tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742439615604238052024-03-17T20:02:44.474-07:00The ClaremontCyclistMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.comBlogger926125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-11791692215707354082012-05-31T06:28:00.000-07:002012-06-13T21:13:07.378-07:00An End and A Beginning: The CLR Effect...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is time for a change everyone. You may know that I have considered a name change for quite some time now. If you have been a regular reader here, or just an occasional one; if you have been what Google would call followers, or what I called members, I hope you have done so because there was something that struck a chord, perhaps something you found interesting, informative, maybe vaguely entertaining. I thank you for stopping by. I have met many people who have been familiar with the Claremont Cyclist, and even some who were able to pick me out of the moving mass of a peloton, because of this blog.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you are one of the older members, or someone new, I hope you will think it worthwhile to become a member of my new blog - the <a href="http://centerlinerule.blogspot.com/">CLR Effect</a>. I have always been envious of blogs with interesting, creative names like Red Kite Prayer, Twisted Spokes, Cycling Inquisition, Ride the Black Line, to name but four. The CLR Effect is my attempt at a more creative, yet recognizable name. The subject matter will not change; if I wrote about it on the Claremont Cyclist, I will write about it on the CLR Effect. That being the case, you may wonder why change at all; I guess what it comes down to is that I simply wanted a more inclusive name, one that was unbound, one that was reflective of the broad range of my cycling interests. Besides what if I were to move (not that there is any move planned) - there are only a certain number of places in the world where the title Claremont Cyclist would work.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Truth be known, I kept going back and forth on this for some time. It had become quite ridiculous, and in the end it became a matter of just getting it over with. Though all the old posts will remain accessible here (and I will still reply to comments), <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">from this point on consider the Claremont Cyclist closed, and the CLR Effect launched</span>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to know what the title CLR Effect is all about, you'll have to click <a href="http://centerlinerule.blogspot.com/2012/05/welcome-about-clr-effect.html">here</a>, the first post will explain it all. While you are there sign on as a member, it is free of charge, and I won't pester you for anything other than an occasional post comment.</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-64286919679665106452012-05-30T06:40:00.000-07:002012-05-30T06:40:16.124-07:00Two Turns Short of a Full Ride...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little business to tend to in the afternoon yesterday, but first there was</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a ride up CA 39 in the morning. Sun was shining bright, but I could have done without the wind. That's alright though, when the road is this sweet I'll tolerate a little inconvenience. Literally two turns short of the Crystal Lake turnoff I turned around. Is that anti-climactic or what? There is a clue contained in the third photo below, related to a little change to the blog, which will be announced tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-8268090442161215342012-05-29T08:38:00.000-07:002012-05-29T08:38:40.168-07:00New Man in Yellow...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Andy Schleck was officially presented with the Yellow Jersey for his 2010 Tour de France <i>victory</i>. I have mixed opinions about it, and no matter how hard I try, I can't shake the hollowness of it all. And I don't think I am alone in thinking this.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may recall that Alberto Contador's victory that year was overturned due to the detection of clenbuterol in his urine sample and Andy Schleck, who finished second, was declared the winner. Obviously, if your victor is determined to have won by illegal performance enhancing means, the overall victory should then fall to the next best placed racer. With two additional 2nd on g.c. finishes at the Tour, and one g.c. 2nd at the Giro, Andy has proven that he is a capable rider. So why can't I come to terms with this victory? I think ultimately it is because you never know how things would have progressed - you can not just erase the <i>top placed</i> racer and expect that the progress of a three week Tour would have played out the same way otherwise. Too many variables would have been altered over the course of the race, and the final outcome would not have been a given.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope Andy can win this year, maybe the next; it would go a long way toward justifying the 2010 decision. The court of public opinion can sometimes be harsh and unfair, but until he gets that win 2010, like 2006, is going to be another question mark in my books.</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-21792793771893574312012-05-28T19:33:00.001-07:002012-05-28T19:33:39.047-07:00Memorial Day Weekend Laziness...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish I could say I did a lot of riding this Memorial Day weekend. There were two local races to choose from - the Barry Wolfe Grand Prix on Sunday; normally wouldn't miss it, but they moved it further out of the way this year, so, uh, no. Another crit today at Dominguez Hills, and a bunch of local group rides with the Psycho-lists. Truth is though, I was extremely lazy, and did almost none - just a little in-town riding. Here is some of what I saw:</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pearsons Hall @ the Claremont Colleges</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Memorial Park was surprisingly quite on this Memorial Day</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Memorial Day topiary</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">plenty of people chose to get around by bike</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">on the extra day off</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">riders in the Village, and passing through</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">annual Memorial Day BBQ at Wolfe's Market</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">stacks of bikes</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Woody and Jessie</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Leia</span></i></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-28872598685522191672012-05-27T14:28:00.002-07:002012-05-27T14:28:31.153-07:00It's A Final: Ryder Wins 2012 Giro d'Italia...