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
is open for business after a recent reconstruction. The obstacles built from dimensional lumber were just not holding up from the use and abuse the riders gave them and had to be removed. Members of the IMBA Trail crew with help from 
were called in to create the new design. Visiting the Park in the between stages I couldn’t wait to return and test their craftsmanship and my ability.
Then there’s the trail work going on around Fort Collins –yes, as hinted above, trails around Fort Collins are also receiving some new additions.
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”….
Finally, you can probably imagine that this week’s tip comes directly from my own experience
It’s official; the training season has officially begun. Whether you’re getting ready for your first race, your first organized ride or your first 50 – 100 mile ride, following a training program can make your end goal seem like a walk in the park. The phrase “work smarter, not harder” may not have been coined on a bike seat, but it certainly should be stamped on one. If you’re like me, you ride your bike because you like to ride your bike; racing and other milestone rides are bonuses. But these days time is money, so spending quality time on your bike is a must while working towards your goal, even if it means staying off your bike. WHAT? Stay off your bike to be more proficient on your bike? That’s right! Countless hours on the bike can actually do more harm than good. Following a training program helps you think about the rest needed to repair and build muscles damaged by training. It also helps you make the best use of your time.
generic training plans for most riders and rides like 
Will write for socks and fame! May 31st deadline.
If you’re going to be around Fort Collins this 
7 – 10 and are part of the Fort Collins Cycling Festival. You can also what the races live 
ve been. “It was a bit chilly but so is scraping the ice off my car windows,” I said in return. “At least then you’re out of the cold” came back 
2.
d ride home in the evening and then back to work in the morning to get your car.
Now for my bread and butter……If you have not been mountain biking on the trails around Fort Collins you are missing out on some of the best mountain biking in the state. Yes, I know there are a lot of people who say that Fort Collins isn’t in the same league as Fruita or Grand Junction, never mind that other place called Moab (UT by the way) but if you can ride the trails in FC, you can ride any trail anywhere short of Whistler. People from here can travel, key word is travel, west and have such a good time on the trails there because of our trails. From super easy and flat to super technical and steep, you can find it within 15 minutes of town. Those just beginning to get their tires dirty would enjoy time spent in and around the Pineridge Trail System, Blue Sky Trail and the Valley Trail in Horsetooth and Lory Parks. Those riders
So,
o 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
