hey just had to throw another sentence or two at ya all. News just hit me last night that there will also be food, more than that of what i had spoke of previously. I mentioned pasta there will be again adult sodas, sketties, turkey, hot soup, umm.....some others. Bring what you like and plan to have a great time. We are all looking forward to having a great time together.
Talk again soon,
harms
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Ammendment to last.....
just to clarify, we are meeting on Sat. at the bridge at 9:00 am give or take a few minutes. As we are due to have many (high hopes), we could also have slightly different arrival times. So rest assured we will allow for tardiness.
P.S.- - -you are encouraged to bring some "betty's" to go along with all these "fred's"....... or vice versa
late,
harms
P.S.- - -you are encouraged to bring some "betty's" to go along with all these "fred's"....... or vice versa
late,
harms
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Attn: Riders Wanted - - Weekend Gathering
Attention all cyclists: We are planning a weekend of riding in the wonderful location of Kennerdell Pennsylvania. A few of us will show for the weekend on Friday evening. I am under the impression that we will be riding somewhere around the nine o'clock time frame leaving from the bridge on the river in Kennerdell. We and anyone who would like to come and join us will be staying at Jason's Cabin that is located about or around a mile up the hill from the bridge. Pasta is in the works for an after ride feast, and we should be able to come up with a few good adventurous things to do for the remainder of the day on Saturday.
Sunday, we may do a road or mtn bike ride depending on the total consensus of the group. We usually like to do a one day mtn ride and and one day road (making the road the longer day) while we are there for the weekend. But we can always do as many rides as possible, as desired. I will be bringing a few adult soda's and some treats and everyone is welcome to bring whatever they like.
Again as stated in many blogs previous, we will have different levels of riding capabilities and all are welcome. So grab your bike and gear, a sleeper, and the desire to have fun away from the monotony of the so called city life, and sort a retreat for the weekend. Who knows maybe this will be a last ditch effort of the weather to give us a more than favorable time in the "Dell" that we all love so much.
Before I forget, we will be riding the newest and most recent of "Longhairs Addition to Kennerdell." If you have not been on these newer trails lately or yet, you must. It definitely changes that perspective of the place going to "shit" after the horses have destroyed so much of what we have played on for so long. Maybe only a matter of time before they find there way on to these ones also, but we can make for sure that we enjoy them while they last.
If there is anyone who would like to attend but needs "trans", just let one of us know. I am not sure of the amount of room we will all have, but we will make any attempts that we can do accomodate you all. But email if you would like to get a ride or whatever. Also spread the word about this to any of those fellow cyclists that you think would like to go, even if you are not or dont think you will.
I will be trying to contact as many of the folks who participate in the month of mud as I have contact information for. If you all have anyone that you know CONTACT THEM TOOOO...!!!
Hope to see any and all very soon.....!
harms
Thursday, October 12, 2006
"Everybody Play's @ Ray's"
What up Y'all? Just wanted to reiterate the upcoming grand opening of Ray's Mountain Bike Park in Cleveland, Ohio. I know for a fact that this will be a drop dead fun time no matter what your skill level on a mountain bike. Just the experience alone will be fun for ya. I did hear last weekend: "That damn Ray's Mountain Bike park got my confidence all built up, that once I hit the trails I was riding things and going places I wouldn't have before. But I did take it a little too far on the trail and had a yard sale." This place will sincerely increase your physical and mental capacity of/for trial riding.
I still don't know exactly the extent of the expansion of the place. But have no doubts that it will be just as good as the existing terrain. Apparently the weekend of 11-4 and 11-5 MSNBC will be there taping the place and what goes on there. Again I dont know the full extent of what is going on but should produce a good portion of talent. So I will take a stab at this and say that I will go for that weekend as well. As of right now I am planning on going to Ray's on Friday the 27 on or around 5:00 pm.
If you have any interest in going up there please let us know by posting. Now I know that this is a Friday night, so understand that if you would like to ride up with me you wont be home until around midnight or later. For me if I am to drive all that way I am planning that I will make the most out of the time that we will have once we get there, which will be about three hours. They are also not open saturday and sunday of that weekend. But by all means if you have an interest and no time constraints, let me know.
As for this evening, I am thinking of doing a lake loop but dont know for sure. If anyone would like to do it and would like company, send me an email and try to motivate me. I just might join you (gotta fix a flat first though).
Also keep in mind that if the weather is decent this weekend and you are looking for a riding partner, post it here and see if anyone will join. I think that we may try to organize something for saturday and sunday in the near future, be it road or mtn. So show your interest by letting someone know the 5 W's and we will all try to get it going.
Eddie Delgros gathered people up for a weekend last weekend and had more people show up locally than we have been able to conjure up at Kennerdell in moons. So I know that you are all out there. Lets try and do some of that meetin up for fun rides now that the season is falling out.
peace
harms...
oh, let me know if anyone would like to walk the loop for cleanup this weekend. thanks!!!
I still don't know exactly the extent of the expansion of the place. But have no doubts that it will be just as good as the existing terrain. Apparently the weekend of 11-4 and 11-5 MSNBC will be there taping the place and what goes on there. Again I dont know the full extent of what is going on but should produce a good portion of talent. So I will take a stab at this and say that I will go for that weekend as well. As of right now I am planning on going to Ray's on Friday the 27 on or around 5:00 pm.
If you have any interest in going up there please let us know by posting. Now I know that this is a Friday night, so understand that if you would like to ride up with me you wont be home until around midnight or later. For me if I am to drive all that way I am planning that I will make the most out of the time that we will have once we get there, which will be about three hours. They are also not open saturday and sunday of that weekend. But by all means if you have an interest and no time constraints, let me know.
As for this evening, I am thinking of doing a lake loop but dont know for sure. If anyone would like to do it and would like company, send me an email and try to motivate me. I just might join you (gotta fix a flat first though).
Also keep in mind that if the weather is decent this weekend and you are looking for a riding partner, post it here and see if anyone will join. I think that we may try to organize something for saturday and sunday in the near future, be it road or mtn. So show your interest by letting someone know the 5 W's and we will all try to get it going.
Eddie Delgros gathered people up for a weekend last weekend and had more people show up locally than we have been able to conjure up at Kennerdell in moons. So I know that you are all out there. Lets try and do some of that meetin up for fun rides now that the season is falling out.
peace
harms...
oh, let me know if anyone would like to walk the loop for cleanup this weekend. thanks!!!
Friday, October 06, 2006
"And the Winner Is?
The Winner Was "Nitro", yeah that is Ryan Gotch's new nickname. That is short for "Nitrous", ya know that stuff that they spray into a car's engine to go insanely fast...? Yeah well that is why I have dubbed him Nitro, and JD - "Turbo". In any case Ryan had entered into a contest to win a custom built mtn bike in Dirt Rag Magazine. Winner gets a custom built "DeSalvo" mtn bike. Needless to say, Ryan spent countless days wondering when it was coming. Finally after many long days and sleepless nights (i have to exaggerate a little) here it is:
so should you see someone flyin by ya somewheres in the nears futures and it kinda looks likes dis.........say "GOOOO NITROOOO"
that bike sure is dreamy...
10-4
so should you see someone flyin by ya somewheres in the nears futures and it kinda looks likes dis.........say "GOOOO NITROOOO"
that bike sure is dreamy...
10-4
"Grab A can Of Pork Soda,You'l B feelin Just Fine"
For all of you who will be attending Edwardo's for the Mountain Bike morning and more, here is a little map for you to find his home/locale. If you are of those who are undecided or think that you would not be able to keep up, let me tell you that there will be all levels attending and most of those who will be there are to race the following day.....fun ride is in store. 4-Sure...!
I also want to give a huge thanks to David for showing up for the ride last night. PB & J, David & I took a lap around the "lake loop". It just goes to show that people are still reading this blogger, so make sure that if you are going to ride somewhere and wouldn't mind having company you post what's up? I would like to schedule a time in the next couple of weeks, be it on the weekdays or weekends (no matter), a time when a couple willing persons would like to go around the lake on foot and help clear up the trail a little. Anyone interested could just mail me @ j_harmer@hotmail.com.
If there is also anyone out there that has an appetite like most of the cyclists that I know, there is a little chilli cook-off going on down in Sharon tomorrow at 4pm. I dont know the street but it is down there around the old payless, and I am sure that you would not be able to miss it. The entire street is supposed to be closed off. Just tossin that one out there for yall.
Have a Great Friday,
C-YA....Harms
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
"A Room With a View"
If you have been reading the blog you would have noticed that I have mentioned on several occassions about "riding the loop around the lake". Well PB and I have been talking a little in the comments of certain blogs about getting out there and running the loop. If not riding the whole thing a couple or just once, at least doing it so that anyone who would like to do it on their own, will now know where, what to ride.
Let this be the formal/informal (whichever you like) invitation to get a guided tour around the lake via mtn bike, or cyclocross if that suits your fancy, so that you may learn the trail and do it own your own or however you wish. I will be at the parking lot located off of trout island road, it is a little gravel parking lot that accesses the old railroad bed, now gravel, just off of trout island road- - -on or about 545-600p. Normal time, but daylight is now restricted to so pushing off will be crucial. I will also be doing the same ride on Thursday if you are unable to get into this one tonight. One time around the lake is most likely about all that will be allowed.
I want to make sure that everyone who has an interest knows that the trail has not been maintained for quite some time. I am not sure what the condition of the entire trail is but there is much that is rideable. If anyone upon completing a ride around the lake would like to get together and clean it up a little, i would be more than interested. This is also a great running, walking, dogwalking, etc..... trail. All we have done is linked some trails and asphalt and more trails to make a decent circuit/loop around our hometown brownwater source.
Anyway, paula there you have it. If anyone has any interest please do grab your gear and head out. If you dont know where trout island road is, you can located d'onofrio's and go towards sharpsville. there is a road to the right just before you get to the "new" (we did not need it) bridge. that is trout island road. travel down that road until it really straightens out, go up over the crest and before you get to the next bend in the road you will see the parking lot on the left. i dont think that anyone would be coming from the other direction. if so, then look for the little lot on your right!
See ya all soon.........
Harms
Let this be the formal/informal (whichever you like) invitation to get a guided tour around the lake via mtn bike, or cyclocross if that suits your fancy, so that you may learn the trail and do it own your own or however you wish. I will be at the parking lot located off of trout island road, it is a little gravel parking lot that accesses the old railroad bed, now gravel, just off of trout island road- - -on or about 545-600p. Normal time, but daylight is now restricted to so pushing off will be crucial. I will also be doing the same ride on Thursday if you are unable to get into this one tonight. One time around the lake is most likely about all that will be allowed.
I want to make sure that everyone who has an interest knows that the trail has not been maintained for quite some time. I am not sure what the condition of the entire trail is but there is much that is rideable. If anyone upon completing a ride around the lake would like to get together and clean it up a little, i would be more than interested. This is also a great running, walking, dogwalking, etc..... trail. All we have done is linked some trails and asphalt and more trails to make a decent circuit/loop around our hometown brownwater source.
Anyway, paula there you have it. If anyone has any interest please do grab your gear and head out. If you dont know where trout island road is, you can located d'onofrio's and go towards sharpsville. there is a road to the right just before you get to the "new" (we did not need it) bridge. that is trout island road. travel down that road until it really straightens out, go up over the crest and before you get to the next bend in the road you will see the parking lot on the left. i dont think that anyone would be coming from the other direction. if so, then look for the little lot on your right!
See ya all soon.........
Harms
Sunday, October 01, 2006
2-Wheel'd Freakz Represent at Month of Mud
Ryan Gotch, Dave Hornak, Andrew Brown and myself participated in the 2nd of five races in this series. Grove City served up a muddy, cycle-cross course done in laps. Despite the mud and water soaked fields, there were opportunities to go for speed (on the road and otherwise), and no opportunity to let your heart-rate drop.
Ryan continues to do very well in the challenging single-speed division. Andrew did well as a newcomer to mountain biking, despite finishing with a flat tire. He aspires to participate in more of this series. Dave rode very respectively. By the way, Thank you, Dave, for allowing me into the transitions ahead of you in lap 3 and for your encouragement!! I'm trying to hold my own in the women's division. Month of Mud always attracts some good talent.
Speaking of good talent, why isn't Harmer racing? He is the fastest 2-Wheel'd Freak, after all. We should all put some pressure on him. Jason Diurba is waiting for a bad ankle to heal. I hear bull riding can be brutal.
You all can check out the remaining schedule and results at www.gorocket.net. Click on the bike apparel photo, then MBRAWP. That said, see you all at Brady's. Expect more single-track, sprinkled with some climbs and just a bit of technical challenge.
Ryan continues to do very well in the challenging single-speed division. Andrew did well as a newcomer to mountain biking, despite finishing with a flat tire. He aspires to participate in more of this series. Dave rode very respectively. By the way, Thank you, Dave, for allowing me into the transitions ahead of you in lap 3 and for your encouragement!! I'm trying to hold my own in the women's division. Month of Mud always attracts some good talent.
Speaking of good talent, why isn't Harmer racing? He is the fastest 2-Wheel'd Freak, after all. We should all put some pressure on him. Jason Diurba is waiting for a bad ankle to heal. I hear bull riding can be brutal.
You all can check out the remaining schedule and results at www.gorocket.net. Click on the bike apparel photo, then MBRAWP. That said, see you all at Brady's. Expect more single-track, sprinkled with some climbs and just a bit of technical challenge.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Rollin on my 2-6, "Let me ride!"
Ga-Day Mates,
Was doing some sulking upon the onset of this nasty weather that we are having here today. I was actually up late last night when the rain commenced. I was downloading some of the tunes by some of the new great artists that my good buddy Jason exposed me too. I all of a sudden heard these little raindrops hitting the roof, and they then began to get even louder. I then realized that my sunroof was open in my car, cuz me and the lil soon to be "nephew" were outside building dirt jumps in the yard, and I would be really close to a nice and damp car seat in the am.
Well to say the least I got a tone of that new music, thanks "turbo". I dont know what I would do without all this great music. In any case I was just reminiscing about the last year when we took our trips to Cleveland to enjoy "Ray's" indoor mtb park. So I wanted to send a mailer that would re-kindle a flame for those who have been, and try to initiate those who have not. I am including the link in this mail for y'all to check it out, and will try to boast about it here a lil.
http://www.raysmtb.com/
I really cannot say enough about this place. It is really spectacular. For those of us who need the some intense technical skill work this is the place to get it in the off-season. They have many different levels of riding capabilities and you can try them all out. The hours are a little tough to handle and they will be opening up here at the end of next month. For this year they have expanded to 82,000 sq. ft. I can tell you that this place was fun prior to them opening it up. They have added a Gary Fisher single track loop, and if it is anything like what was already there, wow. You can look at a track map on the web and various photos and one video I think.
Try not to discourage yourself from participating if you see many jumpers, in mid air on ramps and jumps. There is really a ton of riding terrain for all. All the while you will be able to experience some of the X-game style riding as a bystander. If you find that you have an interest in visiting mail me @ j_harmer@hotmail.com, I am pretty sure that we will be making a trip for one of the days on the opening week, especially if the weather continues to do what is today.
Here are a couple of bands to try out for your mp3, or I-Pizzle, for your next two wheel'd adventure:
Flunk- - -Six Seven Times, Play, Blue Monday
Tori Amos- - -Cornflake Girl
Cranberries- - -Zombie, Linger
Beck- - -Que Onda Guero, Scarecrow, Beercan, Jackass, E-Pro, Black Tambourine
Red Hot Chilli Peppers- - -Dani California
Snow Patrol- - -Run, How To Be Dead, Teenage Kicks
Angie Stone- - -Wish I didn't Miss You
Everlast- - -What its like
Depeche Mode- - -Policy of Truth, Waiting for the Night
Jack Johnson- - -Rodeo Clowns, Mediocre Bad Guys
Stevie Wonder- - -Superstitious
James- - -Laid
DJ Tiesto- - -Lethal Industry
Zero7- - -in the waiting line
Simple Minds- - -Don't You
Sweatshop Union- - - the thing about it
Slackstring- - -Sunday Jen
Citizen Cope- - -Brother Named Lee
Verve- - -bittersweet symphony
Soul Coughing- - -Super Bon Bon
Regina Spektor- - -anything that you can find
that should be a little to get you started in the right direction. If you are oriented in the "Rap" side of the house....i really cannot help you there. If you like it faster, than fast then check these ones out......Chemical Brothers, Crystal Method, DJ Tiesto, Fatboy Slim, Trance All-Stars, Benny Benassi, DJ Isaac, Sasha and Digweed, Paul Oakenfold or just search for Techno and/or Trance.
In any case, mail me if you want to get up to cleveland and burn some rubber and avoid splinters instead of rain/snow/mud and idiot drivers. Until then best of luck to all in whatever activity you delve into in the poo-ey times of the fall.
take care,
harms
Was doing some sulking upon the onset of this nasty weather that we are having here today. I was actually up late last night when the rain commenced. I was downloading some of the tunes by some of the new great artists that my good buddy Jason exposed me too. I all of a sudden heard these little raindrops hitting the roof, and they then began to get even louder. I then realized that my sunroof was open in my car, cuz me and the lil soon to be "nephew" were outside building dirt jumps in the yard, and I would be really close to a nice and damp car seat in the am.
