Photo by Bruce Turner

Another winner you might not have heard about is a guy by the name of Owen Murphy…..Who?  O-W-E-N M-U-R-P-H-Y! He finished the Colorado Trail Race in 4 days, 3 hours and change, beating the old record by about a day.  That’s 470 miles, Denver to Durango, on a mountain bike without feed zones, domestiques or room service.  Only about ten yahoos completed the entire course and to the winner goes……..well, his name is Owen and he is most likely faster than you on a bike!

News from my side….the time finally came…the old Specialized Enduro got replaced.  Yep, she was a good ride alright and we had a lot of good times together, but the rough miles, hard landings and fast descents were getting to be a bit too much for the old girl.  It was time to upgrade to a new model; better built, firmer shocks, anxious to try new obstacles….The Trek Remedy.  Like the Enduro, the Remedy is more of an all mountain bike, meaning it’ll go anywhere and tackle just about anything….Or as much as I can throw at her anyway.  With a bit more travel and refined suspension, the Remedy gives the trails a brand new feeling and I can’t wait for the Fall trip to Moab and Grand Junction.  We’re still getting acquainted and figuring air pressures and settings, but so far, it’s a keeper.  One thing I just couldn’t part with was my old seat, torn up as it is, some things just feel right.

Ah yes, the Fall trip! Is it that time of year already??……Well, no, but planning is key and if you’re planning to ride this winter, might I suggest keeping your eye out for some inexpensive closeout shoes a couple sizes too big to allow room for a thicker pair or two of wool socks and a little wiggle room? You know, just in case you get a snow day!
Finally, don’t forget your summer time goals either just because Fall is on her way…. there’s still plenty of time to reach them!

Steve Lacey

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

Tuesday evening I finally got the opportunity to check out the City Streets Crit racing down at the Fort Collins City Streets Department.  My attendance was purely a reconnaissance mission to see how the races were run and what type of field it attracted.  I must say, I was really impressed with the course they were able to squeeze in and around the depot.  If tight corners, narrow straight aways or close racing weren’t enough to test a rider’s ability, the different riding surfaces certainly were!  I was witness to more than one display of racers unweighting their tires on the smooth concrete sections and scrambling to their feet soon after!

Unfortunately, next Tuesday, July 7th, is the last night for this year’s Crits so take a ride down and experience the event as a racer or spectator — you won’t be disappointed!  Kids’ races start at 6:00 with citizen, open and master classes to follow.  Visit Yourgroupride.com for more information and an entry form.

If the local races aren’t enough to get you fired up, how about a little Tour de Lance action on our nation’s birthday? Saturday, the 96th running of the Tour de Lance kicks off with the individual time trial which will surely reveal who the contenders are.  Personally, I can’t wait for the resurgence of the team time trial brought back for this year’s tour.  Sure, there will be mountain stages, sprints and breakaways throughout the 21 stages and 3500 kms but to see each team really working together is the essence of le Tour.  It may also be the only time you see Lance and Alberto break wind for each other without following it up with an ‘excuse me’.  Levi may have a tough call to make should Lance call in some favors from the Giro.  I’m not saying there is any bad blood between Lance and Alberto but I bet they’re sure filled with competitive blood.  If you have access to the Internet at work, now would be a good time to conceal the monitor screen in order to check out the daily live feeds at Versus.com

Hope to see you next Tuesday at the City Street Crits……Be safe.

The climb peaked at about 8000′ and was roughly the half way point of the ride.  A quick hello to another rider, an added jacket, a couple energy bars and I was on my way.  After the top there is a quick, very quick, descent to the intersection of Rist Canyon and Stove Prairie Rd.  I chose to turn south on Stove Prairie Rd towards Masonville, but turning right and heading down to Poudre Canyon Highway is a great ride too.  From here the 3000 feet of elevation gained on the ascent quickly disappears and it was a good choice not to test my cut sidewall on the road bike.  After passing through Masonville heading towards Horsetooth lake, I must have been passed by every Harley rider in Northern Colorado.  There is a saying that “a loud motorcycle is a safe motorcycle”….and I believe it! They were plenty safe!  At least the first fifty or so, the rest I have no idea.  I’m glad to see boats back in the reservoir even if it means the return of afternoon showers.  Like a horse heading to the barn, I chose the most direct route home — Horsetooth Rd to Ziegler.  Total trip distance was 55 miles with all but the last five virtually non stop pedaling!

I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I did and I highly recommend it as a great ride for some sustained climbing and scenic views — just watch out for the turtle!

Finally, you can probably imagine that this week’s tip comes directly from my own experience -- that’s right, check your bike after each ride to ensure it’s road worthiness for the next ride.  I myself plead guilty to not following this rule all the time but if I hadn’t quickly checked my tires could have proved costly out on the road.

