Spokes and words

Brilliant

2011-10-18T18:06:00.001-07:00

Totally agree with Best Bike Blog ever here - if you have to drive to ride, and the drive is longer than the time you spend riding, it ain't worth it:

So much for microblogging

2011-10-18T17:57:00.001-07:00

Freaking Twitter suspended my account for no reason I can figure out. So, I'm left to "old fashioned" blog posting. Today's random observation: my basement is FILLED with used bike tubes and tires. Are those compostable?

The lost art...

2011-09-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Of the group ride. Another great read I am lucky I got into road biking with some patient folks who kept the testosterone in check. I also am unlucky enough to have crashed and broken bones, so I know what happens when a group ride goes wrong...

Survived the MS 150

2011-09-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

What a perfect weekend last weekend was for riding. We would have been supremely ske-rewed if the MS 150 were held this weekend - could you imagine a Saturday of 99 degree heat and humidity followed by a Sunday with rain? Oh the humanity! Will post pix eventually. Love this post on the event from Joe Biker! I remembered everything, but I swear, half the battle with the MS 150 is remembering to bring everything you need at o:darkL30 in the morning!

Bring on the noise...

2011-06-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

So... all season there was this weird ticking in my bike. Drive side. Only when I pedal. Tap, tap, tap, tap... Been to Reser's thrice and it keeps coming back. I think we licked it. Every bearing in the rear wheel PLUS the free hub body have been replaced. So far, so good!

Biking is expensive

2011-04-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

So, the season is underway... and I've ridden the base miles as I can. But the creaking and clicking and other random noises are telling me the Orca needs some love. So, off to Reser. My fat ass broke my saddle - so $190 later I'm having them put on a new saddle plus my rear tire was fried plus I need new cleats on my shoes. Ouch... going to be expensive. Happy riding!

yes... i don't blog enough!

2011-01-26T21:03:00.000-08:00

it's true. My wife's blog makes more sense... every day you eat, so there's probably a recipe each day that is different each day. I'll chat about the old bike and the riding (or lack thereof!) later, but tonight got me thinking about blogging. MY blogging.

Every ride really DOES have a story. And it isn't about average speed, gearing, or the bike you rode (if you own more than one). It's about what you might talk about during the ride - the sick parent, the work struggle, fun tales from your college days, wacky ideas about what materials are best for bike frames ... whatever.... every ride has a story. Every person has a story. The book I'm reading confirms this. Stories are interesting - whether shared at a bar on on a blog. Write on! Ride on, and yes, even you crazy runners- running towards or away from something, run on!

Sunflower Revolution

2010-09-12T14:45:00.001-07:00

Best ride ever. Seriously. 18.4 MPH over nearly 60 miles? Cool. Well organized, a great route, nice people along the way, hooked on to a group I could hang with, all good.

MS 150!

2010-08-29T13:33:00.001-07:00

Great weather and, overall, a great ride. Going to these events shows me one end of the biking spectrum to the other. From people riding clapped out hybrids (while wearing gym shorts - ouch) to the hammerheads in high-end carbon. The ride was well-supported, as always, but I question (as everyone did) 10 miles or so of gravel roads. I like to think of them as Ohio's version of the cobbles in the TDF.

Riding with this kind of varied group leads to some questionable gear choices. To whit: Bike jerseys have pockets in the back for a reason. SO what's with the fanny packs or other crap hanging from a belt around your waist? Especially if you have a rack and giant bag on the back of your bike. Also, charity rides like this are generally well-supported. Why are you stuffing your pockets with every innertube/tool/energy bar you own? Just askin' I don't think less of you, hell you were out there grinding away with the rest of us, and for that you deserve credit.

2010-08-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Another vintage bike links for you: This is a nice shop, we need one like this in Cincinnati!