Well to say the least I got a tone of that new music, thanks "turbo". I dont know what I would do without all this great music. In any case I was just reminiscing about the last year when we took our trips to Cleveland to enjoy "Ray's" indoor mtb park. So I wanted to send a mailer that would re-kindle a flame for those who have been, and try to initiate those who have not. I am including the link in this mail for y'all to check it out, and will try to boast about it here a lil.
http://www.raysmtb.com/
I really cannot say enough about this place. It is really spectacular. For those of us who need the some intense technical skill work this is the place to get it in the off-season. They have many different levels of riding capabilities and you can try them all out. The hours are a little tough to handle and they will be opening up here at the end of next month. For this year they have expanded to 82,000 sq. ft. I can tell you that this place was fun prior to them opening it up. They have added a Gary Fisher single track loop, and if it is anything like what was already there, wow. You can look at a track map on the web and various photos and one video I think.
Try not to discourage yourself from participating if you see many jumpers, in mid air on ramps and jumps. There is really a ton of riding terrain for all. All the while you will be able to experience some of the X-game style riding as a bystander. If you find that you have an interest in visiting mail me @ j_harmer@hotmail.com, I am pretty sure that we will be making a trip for one of the days on the opening week, especially if the weather continues to do what is today.
Here are a couple of bands to try out for your mp3, or I-Pizzle, for your next two wheel'd adventure:
Flunk- - -Six Seven Times, Play, Blue Monday
Tori Amos- - -Cornflake Girl
Cranberries- - -Zombie, Linger
Beck- - -Que Onda Guero, Scarecrow, Beercan, Jackass, E-Pro, Black Tambourine
Red Hot Chilli Peppers- - -Dani California
Snow Patrol- - -Run, How To Be Dead, Teenage Kicks
Angie Stone- - -Wish I didn't Miss You
Everlast- - -What its like
Depeche Mode- - -Policy of Truth, Waiting for the Night
Jack Johnson- - -Rodeo Clowns, Mediocre Bad Guys
Stevie Wonder- - -Superstitious
James- - -Laid
DJ Tiesto- - -Lethal Industry
Zero7- - -in the waiting line
Simple Minds- - -Don't You
Sweatshop Union- - - the thing about it
Slackstring- - -Sunday Jen
Citizen Cope- - -Brother Named Lee
Verve- - -bittersweet symphony
Soul Coughing- - -Super Bon Bon
Regina Spektor- - -anything that you can find
that should be a little to get you started in the right direction. If you are oriented in the "Rap" side of the house....i really cannot help you there. If you like it faster, than fast then check these ones out......Chemical Brothers, Crystal Method, DJ Tiesto, Fatboy Slim, Trance All-Stars, Benny Benassi, DJ Isaac, Sasha and Digweed, Paul Oakenfold or just search for Techno and/or Trance.
In any case, mail me if you want to get up to cleveland and burn some rubber and avoid splinters instead of rain/snow/mud and idiot drivers. Until then best of luck to all in whatever activity you delve into in the poo-ey times of the fall.
take care,
harms
Monday, September 25, 2006
Down but not out!!!
Fellow Freaks!
Sorry for the blog neglect -- was talked in to coaching 1st Grade soccer and unfortunately, practices are on Tue and Thur. with games on the weekends. SO, i'm out of the weekly rides for a little. However, my wifey just got me a bunch of great cool/cold weather cycling gear so I'll be good to go this fall. Looking forward to the cooler months ahead.
Harmer, if you're out there, I've got a box of rags and a wheel that's pretty screwed up if you'd be willing to take a look at it. Had another one of those crazy 5-10 mph collisions! How come those seem to do more damage than the 15-20 mph-ers.
Anyhow, soccer season over end of October, and by then the coffee on those coffee rides will really taste good! I encourage all of you still riding to use the blog as a Ride Board to hook up with other riders. Make your own times, days, etc.
See you all soon!
jm
Sorry for the blog neglect -- was talked in to coaching 1st Grade soccer and unfortunately, practices are on Tue and Thur. with games on the weekends. SO, i'm out of the weekly rides for a little. However, my wifey just got me a bunch of great cool/cold weather cycling gear so I'll be good to go this fall. Looking forward to the cooler months ahead.
Harmer, if you're out there, I've got a box of rags and a wheel that's pretty screwed up if you'd be willing to take a look at it. Had another one of those crazy 5-10 mph collisions! How come those seem to do more damage than the 15-20 mph-ers.
Anyhow, soccer season over end of October, and by then the coffee on those coffee rides will really taste good! I encourage all of you still riding to use the blog as a Ride Board to hook up with other riders. Make your own times, days, etc.
See you all soon!
jm
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Month of Mud, Random Thoughts and a Specialized Epic Mountain Bike for Sale
The Month of Mud mountain bike race series starts this weekend. You can get info. on this and other race listing at www.dirtragmag.com. Also, the Month of Mud specifically is found at www.gorocket.com. (you click on the bike apparel photo). If anyone's interested in trying one of these, some are less 'technical' than others. Feel free to post questions or comments.
It seems the weekday riding has dropped off. Our trusty leader John is busy writing a novel or other worthy literature. For me, keeping up with the 'A' group was like doing a race. Since I want to be a little fresh for the weekend mountain biking, I cut back on the group rides.
However, if anyone's interested in a more moderate paced road or mountain bike ride during the week or even a run (5-10 miles) let me know. Also, I'm interested in finding the local Shenango Lake mountain bike loop. This might be the way to break in some mtn. bike newbies?
Finally, I hope this is appropriate for this forum. That said, I'm selling a Specialized Epic mountain bike. I'm told it rides beautifully, but I've found it a little on the heavy side for this girl. Also, I'm used to a hardtail (no rear suspension) and the Epic is a full-suspension ride. It's an attractive dark smokey grey with red lettering. Meanwhile, I may go back to my old bike if I can get it working (no small task since I'm technically challenged). If anyone's interested in the Specialized, contact me at paula_bittler@hermitage.k12.pa.us. I plan to post it on e-bay soon but thought I'd mention it here first.
Happy Fall to All!
It seems the weekday riding has dropped off. Our trusty leader John is busy writing a novel or other worthy literature. For me, keeping up with the 'A' group was like doing a race. Since I want to be a little fresh for the weekend mountain biking, I cut back on the group rides.
However, if anyone's interested in a more moderate paced road or mountain bike ride during the week or even a run (5-10 miles) let me know. Also, I'm interested in finding the local Shenango Lake mountain bike loop. This might be the way to break in some mtn. bike newbies?
Finally, I hope this is appropriate for this forum. That said, I'm selling a Specialized Epic mountain bike. I'm told it rides beautifully, but I've found it a little on the heavy side for this girl. Also, I'm used to a hardtail (no rear suspension) and the Epic is a full-suspension ride. It's an attractive dark smokey grey with red lettering. Meanwhile, I may go back to my old bike if I can get it working (no small task since I'm technically challenged). If anyone's interested in the Specialized, contact me at paula_bittler@hermitage.k12.pa.us. I plan to post it on e-bay soon but thought I'd mention it here first.
Happy Fall to All!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Another Spin on latest Doping Saga...........
The truth is out there
E.M. Swift, SI.com
Is the truth finally catching up with Lance Armstrong, and is this one race the seven-time Tour de France champion may not be able to win?
In Tuesday's New York Times, two of Armstrong's former U.S. Postal Service teammates admitted to having used EPO, an illegal performance-enhancing drug, at some point in 1999, the first year Armstrong won the Tour de France. While neither said they saw Armstrong do the same, the implication was that the drug use was common knowledge within the team. "The environment was certainly one of, to be accepted, you had to use doping products," said one of Armstrong's teammates, who requested anonymity, fearing reprisals from the notoriously vindictive Armstrong, who still wields considerable power in cycling.
The other teammate was 39-year-old Frankie Andreu, a domestique who competed professionally for 12 years and was once Armstrong's close friend and roommate. He's now a motivational speaker and real-estate dealer in Dearborn, Mich. He said he only used EPO "for a couple of races" and was speaking out in hopes of cleaning up his tainted sport.
More interesting -- to me, anyway -- was the testimony the Times uncovered that Andreu and his wife, Betsy, gave last fall during a lawsuit between Armstrong and SCA Promotions. The company had withheld a $5 million bonus it owed Armstrong after he won the '04 Tour because of doping allegations.
The suit was eventually settled out of court in Armstrong's favor, but in their sworn testimony the Andreus said that when they visited Armstrong in the hospital after he'd been diagnosed with testicular cancer, they'd heard him tell his oncologists that he'd used "steroids, testosterone, cortisone, growth hormone and EPO." Their testimony was disputed by the doctor who administered Armstrong's chemotherapy at Indiana University Medical Center. In the same trial, Armstrong testified that his doctors never asked him if he'd used performance-enhancing drugs, and that he'd never used those substances.
Which testimony is more credible? The Andreus' or Armstrong's? Ask yourself which party had the most to gain by lying. And why is that particular testimony significant? Because one of the possible side effects of prolonged steroid use is testicular cancer. It's impossible to prove, but if what the Andreus testified to under oath is true, than Lance Armstrong, role model and hero to so many cancer survivors, may very well have helped bring about his own cancer through his use of performance-enhancing drugs. Young athletes tempted to go down that road need to know if that's the case.
None of what was reported in the Times is a shock to me. In 1999 I went to see Willy Voet, the Belgian trainer of the French-based Festina cycling team who was at the center of the '98 Tour de France scandal when he was arrested while crossing the border with literally hundreds of vials of EPO, growth hormones and testosterone.
Voet ended up spending time in prison, and by the time he talked to me he was a man filled with remorse. He, too, was interested in helping to clean up his sport, and had written a book in French, the title of which translates as Chain Massacre: Revelations of 30 Years of Cheating. It made him an outcast in cycling but painstakingly chronicled the drug culture that only now is recognized as having infected the sport.
In the 1970s, Voet said, the drug of choice was amphetamines. In the '80s it was anabolic steroids and cortisone. In the '90s it was growth hormones and EPO. He described leaning out a car window to give a shot to a cyclist in the middle of a race. He recalled hiding condoms of clean urine in the anus of cyclists to fool drug-testers. He spoke of dripping IV bags of saline solution into their bodies after a race to lower the ratio of red-blood-cell volume to total blood volume to avoid EPO detection in the event of a surprise drug test.
Of the 500 cyclists he'd worked with over the years, only two had ever failed a drug test. "A racer who gets caught by doping control is dumb as a mule," Voet told me.
And how many of those 500 cyclists he worked with did not take drugs to enhance their performance? "I can count them on two hands. Maybe two hands and two feet if I'm generous," Voet said.
And where did the clean ones finish? I wondered.
"The back of the pack," Voet said.
Armstrong never finished at the back of the pack. Neither did his onetime teammate, Tyler Hamilton, the '04 Olympic champion who was suspended for two years for blood doping. Neither did another former teammate, Floyd Landis, who failed a doping test after winning this year's Tour de France. Neither did Italy's Ivan Basso, or Germany's Jan Ullrich, or Spain's Francisco Mancebo, who finished second, third and fourth to Armstrong in the '05 Tour, all of whom have been implicated in the Spanish doping investigation that rocked the start of this year's Tour. Each disputes the allegations.
There's nothing new in any of this. Voet was telling the truth, but not enough people were listening. The sport of cycling is dirty, was dirty and will continue to be dirty until more athletes like Andreu and trainers like Voet come forward and break the code of silence. Remember those names. They're the heroes.
Here's the thing about truth: It may take a while. It may take years. But truth's a tenacious battler. Eventually it will come out.
E.M. Swift, SI.com
Is the truth finally catching up with Lance Armstrong, and is this one race the seven-time Tour de France champion may not be able to win?
In Tuesday's New York Times, two of Armstrong's former U.S. Postal Service teammates admitted to having used EPO, an illegal performance-enhancing drug, at some point in 1999, the first year Armstrong won the Tour de France. While neither said they saw Armstrong do the same, the implication was that the drug use was common knowledge within the team. "The environment was certainly one of, to be accepted, you had to use doping products," said one of Armstrong's teammates, who requested anonymity, fearing reprisals from the notoriously vindictive Armstrong, who still wields considerable power in cycling.
The other teammate was 39-year-old Frankie Andreu, a domestique who competed professionally for 12 years and was once Armstrong's close friend and roommate. He's now a motivational speaker and real-estate dealer in Dearborn, Mich. He said he only used EPO "for a couple of races" and was speaking out in hopes of cleaning up his tainted sport.
More interesting -- to me, anyway -- was the testimony the Times uncovered that Andreu and his wife, Betsy, gave last fall during a lawsuit between Armstrong and SCA Promotions. The company had withheld a $5 million bonus it owed Armstrong after he won the '04 Tour because of doping allegations.
The suit was eventually settled out of court in Armstrong's favor, but in their sworn testimony the Andreus said that when they visited Armstrong in the hospital after he'd been diagnosed with testicular cancer, they'd heard him tell his oncologists that he'd used "steroids, testosterone, cortisone, growth hormone and EPO." Their testimony was disputed by the doctor who administered Armstrong's chemotherapy at Indiana University Medical Center. In the same trial, Armstrong testified that his doctors never asked him if he'd used performance-enhancing drugs, and that he'd never used those substances.
Which testimony is more credible? The Andreus' or Armstrong's? Ask yourself which party had the most to gain by lying. And why is that particular testimony significant? Because one of the possible side effects of prolonged steroid use is testicular cancer. It's impossible to prove, but if what the Andreus testified to under oath is true, than Lance Armstrong, role model and hero to so many cancer survivors, may very well have helped bring about his own cancer through his use of performance-enhancing drugs. Young athletes tempted to go down that road need to know if that's the case.
None of what was reported in the Times is a shock to me. In 1999 I went to see Willy Voet, the Belgian trainer of the French-based Festina cycling team who was at the center of the '98 Tour de France scandal when he was arrested while crossing the border with literally hundreds of vials of EPO, growth hormones and testosterone.
Voet ended up spending time in prison, and by the time he talked to me he was a man filled with remorse. He, too, was interested in helping to clean up his sport, and had written a book in French, the title of which translates as Chain Massacre: Revelations of 30 Years of Cheating. It made him an outcast in cycling but painstakingly chronicled the drug culture that only now is recognized as having infected the sport.
In the 1970s, Voet said, the drug of choice was amphetamines. In the '80s it was anabolic steroids and cortisone. In the '90s it was growth hormones and EPO. He described leaning out a car window to give a shot to a cyclist in the middle of a race. He recalled hiding condoms of clean urine in the anus of cyclists to fool drug-testers. He spoke of dripping IV bags of saline solution into their bodies after a race to lower the ratio of red-blood-cell volume to total blood volume to avoid EPO detection in the event of a surprise drug test.
Of the 500 cyclists he'd worked with over the years, only two had ever failed a drug test. "A racer who gets caught by doping control is dumb as a mule," Voet told me.
And how many of those 500 cyclists he worked with did not take drugs to enhance their performance? "I can count them on two hands. Maybe two hands and two feet if I'm generous," Voet said.
And where did the clean ones finish? I wondered.
"The back of the pack," Voet said.
Armstrong never finished at the back of the pack. Neither did his onetime teammate, Tyler Hamilton, the '04 Olympic champion who was suspended for two years for blood doping. Neither did another former teammate, Floyd Landis, who failed a doping test after winning this year's Tour de France. Neither did Italy's Ivan Basso, or Germany's Jan Ullrich, or Spain's Francisco Mancebo, who finished second, third and fourth to Armstrong in the '05 Tour, all of whom have been implicated in the Spanish doping investigation that rocked the start of this year's Tour. Each disputes the allegations.
There's nothing new in any of this. Voet was telling the truth, but not enough people were listening. The sport of cycling is dirty, was dirty and will continue to be dirty until more athletes like Andreu and trainers like Voet come forward and break the code of silence. Remember those names. They're the heroes.
Here's the thing about truth: It may take a while. It may take years. But truth's a tenacious battler. Eventually it will come out.
Friday, September 08, 2006
"The Dead Season"
Howdy All...! Just thought it would be nice to see a new addition here on the home of the wheel'd soldiers. It is that time of year when the desire to get out and ride begins to fade. The temp drops and the darkness falls. The hardcore become the norm and the norm fall victim to society. Leaves will die soon and become a nuissance to many and a cushion to others. Soon the snow will fall and push all to the good "Dr. Suess". Why I dont know, it just sounded good in my head. All these things bring about for some of us the desire to add some spice to our cycling efforts. Some of us may resort to indoor activities and others will tough it out.
The reason that I wanted to get this out to everyone is that there are rides that are still going on throughout the tuff times of the season. If you do not know, this is the time of the year (opposite spring) when Mountain Bikers flourish. It is almost as if they are reborn in the fall and spring. You see in the middle of the summer the woods tend to be hot. As you may guess the lack of moving air through the woods results in some pretty ugly riding conditions. So with a lack of heat the temps in the woods at this time of the year, it becomes almsot absolutely perfect for that type of riding.
We (our lil group of singletrack-minds) have been hitting the trails pretty consistently on the weekends here for a good couple of weeks now. The trails have been pretty decent and will most likely get kinda ugly in the next few weeks. Most of the rides on the weekends start early as everyone still has those "other" resposibilities. If anyone is interested in joining any mtn. bike rides show your typing/internet skills and send some messages or emails and let some of us know (or just me). We are usually on the trails by nine am and put in three hours or so. The furthest that we typically go is about one hour away. Join us soon for "Mud Sweat and Gears".
