I Have No Words

I'm sad, disappointed, angry, and heartbroken. I believed in this guy! I met him last summer in Minneapolis while volunteering at the Nature Valley Grand Prix, he autographed my copy of his book. I haven't thrown it in the bin yet, but I'm pissed enough to give it a ceremonial cremation.
Landis admits doping, alleges use by Armstrong, others
The cycling world reacts to Floyd Landis' accusations

So, Floyd's a doper, and has been for years. Yet he had the nerve to fight being stripped of his yellow jersey in 2006 after he tested positive, wrote a book about how innocent he was, and accepted other people's money for his defense (Floyd's Fairness Fund). He's got a lot of nerve showing his face anywhere near the sport right now, if you asked me.

I may write more later, after I've cooled down.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Rocky Road from Dublin

I'm back from Ireland! I thought I'd drag my jet-lagged self over to my computer and let you know I'm not dead.

Our flight out of Dublin was delayed three hours because of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano sending up another huge ash cloud and thus we missed our connecting flight to Minneapolis. Being stuck in Newark Airport overnight is no fun, let me tell you. My sister slept on the luggage, I slept sitting up, and Mom didn't sleep at all. Talk about punchy!

I'm going to run through things I noticed in Ireland about bikes, roads, and riding; for your reading pleasure:
-The cars are smaller. The largest non-commercial vehicle I saw was a Land Rover Discovery. Quite nice, considering the price of petrol was 1.33 Euro per liter. That's about $5.00 per gallon, ouch.
-The roads are narrow. Think of a standard lane width and a three-foot shoulder here in the U.S. and that's a two lane national road in Ireland. There aren't shoulders, either, usually an old stone wall or a thick hedge-row.
-You have to pay anywhere from two to eight Euro to park your automobile in town. Thus, a lot of people take the bus, walk, or ride a bicycle to get groceries, run errands, etc. There are a lot of mountain bikes in the country and commuting bikes in town. I did see a bike courier coming out of a business in Dublin, he had a worn but well-kept road bike.
-Road signage is smaller and hard to read if you're used to the signage in the US. Street signs are posted on corner buildings or not at all. Also, streets frequently change names every block, rather than at city limits.
-Round-abouts are used instead of four-way stop intersections, and I think that's a good thing. It's easier and I think safer, because those in the circle are already moving at a fairly low speed, so all you have to do is get up to speed. If you miss your exit, you just go around again.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Out of the Office

I'm dropping y'all a note before the wheels go up.

Yep, I'm leaving on holiday for a couple weeks. I won't be here yammering away about tuning up my bike or the fact that I really need new cleats.

Enjoy the sunshine and warming temperatures in Minnesota, everyone!

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

We're Number One!

Star Tribune: When it comes to two wheels, we're Number One
Flabergasted, that's a good word to decribe me. My dad sent me the article and I ended up coughing on my morning cup of tea. Bicycling Magazine has ranked Minneapolis, Minnesota as the most bike-friendly city in the United States for 2010.

I know Minneapolis has quite a lot of bike trails and of course, our bike highways The Greenway and the Ceder Lake Trail, but we beat out Portland?

UPDATED 4/12/10:
After reading Steve Friedman's article, I'm still a bit at a loss as to what the big deal is about Minneapolis. Yes, a lot of urban commuters ride through the winter here. We've got some dedicated bike lanes downtown, and a veritable network of bike trails around the city and it's suburbs. Perhaps because I grew up with all of this in my backyard, I find it ordinary, expected even, not remarkable. I'm used to riding on the roads around Lake Minnetonka, Lake Calhoun, and Lake Harriet in the summertime. Quite a few roads around the Twin Cities area have wide shoulders that are kept in good condition and swept clean of sand in the spring, perfect for riding.

Maybe, as Mr. Friedman notes, the remarkable thing about Minneapolis is that those of us who live and work here don't always see how remarkable our bike culture is. To us, this is ordinary. This town takes all types of bikers, most riders are happy to see so many other people on two wheels that the type of bike doesn't matter. (Except for that guy who rides in a Speedo; dude, seriously?) Few people are pretentious about riding here, I've found; and the one's that are don't last too long. Or just they hang around with other pretintious riders, and thus, fall off my radar.

I guess, all in all, we've got a good thing going here in the MiniApple.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Nix the Pistol, Alberto

Reconstructive surgery places Contador's season in doubt
Sounds like there's some doubt about whether Alberto Contador will be able to continue to race this season. Why? He's messed up his right hand from doing his signature "finger-bang". You wouldn't think that was particularly strenuous, but apparently, Alberto repeats this gesture 200 to 300 times a day and with such vigor that he's developed a "repetitive motion syndrome" that makes him unable to grip the brake hoods, shift gears, or grab the brakes.