Before I let you get away there’s a couple more bits of information I’d like to share.  We’re looking for a blog from YOU.  Nothing big 300 – 400 words about ”summer is here”, or soon to be.  Oh yeah! it is a contest and to the winner goes a pair of sweet socks and the distinction of being posted on the site.  Visit Leescyclery.com for more details.  Also, there is a bike fest at Lory State Park this Saturday, May 30th you shouldn’t miss.  Plenty of bike demos and other gear on display from a host of different bike shops.  Guided group rides for all levels and abilities throughout the day are also on the agenda which I will be taking part in; first ride goes off at 10:30.  I hope to see you out there and get the chance to ride with you.

Thank you Eric James 26 for the Rist Canyon picture

If you’re going to be around Fort Collins this weekend, you are in for a treat; the USA Cycling Collegiate Nationals Road Bike Races are in town May 7 – 10 and are part of the Fort Collins Cycling Festival. You can also what the races live online here. Races are just a part of the events of the weekend with plenty of fun events and group rides for everyone.  For more information, times, and course maps visit fccyclingfest.com .  It’s never to late to volunteer to help out for the races either, and for more information about volunteering, visit the Fort Collins Bike Co-op web site.

1. Shift in advance of a hill or obstacle – avoid shifting under power.
2. Shift smoothly without shifting multiple gears at one time.
3. Avoid riding with the chain on the big chain ring in the front and big gear in the rear or on the small chain ring in the front and small gear in the back.

So, the weather finally allowed the New Belgium Brewery short track race series to begin and boy, did it ever!  Close to 100 racers in all showed up! The kids started off the evening followed by the beginners. Then the “A” class got started and the “open” class wrapped up the evening.  I have to say, it’s great to see the parents get their kids involved in a sport that tests their inner strength as much, if not more than, their physical abilities.  No matter what your ability level is or what you ride you quickly find riders on the course you can race with and learn from.  Sure, we all want to be out front at the end of the race but that’s only a small part of it all.  Many thanks to NBB and the volunteers who come out to put this thing together.  If you want more information on the series and the next race go to here, more pictures of the race here.  Just to give you a taste of the evening…. here’s my own little racing folly…

As I approached the sign up table and saw the list for the “A” class I began to wonder if I should have arrived a bit earlier and taken off with the beginners — 42 riders in the “A” class!  The spectators with the cameras may have had the right idea.  I chose to mount my camera on my handle bar and set it up for movie mode.  The camera setup  received a few curious questions on the starting line, however.  And now, whew! here come the butterflies! Looking around, I notice a few faces I haven’t seen since the snow started flying.  “Hey Mike how you been, you been riding much?”….Hopefully you hear ‘no’, but nobody ever says yes.  Jason gives a little speech and soon after…. READY GO!  OK, here we are at that first turn in the top 10 and remember that first big dip.  Relax, get your weight back.  Alright, I’m about fourth at the moment and here’s the first little climb, I stay on Brain’s wheel (I hope he’s breathing just as hard as I am).  Good thing my heart rate monitor was not charged! I’d hate to see a fourth digit appear!  Settle in on this next straight away and get the breathing under control before the next section of climbs and descents.  Take the corner wide…. keep the momentum now out of the saddle and down….again.  Oh, it’s a little breezy on this back section, should be on Brian’s wheel.  Careful on these off camber turns so…….dang it! how’d he get by me?….You don’t go down. No No.  Stay with him on this next sweeper, good.  Ooofff! Watch out for that branch on the next lap, remember to check your helmet after the race.  Got a bit of a separation from the guys behind… nice…keep a good rhythm.  This dirt pile is new, don’t go off the edge.  Watch out for the next couple of turns, they’re tricky…don’t lean into them and wash out the front wheel.  Crank it up around this section now and stick your tongue back in your mouth (always helps!).  There’s the tree, I hope these guys get through it clean… c’mon boys, stick it.  Last turn, show everybody you’re doing fine.  Four more to go….3….2..1. Just hanging on..AHHHH relax.  Wow, did I drink gasoline before the race?  Those fire eaters would do good out here, where’s my camelback?  But you know, I’ll be back!

If you want to see some coverage of the open class race visit you tube at the following link  Sorry, I forgot my camera was on the lower resolution setting.

That’s my story for the week. Have you seen the latest news coming from the Lance Armstrong camp?  Itseems while training in France he literally got himself into a bit of hot water with the AFLD, the French anti doping agency.  After returning from a training ride, a tester from the AFLD was waiting for Lance wanting hair, urine and blood samples from him.  With all the groupies Lance has in France naturally, he wanted to check this guy out.  While his team made some calls, Lance thought he might freshen up a bit and hopped into the shower.  If you don’t know, that is a big NO NO in the world of drug testing.  You must not leave the sight of the tester after the request for a sample has been made and certainly not to go take a shower, especially in Europe.  Just kidding Yann!  Since announcing his return to cycling Lance has been tested 24 times each without incident, or is it indecent exposure?  This little slip may be just what the Tour De France race organizers need to keep Lance from becoming an eight time Tour winner or even help Levi or Alberto win the Tour for Team Astana.  By the way, Lance was in our own back yard recently, in Steamboat, and gave a video update of his recovery and his brush with the AFLD.  Sounds like the training is going well and we’ll be able to see him in the Tour of Italy or Tour de Italia May 9 – 31

* Good ole duct tape – Wrap 1/4 ” thick around your pump to get out of a sticky situation.