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O3-5oXUenBs/T8KWqMMX31I/AAAAAAAAG-4/ueV64uHlMvE/s1600/d'italia+podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O3-5oXUenBs/T8KWqMMX31I/AAAAAAAAG-4/ueV64uHlMvE/s400/d'italia+podium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>for full photo (and more) - <a href="http://www.slipstreamsports.com/">click</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryder Hesjedal, the first Canadian champion of the Giro d'Italia, and only the second time in Giro history that the overall title has been determined on the final day (in 1984 Francesco Moser overtook Laurent Fignon on the final stage to don the Maglia Rosa). In the past, Ryder has shown that he possesses the ability to be considered an overall contender in a major Tour. Over the last three weeks he has shown the physical ability over a range of terrain, and the tactical knowledge required, to turn possibility into reality. Congratulations are in order.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We may still be a month away, but all eyes now turn to France, and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what is shaping into quite a show.</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-69682168527535980632012-05-25T08:52:00.000-07:002012-05-25T08:52:02.629-07:00Early Weekend C & V: 1970s Trek...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVpJqEC21yw/T765LpB3aKI/AAAAAAAAG7E/L0WMayVsV2w/s1600/IMG_8598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVpJqEC21yw/T765LpB3aKI/AAAAAAAAG7E/L0WMayVsV2w/s400/IMG_8598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The story goes that this basic black Trek was used by its previous owner as a touring steed. Excepting a few standouts, it is pretty nondescript, with a kind of mish-mash of components including, Campagnolo headset, Suntour shifting, Mafac brakes. All that speaks of an owners preference over a period of years. What makes it stand out, I think, are the wheels, built with 70's Phil Wood hubs and boxy Wolber rims, the head badge, which has started to take on a nice patina, and an Avocet seat post with the Avocet logo (my photo of it did not come out, but I did find an advertisement over at <a href="http://www.classicrendezvous.com/">Classic Rendezvous</a>). Not sure of the exact date, though I have seen the same frame noted as a 1979 model 730 / 736. There you have it, and it's for sale at the <a href="http://claremontvelo.com/">Velo, World's Smallest Bike Shop</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NxwrOlsHUE/T76757Y3XEI/AAAAAAAAG8E/VYsdWnJC0B8/s1600/Bike_World_4-77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NxwrOlsHUE/T76757Y3XEI/AAAAAAAAG8E/VYsdWnJC0B8/s320/Bike_World_4-77.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-12444980099281090802012-05-24T19:47:00.000-07:002012-05-25T06:33:54.248-07:00Oh, Canada, Oh No, Kristin...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terrific start for the Canadian women in the 2012 Exergy Tour prologue - Whitten, Carleton, Hughes in the top three spots. But man, I could feel the shock of hitting the pavement when Kristin Armstrong went down, and she went down suddenly and hard. Armstrong was really flying around the short course and I have to think would have dislodged all three of the top racers if she had not gone down. She still managed to finish only 8 seconds back. Worst of all, the way she was holding her shoulder at the end was not reassuring. Damn. Confirmed - Armstrong has been knocked out of the race with a broken collarbone. You know she was pumped to be racing before the hometown crowd. That has to double the pain. Damn.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">authors photo of Kristin Armstrong from the 2012 San Dimas Stage Race</span></i></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-68361364866031235002012-05-23T21:02:00.000-07:002012-05-23T21:06:45.645-07:00Finally, the Buds Ride...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wait, didn't I use that heading last year? I can't believe we are now almost two months into the Bud's season, and I have only now made it out to the Wednesday ride. On a positive note, it was good to see that no one has slacked off in my absence. On the negative side, there was a bad solo rider crash at the bottom of the hill in Bonelli. A gal, who had to have been about mid-field, though maybe on the right side of the bunch went down, probably after hitting one of the pot holes at that intersection. The rider was sitting at the side of the road, and no one had stopped, nor appeared to be stopping. When I realized what had happened I swung around, and a little further ahead another rider did the same. A third rider coming downhill stopped to see if she could help as well. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In true dedicated roadie fashion, the crashed rider was more concerned about her bike than anything else (I believe she said it was a week old). A driver also stopped with some bottled water and paper towels. A lot of road rash - both legs, both arms, face, rear - is going to make for an uncomfortable, sore few days, but all that appeared to be the worst of it (the bike seemed fine). A Sheriff's deputy came by and he got the lifeguard with first aid stuff. Leisel came along, then quickly left to get her car in order to give the crashed rider a lift. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't say I did much more than stand around and look concerned, and pick up some of the debris - water bottle, sunglass pieces - but I certainly was not going to leave her alone at that point. You know I switched teams this year, to SC Velo, and looking around at all the riders who eventually stopped to help or see if they could do anything, and notice how many were wearing SC Velo or Incycle kit, was actually pretty heartening.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I finally made it out to Bud's this year, which turned out to be short and, unfortunately, not sweet. Thankfully, for everyone, there is always next week. Hope the crashed rider makes a speedy recovery and can rejoin us soon.</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-89145973997919584102012-05-23T12:05:00.000-07:002012-05-23T12:05:41.537-07:00Thoughts During a Ride...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">what thoughts are in that noggin now?