I'd advise you to nix the pistol, Alberto; or at least tone it down. Your hand will thank you for it.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

"Over Drive" - Road Cycling, Anime Style

It might surprise you that I have interests outside the world of cycling. Shocking, I know. One of them is Japanese animation, or anime.

I shouldn't be surprised, I suppose, that someone created an anime centering on road cycling & racing. There's anime on just about every subject out there: History, martial arts, spaceships, robots, racing cars, tennis... Why not teenage angst + cycling? You see, in Japan, animation is given the same respect and leeway as live action, so there are many different types of anime; just because a show or movie is animated, doesn't mean it's intended for kids.

In the first episode (Boy Meets Bicycle, Part 1) of Over Drive, we meet high school freshman Mikoto Shinozaki during his first week at his new school. He's an artist, a bit of a slob & a klutz, and half in love with Yuki Fukazawa, a very pretty classmate. She encourages him to join the cycling club as a way of changing himself and improving his image.

The problem is Mikoto can't even ride a bicycle, and protests that he has no athletic ability. Still, to impress the girl of his dreams, he's going to learn the sport.

Here's an action sequence, the second part of three, from episode 18:


You can find all 26 episodes on YouTube user dansam39's channel or episodes 15 - 21 on percom132's channel.

Finally! Something that combines two of my obsessions, anime and road cycling.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Blessing of the Bicycles, Minneapolis Edition

What: Blessing of the Bicycles
When: Sunday May 2, 2010 @ 1:00pm
Where: Basilica of Saint Mary, the Basilica Plaza
Hennepin Avenue between 16th & 17th Streets
Minneapolis, MN
More Information: http://www.mary.org/ It sounds like there's going to be vendors on site and a bike ride/tour afterwards.

If you go, have a good time! Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Wearing the Green

Contrary to what you might guess, I'm not nursing a post-Saint Patrick's Day hangover. Nope, I'm talking about the first outdoor ride of the season, which was this afternoon. It was the perfect way to celebrate the coming spring and the saint's day, by enjoying myself outside after a snowy winter.

I waited until around three o'clock to leave, as I wanted it to be as warm as possible for the ride. If there's one thing I hate, it's riding alone when it's cold. Surprisingly, my tires still had some pressure in them, too. I guess those tubes I installed in the last few weeks of last season are doing their job.

Good Things About the Ride:
-The weather was nice, around 60 degrees; and the sun was out.
-Most of the snow and melt water is gone, so I didn't come home wet and smelling like dog-s***.
-I didn't go very far or very fast. It was nice to just enjoy being outside again.
-No malicious incidents or gestures with automobiles; although I think the Squirrel Mafia is still out to get me.
-I wore one of my favorite jerseys: Green with "IRELAND" emblazoned on the front, back, and sleeves.
-I'm not fat, really. I didn't gain too much weight (a few pounds?) over the winter and my sister even commented that I've lost some more weight since Christmas.
-I didn't really sweat, which is a good thing, as I had to leave for a dinner appointment pretty quick after I got home.
-I actually got out there and did it, which is hard in the spring.

Annoying Things About the Ride:
-There's still sand and road debris everywhere. I'm surprised I didn't flat from all that glass.
-I felt like I was coughing up a lung. I hate that! It interferes with breathing.
-While I'm not fat, I am slow. Ah, the annual spring rite of passage: Pounding myself back into shape.
-One bad snot-rocket aim got it all over my jersey, yuck!

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Spring Has Sprung?

The weather here has been absolutely phenominal, for Minnesota, anyway. We've had a string of 35-40 degree days that has melted most of the snow that was on the ground. All sorts of things are being revealed by the melting snow: Driveways, mailboxes, bushes, sidewalks, bike paths, brown grass, small dogs...

My boss asked me today how badly I was jonesing to ride my bike outside. I, of course, answered "Really bad." I should probably take it in for the guys to look at and make sure everything is still ship-shape-and-bristol fashion. I've heard a rumor that Monday and Tuesday may be above 50 degrees. If that's the case, I'm going for a ride!

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Pomp and Circumstance

I love pomp and circumstance before sporting events.

Rituals before and during sporting events are important. As a hockey player in high school and college, I would always go into the locker room a little earlier than my teammates to start putting my gear on. I saved putting my helmet on for right before our coach came in for a final pep-talk before the game. Putting on my helmet meant it was go-time, and I was going to play my heart out. I got the same thrill each and every time I stepped onto the ice.

I was exposed to rugby in college, as one of my club hockey teammates and a fellow recreation major had previously played. It always looked like fun, but my teammate was forever recovering from concussions, so I decided playing might not be the greatest idea. I don't remember how I found out about the New Zealand All Blacks, but I remember being impressed by their black uniforms and the speed that they ran down the field.

