2-Wheel'd Freakz -- 2008

2011-08-05T05:48:00.001-04:00

http://begaxeru.co.tv/

blackened-blue-cheese-burgers-recipe

2009-05-16T07:06:00.002-04:00

This is a great looking recipe from Brian at Hot Sauce Daily . Click over to his site for the complete recipe.
These will definitely be served at MeatFest 2009 end of month.

On the agenda this weekend:

Sled work
Cut more friggin grass
Smoke some chicken quarters
Run the dogs
Smoke a brisket
Sam's Club for supplies
Make new Cole Slaw recipe
Run the dogs
Make some BBQ sauce for party
Run the dogs
Round up the weeds and Poison Ivy

Read, hang out, maybe nap, cruise the Blogs, learning as I go.

Looking forward to Rochester next weekend for their Rib Fest, following weekend is Meat Fest, then plan to dive most weekends in June/July/August.

Have a great weekend to all---Jay

Blackened Blue / Bleu Cheese Burgers on the Grill

One of my favorite versions of burgers to order out is something usually called a Blackened Bleu / Blue Cheese Burger.

I decided awhile ago to learn to make these at home, and here’s what I came up with.

Since Old Bay Seasoning in burgers was always a hit with me, I like to use Old Bay with Blackened Seasoning for the Blackened Bleu. There are others out there, like Chef Paul Prudhomme’s, and Zatarain’s Blackened Seasoning, as well as dozens of homemade versions (which I vow to try someday), but for now, the Old Bay version works great for me.

[Ticket #UIV-430667]: Secure shopping !

2009-05-15T17:33:00.000-04:00

Dan Killa,

Your Ticket has been received and a member of our staff will review it and reply accordingly. Listed below are details of this Ticket. Please make sure the Ticket ID remains in the subject at all times.

Ticket ID: UIV-430667
Subject: Secure shopping !
Department: General
Priority: High
Status: Waiting on Support

You can check the status of or reply to this Ticket online at: http://xlpharmacy-support.com/index.php?_m=tickets&_a=viewticket&ticketid=50877
Email: dkillavo2max@yahoo.com
Password: 3b28eae6

Please do let us know if we can assist you any further,

XLPharmacy

Secure shopping !

2009-05-15T17:28:00.001-04:00

Hello!How are you recently?
I would like to introduce a good company who trades mainly in electornic products.Now the company is under sales promotion,all the products are sold nearly at its cost.They provide the best service to customers,they provide you with original products of good quality,and what is more,the price is a surprising happiness to you!It is realy a good chance for shopping.just grasp the opportunity,Now or never!The web address: (www.) nshopcn.com

Paypal Account Notice

2009-01-11T22:54:00.000-05:00

Security Center Advisory!

PayPal is constantly working to ensure security by screening accounts daily in our system. We recently reviewed your account, and we need you to verify information to help us provide you with secure service. Until we can collect this information, your access to sensitive account features will be limited or terminated. We would like to restore your access as soon as possible, and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Why is my account access limited?

Your account access has been limited for the following reason(s):

January 5, 2008: We have reason to believe that your account was accessed by a third party. Because protecting the security of your account is our primary concern, we have placed limited access to sensitive PayPal account features. We understand that this may be an inconvenience but please understand that this temporary limitation is for your protection.

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2008-11-30T13:49:00.001-05:00

Security Center Advisory!

Why is my account access limited?

Your account access has been limited for the following reason(s):

April 23, 2008: We have reason to believe that your account was accessed by a third party. Because protecting the security of your account is our primary concern, we have placed limited access to sensitive PayPal account features. We understand that this may be an inconvenience but please understand that this temporary limitation is for your protection.

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YOUR UPDATE PAYMENT!

2008-06-03T12:17:00.000-04:00

SONALI BANK OF LONDON
Office of the AUDITOR GENERAL
From The
Desk
Of: Dr.Mr PAUL RYDING

Attention: Beneficiary,

YOUR
PAYMENT
VIA SONALI-VISA ATM DEBIT CARD.

Account normalization of
your banking details has been delayed by International Monetary Fund
(IMF) and Financial Services Authority (UK). This has made it necessary
for your contract payment to be programmed into HSBC Visa Atm Debit
Card.The total fund in question is $8,300,000.00. This is the first part
of the Payment of which the balance will subsequently be paid into same
account. Sonali Bank of London, (SBL), working in relationship with
HSBC
London and also Leeds Bank in London has concluded to issue you a
VISA CARD with which you can access your contract /beneficiary
amount$8,300,000.000 This card center will send you an ATM CARD which
you will use to withdraw your money in any ATM machine in any part
of
the world, but the maximum is Twenty Thousand United States
Dollars($20,000.00) per day. So if you like to receive your fund in this
way, please let us know by contacting the ATM payment department and
also send the following information as listed below:

1. Full Name

2. Phone and fax number

3. Address were you want them to send
the ATM card to (p.o box not acceptable)

4. Your age and current
occupation.

You are advice to contact the director of ATM CARD
payment officer for more directives,

Name: Rev. Dr. Peters
Williams
Director, ATM payment department

Telephone:
+44-7031875715,
Email:rev.dr.peterswilliams@dr.com

The ATM
card payment center was mandated to issue out $8,300,000.00 as part
payment for this fiscal year 2008 to you so bear with us. Also for your
information, you have to stop any further communication with any other
person(s) or office(s) to avoid any hitches in receiving your payment.

Note that because of impostors, we hereby issued you our code of
conduct,which is (ATM-811) so you have to indicate this code when
contacting the card center by using it as your subject. We anticipate
your total compliance to this message immediately.

YOURS
SINCERELY,
Dr.Mr PAUL RYDING
AUDITOR GENERAL.

has anyone been riding? not much posting going on

2008-06-01T20:12:00.001-04:00

I just wondered who's riding and where. I have seen some of you on the Sunday afternoon ride in Greenville. I'm still trying to get used to my road bike again after spending most of my time on my mountain bike. MS150 this next weekend, I'm looking forward to that.

Longjohn

Change the world with e-mail. Join the i'm Initiative from Microsoft.

Wednesday Ride

2008-05-12T13:54:00.002-04:00

An easy 20+ mile ride from Buhl Park (parking lot across from country club) this Wednesday, May 14 will depart at 5:45. We will ride if the weather allows.

Just a reminder that Pedal Pittsburgh is this Sunday.

anyone riding tomorrow?

2008-05-09T14:04:00.001-04:00

I was just wondering if anyone was planning on riding this Saturday May 10th? I need to get some miles on my road bike before the MS 150. I've been riding the mountain bike quite a bit but it's not the same. If nobody posts before I leave I'll probably just head out on my own.

Longjohn

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If the Weather is Right...

2008-05-05T14:06:00.002-04:00

A group ride will depart Buhl Park from the parking lot across from the Country Club at 5:45 p.m. We plan to have an easy 20-30 mile ride. If all goes well, we hope to get back into our Tuesday/Thursday groove.

Hope to see you!
Paula

Ride Today?

2008-04-06T08:45:00.002-04:00

Today looks like a great day for a ride. Anybody want to get out and enjoy the sunshine?

Welcome Back Freakz!!

2008-03-12T10:28:00.005-04:00

Well, if you're like me, you're probably itching to come out of this winter's hibernating and get back out onto the hills and highways of Western PA / Eastern OH. I've posted a few 'organized'(you've got to pay a buck or two) rides that are coming up in the next couple of months.

I've promised myself (and warned the fam) that I am going to log a lot more road time than I did last season. If you've vowed the same oath, stay tuned to the blog for up and coming weekly ride times, charity events, races, etc.

