Sex the Olympic sport

This might be old news, but I think it's good news. First off, sex for men decreases there ability to compete, but increases womens' abilities. Huh. Now I'm not very familiar with women's track right now, but I can tell you who I'm rooting for during the games and she's not from the U.S.

How sex could help me win Olympic glory, by the golden girl of cycling
By POLLY DUNBAR

She is one of our brightest hopes for Olympic glory after winning two golds at the recent World Cycling Championships in Manchester.

Now Victoria Pendleton has disclosed the secrets of her success ? and confided that although sex can damage men's sporting prowess, she believes it boosts a woman's.

But Victoria, 27, adds that even though she sees a man for regular dinner dates, she is so devoted to her sport that he will always be second in her life.

In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Victoria says she does not believe in the sex bans imposed on athletes before major competitions.

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Victoria Pendleton

Victoria Pendleton confided that although sex can damage men's sporting prowess, she believes it boosts a woman's.

"We are sensible athletes ? we know what is healthy and what is unhealthy," she says.

"I was recently speaking to someone involved with coaching athletes. He said he knows when his athletes are in a relationship because the guy's performance goes down and the girl's performance improves. It's quite funny ? the guy is thinking about it too much."

She says her dreams of winning gold in Beijing in August have made it impossible to consider settling down. "I have a guy I have an arrangement with," she says.

"He takes me out to dinner and I spend a lot of time with him when I can. He is from outside the sport. We are not allowed to have relationships with other cyclists, even if we wanted."

As she is away competing for nine months a year, Victoria, from Stotfold in Bedfordshire, says she cannot commit to a relationship like "normal" people.

"The guy I see is second on my list and he knows that," she says. "I don't want my parents to think less of me because I am not settled down with somebody ? but I am not interested in that. I've got other priorities that far, far exceed me needing Mr Right."

She says she recently posed naked for pictures on her bike because "I won't look like this for ever and I thought it was a great way to store that image for the rest of time.

"I'm not in bad nick and represent a good body image. I've worked hard for my muscles and I'm proud of the way my legs look".

She insists: "I was topless but I came into the studio in a robe and I was wearing a thong ? although that was airbrushed out." - Thanks to the Dailymail.co.uk

The Cobra is Dead : by his own viper EPO bite

Well Ricco you did it. You happened to ruin your career, your team, tarnish the tour and lie all in the same week. Now that your caught, your taking the "high" road and confessing. I guess the millions of dollars to clear your name in vein wasn't a good option anyway. It didn't work for Tyler or Floyd.

Funny how you don't seem to find many sprinters doping, other than some occasional cocaine use by Tom Boonen, which by the UCI's account doesn't count as a stimulus anyway. For some reason when anyone gets busted now adays, it isn't that shocking. It's to be expected. Cycling may be at the forefront of doping, but it's clear that every sport out there has problems.

Just recently, the Danish XC mountain bike champion, a UFC fighter, a tennis player. I would also bet that the old man Greg Norman at 53 had to take a few pills to keep his swing in check at the masters. Doping isn't cycling. Competition is Doping

critical mass = critical ass kicking by NYPD

Look 996

San Jose, CA - 7/22/08

Look announced the 996 Pro Team full suspension mountain bike. It is Look’s first ever entry in the mountain bike FS arena. It joins the Look 986 hardtail in their mtb line-up.

The frame features 100mm of travel and is designed for either 100 mm or 80 mm of front fork travel. At 100 mm, geometry is at 72.2 head tube angle and 69.7 seat tube angle. At 80 mm front fork, geometry is at 73 and 70.5 degrees.

The rear suspension features a stable pedaling platform called A.S.K. or Anti Squat Kinematics. This ‘virtual pivot’ type of of suspension design uses the chain tension to counter the compression forces induces by pedaling. This frame is designed to be comfortable yet be very efficient and responsive to acceleration forces.

Frame weight is at 2500 grams or 5.5 lbs with shock in size Small. The rear shock is the Rock Shox Monarch 5.2 in 165 mm length.

Two color schemes are available:

Pro team - black, white, red

Red - black and red

Thanks to MTBR.com

results L'Alpe d'Huez 2006

With 6 of the top 10 Alpe contenders out for the 08 version, there are some new and some old faces racing to the summit. Can Frank put his stamp on the Alpe 2x? Probably not, but I think he will prove that he's willing to try. Will Evan's show his dominance? I doubt it, he's saving up for the TT and eyeing the big prize at the end of the rainbow. Will The 2 dark horses Andy Schleck and Bernhard Kohl prove to be the upsetters or will Andy do all the work for his brother on the first two climbs and not have enough juice for the Alpes? Yup, Bernhard for the win, Andy for the set up for Frank. Will Christian crack and fall farther down the GC? As much as I want the underdog to do good, my feeling is that he is just trying to make it through and not trying to win, he'll lose a little bit more time to the favorites. Will the Russian Mafia rough up any riders willing to beat Menchov? No, Menchov who looks strong in every race, always seem to faulter in some way or another himself, even the Russian Mafia won't help him. Will Italy's little Prince finally show up to the Tour and show why he skipped the Giro? He'll try, but will get caught and break apart before the finish. Will Valverde suck again and lose more time? most likely, the Rogain isn't helping his receding hairline, so he should shave it and get some valuable aerodynamics. Either way tomorrow will be a big day for all in the top 10.