Watching/listening to the hakas performed by these teams before tests (matches, games) really pump me up. "Haka" is the Maori word for dance, and each haka tells a different story. They are performed before important matches to show the teams intent and to intimidate the opposing team. I sometimes keep the Kamate Haka on Repeat on my iPod before bike races. I'd love to learn it, but I think I might have to start playing rugby for that.

Adidas "Impossible is Nothing" TV Spot - New Zealand All Blacks


2007 Churchill Cup - New Zealand Maori vs. Ireland A - Timatanga Haka


New Zealand All Blacks vs. France - Kamate Haka


Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Another Casualty in the War on Doping

As the maintainer and author of this blog, I feel it's sort-of my duty to report news of import in the professional cycling world. What my favorite riderrs are up to, major changes in how races are conducted, who's racing where, stuff like that.

One of my favorite domestic pro riders, Tom Zirbel has announced his retirement from professional cycling after being handed a two-year suspension following a positive test for DHEA at the 2009 U.S. Pro Time Trial Championships.

*heavy sigh*

I had the opportunity to watch Tom race with the Bissel squad this summer at the Nature Valley Grand Prix and the thing that struck me about him was his genuineness and his smile. In every interview clip I saw and every interview I read, he was happy to be riding his bike and enjoying being in the leader's jersey. I'm sorry to see the peloton loose such a rider.

Tom seems to be taking it in stride, though, and good for him. Sounds like he'll be searching for a job and getting back to other activities and causes that matter to him. Pretty good for a guy who's had his world turn on it's ear.

Good luck, Tom!

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Are We There Yet?

I think Mother Nature is playing pranks on me. Outside, the sun is shining and snow is melting off the roofs. I hear birds singing. Can it be? Has spring come early to Minnesota?

Alas, no. It's only 24º F and likely to stay there for a while yet.

I often remark to co-workers that my brain doesn't really realize that it isn't summer anymore. Even with the snow on the ground, it takes me a minute to remember I can't come home from work at 5:30 in the afternoon, throw on my jersey and shorts, and go for a ride.

I'm dreaming of endless, smooth, curvy asphalt roads, the sun shining warm overhead, and temperatures in the 70's. Are we there yet?

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Question Answered: Whey Protein vs. Soy Protein

You may think checking the headlines and articles at VeloNews.com several times a day is a bit extreme, but it's how I stay updated on pro cycling news and amped up for cycling during the off-season.

Anyway, I've been contemplating what else I can do to up my endurance and strength on the bike, besides adding miles. I'm not a nutritionist or exercise physiologist, but I noticed that my performance, recovery, and muscle tone got better when I was using whey protein after rides in July and August. I figure that since my muscles had more protein to draw from, they were better able to rebuild themselves after me tearing them up (literally) while exercising.

It turns out that what I remember from my high school weightlifting class and my brushes with sports nutrition in college tae kwon do and cycling are correct. Check out this article regarding whey protein versus soy protein. I'm not lactose-intolerant, but this is excellent stuff to know. I can make a more educated decision when I head to GNC for protein powder.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Bike Films on the Web

I'd like to thank Bike Snob NYC for calling several cycling related films to my attention, either directly or through exploring links on his blog. Seriously dude, you rock.

Beyond the Peloton - A look at Cervelo TestTeam's journey through the 2009 season. From an explaination of Cervelo's roots, through the spring classics, and all the way through the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. This film is particularly cool because it was filmed by a couple guys who work at Cervelo's warehouse. Cool gig!

Pedaling: NYC - A series of shorts involving people, food, wine, beer, and riding in New York City. Of the two episodes that are up, the first involves a couple bicycle-commuting chefs looking to create the perfect local ingrediant pizza and the second has two professional women racers looking for a sweet Belgian waffle, New York sidewalk-cart style.

Empire Begins - A work-in-progress about messangers riding fixies in often dangerous ways in New York City. Apparently it's been in production for a few years and who knows when it will be finished. You can learn more at empirebegins.com.

If you know of other films I should be checking out, shoot me a comment. I mean, besdes Quicksilver, Breaking Away, and American Flyers.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Product Review: Chrome Chuey Cycling Cap

I own precisely two cycling caps.

One is a black and yellow affair with "Minnesota Bicycle Festival" embroidered on the front. It was, along with my red "Volunteers only" t-shirt, my souvenir from my week of volunteering with the Nature Valley Grand Prix this past June. I should say that since this cap is rare (I snapped up one of the last ones) I don't wear it very often, especially under a helmet.

The second is my new Chrome Chuey Cycling Cap, made especially for Chrome by Chuey Brand.
This cap is made out of a tough-weave, black cotton; like they make military ACUs out of. There's a checkered, rip-stop pattern to it that I love. I think I could drag it through WWIII (or my next bike crash) and it would still look good and function well.

