So the tour starts Saturday. Can we all just agree from the beginning that Chris Horner, even though he is over forty, is the only real American podium contender.
Incidentally, Obamacare was signed into law today. I can't decide whether that is a good thing or not but either way, lets add to the list of reasons for the lack of success for American bike racers, that maybe nobody is racing their bike because we all know we're one broken collarbone away from filing for personal bankruptcy.
Maybe we shouldn't write off Leipheimer just yet, if he can manage a Cadel Evans-like transformation from wheel sucking second place whiner to World Champ/Tour Champ badass. I think I would like to see a Cadel repeat in the tour this year. I want to see him literally or figuratively punch whoever tries to take that stuffed lion from him.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Freedom of movement
As a veterinarian I am often asked to assess a patients quality of life. I usually discuss the ability to eat, being free from constant debilitating pain or anxiety, and the ability to have a basic amount of mobility. It has caused me to reflect on peoples' quality of life too...
I think in our society the idea of freedom of movement or mobility is often neglected. Automobiles have become the de facto mode of transport for most of us. City infrastructure being biased towards autos limits movement for those without access to cars. I can think of a lot of places where it is dangerous or downright unpleasant to walk or ride a bike, and where buses are not a great option either due to bus schedules or proximity to bus stops. I just read somewhere that the free bus ride zones downtown are going to be eliminated at some point. We have to remember that this will affect a very basic human right for some of us, especially the poor and disabled- freedom of movement. The problem with transportation infrastructure being designed with autos as the lowest common denominator is that not everyone can afford to own and maintain a car. So the lowest common denominator has to be a person on foot- and a close second would be bicycles and public transport.
This idea of the lowest common denominator for movement has plenty of other applications. For example:
Hiking trails- If a trail is open to motors it is unpleasant and useless for all other users. I have encountered plenty of these trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. If a trail sees heavy use, which most do in King County, the trail should be designed for a hiker because that is the least exclusive user. All you need are shoes to walk in. Bicycles and horses are next. If there isn't too heavy usage, hikers/cyclists/equestrians should be able to get along with some basic courtesy. I think the system on the middle fork of the Snoqualmie River is a good compromise- bicycles are allowed on odd numbered days. The even days are for feet only. Motorized use should be last priority, because motorcycles and ATV's are expensive to own and maintain and are at odds with other users of a public resource.
Have you ever noticed that the most desirable areas in a city are those in which there are numerous options for movement? For example, a walkable neighborhood versus, lets say, some sections of Lake City Way or Aurora Avenue which are unsafe and unpleasant unless you are surrounded by a steel box (car)?
This leads to the same old mantra: whatever you build, infrastructure-wise, will be utilized. If a suburban neighborhood is designed almost exclusively for its residents to move around by car- that is exactly what will happen. On the other hand, look at the new and improved Dexter Avenue. You have auto traffic lanes, bus stops, and a separated bikeway. All of them are being heavily used! Isn't it better to have more than one option for getting around?
I think in our society the idea of freedom of movement or mobility is often neglected. Automobiles have become the de facto mode of transport for most of us. City infrastructure being biased towards autos limits movement for those without access to cars. I can think of a lot of places where it is dangerous or downright unpleasant to walk or ride a bike, and where buses are not a great option either due to bus schedules or proximity to bus stops. I just read somewhere that the free bus ride zones downtown are going to be eliminated at some point. We have to remember that this will affect a very basic human right for some of us, especially the poor and disabled- freedom of movement. The problem with transportation infrastructure being designed with autos as the lowest common denominator is that not everyone can afford to own and maintain a car. So the lowest common denominator has to be a person on foot- and a close second would be bicycles and public transport.
This idea of the lowest common denominator for movement has plenty of other applications. For example:
Hiking trails- If a trail is open to motors it is unpleasant and useless for all other users. I have encountered plenty of these trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. If a trail sees heavy use, which most do in King County, the trail should be designed for a hiker because that is the least exclusive user. All you need are shoes to walk in. Bicycles and horses are next. If there isn't too heavy usage, hikers/cyclists/equestrians should be able to get along with some basic courtesy. I think the system on the middle fork of the Snoqualmie River is a good compromise- bicycles are allowed on odd numbered days. The even days are for feet only. Motorized use should be last priority, because motorcycles and ATV's are expensive to own and maintain and are at odds with other users of a public resource.
Have you ever noticed that the most desirable areas in a city are those in which there are numerous options for movement? For example, a walkable neighborhood versus, lets say, some sections of Lake City Way or Aurora Avenue which are unsafe and unpleasant unless you are surrounded by a steel box (car)?
