeff Zen shares his belief that the most radical thing you can do to foster community is practice self care and provides tips on how to care for self. Below is a list of resources to help those effected in Los Angeles: Mutual Aid LA - donation and volunteer opportunities Meditation App - OPEN Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram

Having a ritual of setting goals is a great way to set your intentions and make continuous progress. Goals don’t have to be overly specific or data driven. Even the broadest goals can give us important direction throughout the year. Jeff Zen reflects on his goals for 2024 and sets some new goals for 2025. Ways you can support No Drop: No Drop Venmo No Drop PayPal Follow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram: Follow @zen_jeff on Instagram Follow @no_drop_podcast on Instagram