With this fall season in mind, keep also in mind that when the weather changes so does your maintenance sched. It is a must during these times that you clean your cycle. If you do not take care of your equipment it will not take care of you. Bottom Line........................................................
So...I also want to let you all know that I will most likely be transforming my weekly rides and training into a different schedule and may not see most of you unless it is on the weekends. After 20 yrs or so as a cyclist this time of year presents an obstacle of motivation for me. To continue to hit the streets and pound meaningless pavement just isn't as attractive as bumps, cuts, logs and bruises. Yet another reason to "spice it up".
While the inevitable death of a season passes us yet again, try to avoid the depression of your local city and stay alert with some trail pounding. Who knows you just might find you are a mtn. biker at heart.
Oh yeah....if no one realizes this.....you are able to ride a mtn bike completely around the shenango lake resevoir (sp). It is a great loop for this area and can challenge your riding skills a few times. It's no state game lands with groomed trails but it is a place to get your wheels spinning in a different mindset and backdrop. You may have to ride a little pavement if you are seeking to encounter trails in the local area, but that could be a little needed break. Again if you are seeking a little mtn. biking in the local arena and dont know of anything.........just ask!
Enough said..........catch you all next time. Good luck keepin them wheels turnin....
harms
The reason that I wanted to get this out to everyone is that there are rides that are still going on throughout the tuff times of the season. If you do not know, this is the time of the year (opposite spring) when Mountain Bikers flourish. It is almost as if they are reborn in the fall and spring. You see in the middle of the summer the woods tend to be hot. As you may guess the lack of moving air through the woods results in some pretty ugly riding conditions. So with a lack of heat the temps in the woods at this time of the year, it becomes almsot absolutely perfect for that type of riding.
We (our lil group of singletrack-minds) have been hitting the trails pretty consistently on the weekends here for a good couple of weeks now. The trails have been pretty decent and will most likely get kinda ugly in the next few weeks. Most of the rides on the weekends start early as everyone still has those "other" resposibilities. If anyone is interested in joining any mtn. bike rides show your typing/internet skills and send some messages or emails and let some of us know (or just me). We are usually on the trails by nine am and put in three hours or so. The furthest that we typically go is about one hour away. Join us soon for "Mud Sweat and Gears".
With this fall season in mind, keep also in mind that when the weather changes so does your maintenance sched. It is a must during these times that you clean your cycle. If you do not take care of your equipment it will not take care of you. Bottom Line........................................................
So...I also want to let you all know that I will most likely be transforming my weekly rides and training into a different schedule and may not see most of you unless it is on the weekends. After 20 yrs or so as a cyclist this time of year presents an obstacle of motivation for me. To continue to hit the streets and pound meaningless pavement just isn't as attractive as bumps, cuts, logs and bruises. Yet another reason to "spice it up".
While the inevitable death of a season passes us yet again, try to avoid the depression of your local city and stay alert with some trail pounding. Who knows you just might find you are a mtn. biker at heart.
Oh yeah....if no one realizes this.....you are able to ride a mtn bike completely around the shenango lake resevoir (sp). It is a great loop for this area and can challenge your riding skills a few times. It's no state game lands with groomed trails but it is a place to get your wheels spinning in a different mindset and backdrop. You may have to ride a little pavement if you are seeking to encounter trails in the local area, but that could be a little needed break. Again if you are seeking a little mtn. biking in the local arena and dont know of anything.........just ask!
Enough said..........catch you all next time. Good luck keepin them wheels turnin....
harms
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Labor Day Ride?
I'm planning on riding tomorrow, say around 8:00 AM. Maybe easy 40 miler, up to 322, back via Jamestown to either Greenville or Kinsman then home.
If you want to meet at park, call or log into blog, if no response, I'll leave from my place.
Jay
If you want to meet at park, call or log into blog, if no response, I'll leave from my place.
Jay
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
PEDAL THE LAKES -- again
Saturday, 9/16.
Pedal the Lakes.
Greenville, Penn.
Just across the state line find a
full-service tour in the beautiful Western Pennsylvania Amish countryside featuring four lakes—including one where the ducks walk on the fish!
Routes of 32/62/100 miles will be offered.
Proceeds benefit Mercer County Trails Association, Inc. which is
establishing multi-use recreational trails in the Mercer County area.
MCTA – Stephen Theiss; (724)342-2520.
Application and details can be found at www.mctrails.org
Event deadline: Pre-registration by Sunday, September 3rd, 2006 $15.00
Registration Sunday, September 3rd, 2006 and after $20.00
Contact Information:
Name: Stephen Theiss
Address: 91 Jefferson Avenue
City/State/ZIP: Sharon, PA 16146-3304
Telephone (include Area Code): (724)342-2520
Email: hamxguy@infonline.net
Web Site URL: www.mctrails.org
Saturday's ride, 8/26 at 7:15 AM
We'll meet at parking lot across from Country Club at Buhl Park, 7:15 AM.
Ride out to Rt. 7, L on 88 to Rt. 5, to 305, around Mosquito Lake, left on 305, back into Sharpsville.
Appx. 55 miles, we'll try to find coffee, pace easy.
Jay
Ride out to Rt. 7, L on 88 to Rt. 5, to 305, around Mosquito Lake, left on 305, back into Sharpsville.
Appx. 55 miles, we'll try to find coffee, pace easy.
Jay
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Pedal the Lakes
There's another Pedal the Lakes in Mercer County to benefit the Trails Association on September 16. Registration is 7 - 10 a.m. at the Greenville Sports Complex. Routes of 32/62/100 miles. Snacks, drinks, map and SAG service provided. Contact Stephen Theiss at (724) 342-2520, Hamxguy@infoonline.net. Applications and details found at www.mctrails.org.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Saturday's ride - 8/26 @ Park 7:15 AM
We did 75ish last week, great ride. I'm thinking Camp Ground Rd to Pulaski, 208 to New Wilmington, coffee, 158 to Mercer, 258 home. Should be about 45-50, some rolling hills, casual pace, 13-16 mph.
Jay
Jay
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Might not ride, but .............
So, would this person be considered fit as he might not ride, run, climb, swim, paddle................????
http://nearlygood.com/video/extremeupperbodystrength.html
Jay
http://nearlygood.com/video/extremeupperbodystrength.html
Jay
"weusedtomeeteveryTHURSDAYintheafternoon"
hey all sorry to post this so late, but i have responsibilities that i have to neglect. i mean....ummm.....well ya know, i think that i forgot. o.k. sorry......i will meet up with anyone that would like to ride this evening at the park at the usual time. I have no route in mind for this evening but am up for anything. we will determine all this by who shows to turn it out.
again, does anyone have an interest in going to the race at Mill Creek Park on sunday? please let me know at your convienence.
talk to you all soon......
harms
again, does anyone have an interest in going to the race at Mill Creek Park on sunday? please let me know at your convienence.
talk to you all soon......
harms
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
"Unique, New York"
hey all just wanted to post this link for anyone who would be interested in competing in a "Criterium Road Race". www.teammvc.com/pictures/MillCreek.pdf This race is held at Mill Creek Park in Ohio, and is run by Jimmy Yankish. He is a freind of mine who kinda adopted the throne of holding this race. They were going to do away with it a couple of years ago, and he and his team (mvc) did not want that. This is a great little local race to participate in. Even though the area doesn't know anything about cycling (Lynn???) there is a great turn out.
The Cat 4,5 race is usually (i think) a tough race. For those who would like to get some experience you can purchase a one day license and race the cat 4,5 for the day. I always suggest doing a race if you haven't, you just might find that you love it or hate it. In any case aside from that class there is usually an exciting cat 3, and cat 1,2 race following that is pretty exciting. The course is a mile long and will require multiple laps. This makes a great spectator race if of course you enjoy watching as much as riding. I do cuz you kinda can learn a little and see what it looks like to go REALLY FAST, alot.
I am still up in the air on this one, but am leaning in that direction. If anyone is interested, let me know and I will see if we can't get some car pulling in on this one.
Will talk to you all later on tonight.
Again, have a great day.
"Life's a garden, dig it!"
The Cat 4,5 race is usually (i think) a tough race. For those who would like to get some experience you can purchase a one day license and race the cat 4,5 for the day. I always suggest doing a race if you haven't, you just might find that you love it or hate it. In any case aside from that class there is usually an exciting cat 3, and cat 1,2 race following that is pretty exciting. The course is a mile long and will require multiple laps. This makes a great spectator race if of course you enjoy watching as much as riding. I do cuz you kinda can learn a little and see what it looks like to go REALLY FAST, alot.
I am still up in the air on this one, but am leaning in that direction. If anyone is interested, let me know and I will see if we can't get some car pulling in on this one.
Will talk to you all later on tonight.
Again, have a great day.
"Life's a garden, dig it!"
tuesday's gone with wind........
like sands through our "hourglass" this will be another day of our lives. by the time we all participate in our FlAT TUESDAY ride, the wind will have swept away yet another tuesday. so I wanted to welcome all to the evening ride from the park tonight at 600p. we will do what we usually do on tuesday's ride, go for flat, i mean that is if everyone is o.k. with that. if anyone would like to, we could always change them terms and make it a TOUGH TUESDAY, and go get some long slow hills in. it is up to everyone to make the call. so we will see what everyone would like to do at 600.
hope that you all have a great day.
harmsway
hope that you all have a great day.
harmsway
We know is, but let's keep it to ourselves anyway....Jay
Area wins praise for outdoor adventures
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
By Mackenzie Carpenter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
September issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine
What does Pittsburgh have in common with Durango, Colo.; Austin, Texas; St. Johnsbury, Vt.; and Pismo Beach, Calif.?
According to the September issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine, they're all considered "the best adventure towns to live and play in."
OK, so we may not be located in the Rocky Mountains or along the Pacific's craggy coast, but we really are an outdoorsy kind of place, according to the magazine's editors, who praise the city's beauty, cultural amenities, career opportunities and re-invention from a sooty industrial center to one that "better reflects the surrounding Allegheny Mountains."
"You've always had a strong tradition of outdoor sporting, fishing, hunting and kayaking in that part of Pennsylvania," said National Geographic Adventure's associate editor Mark Kirby, a native of York in the eastern part of the state.
The magazine lists 30 "action packed" locales divided into five categories, "where the real estate's within reach and the thrills start just beyond your back door."
Pittsburgh ranks at the top of the "urban adventurer" list, while Durango tops the "wilderness savant" category; Austin is best for "cultured explorers"; St. Johnsbury for "small town dreamers"; and Pismo Beach -- halfway between San Francisco and San Diego -- for "ocean addicts."
"I admit I was initially skeptical" about including Pittsburgh on the magazine's list, added Mr. Kirby, "but the reporter on the story kept producing convincing examples of really good outdoor experiences," from the region's extensive network of trails to white water rafting on the Youghiogheny.
Author Dan Koeppel, who lives in Los Angeles, said he first became aware of Pittsburgh's charms when he wrote a profile of the city for Travel Holiday magazine in 2002, extolling its lively museum and restaurant scene.
"I just fell in love with the place. I just had the best time I'd ever had on a domestic assignment, " he said, noting that as a mountain-biking enthusiast, he explored the trails in Forbes State Forest in the Laurel Highlands.
One of the nation's premier mountain biking magazines, Dirt Rag, is based in Pittsburgh, he added, "which should tell you something."
Because it's the "urban adventurer" category, the magazine's story on Pittsburgh doesn't just focus on hiking and biking, but on quality of life, too, praising the city's neighborhoods -- from "artist-filled" Oakland to The Strip, "Pittsburgh's answer to SoHo" -- as well as the proliferation of high-tech companies and low housing prices.
The magazine also singles out Venture Outdoors (www.ventureoutdoors.com), a nonprofit that promotes local recreation and serves as a clearinghouse for the region's outdoors community.
"This sort of integration into the natural setting is precisely what makes a top-notch adventure city," writes Mr. Koeppel, "and, in achieving it, Pittsburgh has become a place where residents can be serious both about their careers and their outdoors."
Still, when asked if he'd ever live here, Mr. Koeppel admitted he'd choose one of the "runner-up" cities listed as ideal for the urban adventurer: Las Vegas.
While that city's cultural life might strike some as more depraved than dignified, for outdoor enthusiasts it's irresistible, being close to Red Rock Canyon and a mere three hours from such world-renowned outdoor wonders as Zion National Park.
Plus, there's Las Vegas' great winter climate, which Pittsburgh will never match.
"I'm just not a big winter person," Mr. Koeppel confessed. "But your housing is a lot cheaper."
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
By Mackenzie Carpenter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
September issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine
What does Pittsburgh have in common with Durango, Colo.; Austin, Texas; St. Johnsbury, Vt.; and Pismo Beach, Calif.?
According to the September issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine, they're all considered "the best adventure towns to live and play in."
OK, so we may not be located in the Rocky Mountains or along the Pacific's craggy coast, but we really are an outdoorsy kind of place, according to the magazine's editors, who praise the city's beauty, cultural amenities, career opportunities and re-invention from a sooty industrial center to one that "better reflects the surrounding Allegheny Mountains."
"You've always had a strong tradition of outdoor sporting, fishing, hunting and kayaking in that part of Pennsylvania," said National Geographic Adventure's associate editor Mark Kirby, a native of York in the eastern part of the state.
The magazine lists 30 "action packed" locales divided into five categories, "where the real estate's within reach and the thrills start just beyond your back door."
Pittsburgh ranks at the top of the "urban adventurer" list, while Durango tops the "wilderness savant" category; Austin is best for "cultured explorers"; St. Johnsbury for "small town dreamers"; and Pismo Beach -- halfway between San Francisco and San Diego -- for "ocean addicts."
"I admit I was initially skeptical" about including Pittsburgh on the magazine's list, added Mr. Kirby, "but the reporter on the story kept producing convincing examples of really good outdoor experiences," from the region's extensive network of trails to white water rafting on the Youghiogheny.
Author Dan Koeppel, who lives in Los Angeles, said he first became aware of Pittsburgh's charms when he wrote a profile of the city for Travel Holiday magazine in 2002, extolling its lively museum and restaurant scene.
"I just fell in love with the place. I just had the best time I'd ever had on a domestic assignment, " he said, noting that as a mountain-biking enthusiast, he explored the trails in Forbes State Forest in the Laurel Highlands.
One of the nation's premier mountain biking magazines, Dirt Rag, is based in Pittsburgh, he added, "which should tell you something."
Because it's the "urban adventurer" category, the magazine's story on Pittsburgh doesn't just focus on hiking and biking, but on quality of life, too, praising the city's neighborhoods -- from "artist-filled" Oakland to The Strip, "Pittsburgh's answer to SoHo" -- as well as the proliferation of high-tech companies and low housing prices.
The magazine also singles out Venture Outdoors (www.ventureoutdoors.com), a nonprofit that promotes local recreation and serves as a clearinghouse for the region's outdoors community.
"This sort of integration into the natural setting is precisely what makes a top-notch adventure city," writes Mr. Koeppel, "and, in achieving it, Pittsburgh has become a place where residents can be serious both about their careers and their outdoors."
Still, when asked if he'd ever live here, Mr. Koeppel admitted he'd choose one of the "runner-up" cities listed as ideal for the urban adventurer: Las Vegas.
While that city's cultural life might strike some as more depraved than dignified, for outdoor enthusiasts it's irresistible, being close to Red Rock Canyon and a mere three hours from such world-renowned outdoor wonders as Zion National Park.
Plus, there's Las Vegas' great winter climate, which Pittsburgh will never match.
"I'm just not a big winter person," Mr. Koeppel confessed. "But your housing is a lot cheaper."
Monday, August 14, 2006
Major John breaking radio silence
Hey Freakz!
Sorry,
just doing a little R&R and sinec this blog has gotten so popular, (over 1500 hits I think) I wasn't too keen on posting my vacation schedule -- but since i've got my only valuable possession with me (Cannondale) i guess there is no harm -- and since J Cohen has already announced my whereabouts. Talk about cycling -- tons of people out here cycling all day long, if Saternow could see this!!!!
Any, be home soon. Thanks for the concern H and HAPPY BELATED B-DAY Diurba.
Sorry,
just doing a little R&R and sinec this blog has gotten so popular, (over 1500 hits I think) I wasn't too keen on posting my vacation schedule -- but since i've got my only valuable possession with me (Cannondale) i guess there is no harm -- and since J Cohen has already announced my whereabouts. Talk about cycling -- tons of people out here cycling all day long, if Saternow could see this!!!!
Any, be home soon. Thanks for the concern H and HAPPY BELATED B-DAY Diurba.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Perseid meteor shower-Tonight-Tomorrow-Off topic, still cool-Jay
A guide to the shooting stars of summer
Friday, August 11, 2006
By Pete Zapadka, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Every August, countless people who normally take little notice of the night sky, set out for the darkness of rural hills and fields.
They come armed primarily with the basics for the hunt: a sleeping bag, pillow, blankets, mosquito repellent, and perhaps a beverage and something to eat.
The annual pilgrimage reaches its crescendo tonight and tomorrow night, when the Perseid meteor shower is expected to be at its best.
