Merry Christmas

I often think what it would have been like 2005 years ago on this day. Thankfully the recount by Luke in the Bible allows my mind to wander. It can be found in Luke 1: 26-56 and Luke 2: 1-20. This year my family and I have been blessed beyond anything we could have ever imagined. We are absolutely sure that our faith in that baby (Jesus)born 2005 years ago has been the source of the blessings. I pray that Jesus would be the reason for your happiness this Christmas season.

Inside with the trainer  

Whinning about the weather

Ok...I admit that the weather in Florida in December is better than most places in the northern hemisphere...However...it is wet and cold by my standards...so I'm gonna whine. Yes I know there is snow and ice over most of the mid-west and north-east but its just down right chilly here in north Florida (its 56 and raining) I have such thin blood. But when its hotter than blazes it doesn't bother me much.

At any rate, I don't much like ridding the trainer but I'd rather be dry and comfy than wet and cold. So...I have my fixed gear bike packed in the trainer for a little ride. Not much on TV either. Boring!!! Here's a picture of my set up.

My fixed gear is a 2005 Specialized Langster. I have a 42t chain ring and 16t freewheel and 17t fixed cog. Everything else is stock...I don't have a lot of spare bike parts to throw onto it.

Masi Bicycles And Inferno Racing Partner For 2006

This press release is dated but still newsworthy.

November 11, 2005- Vista, CA- Masi Bicycles and Inferno Racing ink sponsorship deal for the 2006 road racing season.

Masi Brand Manager Tim Jackson and Inferno Racing team manager Chad Thompson began a dialog that ultimately lead to team sponsorship during the bicycle industry tradeshow, Interbike, in Las Vegas in late September. “I was impressed by the professionalism of Chad and [Jacob Fetty] during the show when they stopped in the booth between visits with potential sponsors”, said Jackson. “We hit it off pretty quickly and the conversation turned from a sponsorship pitch from Chad to just talking about bikes and racing. That doesn’t happen often when you are talking with a Pro or Elite level team.”

Thompson had a similar version of the events as well, recollecting “we stopped in the booth while we were waiting to meet with another potential sponsor and ended up having a pretty fun conversation with Tim. In fact, while the bikes and their quality speak for themselves, representatives such as Mr. Jackson are very rare in this growing industry.”

Inferno, currently a Pro/Elite team, will be seeking one of the few UCI Continental Tour licenses issued to US domestic professional teams in 2006. All things look good for the team to be racing at all of the National Racing Calendar (NRC) events and with the off-chance of potentially (perhaps) getting into events like the Tour of Georgia, the new Tour of California and the USPRO Championships in Philadelphia, as well as all USCF Elite National Championship Events.

Masi will be providing the team with framesets for the season and hopes to be able to partner with the team to use their valuable feedback to further develop new and better bicycles for all Masi consumers.

“I really can’t quantify how excited I am about this deal”, offered Jackson. “This marks a big moment for the brand as we try to re-establish ourselves as one of the premiere road brands in the US. I am very optimistic about what the team can do and I look forward to reporting on some great racing.”

The Inferno Racing team website (www.infernoracing.org) is currently being updated with the final calendar, roster and sponsor information.

Masi bicycles have been ridden to victory by many champions for several decades and the brand looks to make a triumphant return to sponsoring professional/ elite level cycling teams.

EPO, Heras and Millar...

Are all professional cyclists using EPO? I'm beginning to think the reward is greater than the risk of being caught. Consider this week's announcement about Roberto Heras. There are two ways to respond to this announcement...Roberto in a press conference says "I am not thinking of retirement, but to fight to the end to demonstrate my innocence. This result never entered my head. I am convinced that the testing method doesn't provide the necessary guarantees. There have been a lot of previous errors and in my judgment, it's not trustworthy." Separately his attorney said, "There was nearly unanimous agreement that no one saw (EPO) beyond a doubt, and it clearly proves that the method is flawed, even if the results coming back Friday are negative," Heras's attorney Andreu Garriga, adding that the validity of the EPO test "has been questioned because it gives no guarantees."

Or, as in the case of David Millar, he admitted his usage of EPO and accepted his suspension and has now signed a contract to race with Saunier Duval. Do we think any less of him for admitting ot or do we think more of him for admitting it?

We will probably never know the truth about Heras. Did he or didn't he. Only he knows. Maybe, maybe not. Could it be that he was given some sort of tainted food or liquid. But I have to ask myself this question, why? Heras response "I want to reiterate once again that I've never taken a doping substance in my life. I passed 12 doping controls during the last Vuelta. I was leading the race by four and a half minutes and had victory in my pocket. It would have been madness to have committed a doping offense. It would have been incomprehensible and absurd." Yes it would be incomprehensible and absurd, but why did the test come back positive in both A & B samples?

The case and court decision for Tyler Hamilton could have landmark implications. We'll have to wait for that decision. If the testing procedures are flawed or there is too much room for error, then we must determine a better way. Let's face it, it will never be a 100% proof positive. Should EPO be legalized?

Tour announcements and verbal jabs...

With the announcement of the 2006 Tour de France route came some not so unexpected verbal jabs from across the pond. Then, as expected, verbal jabs flew back. It looks like we will have to endure this junk as the post Lance era of the Tour. Two wrongs always make at right don't they???

Saturday Night Live (tonight) will be filled with scathing skits aimed at the Tour leaders and the French. Dick Pound and WADA you won't be exempt either... Actually this will be the best venue for Lance to vent his emotions. It's all in good fun, isn't it???

Perhaps, Jerry Springer can get in on this. I can just see it. Jean Marie and Lance squaring off with Jerry and then Cheryl comes to the support of her man by making cat like snarles. Then Johann comes in via video and tells Lance "can you believe they cut the team time trial?" Then a close up of Lance's nostrils flairing. Let's get down and dirty...cycling deserves this, doesn't it????

Now...my gripe with the Tour. What's this...no team time trial??? Are you nuts??? Have you lost your mind??? If you really want to keep the Tour de France as the race of races...then the team time trial is an absolute necessity. Keep it a total team event. Make the teams work as teams in each aspect of the Tour.

Here's my advise:
Lance - shut up and retire
Johann - shut up and direct your team
Jean Marie - shut up and race direct/retire or whatever you do now besides run your mouth

Just shut up. Do you really think cycling gives a rip about your petty, childlike hatred??? Let's save the drama for the sprints and the climbs...

steelrider2

Glad Wilma has left the building...

It just makes my heart hurt to see people suffer, especially those Floridians with whom I have so much in common. I have co-workers in Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers as well as Fort Lauderdale and West Palm. I haven't heard a thing from any of them. In watching the videos, I think it could have been much worse. Although, I certainly wouldn't say that to anyone who lost their home or other belongings. I am making plans to go to Naples as soon as possible to help.

If you can't donate any more to the Red Cross, please come to Florida for a vacation. We are open for business!!! And we'll enjoy having you. Bring your bike...let's ride!!!

Deja Vu all over again...

Seems pretty simple...watch hurricane tracking chart for a week...prepare to evecuate...throw everything that's uninsurable into the car...drive like heck. We Floridians should have the routine down, you'd think...it never gets any easier. But it's the price you pay to live in paradise. This week was absolute beautiful. But it was the calm before the storm.

I am reminded of the devestation of Katrina, Ivan, Charlie and Rita. I have been helping a family that moved to Jacksonville from New Orleans as a result of them loosing everything they owned. Could life get any harder? I sure don't think so. Now I am reminded of the floods a few years ago in the Mid-West. I am reminded of the earthquake earlier this year and several years ago out West. That's just in this country. The world has experienced it share of tradegy as well.

I think I'll go back to sleep...the nightmares are better than real life.

This why I live in Florida...

Weather today is a perfect 75 without a cloud in the sky. I think I'm going to have Fridayitist...surely there is something I can do outside today. I'd love to ride to work. I think I will....see ya

What do WE have have to do...