PNC Pedal Pittsburgh is the region's premier cycling event celebrating design, health & fitness, and urban lifestyles. This fun, educational bicycle ride draws over 2,000 riders annually, and highlights the neighborhoods and design landmarks that make Pittsburgh unique. A ride, not a race, PNC Pedal Pittsburgh offers a variety of course options ranging from 6- to 60-miles to accommodate everyone from recreational riders to hard-core fitness enthusiasts.

PNC Pedal Pittsburgh 2008 is Sunday, May 18.

Registration for the 2008 Bike MS Ride begins in fall. Join us bright and early Saturday, June 7th at TRACO in Cranberry Twp., PA or Erie, PA to check-in. (Watch for route changes on the Erie to Meadville ride.) Cycling begins at 7:30 am. Enjoy the ride…81 miles on Saturday and then relax and enjoy the evening at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Rise and shine early on Sunday morning, eat a hearty breakfast and start cycling…69 miles to the shores of Lake Erie in Conneaut Ohio and a fun, festive finish line

And lastly, for now, a great century ride for Diabetes which Team Courage has rode in for the last three years. . .

Ride with us on June 22, 2008!

Seneca Valley High School

For more information call: 1-888-DIABETES

100 Mile- Ultimate Challenge (Experienced Cyclists):
This ride follows the same route as the beginning and the ending portions of the 50 Mile Ride, also traveling through Harmony, Zelienople, Ellwood City and McConnell's Mill State Park. When it separates from the 50 Mile Ride, it travels through New Bedford, Pulaski, New Wilmington, Volant and Plain Grove before rejoining the 50 Mile Ride for the final miles to Seneca Valley. It shares some of the same rest stops as the 50 Mile Ride and has a few additional rest stops of its own. It also has several climbs along the route that will challenge the riders and provide a sense of accomplishment when they are crested. There are also many miles of pleasant, scenic, rural roads for the riders to enjoy.

The following rides are also available:

8 Mile - Family Fun Ride & Scenic Tour
20 Mile- Fitness Test
30 Mile- Fitness Test
50 Mile- Training Ride (Intermediate Cyclists)

Post a comment just to let me know you survived the 'thaw' and that you're also gearing up for the 2008 season.

jm

Departure Times

2007-09-17T08:29:00.000-04:00

This Tuesday, we will depart from Buhl Park at 5:45 and plan to be back near 7:30.

On Thursday we may try an earlier departure (5:30). Check the blog.

5:45 departure this week

2007-09-10T07:43:00.000-04:00

We will depart from Buhl Park at 5:45 again this week.

We have been hanging around some, but really want to depart a bit earlier and return earlier before we lose daylight.

If you're interested in mountain biking on weekends, let me know!

Fall Riding and Random Thoughts

2007-09-06T10:39:00.000-04:00

Tonight, September 6, we will depart Buhl Park at 5:45. Plan to ride until 7:30 or so.

Thank you to Randy and Jason for choosing great routes and leading several of our rides.

Next week, we may try to depart at 5:30. Comment if this is good for you. Due to less daylight, we will need to leave earlier and/or shorten our rides.

Congratulations to Andrew for placing first at the Tour Du Tamarack in the Citizen's Division. Congrats to Randy for racing in the Elite category. Congrats to Brian and Dave for their participation. Several other local riders represented the Valley too. (last names withheld.)

Reminder: Tour the Lake is coming up September 15. I'm told the money raised goes toward local paved bike trails.

Earlier Departure

2007-08-31T14:22:00.000-04:00

This Tuesday, following Labor Day, we will depart Buhl Park at 5:45 due to less day light. We will head up Lamor toward Rt. 18 to pick up Randy Brown and continue our ride from there.

We will continue to depart the park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:45. We've been riding until 8:00, but will plan to be back by 7:30-7:45 now.

We had two good rides last week. Randy lead a hilly ride on Tuesday, and we had a conversational-paced ride on Thursday.

Junkyard Dogs

2007-08-24T11:16:00.001-04:00

I was sorry to hear about Paula's mishap with the dog, and it brought to mind some info I learned about dogs chasing cyclists. Studies have shown the animal is not chasing you per to say, but in fact reacting to the movement of the speed of your feet. It has been proven, that when a dog begins his chase, and this is hard to do, do NOT react by pedalling faster, you are only fueling the dogs focus. SLOW your cadence, keep a good angle on the dog, preferably at your side, and keep riding. When riding in a group, keep a wall of defense, between you and the dog, by continuing a straight line. If and when somebody veers out of line, it enables the dog to now be in front of another rider, causing everyone to scatter, and possibly crash. Also keep in mind, any action directed at the dog, will become learned reaction on the animals part, taught by the cyclist, and the next time you ride by HIS territory, HE will remember you, so make a friend out of him.

It was another great ride, thank you Jason, for the monstrous effort from Orangeville to the Park, I appreciated the pull.

Dan

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.
Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

Thursday Night Ride

2007-08-20T20:54:00.001-04:00

Weather permitting, if we have as large a group as last week, I used to enjoy the paceline rides down Rt 193, with a tailwind, that we did years ago. With everyones fitness level kept in mind, it can be alot of fun! For those of you who have never done this, come along, you will learn a part of cycling, that every kid in Europe knows, and you will also have a blast!

Pass the word..

Dan

Got a little couch potato?
Check out fun summer activities for kids.

A pace for everyone

2007-08-20T18:05:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday's ride trumped Tuesday's with a great group. I think there were 15 of us.

A group that large tends to split up during the second half of the ride. It's a good idea to communicate with someone of a similar pace in the beginning that you would like to start AND finish together. That way no one's left behind with a flat tire or such, but everyone gets to ride the pace they need for the day. If anyone feels they don't have a partner from start to finish, let me know.

Hope to see you all back on Tuesday, rain or shine, as long as there's no severe weather.

Paula B.

Weekend Rides

2007-08-17T09:26:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

Great group on Thursday, anything happening on the weekend?

Dan

Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.

great ride tonite

2007-08-16T21:42:00.001-04:00

I enjoyed the Thursday nite ride. I wish I could ride with you guys more
often, I'm not used to riding with a group. I'm working 3-11 shift now and
can't make the evening rides (on vacation this week). Just wanted to let
you know even though I was bringing up the rear most of the ride I still
enjoyed it.

Longjohn

_________________________________________________________________
See what you're getting into…before you go there

http://newlivehotmail.com/?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_migration_HM_viral_preview_0507

2007-08-15T19:41:00.000-04:00

Tuesday was a great ride with our largest group yet. I think there were at least 10 of us. Hope to see you all regularly on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays at 6:00 (weather permitting).

Thanks all for a great ride!

Tuesday Ride

2007-08-14T20:55:00.001-04:00

It was a pleasure meeting all of you, and a welcome sight to see so many fit cyclists, who aren't racers, participating in our sport, here in the Shenango Valley. I appreciate all of you waiting for me, riding with the group, will only make me better. The amazing part of the ride...Bob "Gianni" Bruno, hasn't aged in 15 years! Hope to see you all again, so I can revisit my AT level.

May the road rise up to meet you, and the wind, be always at your back,

Dan

Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more.

Rides this week 8/13

2007-08-13T11:41:00.001-04:00

All this week, but Wednesday, I will ride by the public parking lot, across from the tennis courts, at 6PM. Easy rides for everyone.

Hope to see you there,

Dan Killa

Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

Forgot. . .

2007-08-09T10:39:00.000-04:00

Sorry, forgot this autopost doesn’t give names, it’s me JM, that will be riding tonight. WOHOO!

--

John McConnell
Direct/Bulk Mail Services Manager
Victor Printing
jmc@victorptg.com
(724)342-2106

Thurs Aug 9th at 6pm

2007-08-09T10:29:00.000-04:00

Freakz,

See a few of you posting rides for this Thur the 9th at the park 6:oopm — see you all there.