Bright moonlight, however, this year will obscure all but the brightest of the shooting stars. But Alan McRobert, senior editor of Sky & Telescope magazine, advises people to go out, "lie back, and gaze up at the night sky. Binoculars and telescopes are not necessary to see the show.
"Relax, be patient, keep the moon out of sight, and let your eyes adapt to the dark," he said. "With a little luck, you'll see a shooting star every few minutes on average."
The Perseid meteor shower is so named because the shooting stars appear to come from the constellation Perseus, which rises late at night in the northeast at this time of year. But skywatchers should be aware the meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so the best direction to look is where the sky is darkest.
Perseid meteors are tiny, perhaps the size of a grain of sand, that are debris that lies in the orbit of Comet Swift-Tuttle. They hit the Earth's atmosphere at more than 35 miles per second, and create a brilliant streak of light in the sky.
Friday, August 11, 2006
By Pete Zapadka, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Every August, countless people who normally take little notice of the night sky, set out for the darkness of rural hills and fields.
They come armed primarily with the basics for the hunt: a sleeping bag, pillow, blankets, mosquito repellent, and perhaps a beverage and something to eat.
The annual pilgrimage reaches its crescendo tonight and tomorrow night, when the Perseid meteor shower is expected to be at its best.
Bright moonlight, however, this year will obscure all but the brightest of the shooting stars. But Alan McRobert, senior editor of Sky & Telescope magazine, advises people to go out, "lie back, and gaze up at the night sky. Binoculars and telescopes are not necessary to see the show.
"Relax, be patient, keep the moon out of sight, and let your eyes adapt to the dark," he said. "With a little luck, you'll see a shooting star every few minutes on average."
The Perseid meteor shower is so named because the shooting stars appear to come from the constellation Perseus, which rises late at night in the northeast at this time of year. But skywatchers should be aware the meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so the best direction to look is where the sky is darkest.
Perseid meteors are tiny, perhaps the size of a grain of sand, that are debris that lies in the orbit of Comet Swift-Tuttle. They hit the Earth's atmosphere at more than 35 miles per second, and create a brilliant streak of light in the sky.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Ground Control to Major "John"
Can you hear me Major John, can you hear me Major John.....?
Where the heck is he at? Did he fly the coop? Well in any case wherever you are I hope that you are shiny side up and dirty side down. Umm.....I just wanted to let all who check this out that we will meet in the park tonight at same time and place as usuall. We will traverse the city a little and get out towards the New Wilmington area. As we had experienced on Tuesday, I am planning to get a couple hills in the ride. There are a few road races in the near future that some of us are planning to participate in and I would just like to offer some terrain to challenge everyone to get them ready for those events.
Hope to see many of you tonight.....! Have a great day.
nosaj remrah
Where the heck is he at? Did he fly the coop? Well in any case wherever you are I hope that you are shiny side up and dirty side down. Umm.....I just wanted to let all who check this out that we will meet in the park tonight at same time and place as usuall. We will traverse the city a little and get out towards the New Wilmington area. As we had experienced on Tuesday, I am planning to get a couple hills in the ride. There are a few road races in the near future that some of us are planning to participate in and I would just like to offer some terrain to challenge everyone to get them ready for those events.
Hope to see many of you tonight.....! Have a great day.
nosaj remrah
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Good Luck to Ironman Competitors!
As you may know, the Ironman doesn't get it's name lightly. It's a 2.4 swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a marathon run of 26.2 miles for good measure. Some of you have biked a century or more and know how that feels. I've run a marathon and could barely get my legs up the last hill. And the swim? Can't fathom it!
We have three locals getting ready for Ironman Wisconsin...Ellen, Amy and Bob. Ellen is the veteran having done one already. Some of you know them, and I'm hoping we all can offer some encouragement in the next few weeks leading up to the race.
They have all been very low-key about this undertaking. They have logged many miles solo. When I go for a lonesome run or ride it makes me appreciate two things: 1) 2-Wheel'd Freakz!!! 2) The dedication of these three.
Good luck in September El, Amy and Bob!
.
We have three locals getting ready for Ironman Wisconsin...Ellen, Amy and Bob. Ellen is the veteran having done one already. Some of you know them, and I'm hoping we all can offer some encouragement in the next few weeks leading up to the race.
They have all been very low-key about this undertaking. They have logged many miles solo. When I go for a lonesome run or ride it makes me appreciate two things: 1) 2-Wheel'd Freakz!!! 2) The dedication of these three.
Good luck in September El, Amy and Bob!
.
FYI-article on doping-pretty interesting-Jay
Doping on Tour down to a science
T.J. QUINN
New York Daily News
NEW YORK - Every evening as their bicycles zipped across the day's finish line, drained Tour de France cyclists with gaunt faces and sweat-soaked hair matted under their helmets would slide off the seats they had been riding through the French countryside.
Their bodies were drained of liquid, their muscles depleted of potassium and filled with carbonic and lactic acid.
While support staff from the teams gathered bikes and equipment to get ready for the next morning's run, the riders would stuff themselves with food and liquid, then retire to another phase of the race.
Some cyclists would take sterile bags and syringes out of packs and drain some of their blood to store overnight. They would take testosterone patches and place them on the scrotum to quickly absorb the rejuvenating hormone. Some would take a daily dose of growth hormone, or insulin, or insulin-like growth factor, or T3 thyroid medication, or epinephrine, all of which are nearly impossible to test for.
After a few hours, the testosterone patch comes off. Seven to nine hours later, the drug will be at peak effectiveness, and after 14-18 hours, it's out of the system altogether. Then a night's rest, pump the blood back into the body, back on the bike.
And off to do things the human body should not be able to do. If the system is followed to the letter, none of these performance-enhancing tactics should ever be detected.
"When you get to that level, you know how to play this game," says sports medicine physician John Sonzogni, the former team physician for the New Jersey Nets, assistant team doctor for the New York Giants and the medical director for both a men's and women's World Cup. "It's the same with the NFL, same with Major League Baseball: they know when to bring (their drug levels) back down."
The nightly drug routine was provided to the New York Daily News by a former steroid dealer who spoke on the condition of anonymity, and several physicians who looked it over say it makes perfect sense.
But as Tour de France winner Floyd Landis prepares to appeal his failed drug test, his saga has again exposed how easy and pervasive cheating is in cycling, just as sprinter Justin Gatlin's failed test has done in track and field.
Landis and sprinter Gatlin may have screwed up and been caught, anti-doping advocates and medical experts say, but they are hardly the only ones to cheat in their sports.
"One other thing that's happening now is that people are realizing the tests are not all that great," says Don Catlin, the director of the UCLA Olympic lab and the man who more or less invented anti-doping tests. "I know that, but I don't walk around advertising it."
He doesn't need to. The athletes know it all too well.
Simply put, medical experts say, the body cannot recover on its own quickly enough during a competition as grueling as the Tour de France has become and not at the speeds the cyclists now race. To keep the body from breaking down, they need drugs such as testosterone, growth hormone and insulin for repair, and drugs like erythropoietin to increase red blood cell production.
The steroid dealer interviewed by the Daily News, who has not worked with Landis, says he suspects that Landis was wearing a testosterone patch and forgot to remove it after a night of drinking, which could explain "why his number would be through the roof like that."
Maharam said it is also possible that Landis was using both testosterone and epitestosterone to beat the ratio test. The magic of BALCO's famous "cream" was that it contained both hormones, so the athlete would get additional testosterone but his or her testosterone to epitestosterone ratio would remain the same. Some athletes using testosterone inject themselves with epi-t just below the nipple, where the needle mark won't be noticeable. It's possible, Maharam says, that Landis was using both drugs but simply ran out of the epitestosterone.
"It's needed for added recovery and to get some killer instinct and aggressiveness," he says. Maharam says he thinks Landis may have been "arrogant and stupid and thought he wasn't going to be tested."
Most sophisticated cheaters know the testing protocols and have adapted their doping regimens as needed. In the Tour de France, the tour leader, stage winner and three random riders are tested, and Landis may not have expected to actually win the stage.
Not all steroid testing programs are identical, but they share some basic features. A league collects samples and sends them to a lab such as Catlin's. The lab puts the urine into two vials, an "A" and "B" sample, and begins testing the "A" in a mass-spectrometer. The machine looks for all known steroids - each has a distinct pattern - and compares the amount of testosterone to epitestosterone.
Because the average person's body produces both in the same amounts, if the testosterone level is four times greater than the epitestosterone, it is considered a positive test. That 4-1 t/e ratio, as it is known, is the test that both Landis and Gatlin failed. (The same steroid dealer the Daily News interviewed says it is likely that anti-doping was tipped off about Gatlin's regimen, so agents would know to test him when the levels were at their maximum.)
Once the t/e level is tripped, most sports leagues and federations - including almost every one of Catlin's clients - then have the lab do a carbon-isotope ratio (CIR) test, which can determine whether the athlete has used synthetic testosterone. Landis failed that test, too. The NFL and Major League Baseball opt for the CIR test only if testers think there is something fishy with the sample.
Catlin says the sagas of Landis and Gatlin might influence the press and public to push for more testing. It's a slow learning curve for everyone, he says.
"One of the things that's going to happen from the cases that are floating around out there is, I suspect, more requests for CI ratios. I can feel it already," Catlin says. "Everybody sort of understands what a drug test is for marijuana, or the layperson has an idea, but when you start talking about carbon-isotopes and atoms, they really tune out, and it happens with clients as well. These organizations are not run by chemistry professors. The world would be a different place if they were."
T.J. QUINN
New York Daily News
NEW YORK - Every evening as their bicycles zipped across the day's finish line, drained Tour de France cyclists with gaunt faces and sweat-soaked hair matted under their helmets would slide off the seats they had been riding through the French countryside.
Their bodies were drained of liquid, their muscles depleted of potassium and filled with carbonic and lactic acid.
While support staff from the teams gathered bikes and equipment to get ready for the next morning's run, the riders would stuff themselves with food and liquid, then retire to another phase of the race.
Some cyclists would take sterile bags and syringes out of packs and drain some of their blood to store overnight. They would take testosterone patches and place them on the scrotum to quickly absorb the rejuvenating hormone. Some would take a daily dose of growth hormone, or insulin, or insulin-like growth factor, or T3 thyroid medication, or epinephrine, all of which are nearly impossible to test for.
After a few hours, the testosterone patch comes off. Seven to nine hours later, the drug will be at peak effectiveness, and after 14-18 hours, it's out of the system altogether. Then a night's rest, pump the blood back into the body, back on the bike.
And off to do things the human body should not be able to do. If the system is followed to the letter, none of these performance-enhancing tactics should ever be detected.
"When you get to that level, you know how to play this game," says sports medicine physician John Sonzogni, the former team physician for the New Jersey Nets, assistant team doctor for the New York Giants and the medical director for both a men's and women's World Cup. "It's the same with the NFL, same with Major League Baseball: they know when to bring (their drug levels) back down."
The nightly drug routine was provided to the New York Daily News by a former steroid dealer who spoke on the condition of anonymity, and several physicians who looked it over say it makes perfect sense.
But as Tour de France winner Floyd Landis prepares to appeal his failed drug test, his saga has again exposed how easy and pervasive cheating is in cycling, just as sprinter Justin Gatlin's failed test has done in track and field.
Landis and sprinter Gatlin may have screwed up and been caught, anti-doping advocates and medical experts say, but they are hardly the only ones to cheat in their sports.
"One other thing that's happening now is that people are realizing the tests are not all that great," says Don Catlin, the director of the UCLA Olympic lab and the man who more or less invented anti-doping tests. "I know that, but I don't walk around advertising it."
He doesn't need to. The athletes know it all too well.
Simply put, medical experts say, the body cannot recover on its own quickly enough during a competition as grueling as the Tour de France has become and not at the speeds the cyclists now race. To keep the body from breaking down, they need drugs such as testosterone, growth hormone and insulin for repair, and drugs like erythropoietin to increase red blood cell production.
The steroid dealer interviewed by the Daily News, who has not worked with Landis, says he suspects that Landis was wearing a testosterone patch and forgot to remove it after a night of drinking, which could explain "why his number would be through the roof like that."
Maharam said it is also possible that Landis was using both testosterone and epitestosterone to beat the ratio test. The magic of BALCO's famous "cream" was that it contained both hormones, so the athlete would get additional testosterone but his or her testosterone to epitestosterone ratio would remain the same. Some athletes using testosterone inject themselves with epi-t just below the nipple, where the needle mark won't be noticeable. It's possible, Maharam says, that Landis was using both drugs but simply ran out of the epitestosterone.
"It's needed for added recovery and to get some killer instinct and aggressiveness," he says. Maharam says he thinks Landis may have been "arrogant and stupid and thought he wasn't going to be tested."
Most sophisticated cheaters know the testing protocols and have adapted their doping regimens as needed. In the Tour de France, the tour leader, stage winner and three random riders are tested, and Landis may not have expected to actually win the stage.
Not all steroid testing programs are identical, but they share some basic features. A league collects samples and sends them to a lab such as Catlin's. The lab puts the urine into two vials, an "A" and "B" sample, and begins testing the "A" in a mass-spectrometer. The machine looks for all known steroids - each has a distinct pattern - and compares the amount of testosterone to epitestosterone.
Because the average person's body produces both in the same amounts, if the testosterone level is four times greater than the epitestosterone, it is considered a positive test. That 4-1 t/e ratio, as it is known, is the test that both Landis and Gatlin failed. (The same steroid dealer the Daily News interviewed says it is likely that anti-doping was tipped off about Gatlin's regimen, so agents would know to test him when the levels were at their maximum.)
Once the t/e level is tripped, most sports leagues and federations - including almost every one of Catlin's clients - then have the lab do a carbon-isotope ratio (CIR) test, which can determine whether the athlete has used synthetic testosterone. Landis failed that test, too. The NFL and Major League Baseball opt for the CIR test only if testers think there is something fishy with the sample.
Catlin says the sagas of Landis and Gatlin might influence the press and public to push for more testing. It's a slow learning curve for everyone, he says.
"One of the things that's going to happen from the cases that are floating around out there is, I suspect, more requests for CI ratios. I can feel it already," Catlin says. "Everybody sort of understands what a drug test is for marijuana, or the layperson has an idea, but when you start talking about carbon-isotopes and atoms, they really tune out, and it happens with clients as well. These organizations are not run by chemistry professors. The world would be a different place if they were."
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Saturday's ride 8/12, 7:15 AM parking lot across from Country Club
Meeting at parking lot across from Country Club in Buhl Park at 7:15 AM this Saturday, 8/12.
Ride will travel to Andover via Rt.7, cross the Causeway, back via S. Lake Road to Jamestown, cut over 58/5 to Kinsman, back via rt.7. This ride is pushing 65 to 70 miles, plan on couple of water bottles, maybe some food, though we will have ample places to stop. Causal pace, 14-15 and this is a very flat course.
See link: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=350977.
See ya Saturday.
Jay
Ride will travel to Andover via Rt.7, cross the Causeway, back via S. Lake Road to Jamestown, cut over 58/5 to Kinsman, back via rt.7. This ride is pushing 65 to 70 miles, plan on couple of water bottles, maybe some food, though we will have ample places to stop. Causal pace, 14-15 and this is a very flat course.
See link: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=350977.
See ya Saturday.
Jay
Tues.....?
hey all, i was just going to let everyone know that i will be available to ride this evening from the park at 600p. i hadn't seen any updates but just wanted to let ya know that I will be there at that time for whomever would like to join in the fun. dont know the pace or the place, but rest assured the wind will be in my face...
hope to see you all or a bunch of ya for a "back in the saddle" ride...
c ya soon........
harms
hope to see you all or a bunch of ya for a "back in the saddle" ride...
c ya soon........
harms
Sunday, August 06, 2006
LET'S SHUT UP SATERNOW!!!!!!
Calling all 2-Wheeled Freakz,
I'm sitting here finishing my coffee this beautiful Sunday morning at my breakfast table, flipping through the pages of the Sunday Herald, and on the front of the sports page, Lynn Saternow's column regards Floyd Landis and his possible doping in the Tour De France -- no new news there. HOWEVER, as I reached the last couple paragraphs, I was more than just upset, I was INFURIATED by his remarks, and I now quote:
Does it really come as a surprise that Landis may have cheated?
Sportview
By Lynn Saternow
Herald Sports Editor
OK, somewhere a long the line I must have missed the memo. You know the one I’m talking about.
The memo that says it’s OK to cheat in any sport.
The latest news is that Tour de France champion Floyd Landis cheated to win the cycling event. The International Cycling Union on Saturday said that his “B” sample confirmed the original findings that he had high levels of testosterone in his system.
The most damning report is that his urine showed traces of synthetic testosterone which wasn’t produced naturally.
Landis said he will fight to keep his Tour de France title. Thus far he has used just about every excuse in the book, from taking cortisone shots to drinking beer to thyroid medicine to his body producing the high level of male hormone. What next?
“It must have happened when I shook hands with Barry Bonds!”
Landis, who was supposed to carry the torch for America in cycling after 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong retired, is now a disgrace. He was already fired by his Phonak team, which is a pretty good indication that they feel he cheated.
Those of us who have little knowledge of cycling — or even care — wondered about his victory. After leading the race he had a horrible day and dropped back to 11th place. The stories said he now had no chance to win. Then suddenly on the 17th stage he surges to the top again.