What do we have to do to earn the respect of the general public, specifically the driving public. In the post below a cyclist was shot while riding. Obviously part of the answer lies with the driving public. There is just going to be a cross section of drivers that are going to hate us and some that will never see us. But then there is a group that is ambivelent. This is where we as cyclists have our greatest challenge. The answer lies in what we are willing to do to change their minds. Are we willing to obey the traffic laws and rules of the road. Are we willing to use headlights and blinkies even though we'd rather not. Are we willing to join bike clubs and develop a one voice positive attitude. Are we willing to not give people the finger when the get too close or honk at us.

What does the cycling industry have to do to sell more bikes. This question has been tossed around some other blogs in the last few days. Part of the answer is going to come from how innovative the bike industry is at developing its product and marketing its product. The other part of the answer comes from cyclists themselves. In my mind cyclings biggest negative is cyclists (well some of cyclists) Those arrogant condesending folks that think you must ride at 27 plus mph on every ride, that think you must have a $5000 plus machine before you are accepted into their group. These folks never volunteer for a community project in the name of their cycling club. They never agree to hold a bike rodeo at a local elementary school on a Saturday instead of going on their long ride. They never do anything to get positive recognition for themselves or the industry...they leave it up to others. I have a very wise friend who has a saying that applies here. "If everybody does a little, then nobody has to do a lot." If we treated cycling as the gift it is and didn't take it for granted more people would join us.

Am I going to solve all of cyclings problems...no! But hopefully I can change one person...then they can change one.

If you're reading this and wondering how you can help...go to your club or local bike shop and ask where you can make a difference. Actually give some thought to how you can start something instead of waiting for someone else to tell you what to do. Make a dirrerence today. Decide that you have a responsibility to cycling other than riding.

What's up with this...

Andrea Ratkovic Shot At While Cycling View comments about this article!
Former professional cyclist and current professional triathlete/duathlete, Andrea Ratkovic, was shot on Monday October 10th at approximately 1:15 pm while riding her bike. Ratkovic was riding on a bike path when a car in the road lane closest to her opened fire with a small caliber gun firing several shots but only hitting her once in the lower back.

Three day weekends are great...

I work in an industry that get more than its fair share of holidays. Whenever there is a 3 day weekend I make the best of it. Anytime I can get 6 ½ hours in over a weekend, it's just fine. The weather in Florida has improved; its dry with moderate temps.

New ride...

Below is my new fixed gear bike. I looked long and hard to come up with exactly the right combination of frame, components and cost. Cost being a major factor. There's no doubt that I would liked to have had a Masi, but they didn't produce it for the fall. Maybe in the spring. Since I want to ride immediately, I decided on the Langster. The price was definitely right.

So far, I've ridden it a total of 30 minutes. Rainy in Florida and busy at work. Better info forthcoming. I did put a 17t fixed cog opposite the freewheel. I like it alot. Training starts in a week or so.

Haven't had a chance to get pics from my camera. But this is the new ride. So far haven't changed a thing. But it rides awesome. 

ok...I'm Baaaacccckkkk.

Ok...no mention of any family stuff. None. Not even a proud Dad will comment. Bikes only here.

steelrider2

The road ends here.....

Today I had a frank discussion about this blog with one of my family members. They just didn't like that I included some personal stuff and truely do not understand why I would want to blog. Since I value my family much more than the blogsphere, steelrider2 will be deleted October 7. I can say it has been fun and have enjoyed getting to know other bloggers. However out of true respect, I will not continue. I will continue to read several blogs and from time to time make a comment.

Fixed Gear Dreams

I would like to have been at Interbike this week to see the number fixed gear/track bikes coming out this year. From what I’ve seen, it looks like most everyone is expanding to include a fixed gear trainer and/or a higher end track bike. One of other blogs I frequently read www.fixedgear.blogspot.com has covered some of the new arrivals. I have cut and pasted several of his posts to include his comments here.

Obviously it is becoming a new sub-market in the Road Bike arena. It appears that there will be a fixed gear ride in Jacksonville starting a little later in the fall.

Enjoy this info. Thanks, Fixed Gear. He has compiled some great research.

The Cannondale Major Taylor track bike is named after cycling legend Marshall 'Major' Taylor. Aluminum frames, carbon fork, 46 x 16, Dura-Ace hubs, crank and cog. A 54cm model - my size - has 73 degree head tube and 75 degree seat tube angle, making this a real track machine.

The Motobecane Messenger brings back a venerable French brand name. This bike looks like a good value, at $795 MSRP which means a street price of $700 or so. All chrome-moly frame and fork, 48 x 16, flip-flop hub with track cog and freewheel, TruVativ crank, and front and rear brakes. I can't find the geometry on their web site.

The Co-Motion Streaker is spendy at $2,395 for the complete bike, but what a bike it is. Aluminum frame, Chris King headset, Flite saddle, White Industries hubs, and a Shimano long-reach front brake mated to a custome carbon fork makes adding fenders a snap. 73/74 angles means it is a little less 'track-y' than the C'Dale.

Too much? How about a Raleigh Rush Hour for $600? Butted chrome-moly frame, TruVativ crank, 48 x 16 free/15 fixed, two brakes, ready to go. Also 74/75 angles, more track like.

The Specialized Langster has an Aluminum frame with double-butted tubing. The fork is alloy (i.e steel) with a Cr-Mo steerer. The bike is ready for street use with front and rear dual pivot brakes. With a 48t chainring and a 16t Shimano freewheel it is geared a little high but it is “fixed-gear compatible” which I guess means you can add a track cog and lock ring and be ready to go. It also features a KMC Z-510HX, 1/2" x 3/32" chain with “anti-drop inner links.’ Never heard of this chain but it sounds good. The geometry is a compromise between true track geometry and road geometry, with a sloping top tube and track fork ends. It has 32 hole Alex rims laced to Specialized hubs. It has a square taper BB and a Specialized 170mm crank. Street price is around $500, a good deal.

The Lemond Fillmore has a True Temper OX Platinum steel frame (nice pipes) with a Bontrager Race Carbon fork. It has front a rear dual pivot brakes. With a 44 tooth chainring driving a 16 tooth Dura Ace cog, this bike is ready to ride. Truvativ splined BB and carbon seatpost. It has a Bontrager bolt on rear wheel with a QR front. Geometry looks slightly less aggressive than the Langster which should make for a very comfy ride. Street price is about a grand.

The Fuji Track has a chrome-moly butted frame and fork. This bike doesn’t come with brakes. It does have a 48X16 drivetrain, a little tall for beginners, and comes with clip and strap pedals. 32 spoke wheels, and the geometry is similar to the Fillmore. MSRP is $500, street price is a little less which should leave some money in the budget for a brake and lever, and a set of pedals.

The KHS Flite 100 has a Reynolds double-butted chrome-moly frame and fork. No brakes here either, also features a 48x16 drivetrain with a Truvativ crank driving a Dura-Ace cog. This bike also comes with clips and strap pedals and has a MSRP of $659 with a street price a little lower.

The Bianchi Pista is the most shiny of the bikes, with its chrome frame. It has a double butted chrome moly frame and fork. Also has a 48x16 drivetrain and I’m sensing a trend here. 32 hole Alex rims laced to Bianchi hubs. No brakes, but comes with double sided SPD style pedals. Track-like geometry and a MSRP of $550 which means real price should be around $500.

The Rivendell Quickbeam is the strangest ‘fixed gear’ bike you will ever see. Double butted chrome moly frame and fork, lugged, brazed in Japan. Strange four speed drivetrain has flip flop hub with two freewheels and two chain rings. Cantilever brakes, huge tire clearance. Run it as a fixed gear road bike, single speed cyclocross bike or anything in between. Takes fenders easily. Has huge 32mm tires. Relaxed road geometry, long wheelbase. Nitto bar, stem and seatpost. $1,300 plus shipping but you will be the only kid on your block to have one.

