Sep 30, 2025

Zen and the Art of al Pastor - Instant Pot Tacos al Pastor

We often think the reward is waiting for us at the summit, the finish line, or the next milestone. But the truth is, what we find there is shaped by what we carried all along the way.

Robert M. Pirsig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, captured this beautifully in his reflections on life, purpose, and the journeys we take both on the road and within ourselves.

The Warm Up

There’s a point in any challenge where you’re too far in to turn back, but not close enough to see the finish. That’s the grind zone. It’s where doubts get louder, fatigue settles in, and the novelty has worn off.

Push through this zone, and you’ll find it’s where the real growth happens. Anyone can start strong. It’s in the grind where you learn who you are.

Show up! Put in the work! Regroup! Put in the work! Don't quit! Believe in yourself! Develop your skills! Process > outcome! Be okay with uncomfortable! Compete!

The Journey

Here’s some kit tech for the fellow nerds. The photo above is David S winning an MTB race last week while wear testing a new prototype for us. We’re dialing in an upgraded chamois, medical-grade bib straps, and free-cut legs. The jersey is a complete rebuild with a sleeker cut, improved fit, reflective details, free-cut sleeves, and lighter-weight fabrics. We’re also testing colorways outside the usual black, red, and blue.

Other goings-on here: AFO 100 for the Van Purser Foundation is this weekend. I’m sitting here hitting refresh on FedEx tracking like I’m at a slot machine, waiting on nearly 100 kits and 300 pairs of socks to land for packet pickup on Thursday. Send good vibes and I’ll report back once everything arrives.

Meal Time

Taco Tuesday: Instant Pot Tacos al Pastor

This is my weeknight hero. I have made it dozens of times and it hits every time. Big pineapple chile flavor, super tender pork, then a quick broil to get those crispy bits. Perfect for Taco Tuesday. For corn tortillas that really take off, lightly brush or dip each one in vegetable oil and toast in a hot skillet about 30 seconds per side until soft and slightly blistered.

Ingredients

Pork and marinade

3 lb pork butt, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 cups pineapple juice
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup white vinegar
Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lime
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 chipotle peppers in adobo
1 (1.41 oz) packet sazón with achiote
1 tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil

To finish and serve

20 oz pineapple chunks, drained
12 (10-inch) flour tortillas
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup pico de gallo, or more to taste
1 medium avocado, diced
1/8 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

Place pork in a large lidded container.
Blend pineapple juice, onion, vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chipotles, sazón, chili powder, salt, cumin, and pepper until smooth. Pour over pork. Toss to coat. Marinate 8 to 24 hours.
Set Instant Pot to Sauté and add oil. When hot, brown pork in batches about 5 minutes per batch. Reserve any extra marinade.
Turn off Sauté. Pour reserved marinade into the pot. Lock lid. Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
Natural release 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
Set oven rack 6 inches from broiler and line a sheet pan with foil.
Transfer pork to the pan. Shred with forks and spread out. Scatter pineapple chunks over the top.
Broil until edges of pork and pineapple are browned and crisp, about 5 minutes.
Moisten with some cooking sauce from the Instant Pot. Serve on warm tortillas with red onion, pico, avocado, cilantro, and lime.

Serves about 12.
Time 20 minutes active, 35 minutes pressure, 10 minutes natural release, 5 minutes broil. Marinate ahead.

This is What I Heard

If you need an instant jolt of adrenaline, this is it. Three weeks ago the Downhill World Championships hit Champéry, Switzerland, and the final delivered a wet, brutally steep track that punishes every mistake. Hit play for Jackson Goldstone’s POV of his winning run, turn up the sound, try to remember to breathe, and try not to get motion sick just watching it. It’s wet, wild, and flat out fast, and it shows exactly why downhill is the most watchable two minutes in cycling.

Back to The Journey