Americans love to cheat. People cheat on their income tax; people cheat on their spouses; people cheat at golf. Why? Because we see it all over the sports world and our young people think that it’s the way it should be. It isn’t cheating if you don’t get caught. Of course, the fact that taking steroids might mean you die 30 years before your time should be some deterrent in that area.
But the biggest question isn’t whether he cheated. It’s: Why does America even care about the Tour de France?
Cycling is not exactly a popular sport. Until Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France a few times, nobody knew it existed. Then of course Americans — led by the media — jumped on the bandwagon.
“Hey look at us, our guy’s winning the Tour de France.”
Before you know it, the media was declaring Armstrong as “Male Athlete of the Year.” Give me a break!
You mean to tell me that Lance Armstrong is a better athlete than LeBron James or Hines Ward or even Barry Bonds? The guy rides a bike for goodness sake. Maybe we could name a bowler or golfer or jockey or auto driver next.
We shouldn’t be shocked that Landis apparently cheated. Cycling is one of the dirtiest sports when it comes to doping. The problem is: Other sports are starting to get the same way.
When I was a kid, my dad always harped on me: Cheaters never win! Winners never cheat!
Unfortunately, dad, sometimes they do!
END OF QUOTE
OK, so I've just started cycling this year, and I know zilch about the sport, it's rules, it's history and the professional athletes participating. But i do happen to have a few friends -- Harm, i'm thinking of you now especially -- that I'm sure are more than a little agitated by Mr. Saternow's words right now (and I hope if you're still on vacation the words out of this idiot's mouth didn't ruin it -- maybe just threw you off your kayak). And I know most of you don't know me too well, but I'll share something with you -- I'm a sensitive guy, and my feelings are hurt by this column. I'm angered by this column.
Now, i know there isn't much -if anything- we can do about Landis and whether or not he's guilty of doping. BUT, I do feel there is something we can do about Saternow and his 'doping' -- he's doping his readers with misinformation! In response, i'd like to call all our readers of this blog, to comment or post a 'Letter to the Editor' (Lynn Saternow) which I'd like to then print out and send to the Herald. You could spend just 10 or 15 minutes over a cup of coffee as I'm doing now, and voice your outrage -- b/c I know i'm not the only one with this feeling right now -- I can't be.
My thoughts go on. . . 2WF is also a group trying to promote not only cycling but fitness -- an obvious side-effect of riding. We're all for bike trails along the roadways, for getting out and not just riding but some of us running and swimming as well. (Jimmy L. -- how about that article you emailed me the other week). We're about a mind set -- one that gets us out from in front of the TV or the computer for at least a few hours and gets the heart rate going and the blood pumping. Look around (and here's my Cohen shpiel) at the obesity and the lack of fitness in the area -- columns like Saternow's- attitudes such as the one he's expressed above- are just one of the reasons this area and the people dwelling here look, act and feel the way they do--l et's promote sitting around on our fat asses throwing the blame around (whether it be bridges, Sheetz or cycling).
I don't blame Saternow for his attempts to discredit Armstrong -- it's just a display of his ignorance and narrow-mindedness. It's no surprise he'd pull out sports like Baseball, Football and Basketball-- all of which are played in a matter of hours -- not days -- in between whistles with very little time of actual 'playing'. Sports where 'athletes' accused of doping are slapped on the wrist and suspended a game or two (only when finally proven guilty). Sports where not only dopers but rapist and even murderers are seen as 'top athletes' and glorified on the field/court and deitized off. . .
OK, i'm going to collect my thoughts and compose the rest of this letter to the editor -- hope to hear from the rest of you.
jm
I'm sitting here finishing my coffee this beautiful Sunday morning at my breakfast table, flipping through the pages of the Sunday Herald, and on the front of the sports page, Lynn Saternow's column regards Floyd Landis and his possible doping in the Tour De France -- no new news there. HOWEVER, as I reached the last couple paragraphs, I was more than just upset, I was INFURIATED by his remarks, and I now quote:
Does it really come as a surprise that Landis may have cheated?
Sportview
By Lynn Saternow
Herald Sports Editor
OK, somewhere a long the line I must have missed the memo. You know the one I’m talking about.
The memo that says it’s OK to cheat in any sport.
The latest news is that Tour de France champion Floyd Landis cheated to win the cycling event. The International Cycling Union on Saturday said that his “B” sample confirmed the original findings that he had high levels of testosterone in his system.
The most damning report is that his urine showed traces of synthetic testosterone which wasn’t produced naturally.
Landis said he will fight to keep his Tour de France title. Thus far he has used just about every excuse in the book, from taking cortisone shots to drinking beer to thyroid medicine to his body producing the high level of male hormone. What next?
“It must have happened when I shook hands with Barry Bonds!”
Landis, who was supposed to carry the torch for America in cycling after 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong retired, is now a disgrace. He was already fired by his Phonak team, which is a pretty good indication that they feel he cheated.
Those of us who have little knowledge of cycling — or even care — wondered about his victory. After leading the race he had a horrible day and dropped back to 11th place. The stories said he now had no chance to win. Then suddenly on the 17th stage he surges to the top again.
Americans love to cheat. People cheat on their income tax; people cheat on their spouses; people cheat at golf. Why? Because we see it all over the sports world and our young people think that it’s the way it should be. It isn’t cheating if you don’t get caught. Of course, the fact that taking steroids might mean you die 30 years before your time should be some deterrent in that area.
But the biggest question isn’t whether he cheated. It’s: Why does America even care about the Tour de France?
Cycling is not exactly a popular sport. Until Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France a few times, nobody knew it existed. Then of course Americans — led by the media — jumped on the bandwagon.
“Hey look at us, our guy’s winning the Tour de France.”
Before you know it, the media was declaring Armstrong as “Male Athlete of the Year.” Give me a break!
You mean to tell me that Lance Armstrong is a better athlete than LeBron James or Hines Ward or even Barry Bonds? The guy rides a bike for goodness sake. Maybe we could name a bowler or golfer or jockey or auto driver next.
We shouldn’t be shocked that Landis apparently cheated. Cycling is one of the dirtiest sports when it comes to doping. The problem is: Other sports are starting to get the same way.
When I was a kid, my dad always harped on me: Cheaters never win! Winners never cheat!
Unfortunately, dad, sometimes they do!
END OF QUOTE
OK, so I've just started cycling this year, and I know zilch about the sport, it's rules, it's history and the professional athletes participating. But i do happen to have a few friends -- Harm, i'm thinking of you now especially -- that I'm sure are more than a little agitated by Mr. Saternow's words right now (and I hope if you're still on vacation the words out of this idiot's mouth didn't ruin it -- maybe just threw you off your kayak). And I know most of you don't know me too well, but I'll share something with you -- I'm a sensitive guy, and my feelings are hurt by this column. I'm angered by this column.
Now, i know there isn't much -if anything- we can do about Landis and whether or not he's guilty of doping. BUT, I do feel there is something we can do about Saternow and his 'doping' -- he's doping his readers with misinformation! In response, i'd like to call all our readers of this blog, to comment or post a 'Letter to the Editor' (Lynn Saternow) which I'd like to then print out and send to the Herald. You could spend just 10 or 15 minutes over a cup of coffee as I'm doing now, and voice your outrage -- b/c I know i'm not the only one with this feeling right now -- I can't be.
My thoughts go on. . . 2WF is also a group trying to promote not only cycling but fitness -- an obvious side-effect of riding. We're all for bike trails along the roadways, for getting out and not just riding but some of us running and swimming as well. (Jimmy L. -- how about that article you emailed me the other week). We're about a mind set -- one that gets us out from in front of the TV or the computer for at least a few hours and gets the heart rate going and the blood pumping. Look around (and here's my Cohen shpiel) at the obesity and the lack of fitness in the area -- columns like Saternow's- attitudes such as the one he's expressed above- are just one of the reasons this area and the people dwelling here look, act and feel the way they do--l et's promote sitting around on our fat asses throwing the blame around (whether it be bridges, Sheetz or cycling).
I don't blame Saternow for his attempts to discredit Armstrong -- it's just a display of his ignorance and narrow-mindedness. It's no surprise he'd pull out sports like Baseball, Football and Basketball-- all of which are played in a matter of hours -- not days -- in between whistles with very little time of actual 'playing'. Sports where 'athletes' accused of doping are slapped on the wrist and suspended a game or two (only when finally proven guilty). Sports where not only dopers but rapist and even murderers are seen as 'top athletes' and glorified on the field/court and deitized off. . .
OK, i'm going to collect my thoughts and compose the rest of this letter to the editor -- hope to hear from the rest of you.
jm
Thursday, August 03, 2006
"OBX"
Hey All,
Sorry I missed riding with you guys this week! I didn't mention to anyone that i would be away this week in the Outer Banks. I am available though via email. I will be returning home on Saturday the fifth though. I sure hope the rides for this week well. As I commented to Jay's post I have no information as to whether Jason has or has not participated in the wilderness 101 in State College, pa. As soon as I know I will let you all know. I am sitting here right now sippin on gin and juice (no, just margarita's).
The weather here has been great and I have been surfing the waves via Kayak. It is a great time, if you have not attempted this activity, I strongly suggest you try it. The first few days were great but the waves have since dissipated a little. Look forward to some good ones tomorrow, as it will be the last day that I can capitalize on them. The sun though is a little blistering. I have acheived a great deal of TAN, i know that is not that important, but while your here it is.
Much to my dismay i have left all traces of cycling at home. I thought that I could use a break. Also did not want to lug all that cycling stuff here as i would have had to bring all my clothing, tools and bike. Would have had to lock the bike and do the laundering of the clothes, all the while just wanting to chill. As some may know, being that I have cycled for a long time, a good week off does me some sincere justice. Plus it allows me plenty of time to chill with me familia. I dont get much time with my lil bro and sis, since i do so much riding. So time is good.
So on a parting note, I hope that this post finds you all in good spirits and riding well. I sincerely look forward to riding with you all next week. Enough of the sand and wind...I wanna get back to the rides and stress that a full day can bring us all. Afterall where would we all be if our lives consisted nothing but vacationers lifestyle.
Oh, as far as Floyd goes....I guess we will all find out on Saturday how the story goes. I only hope that things are the way that HE would like them to be. And if not, then he only will get what is coming to him.
Surf's Up !!!
Harmsway
Sorry I missed riding with you guys this week! I didn't mention to anyone that i would be away this week in the Outer Banks. I am available though via email. I will be returning home on Saturday the fifth though. I sure hope the rides for this week well. As I commented to Jay's post I have no information as to whether Jason has or has not participated in the wilderness 101 in State College, pa. As soon as I know I will let you all know. I am sitting here right now sippin on gin and juice (no, just margarita's).
The weather here has been great and I have been surfing the waves via Kayak. It is a great time, if you have not attempted this activity, I strongly suggest you try it. The first few days were great but the waves have since dissipated a little. Look forward to some good ones tomorrow, as it will be the last day that I can capitalize on them. The sun though is a little blistering. I have acheived a great deal of TAN, i know that is not that important, but while your here it is.
Much to my dismay i have left all traces of cycling at home. I thought that I could use a break. Also did not want to lug all that cycling stuff here as i would have had to bring all my clothing, tools and bike. Would have had to lock the bike and do the laundering of the clothes, all the while just wanting to chill. As some may know, being that I have cycled for a long time, a good week off does me some sincere justice. Plus it allows me plenty of time to chill with me familia. I dont get much time with my lil bro and sis, since i do so much riding. So time is good.
So on a parting note, I hope that this post finds you all in good spirits and riding well. I sincerely look forward to riding with you all next week. Enough of the sand and wind...I wanna get back to the rides and stress that a full day can bring us all. Afterall where would we all be if our lives consisted nothing but vacationers lifestyle.
Oh, as far as Floyd goes....I guess we will all find out on Saturday how the story goes. I only hope that things are the way that HE would like them to be. And if not, then he only will get what is coming to him.
Surf's Up !!!
Harmsway
Route for Saturday's ride, 8/5 at Park @7:15 AM
Meet at parking lot across from Country Club at 7:15 AM. Ride Lamor Rd to Mercer, 58 to Grove City, stop for coffee, 208 to Rt. 19, 19 to Mercer, head South on 318. About 50 miles, somewhat hilly, but pace causal.
Jay
Jay
Thursday, July 27, 2006
"the latest in doping"
Check this out: It is already happening. What I am seeing is that they dont know for sure right yet, but are looking in to it? Am I correct?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phonak confirms Landis rider in question
This report filed July 27, 2006
The Phonak Cycling Team confirmed Thursday that Tour de France winner Floyd Landis is the rider who submitted a positive "A" sample following the 17th stage of this year's Tour de France.
The UCI revealed Wednesday that the anti-doping laboratory at Châtenay-Malabry in Paris discovered an "adverse analytical finding" in a doping control taken during the 93rd Tour.
"The adverse analytical finding received on Wednesday morning relates to the first analysis and will have to be confirmed either by a counter-analysis required by the rider, or by the fact that the rider renounces to that counter analysis," the UCI statement said.
A positive "A" sample is only the first step in the process and does not constitute proof of any rider's use of performance-enhancing substances. The Phonak Cycling Team issued the following statement Thursday, confirming Landis as the rider in question:
The Phonak Cycling Team was notified yesterday by the UCI of an unusual level of Testosteron/Epitestosteron ratio in the test made on Floyd Landis after stage 17 of the Tour de France. The Team Management and the rider were both totally surprised of this physiological result. The rider will ask in the upcoming days for the counter analysis to prove either that this result is coming from a natural process or that this is resulting from a mistake in the confirmation. In application of the Pro Tour Ethical Code, the rider will not race anymore until this problem is totally clear. If the result of the B sample analysis confirms the result of the A sample the rider will be dismissed and will then pass the corresponding endocrinological examinations. Please understand that we cannot at this time give you more detailed comments.
___________________________________________________________________
if I am right in what I have read, why wouldn't they wait to post this until they are absolutely sure of the results? I am flabergasted.....
dissappointedly,
H
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phonak confirms Landis rider in question
This report filed July 27, 2006
The Phonak Cycling Team confirmed Thursday that Tour de France winner Floyd Landis is the rider who submitted a positive "A" sample following the 17th stage of this year's Tour de France.
The UCI revealed Wednesday that the anti-doping laboratory at Châtenay-Malabry in Paris discovered an "adverse analytical finding" in a doping control taken during the 93rd Tour.
"The adverse analytical finding received on Wednesday morning relates to the first analysis and will have to be confirmed either by a counter-analysis required by the rider, or by the fact that the rider renounces to that counter analysis," the UCI statement said.
A positive "A" sample is only the first step in the process and does not constitute proof of any rider's use of performance-enhancing substances. The Phonak Cycling Team issued the following statement Thursday, confirming Landis as the rider in question:
The Phonak Cycling Team was notified yesterday by the UCI of an unusual level of Testosteron/Epitestosteron ratio in the test made on Floyd Landis after stage 17 of the Tour de France. The Team Management and the rider were both totally surprised of this physiological result. The rider will ask in the upcoming days for the counter analysis to prove either that this result is coming from a natural process or that this is resulting from a mistake in the confirmation. In application of the Pro Tour Ethical Code, the rider will not race anymore until this problem is totally clear. If the result of the B sample analysis confirms the result of the A sample the rider will be dismissed and will then pass the corresponding endocrinological examinations. Please understand that we cannot at this time give you more detailed comments.
___________________________________________________________________
if I am right in what I have read, why wouldn't they wait to post this until they are absolutely sure of the results? I am flabergasted.....
dissappointedly,
H
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
LAST CHANCE
As part of the Tour Mania, we have been raffling off a 'Team Courage'
jersey thru the month of July. If anyone is still interested, tickets
are still on sale at The Bicycle Store of Hermitage for $1 Each!!!
If you can't make it to the bike store, mail me your money at:
2'Wheel'd Freaks
Jersey Raffle
5071 East State St
Hermitage, PA 16148
Winner will be posted on the site and will need to reply with jersey size.
jersey thru the month of July. If anyone is still interested, tickets
are still on sale at The Bicycle Store of Hermitage for $1 Each!!!
If you can't make it to the bike store, mail me your money at:
2'Wheel'd Freaks
Jersey Raffle
5071 East State St
Hermitage, PA 16148
Winner will be posted on the site and will need to reply with jersey size.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Saturday's B ride meeting at Park - 7:15 AM
We'll meet in the Country Club parking lot of Buhl Park at 7:15 AM. I have an 11:00 appointment, so I plan to ride for about two hours. We'll end up in New Wilmington(via Camp Ground Road), so if anyone wants to add some miles to the ride, plenty of options from there, including a good cup of coffee.
Call/email any questions.
Jay
Call/email any questions.
Jay
Sorry bout the delay
Hey Freaks!
sorry about the late ride post -- took the weekend off and slow getting back into things. By the way, ventured up into the NY Finger Lake area (where a sister of mine lives) and talk about SWEET road biking!!!! Man, that place is just begging for an organized visit from the 2WFs. My big sis lives on a farm with a few fields that could easily hold a tent or two of us. And the roads, wide, smooth and rolling. Beautiful farmland and great views of the lakes. Just an idea, but i think a summer's end trip up there (either bike up/ride home, or ride up/bike around/ride home) would be awesome. Anyone interested -- COMMENT below.