I'm betting on Kohl as the upset winner and yellow jersey wearer tomorrow, with Frank and Berny putting in another 30-45sec on Evans. As we saw last year with Contador, they will need at least 2+ minutes on Evans to keep the Yellow in Paris. I think Evans knows that and won't try to stick with Berny and Frank on the last ditch attacks, but will keep just enough time to beat them in the TT.

Top 10
1. Frank Schleck (Lux), CSC
2. Damiano Cunego (I), Lampre, at 0:11
3. Stefano Garzelli (I), Liquigas-Bianchi, at 1:10 - Gone
4. Floyd Landis (USA), Phonak, same time - Gone
5. Andréas Klöden (G), T-Mobile, s.t. - Gone
6. Ruben Lobato (Sp), Saunier Duval, at 1:14 - Gone
7. Sylvain Chavanel (F), Cofidis, at 1:18
8. Eddy Mazzoleni (I), T-Mobile, at 1:28 - Gone
9. Carlos Sastre (Sp), CSC, at 1:35
10. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Gerolsteiner, at 1:49 -Gone

Overall
1. Floyd Landis (USA), Phonak - Gone
2. Oscar Pereiro Sio (Sp), Caisse d'Epargne-I.B., at 0:10 - Gone
3. Cyril Dessel (F), Ag2r Prevoyance, at 2:02
4. Denis Menchov (Rus), Rabobank, at 2:12
5. Carlos Sastre (Sp), CSC, at 2:17
6. Andréas Klöden (G), T-Mobile, at 2:29 - Gone
7. Cadel Evans (Aus), Davitamon-Lotto, at 2:56
8. Michael Rogers (Aus), T-Mobile, at 5:01 - Gone
9. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Gerolsteiner, at 6:18 - Gone
10. Haimar Zubeldia (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 6:20 - Gone

TGIF girl on a bike

Have a good weekend and get some riding in.

Now that's some good legislature.

San Francisco law would let cyclists run stop signs.
July 18th, 2008

According to a report on www.streetsblog.org, San Francisco is considering new legislature that allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, and stoplights as stop signs. It’s something a lot of us do already, so this law essentially aims to decriminalize a victimless crime.

And while some people may think it seems like a totally unsafe proposition, consider how much easier it would be for cars to predict a cyclist’s next move. The state of Idaho recognizes the value of momentum to cyclists (and other human powered vehicles), and has a statute that reads, “A person operating a bicycle or human-powered vehicle approaching a steady red traffic control light shall stop before entering the intersection and shall yield to all other traffic. Once the person has yielded, he may proceed through the steady red light with caution. Provided however, that a person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if required, may cautiously make a right-hand turn. A left-hand turn onto a one-way highway may be made on a red light after stopping and yielding to other traffic.”

Thanks Urbancyclist.com

The Cobra is Dead

The Cobra is dead. He spit his venom all over the GC contenders only to be snipped by the French Mongoose. Who's next? Is contador lucky he didn't ride the Tour? Did Christophe Moreau get a heads up from the Mongoose to drop out before he got caught? I think UniBet should start putting up bets on who is next to get popped.

OG MASHERS!

I think this is an ol skool beer commercial? there bikes are pretty funny!

For Sale : Marzocchi

Word on the street is there is a good garage sale down the street and they're selling Marzocchi. Generally as most people get scared about a potential selling of their favorite manufacturer it's usually best for the company. Look at Rock Shox they have really benefited from the buy out from SRAM. Hayes now own's Manitou and you can only hope that there new product will be better. Pace is benefiting from the buyout from DT. so you would think in the - brake companies buy all shock companies - that Formula would buy Marzocchi. That's not the case, it's the automotive business.

That could bring up an interesting note in itself. Does this mean that the push for Greener vehicles from the auto industry and the buyout of some key manufacturer strong holds could produce some cool electric bikes? Full equipped Marzocchi suspension? Keep your eyes peeled for the next frame manufacturer sell out as it could be the name on the next generation of electric machines.

Tenneco reaches deal to buy suspension business
Tenneco reaches preliminary deal to buy Marzocchi suspension business for debt
July 10, 2008: 04:25 PM EST

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Automotive parts maker Tenneco Inc. said Thursday it reached a preliminary agreement to buy the suspension business of Italy-based Gruppo Marzocchi.