Fwd: BikeRadar.com newsletter – News, Bikes, Routes and more...

2007-08-08T07:15:00.001-04:00

BikeRadar.com Newsletter 03/08/2007

Bitesize BikeRadar.com
Welcome to the first in a new series of BikeRadar newsletters bringing you a taste of just some of the latest news, routes and reviews, fitness advice, and forum chat you can find right now on BikeRadar, just click on the links to find out more. And for those moments when you just can't make it on-line why not check out the latest issues of our sister magazines Mountain Biking UK and Cycling Plus we've got full details of this month's issues of Britain's best selling on and off road bike magazines.
Tony Farrelly - Editor in Chief
LATEST NEWS | NEWS ARCHIVE
INTERVIEW: Lucas Brunelle - street racer, film maker
Extreme street cyclist hits UK, Ireland

HEALTH & FITNESS
Burn fat better
Reduce the likelihood of 'bonking' and increase your fitness...
Cereals for cyclists
If your idea of refuelling is to eat a bowl of breakfast cereal, you may be getting a lot less nutrition than you might think.

ROUTES The latest routes from around the world
Macclesfield Forest Loop, UK
Hayfield Loop - Peak District, UK
Seaholme to Sunshine, Australia
Kirkhill Loop, UK
Park City Perfect 10, USA
Click here to go to our massive route database

New issue of MBUK on sale now!
The September issue of MBUK has hit the shops with a FREE 'Essential Techniques' DVD - featuring expert tuition from Oli Beckingsale, Chris Smith and MBUK's very own Doddy. Don't miss this month's killer
features, bike tests and more, including:
Fort William World Champs Preview
Martyn Ashton's tips on essential trails skills
Chris Smith shows us what's possible on the new wave of long travel do-it-all bikes
Click here for more, and to read the MBUK blog
BIKES & GEAR 10,239 reviewed products
Genesis Dual Track 1.0
400.00
Big wheels and big potential
Cannondale R800
1350.00
A great value package that deliver s on performance and ride
Brooks BB3
59.99
This leviathan has created much mirth in the office...
- Buyer's Guide to Helmets -
What to look for to keep your head protected...

FORUMS The latest topics
Plagued by punctures
Thinking of commuting to new job..help
Looking for a new bike for under 300
Book & Tune reccomendations
Wheel Upgrade HELP!!!
Click here to go the forum homepage

Cycling Plus
This issue we bring you inspiration on how to ride into summer! Take your pick from the 22 bikes we put to the test, and get out on your bike with our 13-page ride guide. If
you took part in the British Cyclosportive, then check out your time in our full results listings, along with pictures from the event. We also have the first of two special features for women, including tips on tailoring your bike and how to get into women's racing. To find out what else is in this month's issue, visit the magazine blog page.
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Fwd: RBR's 08/02/07 Newsletter: After the Fall

2007-08-08T07:14:00.001-04:00

Begin forwarded message:

From: "RoadBikeRider" <RBRPublishing@RoadBikeRider.com>
Date: August 2, 2007 9:25:42 AM EDT
To: two.wheeld.freakz@verizon.net
Subject: RBR's 08/02/07 Newsletter: After the Fall

RoadBikeRider.com Newsletter
Issue No. 303 - 08/02/07: After the Fall
ISSN 1536-4143

Produced almost every Thursday by RBR Publishing Company. E-mailed without cost or obligation to more than 60,000 roadies around the world.
______________________________________

New Doping Scandal? I think NOT! It's a Cycling Report.
Learn the Training and Nutrition Secrets for Dropping
Hill-Slowing Body Fat and Adding Leg-Pumping Power!
SECRET Cycling Report from www.Cyclo-CORE.com
______________________________________

Please forward this newsletter to cyclists who may not know about RBR. They too can sign up and receive a complimentary copy of our exclusive eBook, 29 Pro Cycling Secrets for Roadies, at http://www.roadbikerider.com

To subscribe, change your address or leave our mailing list, see the end of the newsletter. You can read this issue online at http://www.roadbikerider.com/currentissue.htm
______________________________________

In This Issue

1. Weekly Dispatch
2. Best of Coach Fred: How Should I Restart Training After a Crash?
3. Uncle Al: Cheap Chains vs. Costly Chains
4. Body Mechanic: Recovery from Injury
5. Scott's Spin: Tour Troubles
6. RBR eBookstore
7. Views You Can Use: Proper Pacing
8. Try This on Your Next Ride: Convert Your Road Bike Into a Time Trial Machine
9. Classifieds

o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o

1. WEEKLY DISPATCH

We're back after an exasperating 85 hours. That's how long the RoadBikeRider.com website and e-mail were offline between midnight Friday and Tuesday afternoon.

The problem: ValueWeb, the company that provides our server, was relocating from Miami to Tampa and encountered much more downtime than anticipated. The estimate was 12-15 hours, which would have been inconvenient enough.

We apologize for the disruption in service. If there was anything we could have done beside bitch and moan, we would have done it. Unfortunately, we were at the mercy of ValueWeb (as were hundreds of other website operators).

Lots of e-mail arrived when the server finally powered up again. But we aren't sure we got every message sent to RBR during the 3 1/2-day outage. If you wrote and expected a reply but didn't receive one, please resend your message.
______________________________________

The Greatest Swindle?

We don't know about you, but we were not sorry to see the 94th Tour de France end.

Normally this would be withdrawal week. We'd be feeling empty after getting hooked on 20 breakfasts with Phil, Paul and dramatic stages televised live.

Well, many stages did have drama, but in the end the Tour left us feeling gloomy instead of wanting more. Expelled were the overall leader (Michael Rasmussen), one of cycling's biggest stars (Alexandre Vinokourov), two pieces of pack fodder (Patrik Sinkewitz, Cristian Moreni) and two teams (Astana, Cofidis) -- all because of doping-related violations.

(Actually, Sinkewitz crashed out before he was found to be juiced on testosterone, a test result that would have gotten him kicked out anyway.)

As each rider disgraced his sport, cycling became a bigger joke worldwide. Only a small minority of writers, broadcasters and other pundits bought into the argument that doping busts are good for cycling because it means controls are working.

We're not sure we believe that logic either.

Regardless, almost everyone rejoiced in the ultimate winner, Alberto Contador, the bright-eyed, 24-year-old Discovery Channel climber. He was instantly a Spanish national hero and widely hailed as the leader of a new generation of clean riders that will return cycling to credibility.

Or not. Barely a day of post-Tour glow was accorded Contador before a German anti-drug crusader named Werner Franke said he had documents that prove the young Spaniard has been involved in doping.

In fact, Contador admits that his name was originally on the list of 58 riders said to be part of a Madrid-based doping network when it was busted by the police investigation called Operation Puerto in May 2006. He has never failed a drug test.

"I was in the wrong team [Liberty Seguros] at the wrong time and somehow my name got among the documents, but the UCI corrected the mistake and now I've got no link to Puerto," Contador contends.

Franke, however, claims to have a detailed list of banned products used by the young Spaniard.

"He took insulin, HMG-Lepori, a hormone to stimulate the secretion of testosterone and also a product for asthma called TGN," Franke told a German TV station.

"In brief I have before my eyes a protocol for doping. All of this has been simply concealed and hidden under the carpet whilst the name Contador was erased from the list of suspicious riders."

Franke, who used Puerto records to help drive countryman Jan Ullrich out of cycling, refuses to say how he received the damning documents regarding Contador.

"They simply landed in my briefcase," he says. "That happens sometimes, and I promptly handed them over to [the German national police]."