Also, since Harm took the initiative, we will be MEETING AT THE PARK tonight and THUR. See everyone there
jm
sorry about the late ride post -- took the weekend off and slow getting back into things. By the way, ventured up into the NY Finger Lake area (where a sister of mine lives) and talk about SWEET road biking!!!! Man, that place is just begging for an organized visit from the 2WFs. My big sis lives on a farm with a few fields that could easily hold a tent or two of us. And the roads, wide, smooth and rolling. Beautiful farmland and great views of the lakes. Just an idea, but i think a summer's end trip up there (either bike up/ride home, or ride up/bike around/ride home) would be awesome. Anyone interested -- COMMENT below.
Also, since Harm took the initiative, we will be MEETING AT THE PARK tonight and THUR. See everyone there
jm
just ya' know, stuff
Hey just wanted to let anyone who is interested know that I will be in the park tonight at 545-600 pm for a ride. I didn't see any updates on rides this week but am letting you all know that I will show for the ride. I would like to do a fairly easier pace with lots of hills if that is desireable...?
On a side note, just also want to wish a bit of luck to Jason Diurba who will be adventuring out to compete in the wilderness 101 at State College. Even though many go to this event with the idea of "finishing", and Jason said that he was going on those terms, I know him better than that! Jason has an unmatched desire to succeed and I know that he will give everything that he has to dominate as much as he can. Jason I am wishing you the best of luck on this endeavor. I know that you will knock 'em off the place list "just a little at a time!" (for those who dont know, the wilderness 101, is a 101 mile mtn bike race)
again ride tonight in the park 545-600 slow with hills.
Way to go FLOYD LANDIS !!!!!!
On a side note, just also want to wish a bit of luck to Jason Diurba who will be adventuring out to compete in the wilderness 101 at State College. Even though many go to this event with the idea of "finishing", and Jason said that he was going on those terms, I know him better than that! Jason has an unmatched desire to succeed and I know that he will give everything that he has to dominate as much as he can. Jason I am wishing you the best of luck on this endeavor. I know that you will knock 'em off the place list "just a little at a time!" (for those who dont know, the wilderness 101, is a 101 mile mtn bike race)
again ride tonight in the park 545-600 slow with hills.
Way to go FLOYD LANDIS !!!!!!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
"Attention Mtn. Bikers"
Its the end of the week and wanted to know if there are any mountain bikers out there that would like to join any rides taking place this weekend? If you are please respond to this blog or email me at j_harmer@hotmail.com I am not sure if anyone else is planning on riding off road sat or sun, but wanted to put this out so that anyone could get out there if they wanted to.
I am planning on riding in Kennerdell both days of the weekend and would like to start around 8 or 9 am. I am only planning to ride there because it is the most feesible at the moment and I haven't heard from anyone on where to go. If you would like to go and have a better place in mind, again blog it or mail me.
Look to hear from someone, hopefully.
See ya...
Jason
I am planning on riding in Kennerdell both days of the weekend and would like to start around 8 or 9 am. I am only planning to ride there because it is the most feesible at the moment and I haven't heard from anyone on where to go. If you would like to go and have a better place in mind, again blog it or mail me.
Look to hear from someone, hopefully.
See ya...
Jason
Saturdays Ride 7/22 from Bike Store @ 7:15 AM
This will be a causal ride, 40-50 miles, not sure of route. Show up, we'll discuss options.
We will leave at 7:20 AM.
Any questions, drop me an email or give me call.
Jay
724-962-1861
We will leave at 7:20 AM.
Any questions, drop me an email or give me call.
Jay
724-962-1861
The Tour
OH MY GOSH!!!!!
Today's stage is one to see and one to go down in history! I won't ruin your surprise.
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!
Today's stage is one to see and one to go down in history! I won't ruin your surprise.
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
LE TOUR DE FRANCE
I am sure that everyone is capable of spoiling this news on their own, but I thought that I would beat someone to the punch. Floyd has recaptured the lead and the "Yellow Jersey" once again, on perhaps one of the most crucial and difficult stages of the Tour. The Alp d' Huez has over the last few years (Lance to thank for this), become the definning stage of the tour. We saw Lance pound the competition and gain seconds and minutes over his competitors in the last few years. Upon hearing that the heavy hitters of the tour were being pulled for doping, I thought that this is a great opportunity for Floyd as he spent countless miles in the shadow of Lance on all these great climbing stages. Make no mistake about it, Floyd knows exactly how he needs to ride these hill stages in order to repeat or mimic Lances performances. Hopefully he will be able to gain more time through the remaining hill stages and have the support of his Phonak team to get him a top notch podium finish on the Champs. Note: Axel Mercx, son of the great Eddie Mercx was there atop the Alp d' Huez to assist Floyd in taking the yellow. It looks good for him for now, lets hope all goes well. Yes my Tour interest has been re-sparked.
Tonight would probably be a good night for a viewing of the stage. If anyone is interested, please blog this, or comment on this blog, or bring it up at the ride this evening. There was a chance of a little precipitation today, but looked as though it would be around between 10 and 3 or 4. I haven't seen it yet but am hoping that it wont get pushed into our riding time.
Hope to see as many as possible at the store for the ride this eve.
Have a great day!
Jason
Tonight would probably be a good night for a viewing of the stage. If anyone is interested, please blog this, or comment on this blog, or bring it up at the ride this evening. There was a chance of a little precipitation today, but looked as though it would be around between 10 and 3 or 4. I haven't seen it yet but am hoping that it wont get pushed into our riding time.
Hope to see as many as possible at the store for the ride this eve.
Have a great day!
Jason
Thursday, July 13, 2006
2WF's OUT OF THE SADDLE
ok, for a little change of venue, come to D'Vanzos tonight any time after 8pm for some Tour action. And now for the visual aid. . .
Confirmed Appt. 07/13/2006
hey just wanted to make sure that this was noted for all that are interested. we are going to sit-down at "D'Vanzo's" (spelling) tonight around 830 if anyone would like to join. i know that there was nothing set in stone or advertised on the blog, so here it is. i am going to meet with anyone in the park at usual time (weather provided) and then stop down at restaurant for "Telley, Chow, and Conversation."
See Ya on the ride or after........
Jason
See Ya on the ride or after........
Jason
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Any one up for some Rock Climbing?
While we are training / racing this summer, biking, tri's, running, you name it, someone is doing it, and I do realize that this is a bike blog, I'd like to toss out a very challenging, interesting, fun activity as a change up for a day. See below:
Saturday, August 19
Rock Climbing
Imagine the feeling of using your own two hands and feet to pull yourself up the side of a cliff. Rock climbing is becoming a popular outdoor sport; it’s great for strength and confidence building. After a short hike over easy terrain, we will learn about equipment, safety, how to belay, and some of the necessary knots. Afterwards, we’ll do some climbing and hopefully get in some rappelling! A variety of climbs will be set up so that even inexperienced participants (or even those who are afraid of heights) can experience success. In this one-day class, all instruction and equipment is provided for you, including the climbing shoes. Please dress in nonrestrictive pants such as sweats, Lycra or climbing pants, bring plenty of water and pack a lunch. More information will be provided upon registration. This is a beginner’s class and no experience is necessary.
Location: McConnell's Mill State Park
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 member/$55.00 non-member
Organization: Venture Outdoors
I'm going and so is is Mark Bianco. If you never have tried climbing, it's a great workout.
Any questions or comments, drop an email or give me a call.
Jay
Saturday, August 19
Rock ClimbingImagine the feeling of using your own two hands and feet to pull yourself up the side of a cliff. Rock climbing is becoming a popular outdoor sport; it’s great for strength and confidence building. After a short hike over easy terrain, we will learn about equipment, safety, how to belay, and some of the necessary knots. Afterwards, we’ll do some climbing and hopefully get in some rappelling! A variety of climbs will be set up so that even inexperienced participants (or even those who are afraid of heights) can experience success. In this one-day class, all instruction and equipment is provided for you, including the climbing shoes. Please dress in nonrestrictive pants such as sweats, Lycra or climbing pants, bring plenty of water and pack a lunch. More information will be provided upon registration. This is a beginner’s class and no experience is necessary.
Location: McConnell's Mill State Park
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 member/$55.00 non-member
Organization: Venture Outdoors
I'm going and so is is Mark Bianco. If you never have tried climbing, it's a great workout.
Any questions or comments, drop an email or give me a call.
Jay
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
6 HOURS OF POWER RESULTS
Well, not sure why i'm the one posting this, but here it is . . .
6 HOURS OF POWER TEAM RESULTS - FINAL - JULY 9, 2006
# Rider Names Team Name Cat Lap1 Lap2 Lap3 Lap4 Lap5 Lap6 Lap7 Lap8 Place
102 TRAVIS SAELER/TJ PLATT DIRTY HARRY'S/GARY FISHER MM- 0:46:17 1:30:35 2:15:30 3:00:37 3:46:29 4:33:32 5:25:17 6:13:29 1 Overall Team
129 SCOTT ROOT/EVAN PERRONE DIRTY HARRYS/GARY FISHER/FEARL MM31 0:50:29 1:38:18 2:26:57 3:16:20 4:06:00 4:57:20 5:47:08 6:41:12 2 2nd Place Overall Team
134 MIKE BROWNE/RYAN LABAR DIRT RAG: 2 SAFE DAYS MM- 0:50:18 1:39:12 2:29:23 3:20:06 4:09:59 5:02:24 5:54:52 6:48:39 3 3rd Place Overall Team
117 JASON HARMER/JASON DIURBA TEAM FRED MM31 0:51:50 1:40:06 2:31:25 3:20:40 4:17:11 5:08:02 6:04:57 4
109 BRAD CARBAUGH/JAMIE HUGHEY RED DOOR RACING MM31 0:50:30 1:38:52 2:28:49 3:20:00 4:11:06 5:04:04 6:12:17 5
115 JEFF WALKER/BRANDON FURBER THE 2 GEEZERS MM41 0:51:13 1:41:33 2:32:37 3:25:10 4:23:28 5:17:36 6:18:09 6
141 HARRY SHERRILL/FRANCIS MAGUIRE MT. NITTANY WHEELWORKS MM31 0:54:46 1:47:57 2:40:19 3:35:58 4:30:00 5:27:54 6:21:29 7
111 JOE MORELLO/ROB KLINSHAW SHIFTING GEARS MM31 0:54:21 1:44:54 2:37:59 3:32:58 4:27:56 5:27:30 6:28:06 8
135 CHRIS MICHAELS/COREY KNOWLES SHIFTING GEARS MM- 1:02:06 1:54:42 2:47:12 3:42:50 4:35:07 5:34:09 6:28:10 9
107 MATTHEW TINKEY/CHRIS HUFFMAN SLOWSKIS MM31 0:57:50 1:52:15 2:44:45 3:43:33 4:36:02 5:35:09 6:28:34 10
118 HEATH NEELY/DAVE KRACK NEELKRACK SPEEDGOAT MM31 1:02:09 1:55:44 2:48:33 3:43:16 4:39:02 5:35:30 6:30:10 11
133 EDWARD ROSIPAYK/JIM VREELAND SIGNSANDLOGOS.NET MM41 0:54:42 1:49:01 2:43:30 3:40:11 4:36:56 5:36:27 6:35:09 12
130 A.J. FINKELSTEIN/THOMAS WILBER FAMILY GUYS MM41 0:54:28 1:49:04 2:44:18 3:39:22 4:35:23 5:38:52 6:36:25 13
154 PAULA BITTLER/RYAN GOTCH URBAN GREENSPACE MIX31 0:50:15 1:49:50 2:40:00 3:43:04 4:36:00 5:40:09 6:37:22 14
110 BOB DAHL/JIM YOUNG HOLLYLOFT/FRAME OF MIND TIMERW MM31 0:58:39 1:50:52 2:48:49 3:41:54 4:43:24 5:39:15 6:41:36 15
120 GINO MARTIN/ROBERT LOCHNER BIKE LINE OF GREENSBURG MM- 0:57:11 1:52:36 2:48:58 3:44:52 4:44:10 5:40:43 6:41:38 16
119 DONALD HOSAFLOOZ/AARON TIMBROOK DIRTY HARRY'S MM31 0:55:32 1:52:38 2:47:20 3:46:07 4:41:55 5:43:45 6:42:24 17
150 DESANZO BETH/DESANZO CARMEN ULTIMATE SPORTS MIX- 0:54:48 1:53:14 2:46:31 3:47:06 4:42:59 5:47:21 6:45:54 18
106 PETER MUENCH/TODD HARAN RUBBER SIDE DOWN/PARK AVE BIKE MM31 0:55:46 1:53:16 2:47:09 3:48:29 4:49:53 5:53:48 6:51:09 19
104 SENN ERIC/JEZIORSKI,SCOTT "WOODY" MM31 0:56:36 1:57:26 2:52:05 3:54:00 4:50:23 5:54:54 6:51:39 20
139 NATHAN RAUPP/PETER NUESSLE RED DOOR MM31 0:55:45 1:57:27 2:51:29 3:53:04 4:48:30 5:54:16 6:52:26 21
105 RANDY GALIPO/ADAM REITZ MM31 0:58:42 1:53:56 2:52:39 3:51:07 4:50:44 5:51:57 6:52:33 22
128 CHRIS HONNESS/STEVE WEBER MID LIFE CRISIS MM41 0:57:48 1:56:19 2:51:28 3:52:11 4:51:30 5:52:42 6:53:20 23
you may have to do a little reading between the lines but here are all the times.
Again, Great job all you that road.
jm
6 HOURS OF POWER TEAM RESULTS - FINAL - JULY 9, 2006
# Rider Names Team Name Cat Lap1 Lap2 Lap3 Lap4 Lap5 Lap6 Lap7 Lap8 Place
102 TRAVIS SAELER/TJ PLATT DIRTY HARRY'S/GARY FISHER MM- 0:46:17 1:30:35 2:15:30 3:00:37 3:46:29 4:33:32 5:25:17 6:13:29 1 Overall Team
129 SCOTT ROOT/EVAN PERRONE DIRTY HARRYS/GARY FISHER/FEARL MM31 0:50:29 1:38:18 2:26:57 3:16:20 4:06:00 4:57:20 5:47:08 6:41:12 2 2nd Place Overall Team
134 MIKE BROWNE/RYAN LABAR DIRT RAG: 2 SAFE DAYS MM- 0:50:18 1:39:12 2:29:23 3:20:06 4:09:59 5:02:24 5:54:52 6:48:39 3 3rd Place Overall Team
117 JASON HARMER/JASON DIURBA TEAM FRED MM31 0:51:50 1:40:06 2:31:25 3:20:40 4:17:11 5:08:02 6:04:57 4
109 BRAD CARBAUGH/JAMIE HUGHEY RED DOOR RACING MM31 0:50:30 1:38:52 2:28:49 3:20:00 4:11:06 5:04:04 6:12:17 5
115 JEFF WALKER/BRANDON FURBER THE 2 GEEZERS MM41 0:51:13 1:41:33 2:32:37 3:25:10 4:23:28 5:17:36 6:18:09 6
141 HARRY SHERRILL/FRANCIS MAGUIRE MT. NITTANY WHEELWORKS MM31 0:54:46 1:47:57 2:40:19 3:35:58 4:30:00 5:27:54 6:21:29 7
111 JOE MORELLO/ROB KLINSHAW SHIFTING GEARS MM31 0:54:21 1:44:54 2:37:59 3:32:58 4:27:56 5:27:30 6:28:06 8
135 CHRIS MICHAELS/COREY KNOWLES SHIFTING GEARS MM- 1:02:06 1:54:42 2:47:12 3:42:50 4:35:07 5:34:09 6:28:10 9
107 MATTHEW TINKEY/CHRIS HUFFMAN SLOWSKIS MM31 0:57:50 1:52:15 2:44:45 3:43:33 4:36:02 5:35:09 6:28:34 10
118 HEATH NEELY/DAVE KRACK NEELKRACK SPEEDGOAT MM31 1:02:09 1:55:44 2:48:33 3:43:16 4:39:02 5:35:30 6:30:10 11
133 EDWARD ROSIPAYK/JIM VREELAND SIGNSANDLOGOS.NET MM41 0:54:42 1:49:01 2:43:30 3:40:11 4:36:56 5:36:27 6:35:09 12
130 A.J. FINKELSTEIN/THOMAS WILBER FAMILY GUYS MM41 0:54:28 1:49:04 2:44:18 3:39:22 4:35:23 5:38:52 6:36:25 13
154 PAULA BITTLER/RYAN GOTCH URBAN GREENSPACE MIX31 0:50:15 1:49:50 2:40:00 3:43:04 4:36:00 5:40:09 6:37:22 14
110 BOB DAHL/JIM YOUNG HOLLYLOFT/FRAME OF MIND TIMERW MM31 0:58:39 1:50:52 2:48:49 3:41:54 4:43:24 5:39:15 6:41:36 15
120 GINO MARTIN/ROBERT LOCHNER BIKE LINE OF GREENSBURG MM- 0:57:11 1:52:36 2:48:58 3:44:52 4:44:10 5:40:43 6:41:38 16
119 DONALD HOSAFLOOZ/AARON TIMBROOK DIRTY HARRY'S MM31 0:55:32 1:52:38 2:47:20 3:46:07 4:41:55 5:43:45 6:42:24 17
150 DESANZO BETH/DESANZO CARMEN ULTIMATE SPORTS MIX- 0:54:48 1:53:14 2:46:31 3:47:06 4:42:59 5:47:21 6:45:54 18
106 PETER MUENCH/TODD HARAN RUBBER SIDE DOWN/PARK AVE BIKE MM31 0:55:46 1:53:16 2:47:09 3:48:29 4:49:53 5:53:48 6:51:09 19
104 SENN ERIC/JEZIORSKI,SCOTT "WOODY" MM31 0:56:36 1:57:26 2:52:05 3:54:00 4:50:23 5:54:54 6:51:39 20
139 NATHAN RAUPP/PETER NUESSLE RED DOOR MM31 0:55:45 1:57:27 2:51:29 3:53:04 4:48:30 5:54:16 6:52:26 21
105 RANDY GALIPO/ADAM REITZ MM31 0:58:42 1:53:56 2:52:39 3:51:07 4:50:44 5:51:57 6:52:33 22
128 CHRIS HONNESS/STEVE WEBER MID LIFE CRISIS MM41 0:57:48 1:56:19 2:51:28 3:52:11 4:51:30 5:52:42 6:53:20 23
you may have to do a little reading between the lines but here are all the times.