The deal is the initial step and a final agreement and closing on a potential purchase of the business is dependent on a number of factors, including consultations with the labor councils representing Marzocchi employees, Tenneco said.

Under the agreement, Tenneco would assume the about $15 million in debt related to Marzocchi's suspension business.

Marzocchi supplies suspension technology for motorcycles and other vehicles.

Tenneco shares rose 15 cents to close at $13.83. Top of page

Turner MEGA BLOW OUT!!!

I have never seen Turner do such a big sale. Every frame discounted 20%. This is a sale you don't want to miss. 1.866.497.3624 x 207

DeRosa King 3 Racing

DeRosa just sent a few of the new King 3 Racing frames to the states. There is a 56,60,62,67 and 73 (ACF) available in this very limited color scheme. You can pick one up for $5200. Call us to place an order. 1.866.497.3624 x 207

Another satisfied customer

"Our customer Mark dorset writes about his experience with Wrench Science and his new Moots"


My Moots lives up to its billing and is a fantastic value measured against any of the other contenders. It was a pleasure working with your shop to complete this project and come up with a build to my exacting specifications. I’ve found this bike to perform flawlessly regardless of what I throw at it in terms of terrain…it’s a great ride!



Thanks for everything

Specialized loves ripping off Maverick

Yeah it's a small industry, a good design will be copied. They do say that is a form of flattery. You have something so good that others want it to. They can't have it, so they make one that functions just like yours, except it gets around your patents. You did all the work, they take the quick credit. Big box's like Gary Fisher, Trek and Specialized love ripping off the small guy. Take Gary Fisher the father of Mountain Biking. If you believe such a story your easily gullible, but yet GF loves to walk around in his custom suits like he invented the bike. Sorry Gary, you sold out to Trek and you'll probably be ofted just like Klein and Lemond after they have sucked every 29er customer in the industry. Oh and you didn't invent the 29er either, if I stand corrected that goes to Willits who happened to be building bikes at Ibis. So for those of you out there thinking 29, do something respectable. Speaking of Trek, they finally designed a full suspension. How long have you been in the industry sending unsuspecting customers out on Y-Bikes and glorified single pivots?


Good Ol Specialized, I generally like what they do. They are trend oriented and if they can't make a good fork, hell they will just buy a guy who can. Here comes...uh name just lost me...Mike someone, who happened to be one of the guys that helped Paul Turner make the DUC32. He just put the legs on in a more traditional way, made the axle a little bigger and called it his own. Now specialized has an inverted DUC32 they can call there own...


And not to out do themselves with ripping off the fork, they're going to rip off the post as well. This time they don't even care if it looks the same. They are damn close to infringing on the patent of Ellsworth as well. Hey, what can you say they can do it cheaper and they can flood the market with cool widgets too, it's just unfortunate that they can't give the guys credit who are slaving away on progressing the sport instead of ripping it off.

TGIF girl on a bike

It's Friday and it's fourth of July. Go Team America!

It's not who's there it's who isn't

Well it's hard to be excited about Cadel winning the tour when you read how many people are not going to be there. Is it the winner of the losers tour? There may be a few good men to make it interesting, menchov or the schlecks, but winning this year with out duking it out against the other podium winners, contador and levi, just makes it seem less of a win to me. Call me crazy. I'm sure that Cadel after winning the tour will be more than stoked. First Aussie, improve on your last year finish, but knowing that you didn't beat the guy who beat you last year isn't nearly as satisfying. If you have an opinion add it to the comments.

Absences make the Tour ... more interesting?
By Neal Rogers
Posted Jul. 3, 2008

Pro cycling fans may find themselves unclear who to root for at this year’s Tour de France. The list of familiar faces absent from this year’s race is as long as it is top-heavy.

The exclusion of the Astana team of defending champion Alberto Contador and teammates Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Kloden means three former podium finishers will sit out this year. It's the first instance in modern history where the previous year’s Tour winner was eligible to race, yet not invited to defend his title.

This year’s Tour will be the third in a row where the previous year’s winner will not be on hand. In fact the list of race favorites heading into the last few Tours nearly doubles as a list of those who won't be contesting this year’s Tour — not one of the top seven riders from the 2005 Tour will return in 2008, while the eighth-place finisher that year, Cadel Evans, comes in as a heavy favorite.

Other favorites include Spaniards Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne) and Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank), Italian Damiano Cunego (Lampre) and Russian Denis Menchov (Rabobank).

Three Americans in last year’s race — Leipheimer, Chris Horner and David Zabriskie — will miss the 2008 Tour. Leipheimer and Horner fell victim to ASO’s exclusion of their Astana team, while Zabriskie (Garmin-Chipotle) broke a lumbar vertebra during the second stage of the Giro d’Italia.