Based on that purported evidence, Franke calls Contador's tour victory "the greatest swindle in sporting history." Given the anti-doping sentiment currently raging, it seems certain that an investigation will be launched.

Almost everyone else is clinging to the optimism that Contador expressed in Paris: "I hope my victory brings fresh air to cycling and that it will be the start of a new era."
______________________________________

Overheard: "I still believe that there is a minority out there who are willing to push the boundaries -- the minority all seem to be over 30 years of age, coming toward the end of their careers. I think that shows a generational thing." -- British pro Bradley Wiggins, 27, seeing the push toward a cleaner sport being spearheaded by the younger generation of riders who haven't grown up in the old-school doping culture.
______________________________________

Doper Updates

---Alexandre Vinokourov's B sample came back positive for homologous blood doping after stage 13. He also was positive after stage 15. The tests confirmed the presence of "two distinct blood populations" during his victory in each stage. Vino has been fired by Team Astana but he has vowed to fight the test results. In fact, he has hired the same legal team that is representing Floyd Landis in his appeal against testosterone doping in the 2006 Tour. Interestingly, UCI president Pat McQuaid shed light on how someone of Vino's experience might dope when he knew he'd be tested. McQuaid thinks the Kazakh was unaware that the French laboratory used by Tour organizers had the ability to catch him. "Up to this year, only the Lausanne laboratory [in Switzerland] was conducting tests for homologous blood-doping," McQuaid said. "But the Lausanne lab taught the French one how to detect it, and therefore they were able to test Vinokourov's sample." On Tuesday Team Astana said it has suspended operations for a month while assessing its future. Yesterday, Swiss bike maker BMC said it will no longer supply the team.

---Kazakhstan's cycling federation solidly supports Vino, the country's top cyclist, who says he is innocent of blood doping. So how did Vinokourov happen to test positive? "We are going to support the position that the results of the A and B samples were a direct result of the violent fall Alexandre suffered during the fifth stage of the cycling race," said the federation's executive director.
______________________________________

Overheard: "Vinokourov is accused of doing a blood transfusion, but he knew he would have been tested. It's like driving at 150 kph, while you are restricted to 80 and there are speed cameras all around you." -- Andreas Kloden, Vino's co-captain on Team Astana
______________________________________

---Patrik Sinkewitz tested positive for testosterone on June 8, a month before the Tour started, but the result wasn't announced until the race was on and he'd already crashed out. This week, the 26-year-old German declined to have his B-sample analyzed and admitted he "secretly" used a testosterone gel. His team, T-Mobile, fired him and now he faces a two-year suspension and a fine equal to this year's salary. It's speculated that he may turn "state's witness" and try to have his sentence reduced by disclosed what he knows about doping in the pro peloton.

---Sixteenth-place finisher Iban Mayo, 29, was a late addition to the '07 Tour's hall of shame. Two days after the race, it was announced that the Spanish climber had tested positive for EPO on the second rest day, July 24. He was immediately suspended by his team, Saunier Duval. The news dimmed some of the glow in Spain, which was celebrating 6 riders in the Tour's top 10. If Mayo's B sample confirms doping, he will be fired by his team and receive the same suspension and fine just mentioned for Sinkewitz.

---Is cycling in "serious danger of exiting the Olympics" as one International Olympic Committee member claimed last week? Not really, countered IOC president Jacques Rogge. He says banning cycling from Olympic competition is not the answer to solving its doping problem. "You have to put everything into perspective," Rogge says. "What is happening now in the Tour de France is first of all a sign that the mentality of the athletes must change drastically, and rapidly." That opinion was seconded by UCI president Pat McQuaid, who said the Tour's doping-related difficulties are a sign the sport is successfully catching drug users and dealing with them.
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Why Cheating is a Problem

Because the money is big. Here's what the top 5 teams (of 18 who finished) earned in the Tour:

Discovery Channel (U.S.) -- 723,240 euros ($991,562)
Predictor-Lotto (Belgium) -- 235,060 euros ($322,267)
Team CSC (Denmark) -- 136,280 euros ($186,840)
Euskaltel (Spain) -- 120,840 euros ($165,672)
Barloworld (Great Britain) -- 114,950 euros ($157,590)

The 23 seconds that separated winner Alberto Contador from second-place Cadel Evans were worth 450,000 euros ($616,927) for the Spaniard's Discovery Channel team compared to 200,000 euros ($274,190) for the Aussie's Predictor-Lotto squad.

Not earning a cent in July was Michael Rasmussen, who went from leading the Tour to seeing his salary and race bonuses cancelled by Team Rabobank. This cost him 67,000 euros ($91,500) and perhaps 20 times more than that if he'd reached Paris in the yellow jersey. "If someone is fired, then they are also not paid out, that is logical," said a Rabobank spokesperson. "Rasmussen broke various rules and that means he broke the terms of the contract." Expect next to hear from the Dane's legal representatives.
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CYCLING SHORTS

---South African pro Ryan Cox died yesterday at age 28 following complications from a leg operation in France on July 4.  Back home, the Team Barloworld member seemed to be healing well until the main artery in his left leg burst on Monday. He was rushed to a hospital where his life was not able to be saved. Cox was one of South Africa's top riders but had been suffering leg problems for some time due to an arterial restriction. His former coach, Clint Curtis, told cyclingnews.com, "Ryan sometimes lost the feeling in the leg after cycling and had little power in the leg towards the end of some races. He then went to see one of the leading doctors in France. It was found that the artery had, as a consequence of all the cycling, become knotted as sometimes happens to a garden hose. It often happens to cyclists because they spend so many hours on the bicycles, with their legs bent while pedaling. The doctor in France has performed surgery of this type on about 600 cyclists." Cox's funeral will be next Tuesday in his hometown of Kempton Park. The service will be preceded by a public memorial ride that will pass his house on the way to the church.

---America's Team Slipstream, directed by ex-pro Jonathan Vaughters, is serious about becoming a major player in Europe. On Monday Vaughters announced he has two-year contracts with Scotland's David Millar (currently with Saunier Duval) and two Americans now racing for Team CSC, Christian Vande Velde and Dave Zabriskie. Vaughters also said an as-yet-to-be-identified former winner of Paris-Roubaix would race for Slipstream. "Our singular goal is to do the Tour de France," Vaughters toldcyclingnews.com. "We'll be doing the Tour of California and other major U.S. races too." Vaughters is a leading campaigner against doping, and he has made Slipstream into one of the most tested teams in cycling. Millar, a confessed EPO user who had to forfeit a world time trial championship, has been an outspoken critic of drug use since his suspension.

---Team Slipstream, HealthNet-Maxxis and Toyota-United have just announced they'll compete in the inaugural Tour of Missouri on Sept. 11-16. Already committed are Discovery Channel, Navigators Insurance, Colavita-Sutter Homes, Jelly Belly, BMC and the USA National Team. Another six or seven teams, including some who've raced in the Tour de France, will fill the field. Team rosters will be announced in early September. http://www.tourofmissouri.com

---Deutsche Telekom, sponsor of the Germany-based T-Mobile team, is still weighing its $18 million involvement with pro cycling. The company says its longtime commitment to sports sponsorship will continue but it may no longer include cycling. A decision is expected by Aug. 10. "We are taking our time to discuss this matter in a calm and considered manner," said a company spokesman. "Deutsche Telekom is conscious of it responsibilities. And that means upping the push for clean and fair sport." T-Mobile has suffered a long list of doping incidents, the latest when rider Patrik Sinkewitz was found positive for testosterone during last month's Tour de France despite the team's strict anti-drug program.