2010-08-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

This pic http://twitpic.com/2ihx2h shows the frustration with working on old steel-framed bikes. Back in the day, this Paramount definitely had 27'' (versus 700 CC) wheels and likely had the longer reach brakes, so these Campys, while nice to look at, won't work. More on this topic here and a possible workaround here

Old bike diary

2010-08-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

So, my winter project of rebuilding an early 70s Schwinn Paramount has spilled into the summer. It's coming together though. Here's what I'm finding: Nothing from that era seems standard. Nothing. Hubs don't fit into the frame, brakes don't reach the rims, etc etc. There are lots of reasons for this, which I'll go into at a later date. Big props to the message board (yes, message board) on Schwinn bike. These folks rock!

Will post photos soon, but gearing up for the MS 150 (which will be done on my modern carbon fiber bike, thank you... I'm not a Luditte!

418...

2010-07-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

I've crossed the 400 mark this month. Feelin' good. Humidity has dropped a bit... I'm raising for the MS again this summer. http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=1816541&pg=personal&fr_id=12830

Does size matter?

2010-06-28T17:27:00.001-07:00

I just switched out to 25 mm tires on my bike from 23s. More contact patch will allow more stability and, I assume, as smoother ride on some of the rough stuff I ride on typically. Unfortunately, I didn't realize they would necessitate a new set of tubes. Anyone have any experience with this setup? I guess if I'm wanting skinner tires, I can always switch back for shorter/less bumpy rides.

Rainy Saturday

2010-06-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

So... lots of news and lots of biking. Recently got back from a 2-week trip to Italy, home of Campy, the Giro d' Italia, Tuscan wines and all kinds of goodness. The photo here is the path between the villages in Cinque Terre. Right before I left, I got a new job. The biking season is underway and I'm gearing up for Ride Cincinnati tomorrow. I need to finish building up the Paramount in the basement, a winter project that's turned into a spring/summer project.

Oh and....

2010-05-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Bike Month has kicked off in Cincinnati. Click here to read more.

Ridin'

2010-05-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

So, a new season is in full swing... cobwebs have been dusted off and I'm on the bike as much as possible. It's been a hectic spring, but the legs feel good. Haven't been able to break 50 on a consistent basis, but getting a decent amount of saddle time in. Heading to Italy in the near future, but won't likely be able to see the Giro de Italia .

Pugsley

2010-02-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

My crazy photog friend D.A. Fleisher (see his blog here) got out on something called a Pugsley in the snow. Check out the size of the tires on this rig!

Winter snow day

2010-02-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

About to hit the trainer for what feels like the umpteenth time this off-season. The older I get, the less enthused I get about cold-weather riding. I can do anything 40-degrees and above. I did get a 50 miler in last month, which felt good. The search for bike parts for the Paramount(s) continues. Trying to find a decent set of bars/stem. Found a nice forum here that might give me some places to find stuff.

Two are better than one

2009-11-05T08:17:00.001-08:00

So, I found not one, but two reasonably-priced Paramount frames in my size that are sitting in the basement. And, I've done the e-bay thing and found shift levers, brake lever and N. Record front and rear D/Rs. Photos of all this coming soon. Wheels and the gears are the next big things I need to find, along with the stem/headset/bars/saddle/seatpost etc etc. Ugh. In the meantime, check this out: http://panthercitybicycles.blogspot.com/2009/10/schwinn-paramount.html

Since it's STILL raining

2009-09-24T11:21:00.001-07:00

You probably are riding a computer, like me, instead of a bike. Found this as I continue to comb web pages in search of vintage parts for the Paramount. I called Waterford today to see if they can get me a recreation Nervex lugged fork. The person who answered the phone (Mr. Schwinn?!) said the sales people are all in Las Vegas at the Interbike show (duh, shoulda know that) but yes, they can get me something. Cost is the question he couldn't answer. I also found a decent-looking Nuevo Record Campy group here, but they wanted $900 for it!

