Road Bikes, Cycling

“I went on the weekly group ride with the local club yesterday, after missing a few weeks due to B-Son's morning soccer games. I chose the 'medium' ride - it turned out to be an awesome 45-miler, with lots of nice scenery on a gorgeous day.

We started out with 8 riders but only finished with 7. One of the guys crashed on one of the steep descents and busted his collarbone. He wasn't scraped up at all, and wasn't in a lot of pain, fortunately, so he called his wife to pick him up, we waited with him, then continued on after they left. Yikes - that's why I'm always the slowest down the hills!”

“glad it was just a collarbone!

I think cycling season is over here unless I get a cross bike, or ride my mtb. I need to ride at least once a week to keep my butt in shape.”

“I haven't ridden my mtn. bike in over a month...and I went and did a 30km ride yesterday...1/3 of it going uphill...my butt still hurts.”

“Shoulders are usually the first thing injured in a bike crash. I separated my shoulder once in a bike crash and it was one of the worse pains I've ever felt. I had to sleep in a chair for the first few nights because the pain was so bad.”

“Just got our confirmation over the weekend for a little cycling trip in Provence next summer. My cousin is getting married in Italy, so we're going to drift over to France and do some biking for a few days. I also booked a layover day in one town because THE TOUR is blasting through!”

“FUN!”

“vry cool!!”

“Galvez dies after Ghent Six accident
By wire-service reports
This report filed November 26, 2006
World Madison champion Isaac Galvez (Caisse d'Epargne) died after an overnight fall during the Ghent six-day, the Belga news agency reported Sunday.


Galvez, who has been a professional since 2000, died while being transported to a local hospital.

An initial diagnosis suggests the cause of death was from an internal hemorrhage, however complete details will not be available until a full autopsy is completed on Sunday.”

“Yes, my chiro just told me about that a couple hours ago....”

“I finally got around to plotting out the route we rode on Saturday - it was about 45 miles and included 3,140 feet of climbing. No wonder I was tired!”

“That's awsome!!! Enjoy.

Haven't been on the bike for almost a month now. November was horrendous with travel and backpacking in California (twice). I hope to be back on the road this week, if the weather stops being damp and icky.”

“Just bought a used Trek 5200 full carbon (the same model Lance won the 2003 tour on). It is soooo sweet and really was a nice deal on a lightly used frame. I plan on getting in many, many miles and want to work up to metric and then full centuries. Awesome! However, am going to have to invest in some full-finger gloves since it is cold now!

Do you guys ride in the cold and wet?”

“cold and wet don't bother me too much, dark does. I have lights but the rural roads are pretty narrow around here.”

“I'm afraid of crashing, so I won't ride if it's wet, but I don't mind the cold. If I start to get a little chilled, I just point the front wheel up some hill and PRESTO! - not cold any more!”

“Yeah. I try to keep my rides in the daylight...”

“Do any bikers use recumbent bikes? I'm wondering if they are better for people with bad backs, ie sciatica or herniated discs.”

“Can't say I do, but I always assumed that is why people rode them...”

“cold weather riding... start out in a gear that approximates the temperature. Admittedly that can be tough to do in the really cold days, but the biggest risk factor in cold weather riding is muscle train from working muscles that are not warmed up enuf.

people ride recumbants for a variety of reasons. They are supposed to be more comfortable particularly for for long distances. they produce less shoulder strain because the shoulders do not carry ony of the weight load. They can go into a much lower gear generally speaking because of the smaller drive wheel (usually around 20" as opposed to 26-29) which means they climb hills at a crawl. But they use the legs power differently so they can also go faster than an upright. All major land speed records for HPV are held by rebumbent style systems.

Wet riding is most dangerous in high speed, tight turn situations _unless_ you have rim style caliper brakes. Then the loss of stopping power is the most critical issue leading to non-impact crashes and falls. Visibility in an active rain or snow storm can be drastically reduced resulting in a greater of impact accidents.

The bigger the blotch you make on the horizon the more likely you are to be seen. Using a flashing tail light is far more effective and safer than a static light or just reflectors alone. Drivers are used to judging distance by the size of the light. If the light is small and static the driver assumes it is farther away than it really is because they mistake it for a road side reflector. Flashing lights act abnormally to the drivers vision, thereby being more identified as something unusual. So more caution is taken in the approach.