The Saint John's Street Cycles fixed wheel bike is now available as a ready to ride bike. Double butted Tange tubing. Mavic MA3s laced to Sovos flip flop rear hub and SunTour XC QR front hub (nice!), 44 tooth chain ring and ‘sprocket of your choice, SKS fenders(!) front and rear long reach brakes and levers, your choice of bar width and stem length. $750 plus shipping ($50-$100).

More MS 150 pics

While the MS 150 is only part of our bike season, it is such a fun ride. We get to ride with many of our friends and not nearly as serious as some other events. It's our reward for a long season.

If you're only riding serious races, I encourage you to raise some money for MS and come on a really fun, well managed ride.

steelrider2

There's a real good reason I'm not in this pic...I'm in the background changing a flat and swearing at the bike 

This groups cleans up pretty good 

Some of my friends

North Florida MS 150 ride

Just in case I forget, I should start off by saying the MS 150 is a great cause for raising money.

There's something exciting about seeing 2000 riders in the pre-dawn hours getting ready to ride 150 miles. Actually there's a certain electricity in the air. Lots of nervous first timers. Lots of anticipation. Lots of "let's get this show on the road."

This was the second time for me to ride the event. Last year we were shortened to a one day event because of hurricane damage. But this year the weather was perfect, the route was much improved and my fund raising effort had paid off.

I rode for the Cody's Challenge team. Last I heard, we had 125 riders and were the largest team. My wife, as she always does, rode for the Bank of America team. Very strong team also.

I started out riding with some of my Hammerhead Racing buddies, but after 15 miles of 25+ mph grinding, realized I needed to save a little energy to finish with. So I rode with Mike and Rex...we maintianed a steady 20 mph pace.

The route was great especially after turning on A1A (beach highway) for about 30 miles. A good bit of the time we could see the ocean. Riding A1A energizies me. Although I didn't see any, I heard there were a few crashes...I don't want any part of that stuff. Being in front of the middle of the pack has a few advantages.

As I posted before...my Hammerhead buddy Jason Langston ran the Saturday leg of the event. Jason...you're a stud. Way to go!!

Mike, Rex and I finished in about 4 1/2 hours. Although we hit all the rest stops, we didn't hang out. After waiting for 2 more hours for Karen, we spent time in the pool catching up with all of friends.

Our fundraising efforts paid off because Karen and I were both at the Top Banana level ($1,000 or more raised). This got us in a special dinner and also allowed me to slip out early so I could catch the Gators/Vols game. Go Gators!!!

As you can see from the pics, there were a lot of riders. While all the rest stops were very well done and all the bike shops did an excellent job of supporting the event, my vote goes to Scott Summey of Open Road Bicycles as the premier support guy. Oh I have forgotten to say that flats were the name of the game this weekend. If there was junk to run over, I found it all. Three flats.

Sunday was a great ride back to St. Augustine. By 140 miles, I was ready to be doing something else....anthing else. But it was so much fun. I rode back with Karen and our friends from the Prosperity Bank team (Shirley, Tony, Diane, Traci, Debbie and Karen). Those post race burgers never tasted so good. Thankfully they didn't have Spam...I'd probably have eaten it.

For Karen and I, riding in honor of her college roomy Anne, who was diagnosed with MS last year, really made the event special. Can't wait for it roll around next year.

steelrider2

Scott Summey of Open Road Bicycles...the absolute bike support guy in the universe. Flats were the name of the game on Saturday. 

Rest stop #2 in Cresent Beach, Florida. Notice our Cody's Challenge kit Rex is modelling.  

Saturday afternoon after an 80 mile ride to Daytona for the North Florida MS 150. This is what 2000 bikes ready for action looks like.  

What a great weekend...

Life is great. This weekend was all about cycling. On Saturday, I did a 91.1km Patriots Ride, sponsored by Cody's Challenge (more later). It was in remberance of those patriots who lost their lives 9/11/2001. One of my good friends Joe Pelley is the ride organizer. He works harder than any organizer I know. He is also sooo passionate about the ride and making sure we all remember those heroes. The ride was in beautiful St Johns County. The weather could not have been better. Coolish by Florida standards...started out in low 70's. Traffic was not bad...so all in all a great ride. I ended up riding in with a friend who had bonked at 45 miles...we chatted our way into the finish.

Then on Sunday I did the North Florida Bicycle Club's Watermelon Ride. Something like the 19th year. It doesn't happen too often but I got to ride the 73 miles with my wife. She had some kind of problem in the first 15 miles but got in gear after that and had an excellent ride. We finished strong probably at 20-21 mph. Meet some nice folks and generally enjoyed the day.

All of this is done in preparation for this coming weekend's MS 150 ride from St. Augustine to Daytona. Last year we were hurricaned out and only rode a short ride. I am on the Cody's Challenge team. Cody is a friend of Joe's who has MS and we all ride in his honor. This year I was fortunate that I collected over $2,500.00 in contributions to the MS Society. I think the Cody's team will be 120 strong. Roughly 1500 riders for the two day event. I'll take pics and post 'em next week.

I spent time tonight cleaning my bike. Yeah, I know about as exciting as watching dough rise. But...I know the importance of keeping my Masi clean...many years on good rides. It's kind of a challenge...to see if I can keep my bike at least as clean as my wife keeps hers dirty.

Ok...I've been waiting. Waiting for a fixed gear bike. I definitely have a preference, Masi. But not sure if they will have one this year. If not, I'm probably going to buy a 2006 Specialized Langster. But then again, I like the Bianchi Pista. Steel or aluminum???? Langster, Pista or the Masi???Give me your opinion. At any rate, I want to participate in a new fixed gear group headed by my friend Scott Summey at Open Road Bicycles. We'll ride throughout the winter (Florida standards 40's to 60's). I can't remember being this excited...well maybe last year when I got my new Speciale Carbon. Yes...frequent visitors will see a lot about fixed gear stuff in the future.

Nap Time!!!
steelrider2

Message for Lance

STAY IN RETIREMENT!!!! Spitefulness is unbecoming a champion. It will also be a set back to US cycling and cause other countries to hate us even more. If you want all this EPO jazz to go away, my suggestion to you is lay low and keep your mouth shut.

steelrider2

My view of important things...

I have watched with great interest the different aspects of rescue and recovery of Hurricane Katrina. My heart breaks for the residents of those impacted. There have even been points where I had to turn off the TV because I just could not bare the enormity of human suffering. I have heard the reports of frustration that have been manifested in shootings and looting. I find those things predictable. Once the basic levels of human need is not available, the frustration is bound to set in. While I understand it, looting is still wrong.

I was encouraged today while watching a local news report to see that Jacksonville has responded in such a caring way to those in need. I am also hopeful that citizens of other cities and states are responding in similar ways. Some of those displaced from their homes have made their way to Jacksonville. Some will be in the hospital, others in temporary housing and still others will be enrolling in schools and universities. This is very encouraging.

One consistent theme I have heard is, "Why did God do this to us?" I prefer to think of other questions, "What is God trying to teach me in this?" or "How can God be praised?" None of us will never know God's overall plan. All we can do is to see where God is working and join those efforts. Through all the suffering, through all the devastation, there is one thing I know for sure. God is working in the lives of many. My hope is that many who don't know the saving grace of Jesus Christ will come to see how Christ is working in the lives of the rescuers, volunteers, military and those impacted and will want to secure an eternal life for themselves. If you are reading this and you don't know about eternal life, please email me. If you don't email me, please contact a minister in your area and ask about eternal life. I will be praying for you.

