changed since its original conception is the addition of a propulsion system. It’s so simple; a couple wheels attached to a frame in a way that allows one wheel to steer the bike left or right and one that is connected to a drive train and makes the bike move.  Such a simple concept that even a child can make it work and even after years of neglect, a long forgotten owner can throw a leg over it and make it come to life without a second thought.  Yet every year, around this time, hundreds of retailers, builders, and inventors come together at INTERBIKE in Las Vegas to show the world they have a better mouse trap. Lance was not there this year but Eddy was there… do you remember Eddy Merckx? Lance Armstrong may have beaten Merckx’s five Tour de France wins but in no way could he claim to dominate the sport like “The Cannibal” did in the 1970′s. Few riders today race more than 100 days a year, Merckx averaged 140 races per year between 1969 and 1973.

The theme of the show is always the same — make bicycling more fun, more safe and more affordable……Ok, the affordable part could be argued – what can’t be argued, is the fact that the bicycle is here to stay and despite a shaky economy, it is rolling straight and true.

Simplicity seems to be the trend for the coming year with a big showing of single speeds and fixed gear bicycles at the show.  Put one tick in the plus column for affordable.  Tired of the chain marks on your leg or clothes?  Belt drives look to be gaining ground and look very promising and worry free.  My wife thinks I have enough bikes….But Retrotec showed off their three speed fixie (is that legal??) and if it came in a belt drive model, I might have some ‘splaining to do, as Ricky would say.

Clothing. I’m not talking kits, I’m talking ‘clothing to commute to work in’ or ‘ride to town in with shoes to match and actually walk around in instead of skate through the office on’ are also due to be a hit next year.  But please keep some quarters around for a shower, just in case.  If you are a bike commuter, you’ll also be happy to know there are plenty of racks, paniers and bags to carry anything from a surf board to a laptop to the office, maybe even for the same job.

And how can any bike expo be complete without a showing of the latest space age material molded into something that looks to hover over two wheels and doesn’t need pedals it looks so fast?  Yes, there were plenty of those and they certainly deserve their just attention but they are not the only wonders of the expo.

The gadgets and gizmos like Pedros’ multi-tool skewer or King Cages’ top cap mounted bottle cage or even Camelbak’s water bladder in a jersey, are always fun to see.  Shoot, I can never find my Allen wrenches on the work bench, I’d hate to lose my skewer too!  Catching my eye and attention the most had to be the Bontrager rim clothes hanger.  What a great way to recycle those worn out rims! Use them to hang up your worn out clothes/kits!

Don’t worry if you didn’t get to see the Expo in person, all these products will soon be at a local shop near you….OK, maybe not the clothes hanger!

Steve Lacey

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

This past week a member of our cycling community, Stuart Culp, I’m very sorry to say, was involved in an accident involving a motor vehicle.

The accident occurred around noon on Tuesday during a TTH group ride out on Crossroads Blvd in Windsor.  Stuart had dropped back from the group and was struck from behind by a motor vehicle.  I too had dropped off the back of the group and was the first to arrive at the scene of the accident and stayed with Stuart until paramedics arrived.  An EMT nurse also arrived shortly after the accident and gave Stuart immediate care.  Within minutes after the accident paramedics arrived and gave Stuart the utmost care and attention and quickly had him off to the hospital.

Stuart is currently undergoing treatment at one of our top ranked local hospitals and is in the best of hands and care.  The Culp family has been very grateful for the support the cycling community has given but requests people refrain from calling or visiting the hospital at this time.  I hope everyone respects their wishes.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Culp family and all touched by this incident.

After experiencing an accident like this first hand, I can’t stress enough the importance of having some form of first aid training if you frequently participate in group rides or just in general.  Something else I NEED everyone who is reading this to do right now – set up an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact on their cell phone.  RIGHT NOW!!!!!!  I’ll wait right here while you do this!  This year’s Tour de France also makes mention of the RoadID bracelet; forget the lattes this week and buy one of these things, please.  At the very least, put an emergency contact card in your tool bag and on your person. You don’t know who will be with you if something happens, or if you are on your own, who will find you. It might be a complete stranger and you need them to know who you are.