There are entire websites dedicated to such things as bicycle commuting and bad waether riding.”

“Coldest I have ridden was 20 below in Fairbanks. Not bad with the right gear, low pressure mud tires on MTB. I learned the tricks for this guy. http://www.allweathersports.com/winter/winter.html”

“You can count me in this group. I ride a lot more than I backpack. While I only have 9 to 13 bagnights this yeay, I have about 2200 miles on the bike. 1500 on my mtb and 700 on my road bike. I commute from time to time, but to me there is nothing better than burning up 30 to 40 miles after work on my mtb.”

“with no family responsibility.

Cycling Event Internships Available


Pro Cycling Tour, LLC, (PCT), organizers of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling, has spring and summer internships available starting in mid-February at their office near Valley Forge , PA.



The Commerce Bank Triple Crown consists of international cycling road races and related special events in Lancaster , Reading and Philadelphia from June 3 to 10. Cyclists from over 20 nations participate in these televised events that draw some 350,000 spectators throughout the week. The Philadelphia International Championship on June 10 is the nation’s biggest and longest running international cycling event in the nation.



The Philadelphia leg of the Triple Crown is now entering its 22nd year. Many volunteers and staff have come together to work on the race since its inception – this is a tribute to the quality group that produces the event and a sign that this is a very fun and rewarding place to be.



Internships are available in the following areas:



Administration: General office assistance and support of staff functions such as volunteer marshals, hospitality, client and sponsor liaison, special events coordination, IT, etc.
Sales and Marketing: Sales and follow through to sell Patron hospitality areas at each event, VIP tickets, Expo space, media partner promotions, website sales and collateral materials preparation and distribution
Communications: Assistance with press release preparation and distribution, media accreditation, press conference and press center set-up and management, website content, special promotions, rider autograph sessions, etc.


Work is in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment typical of most sports marketing and event production companies. Important qualifications include outstanding written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational ability, computer and software proficiency, self-starting and problem solving mentality. Knowledge and interest in cycling is helpful but not essential. Paid and unpaid positions are available depending upon experience and available hours.





Email qualifications, experience and dates and hours available to jreinhart@procyclingtour.com”

“Administration: General office assistance and support of staff functions such as volunteer marshals, hospitality, client and sponsor liaison, special events coordination, IT, etc.

"Run down and get me a latte, son!"


Sales and Marketing: Sales and follow through to sell Patron hospitality areas at each event, VIP tickets, Expo space, media partner promotions, website sales and collateral materials preparation and distribution.

"Take this box of pamphlets over to the booth, kid!"


Communications: Assistance with press release preparation and distribution, media accreditation, press conference and press center set-up and management, website content, special promotions, rider autograph sessions, etc.

"Fax this over to headquarters, would ya'?"




j/k - Sounds like great fun and a good learning experience....”

“Having attended a couple of bike races, some big charity rides, the hoopla is a hoot.

I posted this in the Beating Cancer thread, but worth putting it here too.

Anybody interested in forming a team for the Portland ride? My personal goals would be to raise $15,000, form a Spokane and/or TT Team, 5:45 Century, Qualify for the Ride for the Roses. email me, see profile. Pathman


LAF Announces Dates and Opens Registration for 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge Series

Online registration is now open for the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge, the LAF’s signature fundraising effort. Presented by Nike, the Challenge allows participants can walk, run or ride to support the Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. Last year, Challenge participants raised a combined total of $10 million to support the more than 10 million American cancer survivors.

This year’s Challenge kicks off in Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 25-26, and then heads to Portland, Ore., on Sept. 29-30. The series culminates with a joint Challenge and Ride for the Roses celebration in Austin, Texas, Oct. 12-14.

“We have made significant improvements to the event series, now in its second year,” said Doug Ulman, Foundation president. “We’ve reduced the number of locations from five to three to better provide participants with a truly transformational experience, one that leaves them energized, inspired and empowered.” Sites were selected based on accessibility and geographic location, not on previous participation or fundraising levels.

“In addition, Lance Armstrong, who recently assumed the role of chairman of our board of directors and announced a $5 million gift to the Foundation, plans to attend all Challenge events,” he added.