My plea: Please find a place to help. If you can't donate money, please donate your time. And pray for everyone impacted. God is listening.

steelrider2

Just got back from a great local triathlon

I've been home a few hours from the H. O. T. (Hammerhead Olympic Triathlon.) For years Jacksonville triathletes had to go out of town for an olympic distance triathlon. Not now!! The
H.O.T. is a well managed event organized by the Hammerhead Racing Team of Jacksonville. Cecil Cauley, race director, should be commended. In talking with many local and out of town triathletes today, they thought the registration process went well, the course was well laid out and the post race activities were a hit. One of the best aspects was that the fee was reasonable.

Roughly 275 athletes competed today. Most were from Jacksonville or Savannah, GA. The Hammerheads challenged the Savannah team. What a great idea. The Savannah team took the challenge seriously; many showed up to prove their reputation. Don't think this was just a regional race. There was also one entrant from southern Cali. With others from around the Southeast.

This is only the third year for the H.O.T. but it has already developed a good following with a reputation for being a first class event. Yes, I'm prejudiced because I'm a member of the Hammerheads. It's not too big yet. But you better bookmark the link above and check it frequently so that you can be sure to get a spot next August. The race will cut off at 450 athletes.

Hammerheads, you outdid yourselves.

steelrider2

Should Lance try to defend himself...

For those who have been out of touch, Lance Armstrong has once again been accused of doping. But this time it is for his 1999 Tour de France victory. I haven't seen the L'Equipe article, however, if I saw it I wouldn't be able to read it. I don't read French and they don't translate into English. Although I haven't done an exhaustive search of the internet, I have seen some excerpts. The gist of the article is that some urine samples from the 1999 Tour were tested recently and in six tests of urine belonging to Armstrong, EPO was present.

Ok, it seems to me the article is short on substantial facts and long on supposition. What I want to see is lab reports bearing the name of the testing lab, credentials for the person/s performing the tests, certifications about how the samples have been handled since they were given. I want to know if they were A or B samples, where and how the samples have been stored since given. L'Equipe doesn't have that much information. What do they have...investigative journalism. This is the French equalivent for a hack job. At least one of the writers, I use the word loosely, is one of the same people who penned the LA Confidential book. There is something rotten in this wood pile!!!

Should Lance defend himself? In my opinion...NO! He should call for full disclosure of factual information from all parties involved. If all the facts should ever be known, then and only then should he make any kind of statement. In case you didn't get to see the Larry King interview, it will air again on Sunday 8/28. If I were Lance's PR firm, I would not do any talk shows, hold any press conferences, grant any interviews or otherwise comment on the story.

To me, it is interesting that the Tour Director, LeBlanc, was so quick to respond with out all the facts being published. I'm sure that if we looked at the books for the Tour, we'd find that revenue is down. There hasn't been a French rider to come close to having a yellow jersey. The Amaury Group which owns L'Equipe and the Tour de France is struggling to keep its readership and the tour as a first tier UCI race. What they haven't considered is how much damage they have done to cycling in general. Let's investigate the Amaury Group to see what is behind all this. Woodward and Bernstein...Deepthroat is now exposed and in the great beyond....there's a story here. Hop to!!!!!

Masi Speciale Carbon

Below is a picture of my road bike. Masi has won my attention. This is a great bike for many reasons. It hits the corners with precision, yet is light enough to keep up with most sprints. There are better climbing bikes but all in all a very trusty stead.

One thing I particularly like is that in a large group of riders, I generally have the only Masi SC. So, lots of people ask me about the bike. We do not have a dealer in Jacksonville that carries Masi, but hopefully some day.

This weekend I rode a 50 mile charity training ride with about 200 people. It was a chance to ride with my good friends Jim & Diane and Tony & Shirley. It was different riding with mostly inexperinced riders. Lots of jack rabbits (speed up then slow down). But I can overlook those things.

Most people drove to the site. I decided to ride so I actually got in about 65 miles. It was fairly close to my house. It was not the best route, either. The people responsible for the route layout sent us through a dangerous construction zone. One rider was hit and was being transported to the hospital when I came by. It also reminded me how inconsiderate and impatient some drivers can be. The rumor was that the car who hit the rider decided to leave the scene. Another rider caught him at a stop light and informed him there were several witnesses and they had his tag number. Only at that point, he turned around. I hope the police charge him for leaving the scene.

Riding with that many people, we were bound to split into many sub groups. I hung with my friends and we maintained an easy 19 mph pace. The five of us, normally six, (thanks to my wife who played soccer Mom while I got to ride) kept our pace line going almost the entire way.

more later
steelrider2

Masi makes a very cool steel/carbon bike 

One terrific guy...

My father-in-law's name was Joe Haynes. He died on November 4, 2004 of a severe brain turmor. Although we had a suspicion something was wrong, he was not diagnosed until early August, 2004. I can honestly say he was one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

He was a terrific Christian. He worked in christian education his entire life. He modeled Godly behavior for all who knew him. Because of Joe, many churches around the world have a better understanding of how to reach their community for Jesus Christ.

He was a terrific husband. He provided well for his family. Although he travelled quite frequently, it made those times he was at home all the more sweet. Sometimes home life was a struggle. He not only never complained, he never even mentioned his struggles.

He was a terrific Dad. He and his wife managed to raise two beautiful daughters. One of them is my loving and caring wife. Both have become strong Christian women and Godly mothers.

He was a terrific Granddaddy. His four grandchildren adored him. He was funny yet compassionate. He paid attention to each of their individual needs. Most of all he listened as they talked. Then when he gave his advise they wanted to listen.

He was a terrific friend. He had many close friends. It's hard not to be friends with someone who cared more about his friends than himself.

He was a terrific father-in-law. This is where I provide the most insight. As I've mentioned above, he always cared more about me than himself. When visiting, he could tell if I had a bad day. Although I generally don't talk about those things, I felt genuinely comfortable sharing with him. He also seemed genuinely interested.

We shared the common ground of sports. He didn't know much about triathlon or cycling but he wanted to learn. He was there for me when I decided to get into the race management business. He was my greatest volunteer.

He was a terrific man. He always gave of himself and expected nothing in return. He was always ready to help anyone no matter their circumstances.

Just as every man has, Joe had weaknesses. But those weaknesses pale in comparison to his strengths. No only did he show his daughters how to live, he showed them how to die. He died with more dignigty than anyone I know. He never complained about his disease.

I loved my father-in-law and will miss him greatly. He was a terrific guy.

Tearfully,

Steelrider2

Ultimate service

For me, a product must not only perform but it must also have a good sales process and high service quality to be considered a great product. With that said, I can tell you PC Coach is a great product!! I have on another occasion posted my thoughts on this excellent training program but I thought it beared another mention.

With my recent computer crash, I had to reinstall all of the programs we used. Being technically challenged, I needed some help. Rebecca at the PC Coach Technical Desk provided exactly what I needed. She helped me reinstall my cycling and triathlon programs correctly, the infrared communication driver and the newest upgrade to the program.

The program works great!! But this is the second time where I have had to call on their technical assistance. Each time I have been wowed by the service quality. Many companies, even within the cycling & triathlon universe, could take a lesson from PC Coach.

If having a computer based training program put together by some of the best trainers on the planet coupled by a helpful sales process and knock your socks off service quality is what you seek. Look no further than PC Coach.

With this post, I am instituting my own product rating scale. 1 means it stinks and don't even waste your money like Dell Computers. 10 means it has to measure up to the standard set by PC Coach.

Recent pics...

Since I haven't had a computer in a while, I thought I'd add some recent pics.

My son on his way to becoming City Champion for 6 & under Breast Stroke... 

Cycling friends with Lance...How'd they do that? 

Cameron and Caroline at his 7th birthdat party 

changes are brewing...

Wow!! This morning started out about an hour and a half earlier than most school mornings. On Friday, my 13 year old daughter was accepted at James Weldon Johnson Middle School. JWJ is an academic Maget School geared towards academically talented and gifted students. Needless to say, she was not overjoyed about changing schools after only a week. Life changes at 13 are so hard. We feel for her but also feel strongly that JWJ is where she should attend school. So just as the sun hit the horizon, my wife and daughter were off to school.