Again, Great job all you that road.
jm
Possible Coffee Ride for Saturday
Leave bike store, head out to Rt. 7, left on Rt.88 to Rt. 5, ride into Warren, stop at Mocha House (27 miles appx.), head out Market to Rt. 193, back to Sharon. See this link, but total ride is 57 miles, so we'll need to see how group feels along with weather, but if we stop 1/2 way, drink coffee, eat some light food, should be good to go.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=290732.
Open for comments.
Jay
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=290732.
Open for comments.
Jay
Monday, July 10, 2006
"4 in the mix of the 6"
Good day to all. I just wanted to let everyone know how the race went for the four of us, who alot of you know, who participated in the "6 Hours of Power" this past weekend. To start I will just give you a little background about the race. It is a six hour endurance event in which you may participate as a single man/woman, or a two person (male/male or female/female) team. They also have age groups of under thirty and thirty-one to forty, and forty plus. You start, however you decide, or shall I say one person starts the race and at the completion of one lap you then tag your partner, if you have one, and then they proceed to do their lap.
The start of the race is a Le Mans style start and for those of you who do not know what that means, it means that you run a short distance and then hop on and go. This can be very taxing to those muscles that you plan on using just minutes after you kill them while running. I do not have much personal experience in this portion as my teammate takes one for us and usually does the running. Jason I owe you big time for your running, but I absolutely wouldn't put anyone else in those shoes! So, if you check the photo above you will see the starting line up of the race. Hard to see, but you can identify Jason Diurba and Ryan Gotch standing just to the left of the guy in the middle with the white shirt on.
In almost an exact repeat of what we all did three years ago. Ryan and Paula put together some very great lap times to finish in the top of their category and take first place for the second time in three years. Jason and I also claimed the top prize in our class, with some also very good lap times. Overall upon looking at the results today I discovered that we were also in fourth place overall in the entire competition. I also want to note to all that for Glenn Gerasimek and Dave Hornak (their first ever six hours of power, and Glenn's first ever cycling competition) they did excellent. They finished the event just as they told me that that was what they wanted to do. I think that after hearing some words from Dave that we are in the beginnings of transforming yet another roadie into a mountain biker. I am here for you Dave! Glenn, congratulations on your first ever Mtn. Bike race, and 1st cycling event. I give you tons of "props" (for lack of something better) for what you have done.
I also want to mention to you someone whom you all have never met. She was there three years ago and went away a winner and also did exceptionally well this year. Bonnie Hartman placed second overall in the womans solo 6 hours. Bonnie rides for CITGO/Grey Goat, and has spent countless hours riding with some of your fellow freaks.
So there you have it. Hopefully at some point we may have some others joining us in our future endeavors in up and coming cycling events. Please let us all know if you all have any upcoming events and where they may be held, as we all may like to participate.
take care,
Jason
p.s. first time adding photos, forgive my editing capabilities.....
The start of the race is a Le Mans style start and for those of you who do not know what that means, it means that you run a short distance and then hop on and go. This can be very taxing to those muscles that you plan on using just minutes after you kill them while running. I do not have much personal experience in this portion as my teammate takes one for us and usually does the running. Jason I owe you big time for your running, but I absolutely wouldn't put anyone else in those shoes! So, if you check the photo above you will see the starting line up of the race. Hard to see, but you can identify Jason Diurba and Ryan Gotch standing just to the left of the guy in the middle with the white shirt on.
In almost an exact repeat of what we all did three years ago. Ryan and Paula put together some very great lap times to finish in the top of their category and take first place for the second time in three years. Jason and I also claimed the top prize in our class, with some also very good lap times. Overall upon looking at the results today I discovered that we were also in fourth place overall in the entire competition. I also want to note to all that for Glenn Gerasimek and Dave Hornak (their first ever six hours of power, and Glenn's first ever cycling competition) they did excellent. They finished the event just as they told me that that was what they wanted to do. I think that after hearing some words from Dave that we are in the beginnings of transforming yet another roadie into a mountain biker. I am here for you Dave! Glenn, congratulations on your first ever Mtn. Bike race, and 1st cycling event. I give you tons of "props" (for lack of something better) for what you have done.
I also want to mention to you someone whom you all have never met. She was there three years ago and went away a winner and also did exceptionally well this year. Bonnie Hartman placed second overall in the womans solo 6 hours. Bonnie rides for CITGO/Grey Goat, and has spent countless hours riding with some of your fellow freaks.
So there you have it. Hopefully at some point we may have some others joining us in our future endeavors in up and coming cycling events. Please let us all know if you all have any upcoming events and where they may be held, as we all may like to participate.
take care,
Jason
p.s. first time adding photos, forgive my editing capabilities.....
Tour de Freaks!!!
Well, for those of you that were rolling over in your beds at 5:30 this morning, here's a recap. . . check the 11 o'clock news. The 2-Wheel'd Freakz got some major air time this morning with Frank Marzullo and TV 21. Here is a couple pics of me and my two gals -- Murphy, the one in pink, whooped Frank's butt in the trike race.
A special thanks to Randy Brown, Dave George and Rob Forner for coming out to support the crew. Randy, don't feel bad -- you hung in there with the Murph-ster a lot better than I did.
On a side note, a few other 2WFs came home with first place honors. Paula B, Ryan G, and our two Jasons all won at the 6 Hours of Power race this past weekend. More details and photos for follow.
Although we haven't heard from our social chairs, i think some time this week would be a good time to get the crew together at D'Vanzos for a little Tour de France watching and some race recaps. What does everybody think. COMMENTS ENCOURAGED!
jm
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Tour De Frank
LAST CALL FOR TOUR DE FRANK!!
Monday 7-10-06 at 5:30AM be at the Bicycle Store of Hermitage for a trike race with Frank Marzulo. Fun time for all!!!
Monday 7-10-06 at 5:30AM be at the Bicycle Store of Hermitage for a trike race with Frank Marzulo. Fun time for all!!!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Tour of Crawford County
Sorry- a little late to post this info, but if anyone is interested, the the Tour of Crawford County is tomorrow, Sunday 7/9. There is a 20,40,62,or century option. For information see http://www.tourofcrawford.com/
Friday, July 07, 2006
B-Ride for Saturday-7/8
Since we want to be back at the Bike Shop around 10, we'll do an easy (12-15 mph) out past Kinsman via Rt. 7, turn around, head back in making our way to bike shop to meet up with the early riders. This is a nice flat ride, few hills. Should be a great morning ride.
Jay
Jay
PENN OHIO 40 miler for Saturday 6:30am Ride
Here it is -- going to drive it tonight with the girls and an ice cream just to make sure the roads are in decent shape. Only road that may change is 422 -Ben Franklin Hwy coming out of Hubbard.
PENN OHIO 40 MILE RTE
jm
PENN OHIO 40 MILE RTE
jm
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
The Tour can be viewed on OLN (Outdoor Life Network). You can get the view schedule, and daily reports at:
http://www.olntv.com/tdf/article/view/758/?ss=tv&tf=Body.tpl
The Tour airs Live at 8:30 a.m., then replays at 2:30, 5, and 8. There's expanded coverage during the 8 - 11 p.m. viewing, and this might be the best time for socializing. We could aim for this Thursday or Friday or for next week. If there's interest, I'll contact DaVanzo's and warn them. Comment if interested.
The Tour is off to a tumultuous start with 3 riders kicked off including 3 main contenders (Basso, Ullrich, and Mancebo) due to suspected drug use.
George Hincapie, Lance's long time right hand man, wore the yellow (overall leader) after stage 1, but lost it to Norway's Thor Hushovd after stage 2. This was impressive of Hushovd since he was badly wounded from a spectator's advertisement sign during stage 1.
Other Americans to keep an eye on include David Zabriskie, Floyd Landis, Chris Horner, Bobby Julich, and Levi Leipheimer.
Maybe one day, after years of riding together, the 2wf's can travel to view the Tour live in France!!!
Avoir.
http://www.olntv.com/tdf/article/view/758/?ss=tv&tf=Body.tpl
The Tour airs Live at 8:30 a.m., then replays at 2:30, 5, and 8. There's expanded coverage during the 8 - 11 p.m. viewing, and this might be the best time for socializing. We could aim for this Thursday or Friday or for next week. If there's interest, I'll contact DaVanzo's and warn them. Comment if interested.
The Tour is off to a tumultuous start with 3 riders kicked off including 3 main contenders (Basso, Ullrich, and Mancebo) due to suspected drug use.
George Hincapie, Lance's long time right hand man, wore the yellow (overall leader) after stage 1, but lost it to Norway's Thor Hushovd after stage 2. This was impressive of Hushovd since he was badly wounded from a spectator's advertisement sign during stage 1.
Other Americans to keep an eye on include David Zabriskie, Floyd Landis, Chris Horner, Bobby Julich, and Levi Leipheimer.
Maybe one day, after years of riding together, the 2wf's can travel to view the Tour live in France!!!
Avoir.
VIEWING THE TOUR
HEY ALL,
whoever has a TV schedule of the Tour, could you post some air times so people can post when they might like to get together to watch at DeVanzos. And PB, since Jason Diurba seems to be AWOL, guess that makes you the social chair. I'm putting the viewing schedule in your hands -- good luck. (I don't even know what OLN is-- no cable here).
whoever has a TV schedule of the Tour, could you post some air times so people can post when they might like to get together to watch at DeVanzos. And PB, since Jason Diurba seems to be AWOL, guess that makes you the social chair. I'm putting the viewing schedule in your hands -- good luck. (I don't even know what OLN is-- no cable here).
Jimmy Buffet Juvenile Diabetes Benefit!!!
EMAIL AMY OR JOHN IF INTERESTED IN TICKETS
I've heard Cross's talk on Everest -- truly inspiring. If the food and beer aren't alluring enough, this guy should make up your mind for you.
To all who are interested....We will be having our 2nd annual "Jimmy Buffett" juvenile diabetes benefit bash at the Shriners on lamor road in Hermitage, on July 15th , 5:00PM. All you can eat, chicken, lamb, pork, all you can drink beer, entertainment, a steel drum band, DJ, acoustic guitarist, chinese auction and a motivational speach by Will Cross, juvenile diabete who hiked Mt. Everest and more. We would love to see all our friends here at this benefit and help find a cure for juvenile diabetes!!!!! A guarenteed great time. To RSVP your tickets call me 724-962-0881 or email me by Wednesday the 5th. IF you sold tickets, please email me on how many you sold! Hope to see you there.
I've heard Cross's talk on Everest -- truly inspiring. If the food and beer aren't alluring enough, this guy should make up your mind for you.
To all who are interested....We will be having our 2nd annual "Jimmy Buffett" juvenile diabetes benefit bash at the Shriners on lamor road in Hermitage, on July 15th , 5:00PM. All you can eat, chicken, lamb, pork, all you can drink beer, entertainment, a steel drum band, DJ, acoustic guitarist, chinese auction and a motivational speach by Will Cross, juvenile diabete who hiked Mt. Everest and more. We would love to see all our friends here at this benefit and help find a cure for juvenile diabetes!!!!! A guarenteed great time. To RSVP your tickets call me 724-962-0881 or email me by Wednesday the 5th. IF you sold tickets, please email me on how many you sold! Hope to see you there.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Poor Showing for Saturday
Well, I must say I was i little disappointed with the turnout for this Saturday morning. Debbie & Mike had some refreshments and snacks ready for us and were really excited about having us ride from their shop. We had 4 riders for 6:30AM and 2 for the 8AM (both new riders at that). I wasn't expecting a lot for the early ride but thought we'd get at least 6-7 for the later ride.
I AM NOT GIVING UP! There is no ride Tue due to the holiday, but we are scheduled to ride from The Bicycle Store again on next Satuday (they are planning on having a big tent set up with vendors and such). I know a lot of you will be tied up with a MTB event, but i'd rally like everyone else to make a good showing. I'm going to try a lot harder to get anyone I know with a bike out there and i plan on leading them and staying with them. I don't want to be a STATIC riding broup, I want to be DYNAMIC -- accomodating to riders of all levels. If we get large enough, people will find people to ride with at their own level. In saying that, I would really like all of you READERS to start becoming WRITERS -- to start using this blog to POST YOUR OWN RIDES -- TIMES -- ROUTES, etc. That way, if you work till 6 on Tue and Thur and can't make the ride, you can find someone else out there looking to ride at another time.
I'm rambling here. To reiterate briefly -- let's jump start this group and try to grow it. Also, USE THIS BLOG!!! I'll work on seeing if I can put up a 'ride board' for people looking for people to ride on off days/hours. I am no where near giving up on the vision that is the 2-Wheel'd Freakz.
ANYONE READING THIS, PLEASE COMMENT BELOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU'LL BE ABLE TO MAKE NEXT SATURDAY'S RIDE A THE BICYCLE STORE. A YES OR NO WOULD REALLY HELP IN HELPING DEB and MIKE PREPARE.
thanks again all
jm
I AM NOT GIVING UP! There is no ride Tue due to the holiday, but we are scheduled to ride from The Bicycle Store again on next Satuday (they are planning on having a big tent set up with vendors and such). I know a lot of you will be tied up with a MTB event, but i'd rally like everyone else to make a good showing. I'm going to try a lot harder to get anyone I know with a bike out there and i plan on leading them and staying with them. I don't want to be a STATIC riding broup, I want to be DYNAMIC -- accomodating to riders of all levels. If we get large enough, people will find people to ride with at their own level. In saying that, I would really like all of you READERS to start becoming WRITERS -- to start using this blog to POST YOUR OWN RIDES -- TIMES -- ROUTES, etc. That way, if you work till 6 on Tue and Thur and can't make the ride, you can find someone else out there looking to ride at another time.
I'm rambling here. To reiterate briefly -- let's jump start this group and try to grow it. Also, USE THIS BLOG!!! I'll work on seeing if I can put up a 'ride board' for people looking for people to ride on off days/hours. I am no where near giving up on the vision that is the 2-Wheel'd Freakz.
ANYONE READING THIS, PLEASE COMMENT BELOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU'LL BE ABLE TO MAKE NEXT SATURDAY'S RIDE A THE BICYCLE STORE. A YES OR NO WOULD REALLY HELP IN HELPING DEB and MIKE PREPARE.
thanks again all
jm
Friday, June 30, 2006
Tour de France on the big screen
there has been a request for some off-the-bike socializating (no helmets, sunglasses or tight fitting clothing) among the 2WFs, and one suggestion, being that July is almost here, is to get together to watch the Tour de France. My friend Debbie of The Bicycle Store wrote this
hey John -
I am soooo excited for you all. I went over to La Isla; They DO NOT have
OLN network. Boo-hoo-hoo. I then called DAvanzo's - THEY DO!!!! The
Manager's name is Lynn (724-342-3467). I told her you would call. She
seemed willing to put OLN on screen. Just wanted to know some days/times/#
of people. I said you would know this better than I. I called them,
instead of Inn 62, because I can't even eat at Inn 62 it is SO SMOKie. If
this place isn't acceptable, let me know. And maybe we can call elsewhere.
DEB
So, I am calling upon our co-social chairs, PB and Jason (hello Diurba, you out there?) to make the call. DaVanzos does have a big screen TV as well as cold beers. Plus, they seem willing. Comment below Yea or Nay. I'm leaving this one up to the group.
jm
hey John -
I am soooo excited for you all. I went over to La Isla; They DO NOT have
OLN network. Boo-hoo-hoo. I then called DAvanzo's - THEY DO!!!! The
Manager's name is Lynn (724-342-3467). I told her you would call. She
seemed willing to put OLN on screen. Just wanted to know some days/times/#
of people. I said you would know this better than I. I called them,
instead of Inn 62, because I can't even eat at Inn 62 it is SO SMOKie. If
this place isn't acceptable, let me know. And maybe we can call elsewhere.