Endless summer

2009-09-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

So, a downpour made me scratch an evening ride... good time to catch up on blogging. In the spirit of a classic keyhole essay , I'll make my three points here and expound on them later. First, the MS150 was a blast this year, although I could've lived without the hill at the end of the ride. Two: I found a classic vintage Paramount frame, but no fork. Needs work. A winter project is born. Finally, this has been a fantastic summer of riding. My only regret is not getting any MTB miles in, but there's always the fall!

Gettin' ready

2009-08-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

For the MS150 this weekend. The good folks at the MS Society (in SW Ohio) are making it more about a "ride" vs cranking out 150 miles over 2 days. Should be a good ride regardless. I think I've recovered from THE FUNK from a couple weeks ago, where I couldn't get anything going on a ride.

DZ nuts review

2009-07-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

I use just a pinch of chamois butter on rides and am happy with the Assos (yes, that's what it's called) stuff I use. But this review of a product called DZ Nuts is funny as hell:

http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/08/05/reviewed-dave-zabriskies-nuts/

Bike Bling

2009-07-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hanging out watching the TDF coverage. My Mavic rear wheel has possibly bit the dust, so while it's off (hopefully) getting repaired under warranty (ah, the French) the good folks at Reser have loaned me a set of Campy Euros 2-way fit wheels to try out. Wheels are where I cut corners on the bike when I bought it last year and a good place for an upgrade...however I was hoping to get more time out of the Mavics. Having said that, the Campy wheels are a visual upgrade. Bike bling? Perhaps. But they really look like they were made for the Orca. Sadly, a rogue rain shower killed my ride opportunity for tonight, but I'm going out tomorrow for a Friday ride and of course Saturday.

5 bikes, 40 gears

2009-07-08T19:38:00.001-07:00

Group ride tonight. Broke away (and dropped) the 15 mph group with a bunch of fixie riders. Enjoyed being in a smaller group, and we ended the ride at Ault Park to see some of the Weds crit.

Searching for steel

2009-06-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

My latest obsession is to find and restore an old steel road bike. Ideally something Italian, like me... but would also love a Schwinn Paramount or Raleigh from the 70s or 80s. Am finding some interesting things on Bikingthings.com and of course E-bay. Any tips? I'd need a frame in the 57-59 cm range. The gallery at http://www.raydobbins.com/
is also really cool.

Raising money

2009-06-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

Once again this year, I'm participating in the MS 150 Ride. If nothing else, it forces me to get base mileage in before the big 2-day ride in August.

Ugh

2009-06-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

You should see how the other guy looks. Got caught in an accordion during the Over-The-Hump ride. Way too many people have gotten racked up on this ride, including me (broken hip, 2005). I ride with the 15 mph group b/c it ends up being 16 mph, but that group also has a bunch of newer riders who don't always know how to keep everyone behind them aware of their next move. Long story short, we bunched up on Round Bottom Road... I felt the guy behind me careen off my wheel, took some skin off my calf and he went flying. Could've been much much worse.

Charity Ride

2009-06-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

A charity ride today for breast cancer. What's not to like about charity rides, especially well-organized ones like Ride Cincinnati. I rode to the ride and did the long option of 62 miles along route 8 in Kainnntucky which netted about 76.5. But, again, the charity ride. Nice bicyclists, you get to check out who's riding what, get on the back of a paceline averaging 20, and sometimes you see something cute, like the little kid riding on the back of dad's tandem (also pulling 20... very weird to be on the wheel of a 6-year-old). Food stops could've had more variety (energy bars are an easier grab-n-go than 'nanas), but the friendly dog at the first stop was a nice touch. I always marvel at some of the squeaky, creaky rides some people bring to these things. It's even more notable when they are taking these things on the long route. Those riders definitely earn their free bananas. I also always seem to pass someone whose bike is making some really loud sound. Doesn't that drive them nuts? I don't know. But today's ride has me one a pace to do 400 in June, but it'll be mucho tricky to get long rides in the next THREE weekends since we're out of town part or all of them. Oy.

What's not to like about charity rides?