</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was on one of my long solo rides recently, the kind that are especially good for thinking, largely because there is not much else to do. Group rides are not as amenable to this kind of mental activity because there is too much distraction - planning your attack for the next KOM or Sprint point, concentrating on holding that wheel in front of you, wondering how long it has been since someone up ahead last washed their kit. I know I did a post once (last year) about the brevity of my thought process on training rides, such as Bud's.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stuff like that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long solo rides are completely different; other than debating how best to keep the cranks turning, there is plenty of free time. You may remember a recent post in which I mentioned riding for miles thinking only of sweat. It is not uncommon to find myself focused on a single line of thought for a considerable distance and length of time. On the above mentioned recent ride, I had an entire conversation on the merits, the pluses and minuses of spinning versus pushing a big gear. If I had a smart phone with a dictation app I could have composed an entire lecture on the topic. It wasn't just randomness that settled my thoughts on this topic, it was the continuation of a conversation I had with my son at the recent bike marathon at his school. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During that conversation, I commented to him that he was pushing too big a gear, and that he should try spinning in an easier gear for a while. His was response was, to the effect of "that's not the way I ride." I told him that in the long run, over the course of the 24 hour event it would help, but he wasn't buying it. As someone who has always been known for big-gear riding (I wasn't bestowed the nickname 53-12 for nothing) I decided not to push the point too much, and just let him ride his ride. Anyway it did give me a topic for a future post - watch for it here.</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-79183464703460011202012-05-22T09:11:00.000-07:002012-05-22T17:48:16.022-07:00Quotable Link: Donal Harrington...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“The girl (in the ambulance) said ‘stop’ but I said I’d only stop if she had a bandage ready when I stop. She didn’t so she threw a bit of water on me and I went off again. I knew I was never going to get back on because they were just going too fast.”</i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vast majority of us competitive cyclists will never get the chance to race an event as big as the An Post Ras, let alone anything even more prominent. Mayo Centra Team rider, Donal Harrington, was not going to let a little blood (or a lot as the case may be) stop him. There is a good read, with uncropped bloody photo by Paul Mohan too, over at the <i style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/i-got-ten-stitches-but-if-my-ras-was-over-id-never-get-over-it-never/">Sticky Bottle</a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess I never knew that Gesink was so much the fan of California, choosing to train and vacation here. And the fact that he rides for Rabobank, who have been busy making financial inroads here in the state, makes his stage and overall victories during the recent Amgen Tour of California seem almost as if the home team took the wins.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keeping himself close in the early goings, beginning his move to the top during the time trial, and then capping it all with an emphatic win at Mt. Baldy for a big win and prestigious addition to his palmares. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always been intrigued by Gesink, especially when he is climbing. He seems like such an unlikely climber, not the fluid pedal dancer image we typically attach to cyclings mountain goats. Bobbing and rocking, he never-the-less propels himself upward with power and determination, enough to always be considered a threat when the road turns upward. Due to injury and personal loss, he has had a couple <i>off years</i>, but certainly appears to be back at full strength now. It was a well deserved win for Robert Gesink, and the Rabobank Team.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relive it now:</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_szP8L7LEHg" width="560"></iframe></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-4522272296743280402012-05-21T13:55:00.000-07:002012-05-21T13:55:18.536-07:00The May Cycle Claremont Community Ride...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The May Cycle Claremont Ride brought out mostly returning riders, but it was also good to see quite a few new riders (new, meaning they had not done a CC ride before). It means that word is still getting around. We were also joined by a group of riders from the Pomona Valley Bike Coalition (PVBC), all returnees who had done the ride, one month or another, in the past. A little twist to today's ride - I agreed at the last minute to lead a faster group and was given some leeway to add on some distance as willing. Everyone in the group was willing, so we deviated off the regular CC short route and wove our way around the residential area of north Claremont. It was still pretty darn short (from my perspective at least), but seemed to work out well enough today.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">gathering</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">still gathering</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">can you spot the bike?</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">the PVBC Crü + a CSBG infiltrator</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cycle Claremont rides may take a hiatus for the summer, we will determine that soon, and then hopefully plan something new for the next scheduled rides, whenever they occur. Check the Cycle Claremont website, or CC Facebook page for the latest information. I will, of course, post up information here as well. Even if the Rides take time off for the summer, it does not mean you have to stop riding, there are plenty of local rides going on, plenty of local groups to join in with. If I feel really inspired, I may even plan a couple social rides myself. Whatever the case, always remember, any day is a good day to bring out your bikes.