Music for a Monday. "My People" By The Presets
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tour de France 2010, 15 days away
There really isn't anything like the Tour. This years event will surely go down as one of the best. We have returning champions, rivals, new blood, ex-champions and ex-dopers all looking wear the maillot jaune on the podium in Paris. Excitement when I think about it.
Love this video (that I found thru Podium Cafe). I have no idea what the announcers are saying (screaming) as it's Norwegian. However I can understand when they express their manly, Norse love for Thor. But I think we all wouldn't have any problem showing our manly Norse love for Thor.
Line of Sight - Lucas Brunelle Production
His videos are so cool. Yeah, I sound like a dork when I say that. But guess what, I am a dork. No argument from this blog.
So it may be worth it to attend the Bicycle Film Festival just to see this movie.
Now, this is the part of the post where I have to say that I do not recommend or condone riding like this. It could lead to injury, dismemberment or DEATH.
That being said, part of the attraction in cycling is the thrill factor. There are moments when riding, where you may be riding just on the inside edge of control, and one wrong move sends you into a world of hurt. And that's what attracts me to these videos.
I like that he included a clip of singletrack riding, because riding in traffic is very similar to riding singletrack.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Breaking story - Trek buys Eddy Merckx brand
Trek’s John Burke said the company’s decision to roll Eddy Merckx into the Trek line was driven by desire to simplify its line and grow sales, particularly in the hot children's box store category.
Burke, Trek’s president, said box stores like Wal-Mart and Target began clamoring last fall for Eddy Merckx branded 16" kids and pseudo-BMX bikes offered by other brands. “Retailers were asking for that in droves,” he said.
This move combines a strong performance brand image, and a great money generating opportunity. "Plus, we just like to kill good brands. Look at Klein and Bontrager. It feels good to do what we do best." Burke said in an interview.
Apologies to Eddy Merckx for making fun of him. And happy 65th birthday to the greatest bicycle racer.
38 BFD
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Road bike used for trials and stunt riding.
The video is worth it just for the backflip. (wait for it)
Chasing Legends Theatrical Trailer
View this in HD at fullscreen! If it doesn't get the adrenaline pumping, you must be dead. Holy Cow!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Here's an example of how cycling is a positive influence
Of course, I'm not saying that anything or everything he does or did, is right or good. But you can see that cycling (as well as going vegan) has changed his life.
It was especially interesting because I just saw the movie "American Hardcore
" which gives a sort-of history of the 80's hardcore punk time, mentioning both Bad Brains
(who McGowan was a roadie for) and Cro Mags
(who McGowan was the lead singer of).http://cyclinginquisition.blogspot.com/2010/06/from-hare-krishna-to-singer-in-punk.html
UPDATE 6-15-2010
Apparently, the interview has been pulled down temporarily.This post has been removed at the request of John. I'm working with him right now to get it back up. Stay tuned.I hope it goes back online soon. It's very well worth the read.
Finally finished reading the Floyd Landis book
" from Floyd Landis before he came out and admitted that he lied and that he's guilty of what he was accused of. In fact I was about halfway thru when that news came out, and it really took a while to finish it, knowing that it was full of lies.
What I come away with is that with a lie so big, his whole 'team' (to use his term) was either lying with him, or was totally and completely misled. And how much of what he is saying now it true. Are all the people he mentioned dopers? Did his parents know? Does he still (or ever) think the system is broken, and what did he think his lying would do?
He spends a lot of time saying that he's fighting, not only for himself, but for other riders that were 'wrongly' accused. I can only think that if riders are accused, but innocent, and still disciplined. Then his lying and claiming innocence for so long has really hurt their cause.
In the end tho, aren't we all like Floyd. I mean seriously, it would be pretty hard for me to turn down the chance to win the TDF. And I've lied and tried to cover up things I was ashamed of doing. Not on the scale of this, but that's not really the point is it? And I think I've stuck to lies, thinking that if I fight back hard enough, that the accuser will drop it. But yet, even if that happens, eventually you need to come clean. And I guess that's what he's doing. At least I hope that's what he's doing.
In the end tho, aren't we all like Floyd. I mean seriously, it would be pretty hard for me to turn down the chance to win the TDF. And I've lied and tried to cover up things I was ashamed of doing. Not on the scale of this, but that's not really the point is it? And I think I've stuck to lies, thinking that if I fight back hard enough, that the accuser will drop it. But yet, even if that happens, eventually you need to come clean. And I guess that's what he's doing. At least I hope that's what he's doing.
I do hope that good comes out of the situation. I wonder if he'll come out with another book. One full of 'truths' and real explanations
Friday, June 11, 2010
I'm not going to be able to eat chocolate any more...
unless it's fair trade. I just came upon this link and video. I had no idea that this kind of child slavery was going on for chocolate.
Seriously, I don't know how these companies can turn a blind eye to child slaves to turn a profit by satisfying my sweet-tooth. It's disgusting.
Since 2001, chocolate consumers around the world have voiced their concern about child labor and trafficking on cocoa farms in West Africa. Despite millions of dollars and tons of public relations campaigns over the years, the worst forms of child labor and trafficking continue to occur in the cocoa supply chains of major US chocolate companies like Hershey, M&M/Mars and Nestle.From: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/chocolate
The only thing I can think to do is to spread the word about this, and try to purchase only fair trade chocolate.