Recent travels

2009-06-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Just returning from a long trip up North by way of the West (Seattle). Some quick thoughts: Seattle is a great bike town. Countless bikes cruising the streets of downtown the Monday we left. Some commuters, some for fitness, some just tooling around. Some with cigarettes in their mouths... wtf? The destination for us was a cruise ship (no biking there - unless you want to get ganked $12 extra + gratuity for a spin class. The cruise ship took us up to Alaska. There could be biking there if you don't mind rain. But our first stop, Juneau, doesn't have any roads leading to it. So off-road tires and maybe pontoons would work. Photos of the trip are on FB, but here's a funny one.

Back on the bike after a layoff- felt good despite the humidity. Fresh legs!

Hitting the wall

2009-04-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Tough riding on Saturday. Unseasonably warm + very windy + a very hilly route conspired against me. Then we ran out of water on rte 8 - memo to self- next time we take this route, use the Camelback. Here's the route.

Newport Route 8 - 48 miles
Find more Bike Rides in Bellevue, Kentucky

Nothing like

2009-04-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

A visit to the bike shop to get the wheels feeling dialed in. 23 mi today in a strong wind, but bike was SILENT... ahhh.

Easter riding

2009-04-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

Interesting article in today's NYT. Good to see even the dudes on hybrids fancy themselves Lance Armstrongs. Anyway, after a week of un-bike friendly weather, got 47 or so in today, windy, kinda chilly, but do able... worked out a lot of things in my mind on the solo ride...

Hey man, nice bike.

2009-04-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

Who needs hills when you have a STRONG headwind to contend with? Heading back along Eastern/Riverside last night was rough, but a good warmup for climbing Stanley, which feels as though it's 90-degree vertical at times. Ran into a fellow Orca rider - a red/black one. Sharp!

Lance's break, training log

2009-03-23T18:57:00.001-07:00

So, Lance Armstrong broke his collarbone today. We feel for ya, buddy. Looking at last year's training log, I am happy to see I'm well ahead in mileage compared to this time last year. Woot! Either better weather or better time management or both, but I hadn't even done a proper road ride at all until Mar. 25, and then only an hour. I did get 19 miles in on the 2nd. Monthly total in Mar. 08 was a paltry 55. More on Lance here.

Another Sunday and cool links

2009-03-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday brought 40 miles on sore legs, took a TBS and boxing class Saturday that wore me out. Not sure what I should do today, but I'm "scheduled" to ride. Gotta keep building base if it kills me, which right now feels like a distinct possibility. This is neat, sorta like twitter for runners.

Also, did you read Matt Lauer wasn't on today b/c he separated his shoulder due to hitting a deer on his bike? Yikes. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D973S0U80

Erin go ride

2009-03-16T08:33:00.001-07:00

35 on a clear, cool Sunday with a hangover.

Daylight riding time

2009-03-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

A good 1 hour after work ride today. Ended up with 13 mi, but kept the speed up with minimal wind. Back (lower right, small of the back) kinda was spasm-ing for some reason. I noticed this Saturday too.

base in your face

2009-03-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

59.4 miles today. We'll call it 60. The new Michelin Pro Race 3 (grip) are a BIG improvement over the Conti Ultra Race's that were spec-ed on the bike. Smoother, grippier and fast. Serious wind today.

Spring is springing

2009-03-06T10:50:00.001-08:00

Oh boy...70 degrees and no rain tomorrow.

first ride

2009-02-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

of oh-nine. Forecast called for 40 and we said f-it. I'm feeling slow and out of shape and the cold didn't help, but damn good to be be out in the real world. A thought came to us as we were riding up Camargo and some dude on a Moots sucked up my wheel the whole way up and then passed me at the top, saying nothing (I hope you appreciated the lift, dickey): why do roadies tend to be anti-social? And am I the only one who seems to notice an inverse relationship between price of bike and assh0le-ness of rider?