LIVESTRONG Challenge riders may select from a variety of distance options, while walkers and runners will team up for a community 5K. The combined community walk/run will enable athletes of all skill levels — including those undergoing cancer treatment — to participate. As in 2006, all LIVESTRONG Challenge participants must pay a one-time $50 event registration fee. However, the minimum fundraising level for cyclists was lowered from $500 to $250. Although walkers and runners have no minimum fundraising level, everyone is encouraged to raise as much money and awareness as possible. The LAF suggests participants set a fundraising goal that is equally challenging and rewarding.

Visit www.livestrongchallenge.org to learn more and to register.”

“I don't want to hijack this thread but I have been wanting to get into road biking for a while (my knees need the workout) but need a little help with what to buy. I don't need a "top of the line" model but don't want a piece of junk that won't last (I'm 6'5" and 250-260#).”

“I believe picking a bike is about as individual as hiking boots. Fit is just as important too. I'd start with bicycling.com buyers guide, get an idea of what's around in your price range, visit local shops with th models you like. I have a 2000 Cannondale R-800 that I love. Cost $1,500 new. 6'1 and shrinking ;-D, 195 +/- 5lbs. I've seen some good deals on ebay, but it seems scary to buy a bike that way.

I saw an article about "big" riders somewhere, can't remember where. Had some ideas like going with wider tires etc. Search "big" on bicycling.com and some gear suggestion articles come up.
last edited: 1/27/07 10:11:09 AM”

“It had rained overnight Friday and was foggy and still wet outside yesterday morning, so I opted out of the group rides I've been doing. Instead, I waited until things had dried up in the afternoon, and we went out for our 10-mile family ride. I even checked the radar loop on the Nat'l Weather Service site for any impending showers.

Unfortunately, within about 10 minutes, a little shower came in. We paused where the path went under a bridge. "Five minutes and we'll be back on our route," I said smartly. Oops. It just rained harder and harder, the wind picked up and the temp dropped. Ugh. Finally, we just turned around and headed back home. Got a little wet, but our 10-miler turned into a 3-miler. Oh, well....”

“eb13, I'm still living in the stone age, but when you say you don't need top of the line, I think of the great older bikes that are available on ebay. I sure have enjoyed my 33 year old Motobecane (restored), and I see similar ones on ebay all the time for $300 or less. My powdercoat paint job cost $80, and I upgraded some parts like seat post, stem and handlebars, for another $150 or so. I have people come up and talk about the bike when they see it, as they recognize it as a classic. So would an older classic road bike suit your needs?

My Motobecane restoration is at:

http://patentpending.blogs.com/patent_pending_blog/2006/06/restored_motobe.html

Another classic all campy road bike I got for $5 at a thrift store is here:

http://patentpending.blogs.com/patent_pending_blog/2006/07/vintage_fuji_ro.html”

“eb, there are lots of great road bikes out there at discount prices. While I have a high end mountainbike, my road bike was a Specialized from 05 (bought in 06)for around $500.00. It gets the job done and is pretty comfortable too. BTW I'm 6'2" at 240 and have yet to break anything on this bike.”

“check out bikeforums.com

Great place to gather information on biking...also...look for 06 or 05 leftovers...you can get a top of the line bike for 50% or more off. I purchased my Litespeed for 60% off the list price...3500 I paid 1750. and for the savings I got alot of new cycling gear...peddles, shoes, helmet clothes, light(s)...etc...

check out www.competitivecyclist.com They build mazaratti's. its a high tech lab that cranks out some amazing machines...this is where I purchased my litespeed. I was blown away with the service and savings!

Enjoy the road!”

“I am a mountain biker and have been wanting to get ino road biking as well but the prices have pushed me to buy a new MTB instead of a road bike. I want to get one so next year I will probably bite the bullet and just buy one. I have good knowlege of bikes but is there road specific advice any of you have? How about where do you go for your gear? I have been looking at pricepoint.com but any advice is appreciated”

“One thing to do for bargain bikes is enter an advanced search on ebay for bikes of your size, from your city or a nearby city, and for a maximum price if you want. You can have the search run automatically every day, and be sent an email notification of hits. Then you'll see all the bikes of your size and you can eliminate the shipping fee, since you can pick them up, and also go see them before purchase.”

