Bicycle Month 2008 - Broward County, Florida
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The Broward County Board of County Commissioners partners each March with Cycle Mobility to coordinate Bicycle Month.
The purpose of this special month is to:
- promote bicycle safety and education.
- offer leisure and recreational bicycling opportunities for all ages and abilities.
- offer competitive/challenging cycling opportunities throughout Broward County within both public and private sectors.
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More than 60 events are scheduled for Bicycle Month 2008, March 1 - 31. These cycling events offer leisure, competitive and recreational opportunities to promote bicycle safety and education in Broward County.
Some of the great activities scheduled include: Bicycle Rodeos, the Surfside Ride, the Multi-level Speed Rides sponsored by the South Broward Wheelers, a Motorola Cycle League lunch time ride, the Hospice 100 Mountain Bike Race & Benefit Ride, a Nature Bike Hike, and a Tandem Ride for the visually impaired.
Some events will offer T-shirt give-a-ways courtesy of South Florida Commuter Services, a program of the Florida Department of Transportation. Memorial Healthcare System will distribute 250 new helmets at scheduled events.
For more information visit the Broward County Department of Parks and Recreation or view the calendar of events.
MY NEW ROAD BIKE IS HERE!!!
Rob got the call on Saturday afternoon that my new bike had arrived. He took my old bike over to Bike America so that it could be raped and pillaged for parts. They had to build the new bike and switch my pedals, water cages and cycle computer from my old bike to the Trek. So I couldn’t actually pick my new bike up until 11 AM on Sunday - torture waiting for it, felt like a kid at Christmas time!
Went for a short ride out of Boynton Inlet after we got the bike. It was too freaking hot and my legs were tired from the day before and Rob’s butt hurt so we decided NOT to do the double century ride (do you detect a hint of slight sarcasm here?). But it was still a good test ride.
My bike ROCKS! It is super smooth even going over rough road, pot holes and manhole covers. Rob says that’s because it’s totally carbon, guess my Cannondale still had a bit of aluminum components mixed in with the carbon. Rob says the seat fits my butt cheeks very nicely - I think that’s his way of saying the Trek (at 52 cm) is a better fit for me than the Cannondale (at 50 cm) was.
I even rode in the drops for quite awhile and didn’t feel out of control. Never could ride the drops on my Cannondale - always felt like I was going to go careening off into space. The only problem I had was the brakes are much more responsive. I need to have a lighter touch if I want to avoid doing an endo into oncoming A1A traffic. I always had to squeeze the sh*t out of my Cannondale brakes.
I thought my Cannondale synapse 2 was the bomb, but now I’m ready to get my passport, buy a ticket to France and ride in THE Tour. Now I have to save my pennies for carbon water bottle holders, prettier pedals, etc…PIMP MY RIDE!!!
Here she is: 2008 Trek Madone 6.5 WSD
Here’s a description of my new bike:
Lighter. Faster. Stronger. Trek’s Madone 6.5 WSD features their revolutionary OCLV Red Series carbon for a super-light, super-stiff frame that is specifically designed for women. Plus, Bontrager’s Race XXX Lite carbon fork and Race X Lite wheels keep the weight to a minimum, while an oversize bottom bracket shell and asymmetrical chainstays help you throw down the power. And, with top-of-the line components, including a full Shimano Dura-Ace 20-speed drivetrain with adjustable-reach levers for smaller hands, the Madone 6.5 WSD dances up climbs, rockets across flats, and descends like a dream on your way to victory.
And they forgot to mention - only 14.1 pounds - SWEET!!!!!!