---Monday's USA Today had a front-page feature on "complete streets," the term used for roadways that accommodate all types of travel, not just automobiles. The concept of complete streets -- with bike lanes, sidewalks and room for mass transit -- has attracted a diverse national alliance of supporters, reports John Ritter. His article tells the story fairly and clearly in the view of the League of American Bicyclists. Read it at http://tinyurl.com/364djp

---Democrat presidential candidate John Edwards squeezed into a pair of Lycra bike shorts last week and mussed his pricey haircut by putting on a helmet, all to ride a piece of the RAGBRAI route with Lance Armstrong. "This is actually not hard, this is fun," Edwards said as he climbed a hill on the black Trek road bike he borrowed for the day. "The biggest problem is my butt hurts. Is that normal?" Lance is lobbying Edwards and all presidential candidates to state their stance on funding for cancer research.

---Levi Leipheimer and his rescued dog named Bandit are starring in PETA's first-ever Animal Birth Control (ABC) ad. The goal is to persuade people to stop bringing more unwanted litters into the world by sterilizing their dogs and cats (preferably before the age of 4 months). In the ad, Leipheimer says, "U.S. animal shelters must put to death nearly 4 million dogs and cats every year. You can help stop the cycle of unwanted animals. It's as easy as Animal Birth Control. Save lives: Always spay or neuter your animals, and never buy them from a breeder or a pet store." Leipheimer and his wife Odessa Gunn run Freedom Hill, a foundation that helps abandoned animals. Says Levi, "In the United States, there really isn't any excuse for not spaying and neutering your pets. There are low-cost spay-neuter options in almost every city and town. All you have to do is look." His ad appears at http://tinyurl.com/34py5x
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Overheard: "Today I had the best legs of my life." -- Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) after sealing third place in the Tour by winning stage 19, a 55.5-km (34.4-mile) time trial, in 1:02:44 -- an average speed of 52.86 kph (32.76 mph).
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One From the Road -- Make a habit of picking up at least one piece of litter on every ride. Put it in your recycle bin when you get home. You'll be helping clean the road and enhance the public image of cyclists.

Adds Richard Lawrence of Lexington, North Carolina: "There is something else I think we road riders should do. A lot of times, especially after an overnight rain, land turtles are crawling around. When they attempt to cross a hardtop road they are in danger of being crushed by passing vehicles. We cyclists should stop and carry these turtles to the other side and into the grass. It is important to carry them in the direction they are going. I did this only yesterday and it made me feel good to know that I had probably saved a wild creature's life."
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Now on the RBR website: If you saw the Cervelo commercials during TV coverage of the Tour de France, you probably wonder how good those carbon wonderbikes really are. RBR tech correspondent Jim Langley rode a Cervelo Soloist for a thousand miles and gives you the straight skinny at http://www.roadbikerider.com/producttests.htm
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Please see our "Classifieds" department below and support these advertisers that help make this newsletter free for you.

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2. BEST OF COACH FRED

How Should I Restart Training After a Crash?

Q: I'm a roadie who got tangled with a car. Fortunately, I didn't break anything. I'm anticipating a clean bill of health on my next visit to the doctor. How should I start training to make sure I don't lose the conditioning and strength that I gained before the crash? -- Bob S.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Glad to hear that you survived so well, Bob.

Your main concern now should be making sure you're fully recovered from all injuries. This is good advice for every rider who suffers a crash, no matter what causes it. I know it's tempting to rush back into training as soon as you get the doc's okay. But go easy for two reasons.

---First, following the enforced down time, you need to build back to your previous mileage and effort levels gradually or you risk injury or overtraining. Doctors tend to be conservative in their exercise recommendations, but in this case you should obey them.

---Second, you may have escaped serious injury, but sometimes even minor bumps and bruises can get worse if you start riding hard before they heal completely. This is especially true of knocks on the knee. A relatively mild injury could flare up several weeks down the road and sideline you again.

Try to look on the accident as a positive. Treat the down time from riding as a recovery period that allows you to consolidate the gains you made in previous training. Once you've healed, you should have even better reserves for productive workouts.

I've always been a big advocate of tumbling and body awareness drills so a rider knows how to fall when a crash is unavoidable. Those reactions have to be drilled in so they become reflexes. I discuss this further in my eBook, Fred Matheny's Complete Book of Road Bike Training.

(Premium Site members: Speaking of coming back from a crash, how is RBR's Ed Pavelka doing after breaking his leg in June? You can read his update, "Long Road Back," by logging on and clicking to Pavelka's Ponderings.)

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3. UNCLE AL: Cheap Chains vs. Costly Chains

Q: Can you please share your opinion on the differences between cheap chains and expensive ones?
For example, what's the difference between SRAM's $25 PC-951 and $45 PC-991 in terms of shifting performance and longevity? Do stainless steel chains like the pricey Wippermann Connex shift better and/or last longer? I'm trying to decide if expensive chains are worth the money. -- Pete W.

The Unc Answers: That's a good question, Pete. Cheap chains and costly chains are not the same creature in terms of material quality and durability, but they can be pretty close in shifting performance.

For example, a Dura-Ace 9-speed chain ($50) will outlast a lower-cost Shimano HG chain by two to three times, assuming you keep it cleaned and lubed. I've gotten more than 3,000 miles out of a D-A, but never that much out of a cheap chain no matter how well I maintained it. You can expect the same experience with SRAM chains.

Quick plug for ProLink, my favorite chain lube: Some users have written to say they're getting 33% longer chain life. A group of independent chain-testers using ProLink have broken chains at 10,000 miles due to metal fatigue but found no measurable stretch. That's incredible! It reaffirms my belief that ProLink is simply the best lube to come along when used as instructed. It ain't the cheapest stuff, but the long-term savings are obvious. Still, I don't recommend you ride a chain till it breaks.

If you buy better chains, are fastidious with your care and replace them when you find any measurable stretch, you'll get maximum mileage (3,000), wonderful shifting performance and longer cassette life.

If you buy cheap chains and take equally good care of them, at least you'll get decent performance throughout their shorter life (1,000-1,500 miles).

Back in the old days, I used the venerable Sedisport chain, which cost about $6. It shifted really well and wore like iron. I've never seen a chain value like that again.

I don't see the need in going stainless unless rust is a big issue in your riding climate. Wippermann makes the only all-stainless chain I know of. It's expensive ($100) but a great product.

If you have a 10-speed drivetrain, Wipperman is a good choice. No other 10s chains match Wipperman for durability, although I've heard some chain experts laugh when "10 speed" and "durability" are used in the same sentence. The 10s-specific chains from Shimano and Campagnolo certainly work well with their systems.

Final point: Don't be a cheapskate and try to milk a million miles from your chain. There are those who beg to differ, but I get thousands of miles and years of use from my cassettes and chainrings, both of which cost a heck of a lot more than a good chain.

(Click feedback@roadbikerider.com to tell us a mechanical matter you'd like the Unc to write about. To read more from Alan Ardizone, owner of award-winning Cascade Bicycles in Montrose, Colorado, click here.)
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Three of every four Premium Site members renew their membership when their year is up (thanks, roadies!). There are 10 great reasons, including a 15% discount on eBooks and eArticles, 3 free eBook downloads, a searchable newsletter archive, 700 Q&A by Coach Fred and Uncle Al, our exclusive Roadie Rap forum with more than 3,300 posts, 169 major and mini product reviews, plus "The Year in Training" and other exclusive feature articles -- all for 6.8 cents per day. See more benefits and become a Premium Site member instantly athttp://www.roadbikerider.com/inside.htm

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4. Body Mechanic BRAD COOPER

You're hurt. And it stinks.

There's nothing you want more than to get back on your bike. But how soon? And how fast can you ramp up after a leg injury?