Scary stuff
Helmet-cam footage of cyclist getting hit by a car. Direct link: http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2010/05/27/
dnt.bike.helmet.cam.cbc.html
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Save the world with a better coffee cup
I like coffee, and I feel guilty about going to the coffee shop and getting coffee in a disposable cup. Maybe you have an idea for a better cup.
I've been using a travel cup, or my ceramic cup when I walk to the coffee shop while at work.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Libor Karas - Bike Trials
These videos are from the '90's. Libor has been (and will remain) one of my favorite riders. Besides being great on the bike, he is a pretty nice, approachable guy.
Back when I worked at IT&B Libor came out to Hawaii, stayed at the owners house and put on a couple of shows(demos?) at the shop. Just kinda impromptu, on the front sidewalk. I think someone grabbed a picnic bench from down the street. Everyone had a great time. Too bad I didn't have a camera available to shoot pics of him.
Anyway, one more video of Libor for today.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Adidas Originals - Star Wars™ Cantina 2010
I know it's the Star Wars geek in me, but I'm loving this new Adidas spot with Daft Punk, Snoop Dogg and others. I don't even like Snoop Dogg, but this spot is awesome.
I am just as responsible for this
Everyone's looking for someone to blame for this. Yes, there are companies and government officials that are/should be held accountable. But ultimately, I can say that I know that I am responsible for this. At least just as much as the next person. There are actions I can take to reduce my use of petroleum. My continual use has led to this situation. I am going to commit to reducing so that hopefully this will never happen again.
Red Herring - Blog Chatter
Red Herring? Follow the link and read the post. It does make sense that for too much attention is paid on the topic of motorized doping over the focus on biological doping, which is apparent that is still pretty widespread.
I wouldn't go as far as to say that it's laughable, I do believe that if teams wanted to, they could easily make use of the technology and, I believe, go undetected. So I do think it's worth it to at least be aware that it's possible.
But the UCI should only be giving this an acknowledgement and focus again on finding dopers and getting them out.
I wouldn't go as far as to say that it's laughable, I do believe that if teams wanted to, they could easily make use of the technology and, I believe, go undetected. So I do think it's worth it to at least be aware that it's possible.
But the UCI should only be giving this an acknowledgement and focus again on finding dopers and getting them out.
Why does it matter what you wear when riding?
I found this fascinating quote today:
If “cyclist” somehow has come to mean, however, that you wear “full-spandex kit” and so on every time you ride, maybe we should work on redefining the term. To me, it doesn’t really matter what you wear, especially if you are simply a person who rides a bicycle.Bjsmith, puncture proof, Jun 2010I have to agree. I'm no less a cyclist when riding my dumpster-dive commuter with mio bellissimo moglie to the farmers market then when riding my roadie-racer in a spanked-ex superhero costume. Remember, just run whatcha brung, ride whatch got, and wear what-eva's comfy.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Indian Heights mountain bike trails
 |
| Photo from Post-Bulletin |
So let me get this straight, generally (according to comments on other articles about cycling) people in this area are against cyclists on the roads. Now they are against cyclists on singletrack. Hmmm.
One of the reasons I sold my mountain bike a long time ago, was the lack of places to ride. So when I hear that there are people working on building more trails, I get a little excited and reconsider getting a mountain bike. So if you care at all about having a place to ride a mountain bike, read the article and vote. Make sure you vote. And if you feel you can argue a point, post a comment. I'll refrain only because I can't stand reading the comments against.
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=2&a=455351
View Indian Heights in a larger map
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Are you a hater?
Seriously? Is this ok? Now I really don't know. Is this humor? Is it not worth mentioning? Or is it something bad?
The real question is, am I not any different? I'll make jokes at others expense. I'll put others down. Ok, I may not say that I've hurt or killed someone and pass it off as a joke, but I'm sure I've come pretty close. So am I a hater? Just like this person?
Originally found on http://www.averyjenkins.com/wp-trackback.php?p=247, via Gwadzilla.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Dear Fast
I look around and realize you left me. I guess I was hoping it wasn't real, but I guess you really are gone. Of course now I look at myself and wonder if it was something I did. In fact I'm pretty sure it is. Or maybe it's something that I didn't do? Either way, I don't blame you. The time we had together was great, but how quickly that time passes.
My only thought now is in how to win you back. Do I ease into trying to bring you close? Do I tempt you with promises of endless weekends spent together. I don't really know. But I do know that I miss you. Please come back.
Want you back in my life,
Gunnar
My only thought now is in how to win you back. Do I ease into trying to bring you close? Do I tempt you with promises of endless weekends spent together. I don't really know. But I do know that I miss you. Please come back.
Want you back in my life,
Gunnar
New header image - Giro 2010 in Vlissingen
There's a new header image. I used this image from flickr. Thanks brah.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Talk about cheating! -Bike with engine (doped bike)
Holy cow! Doping is bad and wrong. But even the dopers are riding bikes, putting in miles and training. But adding motors changes a bicycle into a motorcycle. And there's no way that it is not cheating. I mean out and out cheating!
Then again, I don't think it's right to call out a specific riders performance as suspicious and then say you're not actually accusing them. I think if this is actually available, there will be riders and/or teams that will make use of it. But I really doubt that Cancellara would use it.
I don't know, what do you think? Real or not? In use? Suspicious riders?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
For you web people out there
They have 18 fonts at this time, a couple with multiple variants and/or families. Most of the fonts are fairly conservative and readable. Which is good. Nothing crazy yet to uglify the web anymore then it already is.
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