The fit is excellent, it comes down just enough to grip the base of my skull and around my head. They've put just the right amount of elastic in the back to ensure a snug fit that doesn't cut off all the circulation to my brain. The bill is flexible, rather than stiff like most cycling caps. You won't be able to flip it up or down, as you traditionally would. I like it, actually. The bill is a little shorter than other cycling caps, and fits under the brim of my helmet perfectly.Peek-a-boo!

Does it keep my head warm while riding? I haven't taken the opportunity to ride outside, since we're in the depths of a Minnesota Winter. But I have no doubt that once the mercury rises above 50 degrees that I'll be out there testing it out.

Chuey hand makes every cap they sell. According to their website, Chuey is a three-person operation based in San Francisco, CA. Pretty impressive since these caps are becoming insanely popular, just check out the Flickr Photostream for the evidence.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Specialized Films - Outlaw in Lycra

I found this a few years ago when someone in my college cycling club shot everyone else an e-mail link. It was a huge source of amusement and prompted us to swap many 'bike vs. car' stories over pasta and beer at Noodles & Co. late at night when we were supposed to be conducting club business.



Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

2009 and Looking Ahead to 2010

I'm not fond of New Year's resolutions. They're either way too lofty or simply ridiculous. At least, that's what happens when I attempt to make them.

The year 2009 was a breakthrough for me on the bike. As I was under-employed for the entire spring/summer/autumn riding season, I made it a point to be on the bike as much as I could reasonably be; meaning I was cranking out roughly 150 miles or more per week. For the first time, I logged over 1,000 miles in one season. That's a really cool milestone to pass.

I made the decision to not race at all this past season. I didn't want the pressure of getting up and performing on command. Instead, I focused on putting on the miles and enjoying myself while I was out there. It was, I think, a good way to approach the summer.

Along with consciously increasing my mileage, I began to notice how my body reacted to this increased amount of riding. I definitely lost some weight, I gained the coveted "calf-notch" and some nice leg-muscle definition, the laser-etched tan lines that cyclists are known for...

Oh, I was (still am) really psyched about this: My balance has improved so much that I can now ride with no hands on the handlebar. My friend Sheryl thought it was quite amusing when I triumphantly showed off this new trick on our Wednesday night ride. "You've never been able to do that? My kids can do that." Thanks very much, you sure know how to boost someone's confidence. ^_^

Other riders also noticed and commented on my love/hate relationship with hills. I like to climb, sometimes. Most of the time I climb the way I do because I want to get to the top as quickly as possible. I love standing out of the seat, the cadence of my feet as I tick over the cranks, and the triumph when I finally come over the crest of a hill. The thing is, I tend to get twitchy and attack too early, regardless of the situation. The joke goes something like, "Look C, it's a hill; Attack!" And off I go. Yep, I'm going to have to work on that.

So, what do I want to shoot for this year? Beating 1,500 miles would be pretty awesome. Here are a couple more ideas for myself:
-Figure out how to time a sprint and execute correctly
-Work on not attacking hills too early & blowing up halfway through
-Write a new weight-lifting program and figure out a cheap way to follow it
-Run on the treadmill when I can't ride outside (I'm so sick of the cold weather)

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

A Christmas of Cycling

To quote my dad, "This was a Christmas of cycling for you". Yes, yes, it was. Amongst the stocking stuffers and beautifully wrapped packages with my name affixed to them, there was Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer, 2001 Tour de France DVD Set, and a black Chrome (Chuey Brand) cycling cap.

Wow. Thank you, everyone!

The huge Christmas snow-storm kept us from traveling to see family in the southern part of the state. Thus, I spent the day parked on the couch watching Stages 10 - 12 of the 2001 Tour and wearing my Chuey. Don't worry, I'll post pictures and a product review of the cap quite soon and of the book as soon as I finish it. ^_^

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Specialized Films - A Christmas Card

A few years ago, Specialized sent out a virtual holiday card. So? Lots of companies send customers and vendors Christmas cards. This card played the Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, entirely on bicycle parts.



Happy Christmahannukwanzaka, and a Merry Festivus!

Winter-itis? Uh-Oh...

I promised myself that it wouldn't happen this winter, but it has. I've come down with a case of "Winter-itis". This is that special brand of inactivity particular to Upper Midwesterners in the winter time. Rather than hitting the treadmill in the basement or lifting weights after work, all one wants to do is curl up with a thick novel and a mug of hot tea.

I'm not sure of the cure, but I am a lot further in the (literal) stack of books on my nightstand. I think, after a summer of enjoying the outdoors from the saddle and being perhaps the most active I've been since senior year of high school, I want a break. If I had the chance at riding my bike right now in just a jersey and shorts, I'd go for it. But I hate getting all bundled up to be miserable out there, it isn't worth it.

To be fair, I did do some shoveling yesterday and today, so I've got that going for me. Plus, now that there is some snow, conventional winter recreation activities may commence with less difficulty. Perhaps I'll go sledding...

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.