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">funny thing about leading, i didn't really have the same opportunity to take photos during the ride. so i swung back around the first part of the route to photo the directional markers</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, one last thing, Greg Armstrong, who has been involved in the local cycling scene for some time now, was at the start talking to everyone about the upcoming Plain Wrap Ride, which he is helping to organize and promote. The important thing to note about this ride is that it benefits several Inland cycling-related organizations by providing much needed funds in support of their respective missions. Learn more about the 2012 Plain Wrap Ride by clicking the link in the Upcoming events section at the right.</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-90263527243538939692012-05-19T19:13:00.002-07:002012-05-22T13:57:13.337-07:002012 Tour of California, Stage 7: A Morning with AG2R - La Mondiale...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Double the fun today during stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California. Started out at the stage start in Ontario amongst all the team cars, buses, bikes, riders, officials, volunteers and, of course, throngs of fans. Watched the start and then a quick trip home, drop off equipment, change into kit, push off on the bike and book on over to GMR to pick up the race passing by there. And, I made it back home in plenty of time to watch the finale on the slopes of Mt. Baldy.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I really had to lead with this one: je avec Nicolas Roche</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">et Sylvain Georges, vainqueur d'hier</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The start has become my favorite place to be at big races like this. The meet and greet, all the activity of getting ready, anticipation buzzing through the crowd. I walked back and forth, I don't know how many times, through the team area, taking photos of this and that, and finally set myself at the front door of the AG2R-La Mondiale bus to wait for the riders to come on out. The United Healthcare team was right behind me too, and it was interesting to compare the two.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The UHC riders were some of the earliest to emerge from their team bus and quickly engaged the throngs, they signed autographs, posed for photos, had some seriously long conversations with Joe and Joan Everybody, rode over to sign in, and then came back and picked up with the crowd where they left off. In contrast the AG2R riders, didn't emerge really until the last minute. Even so, they took a little time to pose and sign (as you can see above) before heading over to the start area. By the way if you are wondering why the race start was delayed somewhat, it was due to the wife - the first photos she took of Mr. Roche and myself didn't exactly come out, so we had to bother him all over again. Thank you Nicolas. Actually I don't know what caused the delay - something about clearing the course, I think. I gave one final attempt at searching for the Argos Shimano Team, who did not seem to be set up with the rest of the teams. Turns out they were in a parking lot across the way and were heading out when I tracked them down. Bummer. Thanks to the delayed start I was able to rush over in time to see riders reclining all over the place, stretching, laughing, just waiting. An opportune time for a delay, as I got to see the race take off. </span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">grille monkey</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">window art</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">bmc</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Levi was a busy man, even before changing into his work clothes</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">as the sign says, broom wagon</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">team Rabobank bikes</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">#71 - Nicolas Roche</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tiago Machado passing by</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Vincenzo Nibali and Peter Sagan ride to the start</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fast Freddy stretching a little</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Colombia Coldeportes guys found a little shade while awaiting the start, and shared a laugh</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>with Team Radioshack's Tiago Machado</i></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jens</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Super Dave Z</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">one young fans flag</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">packing up</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there I turned my attention to GMR. I was able to get in with a group of Incycle riders heading down from Baldy Road, and made some good time into San Dimas. When I got to the bottom of GMR I still had plenty of time before the race was predicted to come by, but chose just to hang out down below - at about the ranger station. It was a good call, I think, just enough slope to keep them from speeding by too fast. The first group came by being powered by Jens Voigt, with Horner on his wheel, and everyone else trying to hang on. It wasn't long before the first chase group (main peloton) came through being driven by the Rabobank guys. After they went through there was a good long wait for the next chase group. Once they had ridden out of sight I waited a little, expecting the broom wagon to come by. It never happened, so I rode on down to the turn onto GMR from Sierra Madre where there was still a big crowd. CHP came by and said there was still one lone rider to come through. Seemed cruel to post up that photo, so it was time to go. I rushed home in time to see the, now two, leaders approaching Cow Saddle before the descent into Baldy Village - and of course the win by Gesink. Whoop, whoop Rabobank.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3cdDMqeJr4/T7g96p0BJxI/AAAAAAAAG4o/et-CLPUvqmA/s1600/IMG_8643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3cdDMqeJr4/T7g96p0BJxI/AAAAAAAAG4o/et-CLPUvqmA/s400/IMG_8643.JPG" width="400" /></span></i></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jens Voigt ahead of Chris Horner at the bottom of GMR</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are plenty more photos, including more than just the one of actual racing action, and by clicking <a href="http://s886.photobucket.com/albums/ac66/mtowagner/2012%20ATOC%20Stage%207/?albumview=slideshow">this link</a> you will be taken to a slideshow of them. Or, if you prefer, <a href="http://s886.photobucket.com/albums/ac66/mtowagner/2012%20ATOC%20Stage%207/?start=all">photos only</a> - no slideshow format.</span></div>
