How Short is Two Miles ...... Page 4

Road Testing a Marriage ...... Page 8

Redline Cup ...... Page 9

36 YEARS AS THE NORTHWEST CYCLING AUTHORITY WWW.BICYCLEPAPER.COM WINTER 2007 • FREE

a CHALLENGE Kevin Chong: Pushing the Limits, One—Mile at a Time

BY MELINA LAMBUTH AND AMY ENSIGN nerves or muscles; it happens because of abnormalities in the parts of the Kevin Chong is a man who doesn’t brain that control muscle movement. give up. Living with cerebral palsy Chong’s CP affects his left side, (CP) since a young age, he briefly including his arm, his leg, and his tried to conquer the bicycle as a vision. He doesn’t have seizures. child. Although his attempt at riding Until recently, Chong had yet was enough to scare him away from to test his cycling skills in anything the sport for many longer than a quick years, at the age of I love how fast I bike ride. Just two 21 he was convinced can travel with my weeks before the by a friend to give own power. With my 2007 Seattle to the bicycle another Portland Bicycle chance. In 30 minutes disability, I walk too slow. Classic, Chong’s he had it down. best friend Kirk According to the National Institute Chandler made the suggestion that of Neurological Disorders and they ride in the event together. Not Photo courtesy Arkel Overdesign, Tai Lee and CY•FI 2007 Photo courtesy Arkel Overdesign, Tai Stroke, cerebral palsy is any one of knowing where they were going to Arkel’s seat bag (top left), Waterford Gunnar CrossHairs (top right) and Cy•fi wireless speaker for bike a number of neurological disorders stay and unable to register on the (bottom row). that permanently affects muscle Internet the night before, the two men coordination and body movement. It arrived at the start line and were able typically appears in infancy or early to purchase tickets. With the help of a childhood, but it doesn’t worsen over See “Chong” on page 4 Equipment and Products for all Taste time. It isn’t caused by problems in the BY TAI LEE, BRITTANY SCHOOLEY AND CLAIRE BONIN fork, with traditional bent legs, creates the effect of a RACING Cycling manufacturers never stop coming up a softer, larger tire, without the increase in weight with and developing new ideas or improving on and rolling resistance. International Racing Hit Seattle some already available. Other industries are also The CrossHairs isn’t the bike you could do trying to grab bicyclists’ attention with new gadgets everything on, but it’s the one you could do most BY JOE SALES that they hope you will find indispensable. In things on. Fast group rides, ‘cross racing, gravel trails, surprisingly similar results. preparation for the upcoming holidays and the new centuries, commuting, and light touring are all well The Northwest cyclo-cross season Terry Buchanan, the lead promoter 2008 season, our staff has identified some products within reach of this bike’s capabilities. is well underway, and another wild for Star-Crossed’s host club Hagens that range from practical and comfortable to “feel Frame and fork retail for $1,025. For more and exciting Star-Crossed race has Berman Cycling Team, has developed good” and wireless. information: www.GunnarBikes.com come and gone. There were a few key a winning template for his event: differences to this year’s annual race, night racing under bright lights, loud One Bike to Do Almost Everything Cy•fi—Hi-Fi for Your Bicycle including bringing back the Union music with a DJ, and a loquacious and The Waterford Gunnar CrossHairs manages to The dilemma of using headphones while biking is Cycliste Internationale (UCI) sanction enthusiastic race announcer pumping fill a well-overlooked void in the cycling industry, no longer an issue with Cy•fi’s new wireless bicycle and pairing it with the Rad Racing up the crowd with hyperbole and namely: What bike would you get if you could truly speaker for iPods—the first of its kind. Cy•fi, Hi-Fi for GP the following providing play- only have one? your bicycle, was introduced at the Interbike Show in day to create an by-play reports With its steeper headtube, shorter fork rake, and Las Vegas, Nevada last September, and is the perfect international from around the low bottom bracket, the CrossHairs mimics the ride reason for music-loving cyclists to be excited. The doubleheader in course. Add to and feel of a road bike. However, its cantilever brake portable speaker can be easily mounted onto a bike’s the greater Seattle this a lot of beer, bosses, flat crown fork, and longer chainstays allows handlebars, and allows riders to listen to their favorite area. The Rad GP freely flowing one to run tires up to 38mm wide plus fenders. tunes while maintaining awareness of traffic. has previously in the beer Waterford has a long-established reputation for The initial idea behind this design was to let been part of garden, which crafting great steel bikes. With their Gunnar brand cyclists listen to their music without the danger of the national US is situated in the they emphasis value without skimping on the quality. headphones, and to offer an easily accessible speaker Gran Prix (USGP) most spectator-