Get a load of this....

One of my triathlon buddies, Jason Langston, has come up with a great idea. He is planning to run the first leg...75 miles...of the Jacksonville, Florida MS 150 to help the MS Society reach its goal of $1,000,000 this year. If donations for him exceed $250,000, he will run the entire 150 miles. Actually its exactly 162 miles, but who's counting!!. Now is that studly or what??? Please check out his site at http://www.geocities.com/ms150runner. Jason is a great guy and has come up with one of the most creative fund raising ideas I've ever seen.

Let me ask each person who visits the steelrider2 blog to help. You can make your donation via paypal.

Jason, good luck buddy!!! I hope you far exceed your fund raising goals!!

Finally...the pc is back in service

After almost 6 weeks of "do we get a new computer or fix the one we have," we now have a working computer. I want everyone to know that working with Dell computers (www.dell.com) been one of the worst experiences of my life. Dell is interested in getting your money (making a sale) and providing no service whatsoever. The technical support and customer service personnel seem to be ill trained to handle any questions other than "which key is the any key." At this point, it should go without saying, under no circumstances will I ever own another Dell computer. The local computer geek who helped me get my pc fixed was in awe how unresponsive Dell was being. Although it is fixed, it is fixed without any support from Dell.

Lessons from Lance....

Today I came across an article written by Thomas Friedman on the Op-Ed page of the NY Times. I agree with the cycling aspect of his article but take exception to other ideas. Here is an excerpt:

"There is no doubt that Lance Armstrong's seventh straight victory in the Tour de France, which has prompted sportswriters to rename the whole race the Tour de Lance, makes him one of the greatest U.S. athletes of all time. What I find most impressive about Armstrong, besides his sheer willpower to triumph over cancer, is the strategic focus he brings to his work, from his prerace training regimen to the meticulous way he and his cycling team plot out every leg of the race. It is a sight to behold. I have been thinking about them lately because their abilities to meld strength and strategy - to thoughtfully plan ahead and to sacrifice today for a big gain tomorrow - seem to be such fading virtues in American life".

Yes its true Lance has done an excellent job in the last seven years. It has not been a secret that the Discovery team has prepared well. They have ridden every mile of the tour and knows the places to hold back and the places to take the lead. He and his team put in the hours of training, testing in the wind tunnel, brought vendors together for the overall benefit of the team not each individual vendor and selected the best team so that winning could be possible.

I do wonder, however, why all of the other teams have not noticed the blueprint for success and have not done their best to follow it. In viewing the coverage of the tour, it appears that many of the teams come not to win the race but to win a stage here or there or to win the green, polka-dot or white jersey. It is my opinion that sponsors deserve more than this. Sponsors deserve each team focusing on a race win. Doing all that it takes would seem to be the only logical approach. The stage and jersey wins pale in comparison to a race win.

Where I begin to take exception is this comment Friedman makes:

"Sadly, those are the virtues we now associate with China, Chinese athletes and Chinese leaders".

Friedman has obviously never been to cycling races around America. On any given night there are those weekend warriors who after putting in a full day at the office or plant stretch themselves to win local road races and crits to prepare themselves for the Saturday/Sunday events without the benefit of sponsorship. These cyclists have the best bikes they can afford, understand their physical abilities and work hard to understand the competition.

Look no further than the last Summer Olympics. Chinese athletes won medals but not nearly as many as did Americans. Heck, there has not been a Chinese team in the Tour de France. Its obvious Mr. Friedman is trying to make a point to American business leaders. But he should refrain from putting down the many American athletes who are the Lance Armstrong of their respective sports and the many American athletes who win local events so we can have other Lance Armstrong's to cheer.

Journalists try to mix the business and sports metaphors and in a few cases get it right. In this case, Thomas Friedman has missed the boat. Mr Friedman should take a lesson from Lance and do all the preparation necessary before dissing America's athletes.

Climbing off my soapbox...
Steelrider2

Why is it so hard????

Two weeks and counting for the computer to be down. At least we have isolated the cause; the hard drive is corrupted. Not that it is fixed, Dell isn't working with us to help reload MS Office. Enough computer talk.

Had an awesome ride Thursday. We did high bridge repeats. I slept well that night. As soon as the computer is back, I've got some great pics to post.

This weekend was the local summer swim league championships for 6 and Unders. My son was crowned 6 and Under champion in breatstroke. How proud can a Dad be???

At last, the fat lady has sung in the tour. Did anyone suspect anything any different??? While it didn't matter to me who wins, I did have think Lance/Discovery would be unbeatable.

Tomorrow night we are having a "Last Day" party, complete with musettes as door prizes. Will try to get some pics and post as well.

That's it for now.
Steelrider2

My love/hate relationship with my home computer...

Two weeks ago my home computer started having problems. After several service calls I finally contacted a local computer expert. His diagnosis was not good. Some component was afoul and he would have test them all to find out which one had the problem. Then the operating system was corrupted and had to be reloaded. Every piece of software had to be reloaded....what a pain.

So blogging has been few and far between. I also am not comfortable blogging from work. Big brother is always watching.

Hopefully my desk top will be up and running by Wednesday.

The Beast is Back...

Totally thrashing your competition is by far the best way to leave the sport....it makes riders appreciate it more that you're gone. Although it's still a long tour with a lot of mountains left...barring anything catastrophic, Lance will make his competition suffer. They have been masters of sandbagging. Each year, Johann and Lance have come up with something new that causes the others to think they have them where they want them. Not so...it's Lance that has the competition where he wants them.

Its my thought that although Lance won't be racing, he'll still be making the competition suffer by having influence with Discovery Channel and preparing Danielson, Popovych and Savoldelli.

WOW!!! what a ride yesterday. I went 40 miles up A1A (Florida's coastal highway). Most of the time I was next to the beach. Few if any cars. Nice and warm (96) but still and awesome day. Great tailwind going north. It doesn't get any better than this.

Steelrider2

Random thoughts

I can't remember the first time I heard about hurricanes. But since then, I knew they were bad things. While hurricane Dennis is in the panhandle of Florida and many miles away from Jacksonville, I feel for those in its path. Living with hurricanes seems to have become an all too frequent occurence for those in the panhandle. Just 10 months ago Ivan ripped through Pensacola with most of the aftermath still evident.

Interesting how Lance's team fell apart in the mountains....still a long two weeks

This week I'm in Daytona Beach vacationing with the family. Interesting place. For every person here, there must be at least 3 shops that sell bathing suits, sunscreen and stupid souvenirs. Trying to get a few rides in but the weather is not being very cooperative .

steelrider2

If you have problems, read this...

I have a friend who has recently been going through some significant challenges in his life. I found this piece a few years ago and it seems to fit.

5 Ways God Uses Problems

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways."

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags...if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you
should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience."

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something...health, money, a relationship... by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws."

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity.

"We can rejoice when we run into problems... they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him. "Success can be measured not only in achievements, but in lessons learned, lives touched and moments shared along the way."

WOW!!! What an ending...

I don't think I've ever seen a more exciting ending to a stage race than the one today. It had every emotion. I was really happy for Discovery Team, but felt real sorry for the way CSC lost. Dave Zabriskie gets my vote for facing adversity and getting up and riding in like a man. What a tough break. Once again, Lance Armstrong and his team were perfect. As seen, even a slight mistake by any of the riders can be catastrophic. Although, the outcome was what I would have expected, I would not want the crash to be the determing factor.

Also glad to see all the other teams racing well too. Gotta love those tailwinds!!

Steelrider2

One of those rare rides...