</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-76624921737537287222012-05-18T20:03:00.002-07:002012-05-19T08:12:20.921-07:00Allez, Sylvain, Allez...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0sGzA7T45g/T7bYDcr13cI/AAAAAAAAG14/htP6_RY5Uas/s1600/sylvaingeorges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0sGzA7T45g/T7bYDcr13cI/AAAAAAAAG14/htP6_RY5Uas/s400/sylvaingeorges.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sylvain Georges. You have to love it when the underdog wins. And what a scrappy, courageous ride it was to take that win. I was willing him to hold on, push, just a little more. And he did it. Honestly, I was kind of cursing Salas for giving up on the break, after Georges had helped him to attain his King Of the Mountains points. And then backing out after the final KOM summit, to leave Sylvain on his own just didn't seem right. I know Salas has his own race, not to mention KOM jersey to look after, but it still seemed a cold move. Anyway, it was a bold move by Georges, out front from 1.5 km after the start, all the way to the end. As Phil Liggett would say, "hats off to him". He deserves it, and the stage win. Heck, give him the most aggressive award for the day too. I guess, in the end, having to finish alone, makes victory all the sweeter.</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-37829655277346313132012-05-18T07:28:00.000-07:002012-05-19T09:15:16.624-07:00The 2012 El Roble Bike Marathon...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the end of the school year is fast approaching, then it must be time for the El Roble Intermediate School Bike Marathon. This was the 35th year of the annual event which raises funds to support programs of the Claremont Chapter of the Red Cross. As mentioned in past years, the students (8th grade) who participate in the Marathon, either as riders or lap counters, must meet certain academic requirements, write an essay on why they should be allowed to participate, get the approval of all their teachers, and attend a series of meetings and practices during the weeks leading up to the event.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is fun to sit and watch, even for a short while, and you will notice differences in the attitudes of the kids; those who are there for fun, for the competition to ride the most laps, or raise the most donations. More likely, a combination of all those is true. Of course, I think there is also a sense of pride of accomplishment, in doing something to benefit the community, that is woven into the whole event. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Marathon is a 24-hour event, taking place from noon on Thursday to noon on Friday. The kids are split into four groups of ten riders; two groups ride laps of the track for an hour and then take an hour rest. So, it is one hour on, one hour off, throughout the twenty-four hours. The same applies to the lap counters, who each have assigned riders that they have to keep track of. It takes some stamina, especially if you are aiming for the school record. A ton of pizza and other food and snacks, gallons of water and gatorade, and more are required to fuel the riders as they circle around throughout the night. The teachers don't exactly take it easy either - I saw both Mr. Gonzalez and Ms. Foster out spinning with the students, and will work to keep the wheels rolling though the dark hours.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I left for the evening, the sun was nearing the horizon, and it wouldn't be long before the lights came on. The cheering had been going strong for several hours by then with little, if any, decline in enthusiasm, and I wondered how long into the early morning hours it could continue. Well, it's all in fun, and since the son is riding this year, I am sure I will hear all about those early hours this afternoon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://s886.photobucket.com/albums/ac66/mtowagner/2012%20El%20Roble%20Bike%20Marathon/?albumview=slideshow">Link to slideshow</a> of all photos (now updated with awards). For the record, the top boy rode 632 laps, the top girl rode 578. Pretty darn good; I would sign them up for my team anytime.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>the aftermath: after 535 laps = 133.75 miles of a dirt track (good enough for 3rd place, boys), your bike too may start to look like it has survived Paris-Roubaix during a dry year, or perhaps the Strada Bianca. </i></span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-5295090792627549592012-05-16T22:01:00.001-07:002012-05-17T11:09:05.580-07:002012 Ride of Silence...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gN6U8a585AM/T7U1z9_tHpI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/kV-jrvY4-Vo/s1600/Ride+of+Silence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gN6U8a585AM/T7U1z9_tHpI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/kV-jrvY4-Vo/s400/Ride+of+Silence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>empty, silent bike on one more ride, being escorted by a friend of a fallen rider</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was trying to think of something poignant to say about this evenings Ride of Silence - I made it out to the Rancho Cucamonga ride, hosted by Cycling Connection. This was my first year to attend a Ride of Silence, so there should be plenty of inspiration to base a post on; things like how the ride brought so many riders from the regular activities to remember the fallen, how the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department considered the Ride important enough that they provided support. But in the end, I think, it was how the riders rode true to the spirit of the ride. Whether it was in remembrance of someone they personally knew/know, or someone they have read or heard about, the ride was truly a silent one. The occasional clicking of a gear change, the ratcheting on spinning freewheels, clips of cleats into pedals, were the only sounds from the procession. I found myself recalling the names of people I admittedly had never heard of before their lives were taken from friends and family, from the community of cyclists.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>setting the rules, and</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>reminding everyone why we were there.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>riders back behind me.</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rON0S1nY5Mg/T7SEW4iu2SI/AAAAAAAAG0A/fut5FeWT3g4/s1600/IMG_8567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rON0S1nY5Mg/T7SEW4iu2SI/AAAAAAAAG0A/fut5FeWT3g4/s320/IMG_8567.