Obviously, the first step in coming back from any significant boo-boo is to have a solid sports doc . . . and listen. He or she knows you, your specific injury, and anything that will throw a curve at the following guidelines.

---Fractures generally take at least 6-8 weeks to heal, but soft tissue (muscles, ligaments) may take additional time. If -- and only if -- you have clearance from your doctor, you may be able to get an early start back with some gentle indoor spinning, seated only, toward the end of the 6-8-week period.

---Stress fractures typically take 2-4 weeks unless you were stubborn early on and developed a more significant injury.

---The pool is a great option when you're down. By putting a pull buoy between your legs, you can get your cardio work while resting the injured leg. Don't like to swim? Too bad. Try it and you'll find yourself coming back quicker.

---As you build up, a good rule of thumb is to increase weekly volume by 10% or about 7 minutes for each day you're training. For example, if you're doing 30 minutes on four days per week (2 hours), you can increase by 20-30 minutes the next week.

The idea is to progress at a steady, sane pace. Be aware of any symptoms as you build up. Anything beyond general muscle soreness may need a check-up. Go get 'em (smartly)!

Next week: Recovery from Illness.

(Brad Cooper, MSPT, MTC, ATC is a physical therapist and president of the premier national corporate wellness firm. Information athttp://www.USCorporateWellness.com)

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5. SCOTT'S SPIN: Tour Troubles

Now that this year's bizarro Tour de France is done -- or should I say "finished" -- I'm left not with my usual post-race glow but with many nagging questions, such as:

How stupid are these guys?
We've had Hamilton. And Ullrich, Basso, Rasmussen, Operation Puerto and maybe Landis. It's not like cheaters and liars, particularly in this year's Tour, didn't have warning that the anti-doping cops were getting smarter, the penalties were getting harsher, and the drug-testing was getting better.

Even I can see that the danger of being caught now outweighs the reward of doping. Were '07 culprits Vinokourov, Sinkewitz and Moreni too greedy, scared or driven to see the writing on the wall?

Now what?
I predict some lean years ahead, as sponsors flee bike racing. Fewer races, smaller prize lists and paltry TV coverage await the sport. Maybe a drop in mass participation, but not as much as some fear. We weekend warriors love the sport too much to walk, run or swim away.

Can we trust anybody?
Dunno. You have to assume that riders are clean until there's evidence otherwise. Still, you wonder. About everybody. Sorry, but claims of innocence and a lack of positive drug tests no longer quell my doubts. We've been burned too many times.

How far down does it go?
I see masters riders in their 50s getting on the podium in Pro/Cat 1-2 races, some of them in the medical profession with access to all kinds of stuff. They're probably simply dedicated and gifted, but who knows?

Should we give up on Le Tour?
Maybe, but I can't. Bike racing is a beautiful sport and the racers will always be my heroes. I'm in awe of their dedication, talent and guts. Which is why my heart is breaking right now.

(Scott Martin wrote feature articles for Bicycling magazine for a dozen years. You can reach him at scottmartin@roadbikerider.com)
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Another positive review has just been written about our newest eBook, A Rider's Guide to Building the Long Distance Bicycle, in which four experts discuss frame design, components, wheels, tires and more. Here's Adventure Cyclist magazine's bottom line in the July/August '07 issue:

"Just about any techno-biker out there will find this eBook a real treasure trove of information."

Read an excerpt ("Frame Material Matters"), see the table of contents and place your order for same-day delivery by e-mail by clickinghttp://www.roadbikerider.com/ldb_page

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6. RBR eBOOKSTORE

The No. 1 source for "how to" eBooks & eArticles for road cyclists!

Premium Site annual members automatically receive a 15% discount on every title.

Please note: Download codes for purchases of eBooks and eArticles arrive at your e-mail inbox with this subject line: Download code from RoadBikeRider. The code is not in the transaction confirmation you'll also receive. Delivery may be slower on Thursdays (newsletter day) due to high server volume. Check your spam trap in case your code accidentally winds up there.

Fred Matheny's Complete Book of Road Bike Training (eBook)
Save! The Coach's four acclaimed "how to" eBooks, now under one cover

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Build great wheels even if you've never built one before. A pro tells how.

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All 23 issues of this acclaimed technical journal on one searchable CD

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The original manual for professional bike fit, injury diagnosis & treatment

Bike Fit (eBook)
Dr. Arnie Baker's guide to frame size, riding position and lots more

Nutrition for Sports (eBook)
Coach Arnie Baker, M.D., halts the hype and repairs nutritional half-truths

High-Intensity Training for Cyclists, 11th Edition (eBook)
The go-fast bible from coach and U.S. champion Arnie Baker, M.D.

Coach Fred's Solutions to Road Cycling Challenges (eBooks)
Volumes 1 & 2 cover 150 topics vital to improving your cycling ability

Strategy & Tactics for Cyclists, 3rd Edition (eBook)
U.S. champ Dr. Arnie Baker reveals the secrets to road racing success

Pro Road Race Tactics for Amateur Cycling Teams (eBook)
Organize your team this spring, kick butt this summer

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7. VIEWS YOU CAN USE

One thing common to every ride -- and vital to longer ones -- is pacing.

"Pacing," as Arnie Baker, M.D., explains in the new, slightly revised 8th edition his bestselling eBook, ACE Training for Cyclists, "means going more slowly at the beginning so that you can go faster at the end. Pacing also means going more slowly at the beginning so that you can reach the end."

ACE stands for Altitude, Climbing and Endurance. Many of us are concerned with the last two as we strive to improve our road cycling performance. Coping successfully with high altitude is crucial when we travel to elevations of 4,000 feet or more for events or vacations.

Smart pacing often determines success when a ride is high, hilly or long. Here's a passage adapted from ACE Training, one of five eBooks in RBR's eBookstore written by Dr. Baker, a national champion cyclist and coach.

To read another excerpt ("Event Nutrition"), see the table of contents and order a copy for delivery today by e-mail, please clickhttp://www.roadbikerider.com/ace_page.htm

Excerpt: PROPER PACING

In all-day century and ultra-distance rides, pacing can play an even greater role than in shorter events. Finishing such events may not even be possible without pacing.

Whether we plan on pacing or not, sooner or later we all slow down. The question is, is it planned? What strategy provides the best chance of finishing? What strategy provides the best finishing time? In a group, or mass start event, what strategy gives the best place finish?

Pacing works because you ration resources that will be needed later. Common resources are fuel (usually glycogen), fluids and heat regulation.

A simplistic explanation of the pacing principle may be the following:

---Go out too slowly and you never have the time to catch up
---Go out too fast and you run out of energy
---Go out too fast and your lactic acid levels zoom up too quickly

It is easier to tolerate high lactic acid levels for short periods rather than longer ones. If high lactic acid levels must be endured, it is easier to tolerate them at the end rather than at the beginning.

Psychologically, the natural tendency of many athletes is to get excited at big events and go out too hard. By consciously backing off just a little, this risk is reduced. Build to a crescendo rather than start with a bang and fizzle.

(Dr. Baker's eBook also contains the 10 ACE Ride Commandments and major sections titled Training Basics, Climbing, Mind Matters, Endurance Nutrition, Equipment, Medical Problems and Training Schedules.)

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8. TRY THIS ON YOUR NEXT RIDE

Convert your road bike into a time trial machine.

Your club's time trial championship is approaching and you want to go fast. You've ridden previous time trials on your regular road bike. Now you'd like to have an extra edge to help you do your very best.

Here's how:

---Lower the handlebar and install aero bars. Your back should be almost horizontal when you're on the elbow rests. Adjust their width so your arms are in line with your thighs, not out to the side where they widen your frontal area and catch more wind.