Other things to try and remember with any accident such as this -

*  Do not move anything involved in the accident – If you must move something, be sure to mark its original location.

*  Make note of the time of day.

*  Keep people away from the scene or from touching anything around the scene if possible.

Please think good thoughts for Stuart and hold a place for him in the peloton. This is not the first time a member of the cycling community has been in a serious accident. Now go take that First Aid class and organize your cell phone contacts as well as a RoadID bracelet!

Be safe!

How can Fort Collins compete with such a race?  Well, how about the return of the 6 day races on CSU’s Oval brought to you by the Fort Collins Velodrome Association and co-sponsored by Lee’s Cyclery? On Sunday, July 12th at 5:00PM, the Oval will come alive with a multitude of races and categories for all to enjoy for six weeks.  At the Oval, there is not a bad seat on or off the track and spectators can get close enough to the action to experience racing without lifting a pedal! Last year the number of racers and spectators proved Fort Collins loves cycling and is worthy of their own velodrome.  Visit the Fort Collins Velodrome Association web site for more information about the races and the velodrome.

Another upcoming event which is a little less competitive but just as exciting, is the Urban Assault race/ride.  July 19th, Fort Collins city streets will be the proving ground for teams of two to plot their route to checkpoints around town where they will be faced with wacky obstacles and challenges.  First team to reach all the checkpoints and complete all its roadblocks and riddles will win a pair of coveted New Belgium Brewery cruisers and personal acclaim.  After the event, all are invited to attend the celebration and sample New Belgium’s brew and raffle at El Monte Grill.  Check out the UAR website for more information.

This week’s tip is again brought to you from one of my own personal experiences…..When riding in a group or peloton try to look at least two riders ahead of yourself.  As in driving looking ahead gives just a bit more notice of road hazards; it also gives you a little advanced warning when the peloton is making a break or brake.  Just watching the wheel in front of you may leave you out of a break/brake and make for a lonely or sore ride home.

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.

However, not all training programs are created equal. Selecting the right training program depends on your final goal and how much time you have until your planned event.  A racer training for a 2 hour race will follow a different training plan than a person wanting to complete their first 100 mile ride (aka a century).  No matter what plan you choose to follow, aspects of the plans are constant — hard days, easy days and rest days.  The duration and frequency of each of workout or rest day depends on what your end goal is and where you are in the training program.

So……Where do these training programs come from?  Search any of the top bicycling periodicals, websites or books and you’ll be able to find generic training plans for most riders and rides like this one.    Specialty training sites like Training Peaks will set up a training plan specific to your needs using a questionnaire to help determine your goals.  For the more serious riders, a personal trainer may be the ticket.  I recently spoke to Kevin Livingston from Pedal Hard Training Center in the basement of Mellow Johnny’s bicycle shop, the one Lance owns, about training, pedal-hard  and it was truly enlightening.  I must admit, I have some work to do on my training program, or lack thereof after talking to him, and in weeks to come, I hope to share my progress with you. No matter which style you choose, the key is to write it down and follow it.  I’d be willing to bet if you’ve never followed a structured training program before and make an honest effort to follow one you’ll be amazed at the time it saves actually spent on the bike and the rate at which you improve.

My riding tip for this week is more like a resting tip.  Rest is the most important day in a training cycle. It’s when all the good stuff happens.  Riding hard or long tears muscle fibers down.  These fibers get repaired and grow during the rest days and recovery days.  Even during interval training, the rest phase is not to be skipped to cut down the work out time.

In the coming weeks I hope to make some changes to my own training program dealing with my rest and duration in preparation for the upcoming race season and report on my progress.  I hope to see your progress as well but until then, remember to kick back once in a while and put your feet up and rest!

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