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know how many people we passed realized what this long line of cyclists was all about, why we were riding. At first I thought this an odd contradiction, but I finally came to realize that the Ride of Silence, at least as I see it, isn't for them; it is really for us. A coming to terms, a reconciling, which perhaps, only we can understand because of our shared experience as cyclists. So, in the end, the most poignant thing I can note about the Ride ... was the silence.</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-32707679280950213802012-05-16T12:31:00.000-07:002012-05-16T12:31:23.804-07:00Killer Commute...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry to say I forgot about this until I decided to clean up my inbox. The creator of the graphic contacted me a couple months ago - she and her team would appreciate opinions and feedback, which you can provide by clicking this <a href="http://www.collegeathome.com/killer-commute/">link</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.collegeathome.com/killer-commute/"><img border="0" alt="Killer Commute" src="http://images.collegeathome.com.s3.amazonaws.com/killer-commute.gif" width="500" /></a><br />Created by: <a href="http://www.collegeathome.com/">CollegeAtHome.com</a></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-32808344172837379732012-05-16T09:05:00.001-07:002012-05-16T09:05:57.091-07:00Sagan: Three for Three...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aox-bWaaEOU/T7POHgXbyPI/AAAAAAAAGzI/CJCTdSYnzoU/s1600/sagan+3+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aox-bWaaEOU/T7POHgXbyPI/AAAAAAAAGzI/CJCTdSYnzoU/s400/sagan+3+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Tomeke</i> Boonen says that Sagan can be beaten at the Tour of California.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But who's going to do it?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may be more a matter of not who, but what.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mountains await.</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-69368437215831404472012-05-15T16:53:00.000-07:002012-05-15T21:46:32.944-07:00Ride of Silence Reminder...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With so much going on over the next several days - Bike to Work Week continues, Bike to Work Pit Stop in Claremont, Bike After Work Get-Together with PVBC, both on Thursday, El Roble Bike Marathon, Thursday and Friday, Tour of California, Stage 6 on Friday, Stage 7 on Saturday, and Cycle Claremont on Sunday, I overlooked one of the most important of all - The Ride of Silence. The most local ride for us in Claremont is the one in Rancho Cucamonga. Hosted by Cycling Connection the ride will depart from It's a Grind at 6:00 Wednesday evening (corner Baseline & Day Creek). Everyone riding is asked to be there by 5:30. Extra work has gone in to securing escort from the City of Rancho Cucamonga Police Department for this year's ride. If you have to leave work a little early, and are able to, this is an important one to make. Ridden in memory of our fellow cyclists who have been killed on roadways around the world, as well as to raise awareness of cyclists rights, this is a non-competitive ride with speeds below 12mph. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"On May 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves." </i>from the Ride of Silence <a href="http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php">website</a></span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-4218125348143957772012-05-14T18:47:00.000-07:002012-05-14T18:47:13.794-07:00ATOC, Stage 2: Sagan Again...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is 2 for 2 now</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to the Twitteratti,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taylor Phinney predicted Sagan would take </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stages 1, 2 and 6. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, he is 2/3 of the way there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But why not tomorrow as well - the way he is riding,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he seems perfectly capable.</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-8378080854236254462012-05-14T06:41:00.000-07:002012-05-14T06:41:11.808-07:00All About the Bike: Art Walk Pomona...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvZU5CmaoZ4/T7ELHb2eePI/AAAAAAAAGyU/BHGS5qj0yfk/s1600/IMG_8253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvZU5CmaoZ4/T7ELHb2eePI/AAAAAAAAGyU/BHGS5qj0yfk/s400/IMG_8253.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>PVBC - Ride On</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, perhaps <i>all</i> about the bike is a bit of an exaggeration, but they sure figured prominently during the Art Walk at the Pomona Arts Colony this past Saturday. There were riders zipping around on fixed-gear bikes throughout the evening, some custom cruisers were parked outside local feed boxes, and some vintage Schwinn's looking for new owners. On Second Street, at the west end of the Arts Colony are a few galleries and art spaces, set off a little from the main throng. One, Gallery 611, had a bike exhibit, while a couple others - Twenty Miles East and, I think, Foggy Windows, had bikes within the exhibit spaces either hanging from the rafters, or arranged in front of a backdrop. I am not sure it they were actually a part of the exhibitions. My impression was that they were there to draw people like myself in, to look at the paintings and photographs on the walls. That was alright with me. A third space at the west end of the Colony is the Second Street Sculpture Park. This is actually a lot between buildings, a workspace for the artist, and is occupied by a number of large fabrications and sculptural creations, many bike related, or human powered. The second and fourth Saturdays of each month are Art Walk nights, and the place really comes alive, especially after dark. It is worth a visit.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoMGLZ-djeE/T6_YkQi3Y5I/AAAAAAAAGwM/eGWbePO_Z8Q/s1600/IMG_8237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoMGLZ-djeE/T6_YkQi3Y5I/AAAAAAAAGwM/eGWbePO_Z8Q/s320/IMG_8237.