Technical Details
- Brakeset - Shimano Dura-Ace w/adjustable reach STI levers
Cassette - SRAM OpenGlide 1070 11-26, 10 speed
Crank - Bontrager Race X Lite 50/34
Fork - Bontrager Race XXX Lite, full carbon w/E2 carbon steerer
Frame - OCLV Red Carbon
Front Derailleur - Shimano Dura-Ace
Handlebars - Bontrager Race X Lite Blade Carbon, 31.8mm
Headset - Cane Creek IS-8 Integrated w/cartridge bearings, sealed, alloy
Model Year - 2008
Pedals - n/a
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Dura-Ace
Saddle - Bontrager Race X Lite FIT CRZ+
Seat Post - Carbon seat mast cap
Shifters - Shimano ST-R700 STI, adjustable reach, 10 speed
Sizes - Women’s 52 cm
Stem - Bontrager Race XXX Lite Carbon, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Tires - Bontrager Race X Lite, 700×23c, folding
Wheels - Bontrager Race X Lite
I’ve got my old bike listed on Craigslist. Priced to sell - $1700. Here’s a copy of the listing:
Ladies Cannondale Synapse 2 Carbon WSD Road Bike For Sale - $1700
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Reply to: sale-585741805@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-24, 11:23PM EST
My wife just got a new road bike so I’m selling her 2006 Cannondale Synapse 2 WSD (women’s specific design) carbon frame road bike. List price for a new one: $2,999.99. We are looking to get $1,700 OBO.
I’m not sure of the exact specs of the bike - come see it in person!!
I think this is pretty close:
Weight: 17.1 lb.
Size: 49 or 50. My wife is 5′ 5 1/2″ tall.
Component Highlights: Shimano Ultegra crankset (50/39), cassette (12-25), brakes, reach-adjust 10-speed shifters and levers; Mavic Ksyrium Elite rims; ITM Elle Elite handlebar; FSA SL-K carbon seatpost.
The bike is located in Delray Beach. For further details or to see the bike in person contact Rob at 561-239-2880 or email robsmythe01@aol.com.
Here’s a review of the bike that is for sale from the bicycling.com website:
Best Women-Specific Road Bike: Cannondale Synapse Feminine Cabron 2
History may remember 2006 as the year female bike riders were, finally, given the gift of choice for performance-oriented bikes. We chose finalists for their combination of quality carbon frames and up-level componentry, and found excellence across the board, but with subtle variations. The Synapse Carbon Feminine gets our nod because of its balanced ride quality, the result of a stiff, efficient and lightweight carbon-fiber frame shaped into a geometry suited for both fast-paced rides and more-casual events. One tester noted that the Synapse felt the most responsive of the three, while another said the bike’s proportions and stable ride made her feel especially confident and aggressive (Mavic’s stiff Ksyrium Elite wheels enhanced the performance). Cannondale offers this bike, available June 1, in a double or triple chainring-we’re hoping for a compact option, currently available on the men’s Synapse and the R1000 Feminine, sometime in the future.
©Mitch Mandel
Location: Delray Beach
it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 585741805
2008 HOSPICE 100K MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE
AND BENEFIT RIDE
SUNDAY, MARCH 2nd, 2008
8am Start- Benefit Road Ride 60k
9am Start- Mountain Bike Race 100k
10am Start- Fun Benefit Ride 5k
MARKHAM PARK, SUNRISE, FLORIDA
My husband is a member of the National Bike Patrol and will be a volunteer for the mountain bike race portion of the event. The event also includes a silent auction, bike related vendors, educational booths and B-B-Q! The money raised directly benefits patients and families in the Hospice program - what a great way to get involved with a worthy cause. For more information visit the Hospice website.
Image: JPKWitter on morgueFile
I don’t recommend biking without following proper nutrition. I went for a 39 mile road bike ride today, like I do most Saturday mornings, but I didn’t have anything for breakfast before the ride. I normally try to eat a granola bar just to get a few calories and carbs into my system. But my stomach was a bit upset so I couldn’t even look at food this morning. I have been dealing with IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, for years and some days are better than others.
I made sure I had a package of electrolyte blocks with me so I could eat those during the rest stop. But stupid me forgot to put them in my bike jersey when I got to the ride start. I felt pretty good the first half of the ride and was taking my turn pulling in the pace line.