I can't quite put my finger on it, but yesterday was a ride that only seems to happen on special occasions. Some friends, Jim & Diane, and I set off for a nice long ride. We decided to ride north from our home in southern Jacksonville. Most of our rides usually take us south to St. Johns County where the routes are great and the traffic is easy. But today we decided to ride into Jacksonville...into the traffic filled streets dotted with potholes. But on July 4th we found the traffic minimal and the potholes just didn't seem to matter. We covered the 18 miles to downtown fairly quickly, over the Acosta Bridge and then rode the entire north bank River Walk, which I had never done. We took a brief break and started back south again. In riding through San Marco we decided to stop at Starbucks. It was still early so Starbucks wasn't crowded. We hung out for a while and then finished up leisurely. I've heard many people talk about rides like this but I'm usually into those epic rides. So this was a new experience for me. AWESOME!!! I'll be trying to have more experiences like this more often. Stats: 35 miles, 3 1/2 hours.

Random thoughts...

After writing three different versions of this and deciding they were all boring, I've decided I'm boring. Lots of work this week; 55 hours to be exact. If I said more you probably wouldn't read any further. Banking can be pretty mundane.

Way too much rain to have an meaningful ride time this week. We've had enough rain...it can now stop!!! Although I did manage get in a great long (3 1/2 hour) ride today.

I'm beginning to think about the MS 150 this year. I'll be riding with the Cody's Challenge Team. Good group of cyclists with Joe Pelley at the helm. Trying to decide if I want to take it easy and ride with my wife or try to keep up with Cody's Team. Whichever way, it will be an enjoyable time.

I guess I would have expected nothing less from the TT stage of the Tour today. Lance is an absolutely great time trialist. It proves his mental toughness. Those years in triathlon helped. Ony the winners name was different than I suspected. I do enjoy the coverage.

I know...if anyone got this far, you are no doubt bored to tears. I'll try to find something a little more lively for the week.

TdF thoughts...

Am I excited about the TdF? Yes, but in different ways than in years past. What excites me this year is to see if any of the Americans, besides LA, continue having a great year. I'm interested to see what stupid Basque antics will be televised. Sure would like to see Bobby J. and/or Levi L. on the podium. Will be interesting to see if Floyd L. has the supporting cast to make it to the top 5...probably not. I think it will be very interesting to see how Chris H. performs...what a year!!

It's evident that Americans are becoming the worlds premier cyclists in the US and Europe.

Does LA or the thought of his winning #7 excite me? Quite honestly....no. If he does, ok...if he doesn't, ok..... I will be interested in how OLN relates to cycling going forward. I'm afraid that the many boneheads who have such negative comments will cause OLN to reconsider it's commitment to cycling.

You boneheads know who you are....commenting as though you were professional media executives on the announcers. I don't care if Al Trautwig doesn't have a clue. OLN is showing cycling and the sport is being advanced. I don't care if Bob Roll says Tour DAY France. He has his own personal reasons, but OLN is showing cycling and the sport is being advanced. I don't care if Kirsten Gum has a crush on Tyler H. or whatever else she is or isn't doing. OLN is showing cycling and the sport is being advanced. Don't you guys get it??? OLN is showing cycling and the sport is being advanced. Announcers will come and go. What's important is that OLN knows they have a supportive audience, that the advertisers get some bang for their bucks and that cycling continues to be televised and the sport grows.

Your comments on my thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. Your original thoughts are also appreciated.

steelrider2

Ok, there's a tinge of jealousy...

Today's Florida Times-Union newspaper had an article about the Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta reopening after a group of concerned cyclists raised over $200,000 to renovate the track. Not only that but they held the Southeast Regional Championships/Elite Qualifier today. It also looks like they need a few more bucks to get the job done correctly. Having raised money for other sport venues, I know they would appreciate any help they could get.

So now the closest tracks to Jacksonville are in south Atlanta and north Miami. 6 hours away either way you go. I dunno how much a velodrome costs these days but it would be great if we had one in Jacksonville.

Anyone in Jax have any info? What is the temperature of the cyclists in Jax concerning a velodrome? I think it would be a cool idea. Comments?

Dodging the rain drops...

We were extremely lucky today that we got the children's swim meet in. We dodged rain drops all morning. Both my son and daughter did well. I am one of the parent volunteers and my job today was to judge stroke and turn. Yeah, I disqualified a few swimmers and a few relays, but to be the best you must be technically sound.

I had my ride scheduled for the afternoon, but the tropical depression had other thoughts. On our way home from the meet, the bottom fell out and has rained all afternoon....bummer. So...naptime!!! Hopefully I can get a long ride in tomorrow.

Below are a few pics from the swim meet. I'm really liking this new camera.

steelrider2

My daughter's stroke of choice is breaststroke...she was second in her heat today in 13-14 age group!!!! 

My son, Cam, had a great meet...second place in backstroke in 6 and under!!!! 

While Cali is shaking...the other side is considering its existence 

My QR. Nice ride. But would like to upgrade someday. But for now it'll do just fine. 

My wife's Gran Corsa. Perfect for her. Light and fast 

My 2004 Speciale Carbon...with a few trade outs. Traded to a 53-39 carbon crank, and a San Marco Rever seat 

And the winner is....

We’re just about caught up. I had been thinking for sometime that my wife really needed a new bike. So I began my search. I went into this without any preconceived ideas on what to buy. I wanted the best bike, with the right component mix and at the right price. I looked at Cannondale, Trek, Giant, Lemond, Specialized, Litespeed and Felt. I liked certain things about each. But during a recent trip to Nashville's Gran Fondo Bicycles, I found exactly what I was looking for. So, for Christmas 2004, I purchased my wife a Masi Gran Corsa and a Masi Speciale Carbon for myself. We sold the red bike, now she has a “white” bike. But I think she understands that the Masi is a great bike with a ton of history. As for me, I am quite enamored with my Speciale Carbon. Cycling has become even more fun now. My wife and I ride together more. I believe the Masi brand has exceptional quality, great looks and easily has received most favored status.

I still read and dote over ever picture in the bike catalogs. My 2004 Masi catalog is dog eared. Thankfully I am on the mailing list for about five or six catalog companies. Those once a month catalogs feed my bike obsession when not out riding.

I consider my Masi Speciale Carbon as my primary bike, although I still train on the QR. It’s an awesome shiny, high gloss, black Dedacciai steel/carbon frame. I never thought I’d ride another steel bike. Hence the blog name.

I have also developed a wish list for other bikes.

1. Masi fixed gear bike( available in 2006, hopefully)
2. Masi classic steel made using handcrafted lugs.
3. Masi TT/Triathlon (sometime in the future)
4. Masi 3VS scandium racing frame…it would be a build project.

As any one who’s married knows, being allowed to purchase four more bikes would take some fancy talking. That’s why we have wish lists.

Plugging a great product...

Some of you probably have a cycling coach. Others just get out there and ride like heck. I’ve tried both, but have come up with what now works great for me. I have this really cool computer based training program that interfaces with my heart rate monitor that functions as my coach. It’s called PC Coach. Perhaps some of you have heard of it.

I use a Polar 720i HRM and PC Coach Cycling. The author of the program was the late Dr. Ed Burke. It is an incredible program. Dr. Burke was an incredible coach. His memory lives on in this wonderful program and the books he authored. Along with the hrm I use the speed and cadence sensors. It is amazing what kind of data you can retrieve from your rides. Let's see..I'm a blog geek, bike geek and now a data geek. If I could just find a stylish pocket protector...but I digress.

PC Coach allows you to set up your current fitness level, determine the intensity you want and then program a race or race season. The feedback PC Coach provides is phenomenal. The sales person/technical advisor, Rebecca, is great. No question is too dumb. Or so she tells me. Not only does PC Coach sell the program, they can also advise you on which HRM might be best for you.

I highly recommend PC Coach and a companion Polar HRM.

Steep seat angles and complications...

By 1995, after only a few weeks of training on the Le Tour, I decided I needed a triathlon bike. The Le Tour was made of steel and was just too heavy. The aluminum bikes were lighter and stiffer and exactly what a budding triathlete needed. I finally convinced my wife I needed it. By that time, there were no more Schwinn shops. Schwinn had been sold by the founding family and maybe even filed bankruptcy once or twice. So, I purchased a black Cannondale MS800 from my a local bike shop. But the Schwinn went back into the garage.