---Move the saddle forward about 1 cm. This opens the angle formed by your hips and chest for greater comfort and easier breathing in the aero position.

---Refine your position on the trainer with a mirror or video camera. Do it from the front and side. You want to see a compact shape with a flat back and no protruding body parts.

---Install a narrow front tire. The front wheel is the first thing that the wind "sees." Switching from a 700x23C tire to a 20C helps you slice the air a bit better.

---Remove bottle cages. You won't need a drink during a typical 10-mile club TT. Wind resistance from cages is negligible, but the bike looks leaner and meaner without them so you'll feel faster.

---Crumple your number. When you get your race number, wad it into a ball. Then flatten it and pin it so it doesn't scoop air. Crumpling helps the number lie flatter against your body. (Make sure doing this doesn't violate local race regulations.)

If you're really serious about this and future time trials:

---Invest in a skinsuit. A one-piece time trialing suit is significantly more aerodynamic than shorts and a jersey. When it fits properly (snugly), there won't be wrinkles, folds or flapping material that catch the wind. Wearing a skinsuit is a psychological boost, too.

---Invest in aerodynamic wheels. They can save substantial time compared to conventional 32- or 36-spoke wheels.

Important: After your bike has been modified for time trialing, do at least four interval sessions or hard rides to dial in your position. Get the hang of how the bike handles, especially when cornering on aero bars. Be cautious at first!

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RBR's website has 18 expert articles to help you ride with greater skill, safety and enjoyment. You're welcome to use them without charge in your club or bike shop newsletter or website. http://www.roadbikerider.com/articles.htm
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This newsletter is a product of RBR Publishing Company.
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Enjoy your rides! Look for our next issue on Thursday, August 9.

All material is copyright <c> 2001-2007 RBR Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

AWARD DEPARTMENT

2007-08-08T00:22:00.000-04:00

SPAM DELETED

Thursday 6PM Buhl Park

2007-08-06T21:58:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone,

Amy Javens turned me on to this site, so I thought I would give it a try. Recognize some of the names mentioned in the blogs, maybe you will remember me. Trying to get back "into it"...Thursday nights are always open, so I am hosting a ride. Just for fun, just alot of cruising for about 20 miles. So if you want to ride with somebody, male and female are welcome, no "animals"....gosh I'm getting old! What the heck...if you animals want to come, train smart and use it as a rest day! If anyone talks to Bob Bruno, pass this along.

Hope to see you,

Dan Killa

724-346-1516

dkillavo2max@yahoo.com

Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when.

2007-08-04T12:57:00.000-04:00

We are trying to keep last year's schedule since Diegan posted a while back that it seemed to work for everyone.

Meet Tuesdays and/or Thursdays at 6:00 at Buhl Park across from the new Country Club.

Bob B., we rode last Thursday to Mel Grata. When you weren't there, we went back to the park, then headed to New Wilmington UNTIL we got turned around by a bull that was loose. Yes, you read correctly, a big, black BULL!!! Since Randy and Andrew Brown were wearing red jerseys and I thought they look like a matador's cape, I screamed for Andrew to stop and turn around. He was highly entertained and thought the whole scene would have made a great photo.

URGENT RESPONSE

2007-08-02T16:05:00.000-04:00

SPAM DELETED

2007-07-30T20:31:00.000-04:00

Riding Thursday at 6:00 from Buhl Park.

Paula B.

Heading out

2007-07-28T13:09:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to drop a line to say I was heading out of town again. I enjoyed riding with Bob Bruno several times, and serendipitously running in to Jason on the road once. I really hope you all continue to be active on the roads and trails, as well as on the blog.

I will be heading to Iraq in several weeks and will definitely post about what the riding is like there :) Remember me if you are going to be in the Williamsburg/Newport News VA area. Take care.

Chad Hendrickson

chad.hendrickson@us.army.mil

Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!

Ride on Sunday with Steel Valley Tri-Club

2007-07-26T20:33:00.001-04:00

Hello Fellow Cyclists,

I have not posted for a while but I am glad to see the blogsite active again. The Steel Valley Tri Club is visiting our area on Sunday, July 29th, for an open water swim at Shenango Lake followed by a ride to Mercer 258 and back Lamor. We are meeting at my house (1473 Hofius lane, Hermitage) at 7:45 for a ride to the lake (6 miles) to the West Lake propagation area . (846 right onto West Lake and gravel parking lot is 1 mile on the right) The swim should take us to 9:00 when we will head out to Mercer and back to my house. You are welcomed to join us for all or some of the ride ( 32 miles in all). If you would like to kayak instead of getting your feet wet that would be great also (we are looking for kayakers who would like to assist us). Feel free to email me with questions at amyjavens@verizon.net.

We are looking to start a western pa chapter of the Steel Valley Tri club. Again, if interested please contact me.

Thanks,

Amy

AUTOPOSTING to the BLOG

2007-07-25T08:40:00.000-04:00

Hey All!!

I’ve noticed there is all kinds of posting and rides going on here. GREAT! If you need to make a quick post, here is a shortcut.
Just send an email to “mumbs1.2wfreakz@blogger.com” and it will be automatically posted.

--
JM
2-Wheel’d Freakz
two.wheeld.freakz@verizon.net

2007-07-24T22:05:00.000-04:00

Riding from Buhl Park at 6:00 on Thursday (weather permitting). Meet at the parking lot across from the Country Club. Planning an easy ride of 20-30.

Paula B.

Weekday rides

2007-07-23T00:10:00.001-04:00

I will be riding from New Wilmington to the Mel Grata dealership on State St in Hermitage most evenings this week. I will leave New Wilmington at around 4:30 and arrive at Mel Grata to meet Bob Bruno at 5pm. We will likely get in thirty or so from the dealership on our way back to New Wilmington. Join us if you can.

Chad

Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!

2007-07-22T22:02:00.000-04:00

I'll be riding from Buhl Park at 6:00 in anyone would like to join me. I'll start at the old meeting spot (parking lot across from new country club). We could get in 30 miles before dark.

Post your interest or meet me there.

Paula B.

Saturday morning ride

2007-07-13T18:52:00.000-04:00

I will be leaving from Mugsies at 8am on Saturday morning the 14th. I plan on doing 40-50miles in the Amish country between New Wilmington, Mercer and New Castle. I would love to have some company. T-Storms cancel.

Chad

Local listings, incredible imagery, and driving directions - all in one place!

2007-07-09T16:47:00.001-04:00

Tuesday 10 July: Mugsies @0730, 40 miles...some climbing.

Chad

i'm making a difference. Make every IM count for the cause of your choice. Join Now.

July riding...calling all...or any...riders!

2007-07-08T23:59:00.001-04:00

All,

I rode with some of you all last summer before I moved to VA. I will be riding from New Wilmington the next three weeks and would love some company. I plan on doing 30ish mi routes on weekday mornings and more like 50 on the weekends...longer if people feel motivated. I will post each day about my plans for the next day or so. I live right down the street from Mugsies, so I will swing by there to see if anyone else is game. It's a great place to get your morning java and hang out after the ride. I will check the post each morning. I hope some of you will join me! My cell is 757-272-7869 if you want to contact me that way. My first ride details are below. See you on the road!

Monday 9 July: Leave Mugsies at 8am and ride 30-40.

P.S. For anyone who doesn't know where Mugsies is...it's right in the middle of New Wilmington on Market St. Parking behind the building.

Chad Hendrickson

More photos, more messages, more storageget 2GB with Windows Live Hotmail.