That’s it for this week. Oh, I just about forgot = an update on Colorado Safety Bill 148 — it is back on the House floor.   Thanks to the Conference Committee, the confusing amendment was voted to be removed from the Bill.  Hopefully, the clarity of the Bill will make it easier for it to pass at the Senate level.  But before it gets to the Senate, it must return to the House for a “yes” or “no” vote.  This is where you can help, call or email your state Representative and urge him to vote yes on the Bill.  I just sent another note to House of Representative John Kefalas and it took less than five minutes.  Follow the link http://bicyclecolo.org/page.cfm?PageID=988 To find your State representative and send him a note.

Now that’s really it for the week! Hope to see you at NBB next week!

Steve Lacey

The first tip is to see and be seen.  No one, besides your mom, is more concerned about your safety than you.  Be aware of your surroundings, watch for hazards and be prepared for surprises.  Reflective clothes and lights both front and rear should be used in questionable daylight or at night.

We also encourage all riders to wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road or mountain bike trail while on a bike. Each week we’ll share a riding tip to help make your riding experience enjoyable, safe and fun. So let’s get started!

Just because there is snow on the ground doesn’t mean it’s not Spring.  And what does Spring mean besides flowers?  Bicycling!  Let’s face it, the times you spent on your bike as a kid are some of the happiest times you’ve ever had in your life. It was how most of us truly broke away from our parents’ grasp for the first time. You may not live with your parents anymore (or maybe you do and you still need some space!), but we’re willing to bet you haven’t forgotten how to ride a bike. You know why?  Because you loved it so much.  Yes, that feeling is still there itching to get out and if you let it, you may just find the purest of all fountains of youth.  But first, you may have to actually go out and purchase a new or used bike. This can be quite overwhelming!

If you haven’t been to a bike shop in a while you may be quite surprised by the number of different styles of bikes on the sales floor.  There are cruisers, comfort, commuter, road, mountain, hybrid bikes (!) and even more.  Some bikes look more suited to an art gallery than a bike shop.  In proportion to the number of bike styles, there are an equal number of different price ranges to suit everyone’s needs. So here’s the skinny…or the phat….on bikes you may see around the bike rack.

The Cruiser – The name says it all.  Designed for a very relaxed and laid back kind of ride along the bike trail or neighborhood street while on the way to the local coffee shop. Generally in the lowest of the price ranges.   With a low wide seat, wide handle bar and wide tires, this bike is unmistakable.

The Comfort Bike – Generally these are for traveling shorter distances at lower speed and are well suited to a basket or rack for trips to Whole Foods or the local Farmers Market.  They’re also designed to give the rider an upright comfortable riding position.  The addition of gears makes these bikes just a tad higher in price than the cruiser.

The Commuter Bike– Getting people from point A to point B reliably and efficiently is the function of this bike.  Geared or not, this bike is usually set up with fenders, narrower tires, a rear rack and straight handle bars.  Many different bike types can be set up as “commuter” type bikes with today’s accessories and tire choices,giving you a lot of flexibility in designing what you need.

The Road Bike– With the multi-curved handle bar and skinny tires, these bikes are as

distinctive as the cruiser. Think Lance Armstrong.  Road bikes are designed to cover some serious road miles efficiently.  The curved handle bars allow the rider to use many different hand positions for comfort and aerodynamic positions.  These bikes have many different price points depending on the frame material and component selection.  Generally the lighter, the bike the more expensive it is.  Fit and price are the main considerations when buying such a bike so take the time to have a trained technician fit the bike to you. This will put you in the proper body position and decrease the risk of injury and fatigue.

The Mountain Bike – Without a doubt, the mountain bike is the most versatile of all bike types.  These bikes were developed primarily off road and were first conceived and built by Gary Fisher in Mount Tam, CA.  Wider tires and many gears allow riders to climb very steep inclines over all types of terrain. But set up correctly with skinny tires they can also fit very easily into any social group ride on the road as well.  26 or 29 inch wheels are available options for mountain bikes these days and the jury is still out as to which one is better. It seems to depend on the rider.

So there you have it, the lowdown on bikes. There’s a bike for everyone, so as you get ready to ride, think about what kinds of things you want to do with your bike and what you want your bike to do for you. I promise you, you will not be disappointed!

Ride on and catch you next week with another amazing installment on Spring riding!

Steve Lacey