When we stopped at the half way point I realized I had forgotten my package of Sharkies - they are shark-shaped, gummy electrolyte blocks. Sort of like a Clif Shot Block but smaller, and shark shaped. See my article, Instant Bike Nutrition, for details on various sports blocks, bars and beans you can eat during your rides. I thought, no worries, I have plenty of gas in the tank. Well, starting the second half of the ride we had a bit of a headwind. Then a friend of mine caught up to our group at a red light - I tried to keep up on the sprint, but my lack of breakfast and sharkies was already starting to have an effect. The rest of the riders in my group caught up to me and passed me like I wasn’t even moving.
So that meant I got to do the rest of the ride by myself, with a headwind, with no one to draft behind. I normally wouldn’t have a problem riding by myself, I occasionally go on short rides during the week by myself. But I started to bonk with 14 miles left to go. I sure wish I had eaten something for breakfast before heading out. I had to stop 3 times on my way back. My heart rate was sky high (180’s), I couldn’t freakin breath and I started getting sort of light-headed and dizzy. The last 4 miles of the ride were pure hell, I kept putting my head down and I was weaving all over the place.
I should have stopped riding and called someone to come pick me up. But I also have a problem with being a bit stubborn. I’ve ridden with other riders that have had this same problem. I made them stop riding and take the SAG wagon back to their car. Once you get to this stage, you are a danger to yourself (you could drift into the road and end up as road kill) and to other riders (not cool to zig zag all over the place while in the pace line). But I didn’t have the luxury of SAG support so I slugged along on my own.
When I got back to the parking lot where my van was parked I was like the drunken sailor. I could barely stand up straight while I was taking off my bike shoes. I threw my bike into the van and headed straight for the cafe that was there. Two of the other riders were sitting outside waiting for their breakfast to be served. I went inside and got a raspberry iced tea and a fresh fruit salad. I took this outside to sit with the other bikers. They were looking at me funny, asking if I was okay. They could see that I was shaking - guess my blood sugar/carbohydrate reserves were totally depleted.
After eating a bit of the fruit and feeling less shaky I drove myself back home. I ate a whole bagel with cream cheese and started feeling a bit better. After my shower I decided to be a semi-couch potato - that’s where I am now, writing this post.
Here’s the word on bonking according to the Lance Armstrong Performance Program: “Symptoms of bonking can include a heavy feeling in the legs, difficulty maintaining pedal cadence, dizziness, severe headache, disorientation, and sometimes hallucination. The remedy is to eat immediately.” Where was Lance when I needed him this morning? He could have pulled me back to my van. And another Lance gospel: “A common mistake is skipping breakfast. This puts your body in a caloric deficit and hampers your ability to train properly.” WORD
Okay, and finally I can blame my husband. He decided to play with his mountain bike today instead of road riding. So I didn’t have him there to drag my a*s back home the last few miles. And he can also be a bit like a drill sergent in the morning “you gotta eat something on the way to the ride.” Yeah, yeah, yeah - you and your cast iron stomach can bite me! He actually would make a good coach - oh yeah, this fall he will be coaching the Palm Beach County TNT (Team in Training) cycle team as they train for the Intracoastal Century Ride in Cocoa Beach - cool!
That’s my husband on the left, in front of the Astronaut Hall of Fame during the 2006 Intracoastal Century Ride.
(Palo Alto, CA) – Speaking at a press conference on the eve of this year’s Tour of California Prologue, defending Tour of California champion and 2007 Tour de France podium finisher Levi Leipheimer unveiled LetLeviRide.com, a grassroots campaign to appeal the Amaury Sport Organization’s (ASO) recent decision to ban Leipheimer’s team, Astana, from participating in this summer’s Tour de France. Visitors to LetLeviRide.com have an opportunity to pledge their support for Levi and add their name to a petition directed at the ASO.
