Rapha Festive 500 Tips

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 EpisodeEp 22 - Training for Big Rides (it’s summer time bb!)Ep 12 - Cycling Logistics - Part 2: NutritionWays you can support No Drop:No Drop VenmoNo Drop PayPalFollow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram:Follow @zen_jeff on InstagramFollow @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 VenmoNo 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 ElmoWays you can support No Drop:No Drop VenmoNo Drop PayPalFollow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram:Follow @zen_jeff on InstagramFollow @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 - RestEp 26 - Necessary GarbageJeff Zen on StravaWays you can support No Drop: No Drop VenmoNo Drop PayPalFollow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram:Follow @zen_jeff on InstagramFollow @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 InstagramWays you can support No Drop:No Drop VenmoNo Drop PayPalFollow Jeff Zen and No Drop on instagram:Follow @zen_jeff on InstagramFollow @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