Morning Joe

2009-02-13T06:09:00.000-08:00

This post is an interesting take on "the media" and how even small companies can get big results from social media. http://mashable.com/2009/02/10/businesses-becoming-media-companies/

Might get out on the bike this weekend since I'm sick of the indoor work. Bike buddy and I are thinking of scheduling a trip to NC next month. Anyone ever been there?

Topic three: I have a dream of attending the Breadloaf writer's workshop at Middlebury in VT one day. Anyone been there???

This needs to happen

2009-02-09T12:11:00.001-08:00

I'd really like to see this trail constructed, linking downtown to the LM bike trail.

http://www.ohioriverway.org/ohiorivertrail/

2009-02-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

The winter of my

2009-02-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

Discontent. Maybe it's because I stayed up too late last night... maybe it's because my wife is sick.. maybe maybe.. but I blew off the trainer tonight. Boo.

On the writing side of things

2009-01-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

This blog is supposed to be about riding and writing. Well, here's some thoughts about writing - I met with an nku alum yesterday who's written a book, but the story behin the story is what interested me. Her sister read a draft of the book she was tinkering on before she dies, which inspired the author to work tirelessly to get it published in memory of her sister. Like most writers, I toy with the idea of someday writing something... and in 2002 I lost my brother. No, he never read things I had written, but maybe that should inspire me. Just a thought.

More on the Orca

2009-01-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

So, after the better part of a season, still LOVE the Orbea Orca and Reser Cycles. The bike isn't punishingly stiff like other carbon bikes are, and that's a good thing since when I get rolling in-season I put in close to 100 miles/ week at 16/17MPH average. The Campy gear is fine and now is second-nature to me. I'll think about upgrading wheels and/or cranks in the future. My only trouble spot was the saddle. Seatpost binding bolts became stripped, fixed under warranty at Reser and no problems since. My old Trek is now on trainer duty, so the Orca is basically "resting" until the winter goes away. The big difference, for me is, I can pile on copious miles and not feel sore. Tired and fatigued, yep, but no soreness as I felt on the old aluminum frame. This means I ride more and enjoy the long rides more. For me, the bike fits great and the handling inspires confidence. I climb better, as well. All in all, a great value for the money.

Ahh, winter

2009-01-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

This is where I sit today, watching the snow fall. No biking. But, trainer and spin bikes ahoy. How many calories does snow shoveling burn?

And... a tip

2008-12-04T06:46:00.001-08:00

Sit closer to front in the spin classes -- generally those bikes don't get as much use since everyone sits in the back....

Winter = joylessness

2008-12-04T06:34:00.001-08:00

I enjoy spinning and working on the trainer, I really do. But it always lacks the feel of a "real" ride. Yeah, there's music, a perky spin teacher, whatever, but we're staring at four months of this. Oy.

New school year

2008-08-25T07:41:00.001-07:00

So, as trite as it sounds, one of the neater aspects of working on a college campus is the "return of the students" every fall around this time. The campus comes alive again with the pleasant sounds of students trying to find a parking spot.

Got a "bonus" ride in Friday and another one yesterday, averaged close to 16 on both, which is good.

Writing

2008-08-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

It's too bad I can't write while riding. So many ideas come to me while I'm on the road... but they just kinda stay in my head and don't often make it to the computer screen.

A good ride?

2008-08-12T05:45:00.001-07:00

My wife asked me after coming back from a ride if it was a good ride. I said yes. Then she asked what makes a good ride? Good question. Weather was PERFECT. No humidity. Sunny. 80 degrees. I felt good. Confident in the saddle, traffic wasn't too bad. Legs felt good, albeit still somewhat fried from the long ride Saturday. I averaged 16 over 24 miles, with two significant hills plus rollers. I came back feeling good. Not beaten up. The carbon bike makes a big differences, and it really shines on the zippy shorter rides.