AWESOME SITE for routes!!!!! CHEKC IT OUT

2007-06-05T13:24:00.000-04:00

Pedal the Lakes Sept 15th

2007-06-05T12:14:00.000-04:00

Tour de Cure -- JUNE 24th

2007-06-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

MS150 Escape to the Lake

2007-06-05T11:51:00.002-04:00

OK, so this may be a little late. . .

MS150 Escape to the Lake

2007-06-05T11:51:00.001-04:00

6:30 AM Saturday Ride

2007-05-31T13:49:00.000-04:00

HEY ALL! Trying to get a ride together for this Saturday, the 2nd of June. Leaving my place at 6:30AM (SHARP!). If you miss the start, we’ll be heading out Keel Ridge to 318, then up to Hubbard — stopping at Hubbard coffee shop and then back. If you haul a-double-s you could catch us.

See you then

RSVP if interested.
--
John M
2-Wheel’d Freakz
two.wheeld.freakz@verizon.net

2007-05-30T09:44:00.000-04:00

Spring/Summer Riding

Several of you are riding solo and have expressed interest in getting back together. John has updated this blog and e-mailed many of you with upcoming information.

If you are interested in resuming group rides, please post your schedule preferences so we can get things 'rolling'.

Paula

its winter weather, lets get together

2007-01-12T22:19:00.000-05:00

just wanted to let anyone who is interested that, provided the opportunity, myself and the Jimster will attempt to log some miles tomorrow morning. Upon waking in the am if the opportunity presents intself (break in the rain?) we will depart around eight or so for a long easy road ride. you are welcome to join if you would like to.

I will post in the am if the ride is on or not. So if you have an interest then you could be ready to rock and roll around eight and check the blog a little earlier.

So long, and say your prayers for some dry warmth in the am.

harms....

They say there is life on Mars...

2007-01-09T23:11:00.000-05:00

Happy new year to y'all! Had a lil extra time and thought that I would show some sign of life in the poo-ey months of the year. Since the weather has been providing us with more than favorable weather to go out and log some miles, I also thought it would be a good time to let anyone know of riding.

I will in the near future send out a post if we are participating in a ride that may take place on the weekends. Last weekend we got seventy in on Saturday with a bite to eat at "Aladin's". The weather kinda turned on us a little bit but as soon as we stopped it got worse. Rained while we ate, and as soon as we re-mounted our trustworthy steeds the sun peaked out to lead us back to the homeland. The weekend prior we had almost or around one hundred and three hours logged on the mountain bikes. There is life out there and moving right along.

So I will do what I can to get things rolling again. It does look however a little crappy in the near future. If we are going to go on out there and turn the pedals, I will make sure that I send a message out. It may be on short notice so if you think the weather is favorable check us out and see where we may gather.

For now, I wish everyone the best of the best in whatever you are getting into. Look for info on ride times and what not, and take care.

Harms

Hello??????

2006-12-08T17:26:00.000-05:00

Earth to anyone who rides bicycles???? Since no one wanted to get together to ride trainers together I decided that I am going to Boardman on Saturdays to ride some trainer sessions with with other bicyclists...anyone interested ...I am only an email away....

2-Wheel'd Freakz

2006-10-23T12:07:00.000-04:00

2-Wheel'd Freakz

Winter snow will be coming upon us, and it is that time of year to start to think about winter bicycling training...many of us in the past have done numerous things....spinning classes, alternate exercise, some of us probably attempted riding in sub 30 degree weather....god bless you who have. I , myself, invested in a computrainer last year and spent many hours on it for the duration of wintertime......but......it was soooo boring.....watching the titanium man beat me on every ride wasn't my idea of company......
I was thinking that it may be a nice change of pace (and some company) to get ourselves, bikes, and trainers together peroidically throughout the winter to train in my garage or anyone elses that may be big enough.....this would be a great thing for me....no babysitting for my little ones....and company during the boring trainer workouts for anyone else.....if anyone is interested ...let me know...

....by the way....if anyone was wondering....I finished Ironman Wisconsin in 14:30 in 50degree rainy weather....
thanks to the encouraging words of my fellow bicyclists who took some of the long rides with me to get ready for it..
My bike split went very well and I was well trained for my bike portion.
Till next time,

Amy
AKA Ironmom

Ammendment to last......#2

2006-10-19T09:49:00.000-04:00

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

Ammendment to last.....

2006-10-18T16:15:00.000-04:00

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

Attn: Riders Wanted - - Weekend Gathering

2006-10-17T15:07:00.000-04:00

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

"Everybody Play's @ Ray's"

2006-10-12T12:13:00.000-04:00

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!!!

"And the Winner Is?

2006-10-06T10:54:00.000-04:00

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

"Grab A can Of Pork Soda,You'l B feelin Just Fine"

2006-10-06T10:29:00.000-04:00

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

"A Room With a View"

2006-10-03T10:00:00.001-04:00

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

2006-10-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

2-Wheel'd Freakz Represent at Month of Mud

2006-10-01T16:11:00.000-04:00

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.

Rollin on my 2-6, "Let me ride!"

2006-09-28T11:55:00.000-04:00

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

Down but not out!!!

2006-09-25T11:01:00.000-04:00

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

Month of Mud, Random Thoughts and a Specialized Epic Mountain Bike for Sale

2006-09-19T22:56:00.000-04:00

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!

If you like fun/ MTB/Running or Peanuts-see below:

2006-09-14T05:14:00.000-04:00

http://www.newbethlehemarea.com/events.htm

Another Spin on latest Doping Saga...........

2006-09-13T05:07:00.000-04:00

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.

"The Dead Season"

2006-09-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

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

Labor Day Ride?

2006-09-03T10:49:00.000-04:00

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

PEDAL THE LAKES -- again

2006-08-30T12:12:00.000-04:00

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

2006-08-30T11:21:00.000-04:00

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

Pedal the Lakes

2006-08-27T11:53:00.000-04:00

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.

Saturday's ride - 8/26 @ Park 7:15 AM

2006-08-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

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

Might not ride, but .............

2006-08-17T15:56:00.000-04:00

So, would this person be considered fit as he might not ride, run, climb, swim, paddle................????

http://nearlygood.com/video/extremeupperbodystrength.html

Jay

"weusedtomeeteveryTHURSDAYintheafternoon"

2006-08-17T15:25:00.000-04:00

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

"Unique, New York"

2006-08-15T14:41:00.000-04:00

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!"

tuesday's gone with wind........

2006-08-15T10:52:00.000-04:00

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

We know is, but let's keep it to ourselves anyway....Jay

2006-08-15T05:29:00.000-04:00

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."

Major John breaking radio silence

2006-08-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

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.

Perseid meteor shower-Tonight-Tomorrow-Off topic, still cool-Jay

2006-08-12T14:58:00.000-04:00

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.

Ground Control to Major "John"

2006-08-10T09:50:00.000-04:00

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

Good Luck to Ironman Competitors!

2006-08-09T23:23:00.000-04:00

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!

.

FYI-article on doping-pretty interesting-Jay

2006-08-09T13:46:00.000-04:00

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."

Saturday's ride 8/12, 7:15 AM parking lot across from Country Club

2006-08-08T20:50:00.000-04:00

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

Tues.....?

2006-08-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

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

LET'S SHUT UP SATERNOW!!!!!!

2006-08-06T07:24:00.000-04:00

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

Presque Isle trip

2006-08-05T14:39:00.000-04:00

Hi!

Chad and I are doing the Tour of Mercer County bike route (100 miles) Sunday morning. Approximatley 6 hours. Pace will be approximately 16-18mph. Anyone welcomed to come for this century. Presque Isle will be the weekend of 8/12 or 8/19th. After that I am tapering for Ironman Wisconsin and will be "oh so glad not to see a bike seat for a while." Let me know if interested!

Ride on!
Amy

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