The Cannondale was their entry level tri bike. The bike shop guy convinced me I needed the model on the floor. “It’s a perfect fit,” he said. NOT! It was too big and I didn’t discover that until my back began to hurt. Still I raced on that Cannondale for more than a year with a sore back. Luckily, a person needing a tri bike saw my ad and purchased it for exactly what I bought it for.

With the money I made on the Cannondale, plus a little extra, I graduated to a more triathlon specific black Quintana Roo. What a wonderful bike. I purchased it from a QR dealer far away, after being sized properly at a triathlon. I probably have 12,000 miles on that bike. I just love riding my bike. The Quintana Roo has served me well. After several minor crashes and a mishap with the bike, car, roof rack and garage door, the QR is still going strong. Opps…hate it when that happens.

After purchasing the QR, my wife and I had our second child. Due to pregnancy complications, she could no longer run so decided to take up cycling. The Schwinn Le Tour got dusted off again to yet another life. Although it didn’t fit her very well, it was close enough that she caught the cycling bug. She rode it for a few years. The Le Tour served our family well for many years. We eventually traded it for a lighter and smaller used “red” Cannondale. My wife couldn’t care less what kind of bike it was, but she knew the color. She rode that “red’ bike for four years and completed four MS 150 bike tours. She has developed into an awesome cyclist.

FYI...

Crashes...not the kind we cause between ourselves...but the kind between cyclists and vehicles. It happens far too frequently. My Hammerhead Racing teammate, Giselle Carson, a Jacksonville attorney, has written an excellent article that is helpful in understanding your car insurance. How many times have you heard of a cyclist being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This is compounded if you are uninsured or underinsured.

Now, before an accident, would be a great time to read the article by Chris Burns, another Jacksonville attorney, on how to protect your rights. Most of us have families and need to understand this stuff. Here's the article:

If you ride, you need to understand your automobile insurance coverage.

Cyclists are at great risk of being injured by negligent, inattentive, careless drivers. Often these same drivers are the ones driving without insurance, in violation of State laws, or with minimal insurance coverage. If you ride, you need to be proactive about your insurance coverage. The best way to be protected is to obtain adequate automobile coverage of your own. Following is a general review of the types of coverage that can be of benefit to an injured cyclist.

1) Bodily Injury / Property Damage Liability. It pays for injuries and property damage that the insured causes to someone else. Under Florida law, vehicle owners are only required to carry $10,000 of property damage liability. Damages to your bicycle will be covered by these funds. Florida law does not require bodily injury coverage. Therefore, if the at-fault driver elected not to have bodily injury coverage and had the minimum required property damage coverage, you are practically left with paying for your bills.

2) Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or No-fault. This type of coverage is required in Florida. It is primary to other benefits i.e. will cover damages suffered by the insured up to the policy limit, regardless of fault. Most policies pay for losses and expenses up to $10,000 per person, per accident. If you have a deductible, your benefits are significantly reduced because the deductible is subtracted from the damages after they are reduced by the applicable PIP percentages as outlined below.

The purpose of the PIP statute is to reduce litigation for relatively small claims and to provide the injured person with quick payment for certain expenses. PIP pays 80% of all reasonable medical expenses, including surgical, medical testing, dental, ambulance services, rehabilitative services and medical devices. It also covers 60% of gross wages lost due to the injury and all reasonable expenses incurred for household services normally performed by the injured person. A claim for PIP benefits does not lead to an automatic increase on your insurance rate.

3) Uninsured motorist. If the party responsible for your injuries does not have insurance or is underinsured and you opted to purchase UM coverage; then, you can make a claim under your UM policy to cover your damages. Your insurer must offer you UM coverage in an amount equal to your automobile liability insurance. However, your UM coverage cannot be higher than your liability coverage. Therefore, you may need to increase your bodily injury/property damage limits, in order to obtain a reasonable amount of UM coverage.

In Florida, the UM policy can be stacked. If you opt for stacking coverage you can increase the limits of your coverage by the number of cars insured under your policy. For example, if your UM coverage is $100,000 per person and you have a stacking policy and two cars; then, you have $200,000 of coverage.

To collect under your UM policy, at least four factors must be present: 1) you must have been involved in an accident which was not your fault; 2) you sustained bodily injuries; 3) the driver that caused your injuries must be an uninsured motorist or not have enough insurance to cover your losses and 4) if the at-fault driver is insured, you must make a claim to the driver’s insurance. To protect your right to recover under your UM policy, you should not settle the claim with the at-fault driver insurer without obtaining permission from your insurer. Otherwise, your ability to recover from your insurer may be limited or denied. However, you may have a claim against your insurer, if your insurer unreasonably interferes with the settlement efforts.

In Florida, you can collect for pain and suffering resulting from your injuries if you have a permanent injury as defined by statute. See below Fla. Stat. section 627.737(2). You can also recover for these damages without meeting the permanency threshold, if the at fault driver has no PIP coverage. The value of your pain and suffering claim is often calculated as a multiplier of your medical bills. This value can range from 1 to 10 times depending on the severity and types of injuries sustained.

Fla. Stat. section 627.737(2) states that a plaintiff may recover damages in tort for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience because of bodily injury, sickness, or disease arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation, or use of such motor vehicle only in the event that the injury or disease consists in whole or in part of:
(a) Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.
(b) Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement.
(c) Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
(d) Death.

Giselle Carson is an attorney with Marks Gray, P.A. in Jacksonville and a member of Hammerhead Racing. This article is reprinted by permission and is not intended as legal advice.

I know some of you will not be Florida residents, so check with a local cycling attorney and insurance agent in your area.

Too cool for school

Nothing much happened with my cycling during the high school years. I was too cool. I had replaced my bike with a car. If I didn’t drive, I walked. Fast forward to my 19th birthday. I received a 1976 Cutlass Supreme. The chicks were impressed, but the local police weren’t. I got caught for speeding three times in a four month time frame. After the second speeding ticket, my Dad told me if I got another, I would loose my license and my car. I loved to push the limits, especially the speed limits. The Friday night I got my third speeding ticket, I got home very late. On Saturday morning before a got up, Dad found my keys, cleaned out my car and drove it away. How did he know what had happened? As it turned out, a nosy neighbor was listening to the police scanner and heard the officer call in my information. The neighbor phoned my Dad immediately. I never saw the car again. My parents informed me I would have to catch a ride with friends or walk. They would not give me a ride, except to church. All I could think about was how totally uncool going on dates would be.

The next week I begged my Mom to take me to the Schwinn shop. I had saved up enough money from odd jobs and my lawn mowing gig, that I was able to purchase a Schwinn Le Tour. It was a baby blue 10 speed. It was the top of the line Schwinn, I think. Once again, Schwinn was my bike of choice. I had forgotten how fun it was to ride. When I went back to college in the fall, I took my bike, not a car. It was difficult at first but I adjusted. I used the bike to make me stand out. I rode to classes, rode a lot on weekends, even to the beach. Charleston, SC didn’t have much in the way of bike groups or races. So I was pretty much the only person my age riding. A few wigged out professor types rode to class as well.

A year later, I had improved my grades so I asked for a car. Dad bought me an old used car. Actually it was a junker. It was wheels, so the Le Tour went in the garage beside the little green Stingray. They were happy together. I graduated from college, got married and moved far away. No bikes in my life.