“Thanks Bob. How's the riding going? I haven't gotten to ride (except from REI's door to my vehicle) cause it's either been raining or haven't had time to dry up before it starts again. Cheers and be safe, Ed”

“I haven't ridden since October, but before that I was riding to work every day. I hurt my back in October, and have been recovering. I'm about fully recovered now, but there is snow on the ground that fell more than 2 weeks ago. I'm afraid of ice patches, and I don't want to fall and hurt my back again. As soon as it warms up, I'm ready to hit it again. We sure haven't seen the rain that you guys are having.”

“performancebike.com and

NASHBAR.com”

“Stikmon, What type of Litespeed did you get? Isn't Competive Cyclist in Little Rock?”

“Tour of California starts tomorrow.

VS providing TV coverage. Terrible times, glad my wife bought DVR!

Schedule
last edited: 2/17/07 1:52:48 PM”

“oh sure, cut out before san diego”

“One thing to do for bargain bikes is enter an advanced search on ebay for bikes of your size, from your city or a nearby city, and for a maximum price if you want. You can have the search run automatically every day, and be sent an email notification of hits. Then you'll see all the bikes of your size and you can eliminate the shipping fee, since you can pick them up, and also go see them before purchase.”
idaho bob


I just got a Cannondale R300 for $200 off EBAY! I'm on vacation now and can't use it, I can't wait!”

“Way to go!!! Have fun with it.”

“After a back crisis that started in October, and ended with rehab instead of surgery, I'm back to riding my old Motobecane to work. It sure feels good. Its good timing also, because my 15 y.o. daughter has adopted my car. Bikes are wonderful!”

“Good luck getting your car back, Idaho...”

“Nice ride today. Much warmer than I expected. High 50's predicted, it was closer to 65. Partly cloudy, little bit of a head wind on the return trip. Rode along the river, high water, the Spokane Falls are big right now.”

“Cool. I knocked out about 70 miles this weekend. Man, I just can't get enough!”

“I did about 30 miles with the local club on Saturday - about 2400 feet of climbing. I busted a spoke on my rear wheel about 1/3 of the way into the ride. I was a little nervous the rest of the way on the descents, but I didn't notice the wobble too much. Got it fixed in time for the 10-miler (flat) with B-Gal and B-Son on Sunday. B-Son is loving his new (used) road bike!”

“awesome, fellow riders! I'm still skiing on weekends, but riding will be more often soon. I'm riding to work now, which is only 3 miles, but I have a nice 500' hill to climb on the way home.”

“Got in a nice 18 mile, 1:20 ride after work. Did the west end of the West Segment Centennial Trail. Saw a white tail deer and what looked to be a herd of WOMBATS crossed the paved trail in front of me. Must have been 8 or more. Half the herd froze on one side, the other half froze on the other side. Very cute! Very friendly!(Women's Mountain Bike and Tea Society).

West end is much hillier than the east end.”

“I'm going for my first ride outside today. It's too muddy out in the woods for good mountain biking yet since all the the snow that melted made things a mess. I'm tired of riding the trainer in the house. It's a good workout, but boring.”

“I don't know anything (hardly) about bikes.

Does this look like a good deal?

"I am selling this 2003 Cannondale R600 road bike. I injured my knee almost 2 years ago and haven't been able to use the bike how I originally intended. The bike has less than 1500 miles on it and is in near perfect condition. This bike cost $1200 new and I have spent over a $1000 making many upgrades to this bike including a Shimano Dura Ace 9 speed double ring crank, Dura Ace 9 speed rear derailleur, Dura Ace 9 speed front derailleur, Dura Ace bottom bracket, Dura Ace 9 speed chain, Dura Ace 9 speed Flight Deck Shifters, Ultegra clipless pedals, Ultegra 9 speed cassette, Bontrager Race X Lite Tires, OnGuard locking skewers. All other parts are stock and a full list can be seen at http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/cusa/model-3RR6T.html

This is a great deal on a great bike.
$1200 / obo"”

“looks like a hell of a deal to me.......”

“Looks like a good deal to me too.”