DEB
So, I am calling upon our co-social chairs, PB and Jason (hello Diurba, you out there?) to make the call. DaVanzos does have a big screen TV as well as cold beers. Plus, they seem willing. Comment below Yea or Nay. I'm leaving this one up to the group.
jm
"two wheeled goats"
that is the new name of the A+ group "two wheeled goats"... these goats are relentless climbing maniacs. it has been quite sometime since i have had the pleasure of a rising pace on a hill difficult enough to climb alone. so another verbal congratulations goes out to all our riders last night, who showed, on an excellent job climbing that monstrosity. i hope that in the future i can find some hills that can maybe last a little longer for everyone. but really, great job on all your climbing efforts "goats."
remember that this saturday is the first stop at the Bicycle shop for the tour. I am going to try and get there in the am either with mtn bike ready to rock or road bike ready to roll. Hopefully we can get a bunch of people together for the support of the store.
ride hard, ride fast, ride far, and ride smart!
remember that this saturday is the first stop at the Bicycle shop for the tour. I am going to try and get there in the am either with mtn bike ready to rock or road bike ready to roll. Hopefully we can get a bunch of people together for the support of the store.
ride hard, ride fast, ride far, and ride smart!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
"let me specify"
just for all you who read the blog for the schedule of events. i just want to make clear that i said i would be there tonight regardles, "rain", or "shine." well i just wanted to clarify what that means to me. Rain- - -a dripping pour or sprinkle, versus the terrential downpour accompanied by lightning and thunder. Shine- - -well you all know that one.
reason being...i was once trying to beat a storm from new castle. i saw the deathly blackness in the sky and thought with around 15-20 miles to go, that i could beat it. Well approaching the 318 area on bethel new wilmington road, it got me. the winds were so bad, i felt like i should have had a V8 (ya know like them on that commercial), and was being blasted with sticks dirt and leaves. i passed a tree and the wind blew it over directly behind me. it hit the power lines and caused a wavelength in the cables, that all of a sudden seemed to be chasing me. i was so scared by this time that i blew through the intersection at 318 in front of two cars and straight into the garage of people whom were watching the storm.
in any case i just get pretty timid when the storms are intense. i dont mind the rain too too much it is just the nasty stuff. See you all later with hoods on...!
harmsway
reason being...i was once trying to beat a storm from new castle. i saw the deathly blackness in the sky and thought with around 15-20 miles to go, that i could beat it. Well approaching the 318 area on bethel new wilmington road, it got me. the winds were so bad, i felt like i should have had a V8 (ya know like them on that commercial), and was being blasted with sticks dirt and leaves. i passed a tree and the wind blew it over directly behind me. it hit the power lines and caused a wavelength in the cables, that all of a sudden seemed to be chasing me. i was so scared by this time that i blew through the intersection at 318 in front of two cars and straight into the garage of people whom were watching the storm.
in any case i just get pretty timid when the storms are intense. i dont mind the rain too too much it is just the nasty stuff. See you all later with hoods on...!
harmsway
Tour de Frank
HEY ALL!
Just in case you failed to read the fine print -- the July 10th trike race at The Bicycle Store is from 5:30-7:00 AM. We're talking sunrise! Hope that does scare all you potential racers and fans away.
jm
Just in case you failed to read the fine print -- the July 10th trike race at The Bicycle Store is from 5:30-7:00 AM. We're talking sunrise! Hope that does scare all you potential racers and fans away.
jm
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Let's Try it Again
I am reposting a previous post from last week. As you all know, what was looking like the best ride of the summer thus far was cancelled last Thursday due to Thunder Storms. We're going to try it again ...
"Thursday ride, you will have the distinct pleasure of discovering the two things that our neighboring town of New Wilmington PA does right -- it's COFFEE and it's HILLS!! We will be taking off from Mugsies Coffee House at 6:00pm (there is parking directly across the street). If you need a quick after-work-boost before the ride, their coffee will do it.
Harmer is planning on doing another one of his grueling hill circuits and the route looks pretty enticing.
Harm's Hill Circuit: NEW WILMINGTON CIRCUIT
"Thursday ride, you will have the distinct pleasure of discovering the two things that our neighboring town of New Wilmington PA does right -- it's COFFEE and it's HILLS!! We will be taking off from Mugsies Coffee House at 6:00pm (there is parking directly across the street). If you need a quick after-work-boost before the ride, their coffee will do it.
Harmer is planning on doing another one of his grueling hill circuits and the route looks pretty enticing.
Harm's Hill Circuit: NEW WILMINGTON CIRCUIT
tuesday's gone with wind........
word...! hey i just wanted to give a "Hell Yeah!" to those of you who have been riding with/without the group. those of you who are doin it on your own, IT SHOWS! and those who aren't you are still improving greatly. over the past couple weeks it seems as though tuesdays ride is getting faster and faster. we have a couple of people that are willing and able to push the pace and some who are starting to get the overall picture and work with the entire group to increase the longevity of the ride and the riders. I am totally impressed with what I am seeing.
as i have stated before, riding together will help everyone out. tighter riding lines and stacking yourselves closer together really tends to cut down on a lot of drag and resistance due to the wind. everyone seems to be trying to get er dun the way it is intended to be. i would really love to see more people show for the rides, this way we could divy things up and have everyone ride in groups in which they feel would be more appropriate for them. we would really like to get all of our groups implemented so that everyone can be where they need to be according to their abilities.
all in all congratulations on your improvements guys/girls, and keep striving to get better. count your alone time in the saddle as double time, cause that is where you make yourself who/what you are on the bike. all who want to come out and ride, please remember i will always try to make each ride that i am on as beneficial to you as i possibly can.
also wanted to mention that July 8th and 9th we have a few people who will be returning (as former winners) to the "6 Hours of Power", to attempt to claim the first positions in their classes. Jason N' Jason will be riding as a two man team 30+, P.B. and Ryan Gotch will be riding as a male/female team, and outside of others I dont know about, there are two others who will take a stab at the competition. Glenn Gerasimek (Gerasimek's Tree Service) and David Hornak (Hornak's Sales and Service), will be on a two man team 30+. Wish us all luck as this 6 hours is a very difficult race and will push us all close to our limits if not exceed them. If anyone would like to just come and check it out, you can get to their site by and through www.heartrateup.com. You may also check the results and possibly see some photos there too after the race is complete.
ride fun, ride far, and ride fast....
harmsway
as i have stated before, riding together will help everyone out. tighter riding lines and stacking yourselves closer together really tends to cut down on a lot of drag and resistance due to the wind. everyone seems to be trying to get er dun the way it is intended to be. i would really love to see more people show for the rides, this way we could divy things up and have everyone ride in groups in which they feel would be more appropriate for them. we would really like to get all of our groups implemented so that everyone can be where they need to be according to their abilities.
all in all congratulations on your improvements guys/girls, and keep striving to get better. count your alone time in the saddle as double time, cause that is where you make yourself who/what you are on the bike. all who want to come out and ride, please remember i will always try to make each ride that i am on as beneficial to you as i possibly can.
also wanted to mention that July 8th and 9th we have a few people who will be returning (as former winners) to the "6 Hours of Power", to attempt to claim the first positions in their classes. Jason N' Jason will be riding as a two man team 30+, P.B. and Ryan Gotch will be riding as a male/female team, and outside of others I dont know about, there are two others who will take a stab at the competition. Glenn Gerasimek (Gerasimek's Tree Service) and David Hornak (Hornak's Sales and Service), will be on a two man team 30+. Wish us all luck as this 6 hours is a very difficult race and will push us all close to our limits if not exceed them. If anyone would like to just come and check it out, you can get to their site by and through www.heartrateup.com. You may also check the results and possibly see some photos there too after the race is complete.
ride fun, ride far, and ride fast....
harmsway
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Team Courage -- All Smiles
Just wanted to post a shot of the Team Courage members who participated in the Tour de Cure last Sunday. A good time was had by all (despite a major wipe-out by yours truly)and we raised a little money for a great cause in the process.
Who's ready to sign up for next year?
i think i can, i think i can
hey just wanted to post this link for anyone who would like to ready an interesting, bicycle related story, and blog. this guy has come a long way, and it is pretty amazing. I have not read everything yet, but will try to do so. I found that what i had read was interesting enough to pass on to all. Here you are: http://whatsyourstory.msn.com/?src=spaceshome&id=2>1=8232
enjoy, and remember long live the cycling community, and thanks to all of you who are participating in creating a culture within our society (locally) that did not exist for quite some time. We are all greatly appreciative of your participation.
sincerely,
Jason
enjoy, and remember long live the cycling community, and thanks to all of you who are participating in creating a culture within our society (locally) that did not exist for quite some time. We are all greatly appreciative of your participation.
sincerely,
Jason
TOUR MANIA -- "Tour De Frank"
This just in. . .
Monday July 10th 5:30-7:00 am at The Bicycle Store of Hermitage
"Tour De Frank" - Frank Mazullo of Channel 21 will be doing live telecast
from store. We need "riders" to race against him in tricycle race!!
We will be serving food and "champagne"!!
Please try to recruit as many people as possible
Thanks, Debbie
Stopped by the Bike Store at lunch to give them some more of our cards. They are pretty jacked about Frank coming. Hey! I don't know where else you could dust Frank Marzullo on a trike AND have Champagne with him afterwards. And we've got a personal invite. COMMENT BELOW if you'd like to sign up for the race. BYOT (Bring Your Own Trike). If you don't have one, I think the Bike Store may be supplying TREK trikes. Either way -- sounds like a great event.
Maybe we'll have some 2wf T-shirts by then! I'm working on it.
jm
Monday July 10th 5:30-7:00 am at The Bicycle Store of Hermitage
"Tour De Frank" - Frank Mazullo of Channel 21 will be doing live telecast
from store. We need "riders" to race against him in tricycle race!!
We will be serving food and "champagne"!!
Please try to recruit as many people as possible
Thanks, Debbie
Stopped by the Bike Store at lunch to give them some more of our cards. They are pretty jacked about Frank coming. Hey! I don't know where else you could dust Frank Marzullo on a trike AND have Champagne with him afterwards. And we've got a personal invite. COMMENT BELOW if you'd like to sign up for the race. BYOT (Bring Your Own Trike). If you don't have one, I think the Bike Store may be supplying TREK trikes. Either way -- sounds like a great event.
Maybe we'll have some 2wf T-shirts by then! I'm working on it.
jm
NEW LOOK FOR 2WF
HEY ALL!
In trying to keep busy during this lousy weather, i've started playing around with a 'logo' for our group. Looking for input. Let me know what you think of this rough draft -- comments, criticisms, other ideas, etc are encouraged. I am not too excited about Font right now. Need a little help.
In trying to keep busy during this lousy weather, i've started playing around with a 'logo' for our group. Looking for input. Let me know what you think of this rough draft -- comments, criticisms, other ideas, etc are encouraged. I am not too excited about Font right now. Need a little help.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Morraine State Park
Wow, is that forest something else? Mountain biked last weekend in Morraine State Park and boy oh boy, does it remind me of how to make a mountain biker a mountain biker. This place is covered with all the terrain necessary to make you a true mtn biker. You have some really challenging hill climbs, tough rock garden sections, few flats to recover, and much off camber trail to challenge even the best of mtn bikers. I cannot say enough for the technical status that this place has.
Years ago when the original makers of the trail created it, there were so many rough sections that you almost had a hard time even riding it. There was so much mud in some places that you could not ride them, and so many rocks that you didn't dare fall down. Since then there must be a newer crowd maintaining things because the routes have been changed to avoid the mud, make it a little longer and get some more traversible rocky sections. They have also added many many (wheel barrow loads i am guessing) sections of gravel to soak some of the water, i think. But again still managing to provide a very difficult place to ride.
I unfortunately had the inconvienence of getting a flat tire on the front wheel. Since I did not use my noggin i did not bring a tube, which provided me with the pleasure of stopping to pump my tire every five to ten minutes. Make sure that you are prepared for anything when mountain biking in any area. Anything can go wrong and sometimes it always does.
In any case I just wanted to let everyone know about this place because it truly is an awesome place to ride, and will sincerely change a mountain biker who wants a place to ride to get better. There are other places to go that will also set the grounds for serious improvement, but many are a little further to drive to get to. If you have the luxury of also having a mountain bike, dont be affraid to get out there and try this aspect of cycling out. You just might find that you are a mountain biker at heart. It will challenge you in ways that you probably would never have thought you could be.
To all us roadies on the outside, I shall see you all tues and thurs this week. Keep in mind that thursday we will be on a circuit ride and that pace will be slower unless we are on the hill. The idea is to judge where you are at the beginning and ride the hill harder but still attempting to keep enough in reserve such that you may climb the hill repeatedly. This will also teach your body to recover after a hard effort. Recovery is key even while you are on the bike.
Summer Intake:
Water or energy drink: one bottle an hour
Food intake: 250 calories an hour
Winter Intake: Same
See ya all soon......
Jason
Years ago when the original makers of the trail created it, there were so many rough sections that you almost had a hard time even riding it. There was so much mud in some places that you could not ride them, and so many rocks that you didn't dare fall down. Since then there must be a newer crowd maintaining things because the routes have been changed to avoid the mud, make it a little longer and get some more traversible rocky sections. They have also added many many (wheel barrow loads i am guessing) sections of gravel to soak some of the water, i think. But again still managing to provide a very difficult place to ride.
I unfortunately had the inconvienence of getting a flat tire on the front wheel. Since I did not use my noggin i did not bring a tube, which provided me with the pleasure of stopping to pump my tire every five to ten minutes. Make sure that you are prepared for anything when mountain biking in any area. Anything can go wrong and sometimes it always does.
In any case I just wanted to let everyone know about this place because it truly is an awesome place to ride, and will sincerely change a mountain biker who wants a place to ride to get better. There are other places to go that will also set the grounds for serious improvement, but many are a little further to drive to get to. If you have the luxury of also having a mountain bike, dont be affraid to get out there and try this aspect of cycling out. You just might find that you are a mountain biker at heart. It will challenge you in ways that you probably would never have thought you could be.
To all us roadies on the outside, I shall see you all tues and thurs this week. Keep in mind that thursday we will be on a circuit ride and that pace will be slower unless we are on the hill. The idea is to judge where you are at the beginning and ride the hill harder but still attempting to keep enough in reserve such that you may climb the hill repeatedly. This will also teach your body to recover after a hard effort. Recovery is key even while you are on the bike.
Summer Intake:
Water or energy drink: one bottle an hour
Food intake: 250 calories an hour
Winter Intake: Same
See ya all soon......
Jason
Friday, June 23, 2006
Pittsburgh Bike Mass
CALLING ALL 2WF'S:
The idea of a "bike mass" is for us bikers to claim the streets back from rude, oblivious passers-by on four motored wheels. At least that's part of it. Now I'm not suggesting we convert to 'Amishism' (although that has some appeal), just one fun night out in a wonderful city as a GROUP, if enough of us are interested.
SIDE BAR: Recently, at an extremely challenging, hilly marathon called God's Country Marathon in Olean, N.Y., an Amish women joined the race.....in her traditional Amish get-up (a heavy fabric dress), on a very warm day. One guy, a very good runner and iron-man competitor, said to his new wife (who was new to running), "Your goal is to beat her." Well, the Amish women beat them both! True Story.
The Pittsburgh Bike Mass next Friday, June 30th, would be a great opportunity for our bike club to get together (Groups A+, B, M, ect.)!!! John and Amy, wouldn't it be great to tour the town and NOT freeze your .............(fill in the blank) off?!!?! I'm happy to be a d.d. for up to four, but could only take two bikes.
Post a comment to this site if interested, and we could discuss at next week's Tues./Thur. ride.
The idea of a "bike mass" is for us bikers to claim the streets back from rude, oblivious passers-by on four motored wheels. At least that's part of it. Now I'm not suggesting we convert to 'Amishism' (although that has some appeal), just one fun night out in a wonderful city as a GROUP, if enough of us are interested.
SIDE BAR: Recently, at an extremely challenging, hilly marathon called God's Country Marathon in Olean, N.Y., an Amish women joined the race.....in her traditional Amish get-up (a heavy fabric dress), on a very warm day. One guy, a very good runner and iron-man competitor, said to his new wife (who was new to running), "Your goal is to beat her." Well, the Amish women beat them both! True Story.
The Pittsburgh Bike Mass next Friday, June 30th, would be a great opportunity for our bike club to get together (Groups A+, B, M, ect.)!!! John and Amy, wouldn't it be great to tour the town and NOT freeze your .............(fill in the blank) off?!!?! I'm happy to be a d.d. for up to four, but could only take two bikes.
Post a comment to this site if interested, and we could discuss at next week's Tues./Thur. ride.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
HATE TO DO THIS, BUT...
As I type, the newly installed storm warning on Snyder hill is blaring news of the Thunderstorm, and as much as I hate to cancel what may have very well been the best ride of the year, I'm going to pull the plug on this one folks. I've gotten a few "I'm outs" from fellow riders, and even our ride leader Jason 'Harmless' Harmer has posted satellite images of tonights forcast -- and it doesn't look good. On top of the thunder and lightning there is also a call for 3/4" hail, which would be ok if we were not riding at 15-20 miles an hour (off the hill of course). And even though -- with the way weather forecasting has been going lately-- it may very well be sunny and 75 come 6PM,
it is with a sad heart that I am officially POSTPONING (that's right, postponing not cancelling -- you don't think i'd let you all off that easy) this awesome ride till next Thursday.
Painstakingly yours,
jm
2-WF Ride Organizer
it is with a sad heart that I am officially POSTPONING (that's right, postponing not cancelling -- you don't think i'd let you all off that easy) this awesome ride till next Thursday.
Painstakingly yours,
jm
2-WF Ride Organizer
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