In 1987, my parents moved and they offered me those two bikes. What was I thinking? Dad made me take the Le Tour and I suggested he sell the Stingray. He did and got $30.00 for it. WHAT WAS I thinking? The Le Tour then stayed in my garage. I moved several times and the years passed. My wife tried to sell it more than once. But I refused on the basis that cycling was a good cross training activity for my running. My wife and I agreed that if I rode at least four times in a year, she wouldn’t sell it. At age 38, after running a few marathons, with some major pain, my friend and sports medicine man, suggested I try triathlon. Once again, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed cycling. The Le Tour came out of the garage. I had it tuned up. New tires, brake pads and cables and I was ready to ride.

The Stingray

It was Christmas 1966. I was now on the mailing list for the Schwinn catalog. I knew every bike by heart in the catalog. I dreamed of owning a Schwinn Stingray. On Christmas morning I awoke to the most beautiful Stingray I had ever seen. It was a forest green bike. The 3 speed gear shifter was on the top tube. Fast was the name of the game.

By that time, I was riding with classmates instead of neighbors. I had to ride a few blocks to meet them. The summer of ’67 my friends and I found a vacant lot a few blocks away. Trucks had dumped small mounds of dirt the summer before and by then had hardened and made for an excellent race course and awesome jumps. We called it “The Hills.” I rode around that course at least 10,000 times. We even had our parents come down one evening and watch us race. My first crit. It was so cool. My Stingray was the envy of the neighborhood. And it seemed like it was built just for jumping. I rarely lost in competition.

While going to “the Hills” I had to pass a house that had a big mean German shepherd. A little boy, maybe 3, lived there. Almost every time I went by, they were in the yard and the boy would yell to the dog, “thick’em.” This is exactly where my sprinting skills were developed. I had no idea I could out run that big mean dog. My heart rate had to be redlining. That stuff got old after a few weeks so I decided to take matters into my own hands, literally. I jerry rigged a set of clamps onto the long rear seat post and found an old croquet mallet. Drilled a hole in the handle and threaded a leather strap. I was ready for that dog. The next time he chased me I yanked the mallet off my bike and played polo with his head. After a few knots on his head, the dog quit bothering me.

The following fall, I decided to sell Christmas greeting cards. I knew exactly what I wanted. I wanted a second bike. It was a red 26” Huffy. I sold a lot of greeting cards that fall; enough to purchase that red Huffy. That’s when I became aware of the fact that all bikes were not created equal. When the box came I remember being so excited. Dad and I built it that night. I built while Dad supervised. After finishing, I told Dad I had made a mistake. I wished they had offered a Schwinn as a prize. That Huffy lasted maybe four months. It went to the trash shortly thereafter. Nothing but a Schwinn would ever be good enough after that. Besides, Huffy didn’t have a cool catalog like Schwinn.

Then came the 7th grade and Gail. I can't even remember her last name. But her Mom drove a blue vette. Girls, music, Jr. High activities and team sports all took a front seat to bike riding. It wasn’t cool anymore. I guess I turned off and tuned out. But the little green Stingray stay tucked away in the garage.

I couldn't stop laughing...

...when I read this. I'll apologize now to the author for publishing her stuff. I thought this would be a nice diversion from my bike stories. Here goes...

DEFINITION OF A BBQ
It's the only type of cooking a real man will do. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:
1) The woman buys the food.
2) The woman makes the salad, vegetables, and dessert.
3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill, with a drink.
4) The man places the meat on the grill.
5) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another drink while he deals with the situation.
7) The man takes the meat off the grill and hands it to the woman.
8) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
10) Everyone praises the man and thanks him for his cooking efforts.
11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed "her night off." And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women!

Boy, this hits close to home!!!
Chip

Chapter 2 rebuilding my first bike

The summer after finishing the second grade, I thought I had outgrown my 20” Skipper. However, Dad had a plan. Back to our favorite Schwinn shop we went looking for an upgrade. There were more catalogs and many more choices. Most of my friends had fallen for the rage of high handlebars and banana seats. Schwinn had introduced the Stingray. I was in awe. But Dad’s plan was a good one. He purchased a new seat and handlebars from the Schwinn shop and had the bike rebuilt one day while I was away with Mom. I couldn’t believe it; my wonderful Skipper was transformed into a cool machine like all the other kids had. It was like having a new bike.

For 2 more years I tooled around on my Skipper. I went every where. During school, I couldn’t wait to get home to ride. When summer came, I couldn’t wait to get up and ride. Whether it was with my friends or by myself, I just loved to ride.

During the first week of the 4th grade I had a major set back. One day after school, I disobeyed my Mom and rode off by myself with only a pair of shorts. I was riding down a street we called “The Dip.” It was a street that had a steep down hill only to have an immediate steep up hill. Somehow as I was riding down this street, I lost control and crashed. I broke my jaws in five places, cut a four inch gash in my chin and broke two teeth. I was a sight. Blood was everywhere. It took a long time before the neighbors could get my name and telephone number so they could call my parents.

I was in the hospital for two weeks. My jaws were wired shut for 9 weeks. Thankfully, I was young and wasn’t hurt worse. My parents were furious with me. They soon forgave me. Dad always had good advice. He made me get back on the bike as soon as the wires came out of my mouth. Even though the fear of the crash was in the back of my mind, I still loved riding my bike and rode almost every day, much more carefully.

My Introduction

Bicycling started for me at 6 years old. With an April birthday, the weather where I lived was nice enough to get outside around my birthday. I remember it as if it were yesterday. I had been asking for a bicycle. Many of the kids in my neighborhood had bikes. So, a few weeks before my 6th birthday, my Dad and I drove what seemed like an eternity to get to the local Schwinn shop. We looked at many bikes. I remember being overwhelmed with the color selection and styles. Although we didn’t purchase a bike that day, we did come home with a Schwinn catalog.

I looked at that catalog for hours on end. It had every bicycle Schwinn made. If I still had it today, it would surely be a collector’s item. Anyway, early the morning of my birthday my Dad and I drove to the Schwinn shop. That day I became the proud owner of a black Schwinn Skipper, a 20 incher with training wheels and handlebar streamers. I was the proudest person alive. I also remember feeling it was one of the best times I ever had with my Dad.

By Saturday afternoon, I had ridden around the driveway a thousand times. I informed my Dad I was ready to remove the training wheels and be like the others. My Dad counseled me that he didn’t think I was ready. I needed to give it a few weeks. I was six. I wasn’t a baby! What did he know? So, I’m sure against his better judgment, he removed the training wheels.

There was however, one caveat. Dad told me that once the training wheels came off, they wouldn’t go back on. I pleaded that I was ready. I even went to convince my Mom. All she told me was the same Dad had said. “Why don’t you wait, Son?” About 4:00 p.m. I convinced Dad that the training wheels should come off. Off they came. What I didn’t know at the time was that bike riding was an acquired skill not intuitive.

Since we lived on a relatively short cul-de-sac, I knew it would be a breeze to motor down to the end of the street and back. Just like the other kids. My Dad, like any good Dad, had a plan, although unknown to me. He called one of his friends at the other end of street and asked him to step outside to see if I would make it to the other end. Dad propped me up on the bike and gave me a shove. All I remember was hearing him yell, “pedal, Son, pedal” over and over again. Swerving from one side of the street to the other, I made it to the end. I’m sure my eyes were as big as saucers. I will never forget that feeling the first time I rode down the street. Total freedom.

Although I didn’t crash, it was truly beginners luck. The friend at the other end of the street caught me. Turned me around and shoved me in the direction of Dad. I fell. Not deterred, I tried again. I fell again. After trying several tries and several bumps and bruises, I swallowed my pride and walked my bike back home and begged my Dad to put the training wheels back on. He was true to his word; I never saw those training wheels again. Within a week, though, I was riding up and down the street with all my friends.

The summer of 1964, after the first grade, I spent a large majority of my time riding with my friends. We had bike rodeos, bike races; we even had a repair seminar given by one of the 9 year olds. My love for riding had developed quite nicely. As the summer drew to a close, my Dad saw how much I loved riding so he purchased an adult 28” Schwinn bicycle and we rode together many times. I will always remember that summer with my first bike.