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>fixies everywhere</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSIZHeGDX48/T6_ZHTHOz1I/AAAAAAAAGwY/WUunns8mDr8/s1600/IMG_8244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSIZHeGDX48/T6_ZHTHOz1I/AAAAAAAAGwY/WUunns8mDr8/s400/IMG_8244.jpg" width="266" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>one of the galleries at the west end with bikes in the rafters</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lXqiD6yXJY/T6_acz_o-7I/AAAAAAAAGwo/NyoeUGeetIw/s1600/IMG_8250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lXqiD6yXJY/T6_acz_o-7I/AAAAAAAAGwo/NyoeUGeetIw/s320/IMG_8250.jpg" width="213" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>the nondescript Gallery 611</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmwSH8vunm0/T6_ZzrALTCI/AAAAAAAAGwg/-IOmpnVrR1k/s1600/IMG_8248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmwSH8vunm0/T6_ZzrALTCI/AAAAAAAAGwg/-IOmpnVrR1k/s400/IMG_8248.jpg" width="266" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>a peek inside the front door of Gallery 611</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-994jiOb4NIA/T6_bdcIPX4I/AAAAAAAAGww/_IeQ44Jw8yg/s1600/IMG_8251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-994jiOb4NIA/T6_bdcIPX4I/AAAAAAAAGww/_IeQ44Jw8yg/s320/IMG_8251.jpg" width="213" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>2nd St Sculpture Park - </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Pomona Valley Bike Coalition was hosting a bike corral there</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dqhexHQJT4/T6_cJyJL7RI/AAAAAAAAGw8/iW8yUvnGgAM/s1600/IMG_8252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dqhexHQJT4/T6_cJyJL7RI/AAAAAAAAGw8/iW8yUvnGgAM/s400/IMG_8252.jpg" width="266" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>a horse at the 2nd St Sculpture Park</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAMR6Z3Dnsc/T6_dfTPM6kI/AAAAAAAAGxM/75rj5SYrLJU/s1600/IMG_8254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAMR6Z3Dnsc/T6_dfTPM6kI/AAAAAAAAGxM/75rj5SYrLJU/s400/IMG_8254.jpg" width="266" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>the ultimate wheel sucker</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1eVowjEgkk/T6_eSGAoJgI/AAAAAAAAGxY/P-7yS0PNDCc/s1600/IMG_8255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1eVowjEgkk/T6_eSGAoJgI/AAAAAAAAGxY/P-7yS0PNDCc/s320/IMG_8255.jpg" width="213" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>such a cool bike rack, artistic and functional</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oq1C9hyiVR0/T6_e5BCwMfI/AAAAAAAAGxg/hzpj5Jlzpg4/s1600/IMG_8256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oq1C9hyiVR0/T6_e5BCwMfI/AAAAAAAAGxg/hzpj5Jlzpg4/s400/IMG_8256.jpg" width="266" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>another horse, of course</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2CtbaZ8ScI/T6_fg2UTC9I/AAAAAAAAGxo/2WcBENjSd0Q/s1600/IMG_8257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2CtbaZ8ScI/T6_fg2UTC9I/AAAAAAAAGxo/2WcBENjSd0Q/s320/IMG_8257.jpg" width="213" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>shadows on a wall</i></span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-28921750853899923212012-05-13T18:33:00.000-07:002012-05-13T18:33:25.345-07:00ATOC 2012, Stage One...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMV07ecXj0s/T7BeLn8lmCI/AAAAAAAAGyI/18S2FXmkZ6k/s1600/sagan1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMV07ecXj0s/T7BeLn8lmCI/AAAAAAAAGyI/18S2FXmkZ6k/s400/sagan1+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing where he left off last year during his visit to California.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An impressive win by any account.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make it back to the bunch after a wheel change at 7.5 km to go was one thing,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but then to finish off by out kicking everyone left.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So strong.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brilliant for Fast Freddy to take 3rd.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wish Boonen had been able to contest, but there will be another chance.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, no, Roche caught up in the crash. At least it was in the final 3 km.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drama, action, athleticism, power, finesse.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fantastic start to this year's race.</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-75308842906905510402012-05-12T17:11:00.000-07:002012-05-12T21:44:11.765-07:00T'was the Night Before the ATOC...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been pretty quiet around the Claremont Cyclist HQ regarding the Amgen Tour of California up to this point. That doesn't mean the excitement has not been building around here, and on the eve of the race's kick-off stage up north, I am ready for the action to build over the next week. Like last year, when stage 7 rolls around next Saturday, the family and I will ride over to the start in Ontario, where we will try to hang out a bit with the teams <a href="http://claremontcyclist.blogspot.com/2011/05/atoc-stage-7-morning-with-rabobank.html">again</a>. It is always fun to see the riders (and managers / staff) up close like that, in a relaxed state, before things become intense. Before that happens though I will hopefully be able to take in stage 6 as well, which traverses the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains. While watching the finish at Big Bear would be nice, I am thinking the Wrightwood KOM will be a more likely place for me to watch the action; if you look at the stage profile it is that first really high point marked Angeles Crest, just before the 45 mile mark and at approximately 7800 feet elevation.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpLj7ll4yCU/T676p_0DakI/AAAAAAAAGwA/tkBa8TVrQ70/s1600/2012AToCStage6Profilev2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpLj7ll4yCU/T676p_0DakI/AAAAAAAAGwA/tkBa8TVrQ70/s400/2012AToCStage6Profilev2+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who are the racers on my watch list this year? Lets start with the top two from last year - Horner and Leipheimer, racing for different teams this year, will no doubt seek out that top spot on the podium. Horner has already had a good finish this year, taking 2nd at Tirreno-Adriatico, while Leipheimer is coming away from an unfortunate injury. You also have to throw Tom Danielson into the mix of top Americans as well; he finished third last year, and will be backed by a strong group of racers with Garmin-Barracuda. Look also for Tejay van Garderen, yet another promising American racer (5th last year), and who should be General Classification leader at Team BMC.