MS Recap

2008-07-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

They call the MS 150 the "MS BIKE RIDE" these days. I figure that's to avoid scaring off those who want to do the 50 mile option. Of course, those of us who gut out the 150-mile option found that it's actually more like 158. Those extra miles suck when you're expecting to hit 75 and be done each day. All and all it was a great ride, even though we got POURED on during the Saturday ride. Serious rain. Yikes. I raised more than $600 for a good cause and got to put the new Orbea thru its paces. I found that, at the end of the ride I was much less sore than on the old aluminum bike. Tired? You bet. But not beat up. Ahh, carbon.

MS 150 time

2008-07-03T07:34:00.001-07:00

Gearing up for the MS 150 next weekend. Trying to build that distance base to hit the 75 miles each day without too much pain. Looking forward to it!

Pathetic

2008-07-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted since December. Bad Blogger. So, the update on the spokes: My trusty Trek is toast. Well, at least the frame is, so it is new bike time. I did lots of searching, riding etc and decided on an Orbea at Reser cycles. It was a long process and I ended up buying something different than I would've expected. Reser gave me an incredible deal on an Orca, and after 3 weeks, I like it more with every ride. I've also moved over to Campy, which I've come to appreciate after some test rides. So, now I have to ride more and faster and better.

The weather outside

2007-12-12T18:41:00.001-08:00

Isn't frightful, but spinning is more delightful than being out in 40 degree weather. Considering buying a trainer this winter for some basement workouts....

Christmas wishes

2007-11-30T06:24:00.000-08:00

So much has happened since the last post and precious little of it had to do with riding. My father died in September, and a very busy fall conspired to make bike rides few and far between since August. Although, those first few rides after getting back to town were especially healing. There's something about grinding away some miles on a bike to make you forget things for awhile.

Serotta rocks

2007-08-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

The good folks at Oakley Cycles loaned me a Serotta this weekend, since my wheel is toast and it'll take a while to get in a new one... Made me see (and feel) the difference between aluminum and carbon and ti. WOW! Someday...

2007-08-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

Here I am at the MS150!

about damn time

2007-08-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

I posted something. The season is in full swing, despite the heat. Completed the MS150, a ride to Yellow Springs, etc. Even wore out my rear wheel!

Sigh

2007-04-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

Travel. Work. And now, somewhat crappy weather. No riding this week and a sore back (slept on it funny?). The weekend continues to look un-promising for "good" riding weather. A-spinning we will go.

Roller coaster

2007-03-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Got out Monday and did the "Fast Pedals (TM)" thing that Carmichael touts. Well, if it's good enough for Lance... I found it useful, but difficult to get the hang of. Basically, you spin at a very high cadence in five minute intervals. The weather was balmy Monday here -- 75 degrees! Almost a record! But, alas, we're into the 30s today and dropping quicker than Britney Spears' skirt.

FINALLY

2007-03-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

Got out and rode 35 sluggish, start-of-the season miles yesterday to knock the cobwebs off. About half on the Little Miami bike trail and half on the road, including a climb up Galbraith.

Don't wait

2007-03-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

Spring is trying to, well, spring around here. The days are getting longer and St. Patty's Day is around the corner. Trying to build a base in the spin room, but the long-range forcast is making me think getting on a real bike and going for a ride is on the agenda this weekend (!).

No good segue here, but this op-ed from Bicycling was pretty meaninful to me.

http://sittingin.bicycling.com/2007/02/dont_wait_a_rem.html

Shifting gears

2007-02-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

Multitasking... the nice thing about being on the bike is that you generally can't get too distracted. And, you hop on and go. It takes me a while to get "in" to work or grad school work or any other task... Training log: Spin Sunday, 1 hour, pretty casual pace; spin class for 45 mins yesterday. Lift weights today. Trying to stay on task despite a crazy social calendar. Need more hours in the day. But EDT is coming, along with warm weather (we hope).