“With LetLeviRide.com I’m not disputing the ASO’s right to decide which teams it invites to the Tour and which teams it doesn’t,” notes Leipheimer. “I’m drawing attention to the fact that this decision by the ASO is completely arbitrary and unjust. I had nothing to do with Astana prior to joining the team this year. There are many other teams with tainted pasts that haven’t changed management or structure like the new Astana has, yet Astana is singled out and excluded. Where’s the consistency? By taking action now it looks political. It looks like the ASO has a grudge against a team that can win its races. My hope is that this campaign will encourage the ASO to reconsider its decision.”
On February 13th, the ASO barred Team Astana from competing in any race or event organized by the ASO in 2008. The ASO owns premiere cycling events like Paris-Nice, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Tours, and the famed Tour de France. To justify its decision, the ASO cited the doping scandals of last year’s Tour de France.
For anyone who has followed cycling’s ongoing battle against doping, the ASO’s rationale is suspect. Astana’s entire organizational structure has been rebuilt under the direction of the team’s new General Manager, Johan Bruyneel, who has thoroughly cleaned house. What’s more, Astana has adopted the rigorous doping controls developed by the highly respected, anti-doping expert Dr. Rasmus Damsgaard, and Astana now spends more money on anti-doping controls than any other team in the pro peloton. There’s no comparison between the Astana team of 2007 and the new Astana.
“That the happenings of last year…prompted the Tour organizers to leave Astana out of the season’s most important race sounds understandable,” notes Bruyneel. “However, Astana Cycling Team 2008 has nothing to do with the team of last year. We have done everything to change the dynamics of the team. New management, new riders, new philosophy. Only the name of the sponsor remained.”
The ASO has nonetheless largely ignored the new Astana’s restructuring efforts, and as a consequence of barring the entire team from competing in ASO events, has stripped athletes like Levi Leipheimer of the opportunity to realize their life’s ambition of competing in the Tour.
“I’ve trained my whole life to race the Tour,” notes Leipheimer. “It’s my dream to win the Tour de France; it’s my life long goal.”
IRVINE, Calif. USA 2/19/08 — Bringing premium sports apparel and footwear to its offering of industry-leading cycling and fishing products, Shimano has completed its purchase of DashAmerica, Inc. (dba Pearl Izumi USA, Inc.) from Nautilus, Inc., announces David Pfeiffer, president of Shimano American Corporation. Pearl Izumi becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Shimano’s U.S. operations, and will continue to operate from its facilities in Broomfield, Colorado and Kirchzarten, Germany.
“The acquisition brings together two companies started by Japanese families who share a passion for cycling,” said Pfeiffer. “Both have strong research and development backgrounds, offer industry leading innovations, and share an obsession with quality and performance. We’ll continue to build the respective brands and remain dedicated to the healthy independent dealer networks we’ve both enjoyed.”
Pfeiffer also noted that Pearl Izumi would be maintained as a stand-alone company with its own management team.
“Pearl Izumi is a leader in the performance sports apparel and footwear market, and we plan to keep them in that position,” Pfeiffer said. “Pearl Izumi’s design expertise creates products for the avid cycling and running enthusiasts and we’ll provide Juergen Eckmann (Pearl Izumi’s president) and his team with all of Shimano’s support and resources needed to continue that tradition.”
Eckmann said the acquisition is a great fit for both companies. “The entire team at Pearl Izumi USA and Europe are excited about opportunities and benefits we gain in becoming part of Shimano,” said Eckmann. “Shimano provides knowledge and expertise which will make our brand stronger and we in turn have a great deal of experience in performance apparel, fabric technologies and run footwear that Shimano did not previously possess.”
As part of a broad dual brand strategy, Pfeiffer states that Shimano will continue to offers its branded apparel and cycling footwear along with the Pearl Izumi apparel and cycling footwear in all markets.
Shimano’s acquisition includes Pearl Izumi’s facility in Kirchzarten, Germany, and the rights to Pearl Izumi sales and distribution throughout North and South America, Europe, Australia and select other countries. Pfeiffer notes the purchase does not include sales and distribution rights of Pearl Izumi branded products in Japan and most of Asia.