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robert Gesink will be leading the family favorite Rabobank Team, and will have some seriously strong support including Laurens Ten Dam, who finished 6th last year and is clearly capable of contending in his own right. Other candidates you can expect to find competing for the overall title include Vincenzo Nibali, leading the Liquigas-Cannondale squad, and Irishman Nicolas Roche of Team AG2R La Mondiale. Secretly, or not, I suppose I will be rooting for Mr. Roche; he has had a quiet year thus far, but should be one of the top contenders as he builds toward a top performance at the Tour de France. Finally, lets not forget Peter Sagan, who was such a major player in individual stages of last years race.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will be plenty of strong men mixing it up on the flat stages including Marcel Kittel, Paul Martens, Matthew Busche, Heinrich Haussler, Tom Boonen, who has of course, already had an enviable year of success, and the veteran Robbie McEwen. Beyond these men, the domestic squads are full of powerful racers looking to leave their mark on the race. An unknown quantity (at least to me) and one I find myself unwilling to discount is the team of racers from Colombia, Colombia-Coldeportes, I have a feeling they will factor in at one point or another. Starting tomorrow, and for the next week, there is going to be a lot to look forward to here in California. It is going to be exciting.</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-45595005926419316902012-05-12T07:36:00.000-07:002012-05-12T07:36:35.734-07:00GMR Friday...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did the big loop again <strike>today</strike> yesterday - GMR/GRR/Baldy - perfect conditions and I rode to match them. In other words I rode well. A few solo riders and small groups were all I saw up there (more than last week, but still not that many). On the front side of the range I looked up at the switchbacks in time to see some riders who appeared to be moving pretty fast. The theme from Jaws started playing in my head - chase mode. A few miles later and over the saddle I reeled them in. What a pursuit - they had to be giving it their all, right?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WICqiLQq-Dw/T62aTYlVryI/AAAAAAAAGvk/M3KaRtoGGoY/s1600/IMG_8542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WICqiLQq-Dw/T62aTYlVryI/AAAAAAAAGvk/M3KaRtoGGoY/s400/IMG_8542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Man it felt good to chase down and leave these three guys in my wake; one guy got my wheel - for a little, but I rode him off. I was just unstoppable today, shaving a full 3 minutes off last weeks time. Ha, ha. Funny, sometimes the way we feel doesn't match the stats at the end, otherwise pushing the 39-19 along GMR and 39-21 along GRR, I should have been 30 minutes faster.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TFXMgPiCJI/T62a6to6sDI/AAAAAAAAGvs/TKdQTXql37U/s1600/IMG_8545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TFXMgPiCJI/T62a6to6sDI/AAAAAAAAGvs/TKdQTXql37U/s320/IMG_8545.JPG" width="240" /></span></i></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Same trees as last week, but now no mist hiding Baldy.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RK7I1AOqsaY/T62brS0rTaI/AAAAAAAAGv0/VF_Sy3tiZig/s1600/IMG_8547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RK7I1AOqsaY/T62brS0rTaI/AAAAAAAAGv0/VF_Sy3tiZig/s640/IMG_8547.JPG" width="480" /></span></i></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am fascinated by this wall, its ancient (relatively). They just don't make them like that anymore. Composed of native stone, it rises up the slope until it meets a rock outcrop; moss covered, with plants growing out of little nooks and niches. It is a part of the mountain, grown out of it, like it has always been there.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, a regretful PSA for drivers who think those ridiculously deceptive advertisements showing people speeding along mountain roads are even remotely connected to reality, let me tell you, from this point it is a long, steep drop to the canyon bottom. You will not survive.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qzyApkamoYI/T62C4n6A-UI/AAAAAAAAGvU/wiqWqgVIOb4/s1600/IMG_8544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qzyApkamoYI/T62C4n6A-UI/AAAAAAAAGvU/wiqWqgVIOb4/s400/IMG_8544.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874243961560423805.post-8492843699396103852012-05-11T14:05:00.000-07:002012-05-11T17:52:57.566-07:00The Loneliness of the Gregario in Pink...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"... forget Navardauskas, he's a long way back now" - h<i>eard during the morning race coverage.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In every race there is a place to which we, the spectators, attach an emotive marker. There is a time, as short as a split second or drawn out to minutes or more, through which passage somehow alters, slows. A rider begins to struggle, slipping from wheel to wheel, sliding back. With only space behind him, he digs deep, finds a little extra and holds on, hoping the group will slow. But the pace is relentless, the slope unforgiving. In a moment a gap opens behind another rider just ahead. It widens. But the rider yet again finds, from some untapped depth within, just a little more energy. Enough to close the gap. He hopes the group will slow, and for a flicker of time it does. But the groups forward drive is inexorable and the gap opens again, this time for good. A noticeable change comes over the rider; where the merest moment before was a look of desperate struggle, now there is the shadow of resignation. The bright optimism the rider exhibited at the race start has been extinguished. Head bowed, shoulders slumped down, his pace slows and the group rides away.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes not even the maglia rosa is a strong enough shield to protect the gregario. The team must put its efforts where they will bring results. Sometimes those results do not lie with the race leader. The camera might linger for a while, searching for some indication, a sign of fight, rekindled defiance, but none is forthcoming. Whether with compassion or indifference, the camera speeds away in search of the next hero.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether these past two days in pink prove to be the one highlight in the cycling career of Ramunas Navardauskas, or but one in a series of highlights, it is unlikely he will forget them.</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">photo: Fotoreporter Sirotti</span></i></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09787626178844952253noreply@blogger.com0