150 percent

2007-02-16T06:24:00.000-08:00

I wish there were a way to "write down" all the crap that goes thru ones' head while cycling. Last night @ spin class my mind was spinning along with my legs. The topic: how much is too much? When has one extended him/herself too far and no longer getting enjoyment out of life? I work full time, have freelance work, am going to graduate school, am a volunteer for my fraternity, am on the board of my neighborhood council and was married in Sept. I have a friend who lives in Kansas who is equally involved in "things." His wife asked, why does he have to give 150 percent at EVERYTHING... and it got me thinkin.

2007-02-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

SNOW and ICE are the words of the week. Although certainly not the worst storm I've ever lived thru (I grew up in Cleveland) it has caused us to lose power twice (the most recent being last night while making my wife carbonara pasta for V-day.)

All this equals no bike riding, other than spinning. I'm not one of those guys who hits the road on bad days. Just can't do it. That's what I have a car for.

Violating virgins

2007-02-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

Saw this in Bicycling magazine's blog about Floyd Landis. Hilarious comments from Dick Pound, who's name is pretty funny, too.

http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/article/0,6802,s1-7-131-15473-1,00.html

our de France winner Floyd Landis has responded to comments made by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chief Dick Pound in an open letter published in the New York Times and Wired magazines. Landis won the Tour de France last July, largely due to a heroic effort on stage 17 of the race.

But he later tested positive for a banned substance after that stage and has been in cycling limbo ever since - suspended from racing and fighting to clear his name.

But now Landis has hit out at Pound for branding him guilty before his case has been closed - he is appealing a ban.

"Dick Pound's recent defamatory and absurd public comments - in the midst of a process where the highest ethical standards should support a fair and just outcome - highlight the dramatic and systematic problems with global anti-doping enforcement and adjudication," said Landis.

Landis's letter came a day after the New York Times published comments from Pound about Landis's case.

"He was 11 minutes behind or something, and all of the sudden there's this Herculean effort, where he's going up mountains like he's on a goddamn Harley," said Pound.

Landis's Tour-winning effort came just a day after his yellow jersey hopes had seemingly gone up in smoke as he cracked on the final climb of stage 16.

"It's a great story," added Pound. "Wonderful. But if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."

Turning to Landis's alleged testosterone results, which included a high testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio, Pound said crudely: "I mean, it was 11 to 1. You'd think he'd be violating every virgin within 100 miles. How does he even get on his bicycle?"

But Landis rebuked what he claims is misinformation coming from Pound.

"Mr Pound's published reference to the testosterone in my system proves he has not even bothered to review the facts regarding the unsubstantiated allegations against me," said Landis.

"My testosterone levels were tested as normal following stage 17 of the 2006 Tour de France and this fact is clear to anyone who cares to review the lab data.

"Absolute testosterone levels are not even part of the allegations. The LNDD (Laboratoire National Depistage de Dopage - the French lab that tested Landis's sample) tested a clearly contaminated sample of my urine, against WADA rules, and even then my testosterone levels fell into the normal to low range.

"Mr. Pound should conduct himself in a manner more consistent with the seriousness of the unsubstantiated allegations against me and the damage they have caused to a great number of people."

Landis is not the only American Tour winner to have had a run in with Pound. Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong is a vocal critic of the WADA chief who has supported unproven allegations that he took performance-enhancing substances during his career.

Before his retirement, Armstrong was the most tested athlete in the world and never failed a drug test.

Winter rush

2007-01-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

Revolutions Fitness has been my winter bike "home" for years. It's a bike-friendly gym, run by cyclist with a great spin room. I especially like the Friday Noon classes if I can sneak out of work for them.

www.revolution-fitness.com

Winter riding

2007-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

...And winter writing. It's cold today. And snowy. And I'm freakishly busy with work and life. So, why not add a blog to my list of things to do? This may just be the most loosely defined thing in the blogsphere. I'll talk about riding bikes. And writing for a college alumni magazine. And being a grad student. And trying to NOT make it "all about me" but provide something useful or interesting for all two of you who are reading this.