Shimano American Corporation is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Shimano, Inc. a multi-national manufacturer of bicycle components and fishing tackle. It now has operations in Irvine, Calif., Woodland, Wash., Broomfield, Colo., Peterborough, Ontario, and Kirchzarten, Germany.
“The reality is that everyone is really excited here,” said Geoff Shaffer, Pearl Izumi’s marketing director. “There were a bunch of people that came and looked at the business and a lot of them were venture capital people and that was super scary for us. We just had a meeting downstairs and the president [of Pearl Izumi] basically said that each one of those people already had a plan to sell. So we’re fired up.”
“The consumer and the retailer shouldn’t notice anything,” said Devin Walton, Shimano’s marketing manager. “Pearl, in its own right, has been an incredibly successful company with really well-developed product and good strategies; the intent in purchasing them is not to go in and change things that have made them successful. So there are no plans to go in and change anything. They will continue to operate autonomously; they have their own executive management and their own strategies in place. Their entire product lines will continue forward.”
The 2008 Amgen Tour of California takes place from February 17th through 24th. This is a 8 day, 650 mile road bike race.
The tour can be watched on the Versus network, if your local cable company offers that channel. Here is a link to the tour schedule being shown on Versus. The times of the broadcast are mostly at 11 PM which is a bit inconvenient for me.
I just found a site that is showing live video of the tour. Remember, this is pacific time, I live on the east coast so the video feed is actually 3 hours ahead of California time. Watch live video of the tour on the Adobe Tour Tracker website.
The live video feed includes a variety of supporting data that any fan of bike racing will enjoy. The detailed race data includes: race time, miles ridden, miles to go, speed, % grade, break gap, distance between the leaders and the peloton, course map, course profile, riders in peloton (by rank) and riders in break.
Some of the big name cyclists participating in this event, that you may recognize, include Tom Boonen, Levi Leipheimer, Fabian Cancellara, Stuart O’Grady and George Hincapie. Check it out!
IMAGE: Shayan on Flickr Photo
Bicing (yes, that’s how it’s spelled) is a new public transportation opition in Spain which launced on March 22, 2007. Here is additional information from the official website which is located at www.bicing.com:
“Bicing is your new public transport by bicycle.
This new service is simple, practical and secure, which you can use on your way through the city, to go wherever you want, whenever you want without pollution and noises.
Combine it with the other public transports and you will go as far as you want.”
Thousands of people have already signed up for this subscription bike rental service. There are currently over 3,000 bicycles located at 200 bicing stations located throughout Barcelona. The bikes can be used for up to 2 hours at a time.
The bikes can be borrowed from any of the bicing stations and returned to the same station or any other bicing station. Users are issued a credit-card type subscription card which allows them to access the bicycles at any of the bicing stations where there is an available bike. You must be at least 16 years old to use the bike rental service.
The name bicing is derived from bici the Spanish or Catalan version of bicycle and the abbreviation of Barcelona which is BCN. As well the English continuous ending of -ing is used for other means of transport in Spanish like footing (Anglicism used for jogging) and vueling, which is a Catalan airline.
IMAGE: Wikipedia
A bicing station
I just found this website the other day while I was researching information about the recent sale of Cannondale Bicycle Corp. Bicycle Retailer’s website is located at: www.bicycleretailer.com. Bicycle Retailer covers all aspects of the bicycle industry including tradeshows, trends, merger/acquisitions, awards, events, distributor news, recalls, people, advocacy/charities and more.
Dorel Industries, headquartered in Montreal, has just purchased Cannondale for an estimated cost of $200 million. Dorel is the parent company of Pacific Cycle. Pacific Cycle is the USA marketer of Schwinn, Mongoose and GT brand bicycles.
The official Cannondale press release with all the details on the sale can be found here:
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