This leads to the same old mantra: whatever you build, infrastructure-wise, will be utilized. If a suburban neighborhood is designed almost exclusively for its residents to move around by car- that is exactly what will happen. On the other hand, look at the new and improved Dexter Avenue. You have auto traffic lanes, bus stops, and a separated bikeway. All of them are being heavily used! Isn't it better to have more than one option for getting around?
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
alpenrose heartbreaker
So this last weekend I hauled the kids down to Vancouver WA to hang out with their grandparents and give the wife some peace and quiet. The grandparents were nice enough to come out and supervise the kids while I raced.
I felt totally out of my element on this track- the short steep turns just about made me dizzy. I was out of sync with the other riders. They would jump fast and hard and almost instantly get 20 meters on me, I would claw my way back in time to have to have about 10 seconds rest, then someone else would attack again, instantly lose 20 meters again, repeat for 100 laps... I was strictly in survival mode, clinging to the back of the pack for dear life the whole time. It didn't help that being out of sync with the race like this made it so that I wasn't even on a wheel most of the time. Not a very efficient way of "racing". Maybe having an off day and racing against some animals like Steven Beardsley had something to do with it too. If nothing else it was a good learning experience.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Etiquette
I have a question for people in case I'm missing something... I've been chastised much more than normal lately for passing other riders or not saying "on your left" or something like that. I've always considered myself to be a somewhat polite and responsible rider so maybe I need to rethink some things? Here is the situation: I pass someone with about 3 full feet on the road, on the left, without squeezing anybody or traffic coming from behind or anything, and then I get an earful about not letting them know I'm passing and being an inconsiderate douchebag and the reason motorists hate all cyclists. This is when I am riding by myself. I understand that on a group ride the dynamic is a little different. So the question is, am I out of line? When other cyclists pass me I could care less. I don't need an "on your left" or a bell ding or anything. I'll just ride in a reasonably straight line and if you want to pass, go ahead. It bugs me when cars honk their horn behind me when overtaking. Jeez, I had no idea there were other vehicles on the road. Thanks for letting me know. I guess I'll just continue riding in a straight line and you can pass?
Its confusing to me when a fellow bicycle rider gets bent out of shape towards another rider on a minor point of etiquette (at least I think its minor) when at least one motorist is going to do something blatantly rude or even downright dangerous during the same ride most of the time. Something about choosing your battles with fellow road users? My venom is reserved for a dumb move that requires evasive action on my part to avoid a serious injury. So far that has been a motorist, every single time.
Its confusing to me when a fellow bicycle rider gets bent out of shape towards another rider on a minor point of etiquette (at least I think its minor) when at least one motorist is going to do something blatantly rude or even downright dangerous during the same ride most of the time. Something about choosing your battles with fellow road users? My venom is reserved for a dumb move that requires evasive action on my part to avoid a serious injury. So far that has been a motorist, every single time.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The war on cars in Seattle
We've heard a lot about this lately, and the Seattle Times as usual is doing a great job of alerting everyone to the terrible plight of motorists in this city. It is a god given right to drive a car, occasionally run over pedestrians and cyclists that are in your way, and have free parking on public space after all.
I wish the people that talk about the war on cars in this city would spend just one day using a bicycle or their feet for all their daily transportation needs. Maybe have to carefully plan a route to go to work or pick up their kids from school that doesn't go on dangerous roads. Then they might realize that our transportation infrastructure really is designed for cars and other users of public roadways are often distinctly marginalized.
But given $4/gallon gas with no relief in sight, peak oil, global warming, and all the related craziness that is finally seeing some mainstream light in the last 10 years- the age of the automobile is coming to an end and there is bound to be some pushback. Actually I'm surprised there is not more.
On a pleasant note- May is bike month. What can you do for bike month? I've heard so many great ideas but I think the big one is to just get your bike out, ride it, and have a good time. The more cyclists out there, the more visible we are, and more people will get out and join us. And again on a positive note, our transportation infrastructure (for bikes) is better now than it was 10 years ago. We're making progress.
I wish the people that talk about the war on cars in this city would spend just one day using a bicycle or their feet for all their daily transportation needs. Maybe have to carefully plan a route to go to work or pick up their kids from school that doesn't go on dangerous roads. Then they might realize that our transportation infrastructure really is designed for cars and other users of public roadways are often distinctly marginalized.
But given $4/gallon gas with no relief in sight, peak oil, global warming, and all the related craziness that is finally seeing some mainstream light in the last 10 years- the age of the automobile is coming to an end and there is bound to be some pushback. Actually I'm surprised there is not more.
On a pleasant note- May is bike month. What can you do for bike month? I've heard so many great ideas but I think the big one is to just get your bike out, ride it, and have a good time. The more cyclists out there, the more visible we are, and more people will get out and join us. And again on a positive note, our transportation infrastructure (for bikes) is better now than it was 10 years ago. We're making progress.
