Lee's Cyclery Blog

It’s been a little over a week now since Stuart Culp‘s accident and he is still recovering from his injuries, getting better everyday.  Stuart and the entire Culp family have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community.  Sincere thanks goes out to those who donated blood during Stuart’s time of need.  The lines at the blood bank were evidence of how strong the bicycling community is here in Fort Collins.

I hope this accident does not deter anyone in our biking community from enjoying the bicycling experience here in Fort Collins or Northern Colorado.  Bicycling is still one of the safest forms of recreation and transportation you can participate in and our roads are still some of the best in the nation.  I have still been riding and I returned to the TTH group ride on Tuesday.  I must say, I was a bit nervous on the way over to the Peloton parking lot.  As we grouped up and left the parking lot, I was glad to see the tempo of the group hadn’t changed. My nervousness quickly turned to anticipation for the first rotation.  Now coming from a mountain biking background, I admit I am not that savvy in a pack, and again I made a tactical error and found myself off the back of the group. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Eventually I’ll learn the tricks of the trade and get better just in time for Stuart’s return!  I won’t bet who gets there first though!

Beyond the outpouring of support for Stuart, still more evidence that Fort Collins is a thriving bicycle community lies in the numbers we were able to post during our Bike to Work day — 5,175 participants, 25,463 miles ridden, 1669 work sites, 28 breakfast stations……wait, 28 breakfast stations??  If that doesn’t show community support for bicycling, I don’t know what does!  Some of the businesses receiving top honors were REI, The Neenan Company, and you guessed it the New Belgium Brewing Company.  The Neenan Company had a whopping 97% participation – way to go Neenan!

And just because bike to work week is over, doesn’t mean you have to ride alone!  There are a number of organized weekly group rides around the city for anyone interested in attending.  Organized rides like these are perfect for those just getting into cycling and who want to learn more about riding or to gain confidence riding in a group.  Visit http://www.fcgov.com/bicycling/ for some of dates and times of some of the rides in the area.

Speaking of riding in groups, how could I not say something about this year’s Tour De France??…..Amazing!!!  With only 4 stages to go, there is still plenty of life and scenarios yet to play out.  Will Lance be able to make the final podium?  Will Andreas Kloden be able to put a spectacular time trial together?  Will Alberto continue his reign on Mont Ventoux or will the Schleck brothers gang up on him again? If you don’t watch any other stage – watch stage 20 on Saturday and don’t forget about LEE’S Tour De France bike sale.  Great bikes! Great deals!  BTW – Ever wonder what the 1274 signifies on Lance’s bikes??  Times up!  It represents the number of days he was away from competition.

Finally, a safety reminder — report any close calls while riding your bike in Fort Collins due to a road hazard or motor vehicle at the following site– http://www.fcgov.com/bicycling/report.php Comments are read and taken seriously.

Be safe and be seen!

Steve Lacey