(Horner and Zabriskie were VeloNews.TV video diarists last year. This year VNTV will run daily video diaries with Columbia’s George Hincapie and Garmin-Chipotle’s Magnus Backstedt.)
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Tom Danielson and Canadian Michael Barry, two North Americans expected to start their first Tour this year, were not selected by their respective Garmin and Columbia teams, while American veteran Bobby Julich, who finished third overall in 1998, was not selected for CSC’s squad.

North America will be represented by just five of the 180 starters —Hincapie and Garmin-Chipotle’s Christian Vande Velde, Danny Pate, Will Frischkorn and Ryder Hesjedal. Hesjedal is the first Canadian to start the race since Gord Fraser in 1997.

Also absent from this year’s race are two riders to wear the yellow jersey in 2007.

Columbia’s Linus Gerdemann, who wore yellow for one day after winning stage 7 into Le Grand Bornand, has been sidelined since breaking his femur at Tirreno-Adriatico. Gerdemann’s teammate Michael Rogers has spent the 2008 season battling Epstein-Barr Virus.

Former Rabobank rider Michael Rasmussen has not raced professionally since he was sent home from last year’s Tour following a stage 16 victory atop the Col d’Aubisque while wearing the mailliot jaune.

The Tour’s chaotic field sprints will also be missing several marquee names. Last year’s green jersey winner Tom Boonen of Quick Step, winner of two stages, was banned this year by organizers after an out-of-competition positive test for cocaine. Last year’s double stage winner Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) is also missing due to inflammation of his left Achilles tendon.

In their absence, the sprint favorites include former green jersey winners Robbie McEwen (Silence-Lotto) and Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole), former Tour stage winners Robbie Hunter (Barloworld) and Oscar Freire (Rabobank) and Columbia’s young star Mark Cavendish, winner of two stages at this year’s Giro d’Italia.

Finally, two ill-fated stars from last year — Kazakh riders Vinokourov and Andrey Kashechkin — are absent. Neither rider has competed professionally since Astana left last year’s Tour when Vinokourov tested positive for blood doping. Kashechkin tested positive for homologous blood transfusions two weeks later and is currently fighting his suspension.

there's animals in the forest

I use to live in Boulder and we would do these epic back country rides up near Nederland. The morning would start at 8am at the Bus Depot. Put our bikes underneath in storage, pay the $2.50 and get a 30min ride from 5000' to 8000'. It was a minimum 30 mile ride back to Boulder, but we always were searching for new trails. Getting lost, doing circles, finding ourselves in gulches that the only way out was bike a hike. So it always ended up being more.

We often came across things you wouldn't expect. One of our favorite starting points was "red caboose", a trail that had a red caboose deep in the forest, over grown. How did it get there? No rails to be seen. We rode into a nudist colony at the bottom of a gulch. I remember the trail being unbelievable and high fiving the riding buddies at the bottom only realize we were being "watched". The closest I've come to an animal that was dangerous was a mountain lion and I didn't even see it. I rode past it in deep concentration of the trail that laid ahead. I stopped when I heard some yelling from behind, thinking it was a flat I stopped an waited. I could see up the trail far enough to see my buddy's bike above his head yelling into the trees. I guess the mountain lion was no more than 2' off the trail.

There was a mountain lion that attacked a couple here in california a year or so ago, but other than that in the last 15 years of mountain biking I haven't heard of any animals really attacking cyclists. I'm sure they happen, but it's rare. Less than an shark bite I would suspect. Down deep on the cyclingnews website I read this story of a girl in alaska being attacked by a bear. Our hearts our with her.

Teenage mountain biker mauled by bear

By Mark Appleton, Bikeradar.com

A teenaged girl competing in a 24-hour mountain bike event near Anchorage, Alaska has been critically injured in a bear attack. The animal, believed to have been a female Grizzly, struck in darkness at around 1.30am in the town's Bicentennial Park yesterday morning, leaving the un-named victim with bite injuries to her head, torso and thigh as well as a "sucking chest wound." The latter typically occurs when an object penetrates the body and punctures the lung cavity.

Medics, accompanied by shotgun-carrying police officers, entered the park to retrieve the rider. According to the Alaska Daily News, she was found by Peter Basinger, a fellow competitor on the Arctic Bicycle Club event which began at noon local time on Saturday, using an 8 mile loop of groomed trails. Basinger is said to have waited with the girl until rescuers trekked the half mile into the forested park to reach them before she was stretchered back to a waiting ambulance.

The teen, who according to some reports is just 14 years-old, underwent surgery at the Providence Alaska Medical Center and is expected to survive according a spokeswoman for the Anchorage Fire Department.