Olympic View Road Race
Here is what I'm thinking during this race (cat 4):
It really doesn't matter in a road race, but why I am perpetually at the very back of the peloton at the start? Oh well, there's not much wind back here. Makes for a nice warm up.
The pace really isn't all that high for a state championships road race. Why is it that a thursday night at Seward Park can hurt so badly, and everyone just sits in at a more prominent race? Maybe people don't want to burn too many matches too soon, whereas at Seward you're just going to attack for the fun of it since no upgrade points are at stake?
All right, finally getting things strung out a little on these rollers. I'm finally near the front of the peloton. These guys look like they're trying to push the pace. Maybe I'll roll off the front and see if I can drag some people with me. I like my odds in a breakaway more than in a bunch sprint. (Look back) Jesus why is no one coming with me. This race isn't even half over yet. Crap. Oh what the hell I'm going for it. Elbows on the bars, TT style. Hmm, I feel okay, heart rate is 170, and I don't see the pack anymore. Maybe there is the slightest chance I can pull this off.
This is a pretty course. That creek is running high. Hello again dogs. Oh good, finally, that twisty descent. Come on lead car, a little more space please. Back on the flats. Wow, I still don't see the pack. I feel okay but I'm not sure I will after the rollers start again.
Uh-oh, I see the pack now, although still a ways back. Last lap, come on legs. Heart rate still 170 but the legs are starting to feel heavy. If I can just make it to the chicane downhill by myself I can put in a little more time and hold them off to the line. Shit they're getting close. (A few more bends in the road) Ahhh damn its over. Nothing like getting caught 2 or 3 k from the finish.
Here is a nice video http://cyclocrossnews.com/?p=52969- at the end you can see the crash that I was fortunate enough to be directly behind. I went over the bars but not too badly and I was able to finish.
It really doesn't matter in a road race, but why I am perpetually at the very back of the peloton at the start? Oh well, there's not much wind back here. Makes for a nice warm up.
The pace really isn't all that high for a state championships road race. Why is it that a thursday night at Seward Park can hurt so badly, and everyone just sits in at a more prominent race? Maybe people don't want to burn too many matches too soon, whereas at Seward you're just going to attack for the fun of it since no upgrade points are at stake?
All right, finally getting things strung out a little on these rollers. I'm finally near the front of the peloton. These guys look like they're trying to push the pace. Maybe I'll roll off the front and see if I can drag some people with me. I like my odds in a breakaway more than in a bunch sprint. (Look back) Jesus why is no one coming with me. This race isn't even half over yet. Crap. Oh what the hell I'm going for it. Elbows on the bars, TT style. Hmm, I feel okay, heart rate is 170, and I don't see the pack anymore. Maybe there is the slightest chance I can pull this off.
This is a pretty course. That creek is running high. Hello again dogs. Oh good, finally, that twisty descent. Come on lead car, a little more space please. Back on the flats. Wow, I still don't see the pack. I feel okay but I'm not sure I will after the rollers start again.
Uh-oh, I see the pack now, although still a ways back. Last lap, come on legs. Heart rate still 170 but the legs are starting to feel heavy. If I can just make it to the chicane downhill by myself I can put in a little more time and hold them off to the line. Shit they're getting close. (A few more bends in the road) Ahhh damn its over. Nothing like getting caught 2 or 3 k from the finish.
Here is a nice video http://cyclocrossnews.com/?p=52969- at the end you can see the crash that I was fortunate enough to be directly behind. I went over the bars but not too badly and I was able to finish.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Eatonville Road Race
Today I was able to drag out my road bike for the first time in a long time. Since maybe September. Has anyone else noticed that it is always either wet or dark this time of year?
I'm pretty sure I was the only person using downtube shifters or a 20+ year old bike. The bike worked wonderfully, like it always does, except for one problem: my rain bike (that I always ride this time of year) has a rapid rise derailleur and down tube shifters so I had to constantly remind myself to shift in the opposite direction. I wish there were rapid rise short cage derailleurs available.
There was a dusting of snow and black ice on some of the hills approaching Eatonville on the way to the race but thankfully the race course was in good shape- no ice. It was a good circuit, with a couple of decent hills to keep things interesting. A starbucks rider went off the front right after the first lap and stayed there for at least 1.5 laps before a 6 man chase group including myself caught him. We had to ride hard to catch him. He was willing and able to immediately start taking turns pulling after being caught. After drilling it for most of the race in our 7 man group, and riding solo for 1.5 laps, he won the sprint- this dude was really strong! I was feeling a little worse every lap and with 1k to go, when the accelerations started happening, it was everything I could do to stay on a wheel, let alone counter. I didn't contest the sprint and wound up seventh. I think my man Todd Morse Tucker was third.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