The CrossHairs comes with Waterford’s OS2 tubing, with the highest sound quality. Cy•fi gives riders a series, but Photo by Joe Sales friendly part which is a large-diameter, thin-walled version of True different day-to-day biking experience by eliminating changes to the Rad Racing junior racers dominate of the course, Temper’s “air hardening” OX Platinum tubing also earbugs, so the neighboring bicyclists, pedestrians, racing calendar the Cat 3 Event. giving partiers used by Waterford for its custom bikes. The value and even drivers may hear what’s playing. meant that the series would not visit a close view of both the barriers comes from less-expensive TIG-welded construction Riders like Jeff Lotman, CEO of Global Icons and Washington state, but rather make a crossing and the finish line. It’s a and standardized sizing and paint. founder of Cy•fi, won’t have to compromise their love dual appearance in Portland, Oregon combination that attracted over 400 All these technical details add up to an incredible of music while biking anymore—they can have both in early December. With back-to-back racers and about 2,000 very loud, and riding bike. A quick ride through Pike Place at the same time! Lotman, who is a devoted bicyclist, Star-Crossed and Rad GP, racers enthusiastic race fans. Market’s old brick roads proves the CrossHairs’s understood the importance of being aware of his and fans were greeted with great With all the adult-themed incredible ability to soak up broken pavement. The racing opportunities at two events spectator fun, it would be easy to OS2 tubing keeps the bike’s weight down while that couldn’t be more different in forget that Star-Crossed is incredibly See “Products” on page 7 providing solid ride qualities. The flat-crown lugged atmosphere and venue. Yet, at the See “Cross” on page 5 end of the weekend, they produced NEWS

BTA Board Selects New Executive Director Seattle Bicycle Master safety-education portion. The goal is to triple commuting by bike during that period. COURTESY BTA Born and raised in Monroe, NY, Scott Plan Approved The city has budgeted $27 million for cycling received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Sci- projects, although some large projects listed in Monday, October 22, 2007 — The Bicycle ence from the State University of New York in On November 5, The Seattle City Council the plan would require an additional $240 mil- Transportation Alliance’s Board of Directors has Albany. He moved to Portland in 1994 to work unanimously approved the 10-year Bicycle lion. Priorities set in the plan include building selected Scott Bricker to be the new Executive at Metro as a Transportation Planning Intern and Master Plan (BMP). This comprehensive road the Ballard Golden Gardens link, the Ship Canal Director. This comes following pursue a graduate degree. map proposes the addition of 118 miles of Trail, and the Queen Anne bridge. a nationwide executive search He received his Master’s in new bike lanes and 19 miles of trails, build- Later this month, the city will consider send- process that involved the Board Urban and Regional Plan- ing overpasses and bridges, the development ing $7 million to take care of the Burke-Gilman of Directors, members of the ning from Portland State of bike boulevards, the addition or widening “missing link.” BTA staff and the community University in 1998 and was of bike lanes, and the creation of signage to The complete plan can be found at www. at-large. The search committee hired by the BTA later that increase awareness. The BMP also includes a seattle.gov/Transportation/bikemaster.htm. received 13 applications from year. As the BTA has grown, around the U.S. and Canada and he has served as Education interviewed four. Manager, Education Director, Serving as the interim Ex- Policy and Education Direc- Sydor Inducted to the Championships cross-country ecutive Director following the tor, and Policy Director until Hall of Fame podiums, and many National departure of Evan Manvel, becoming Interim Executive Champion titles, among

Scott has worked for the BTA Photo courtesy of BTA Director. As Policy Director, Three-time cross-country World Champion others. For 13 consecutive for nine years. He has been part Scott Bricker Scott successfully lobbied Alison Sydor was inducted into the Mountain years, she never finished of its transformation from a three-person local the legislature to pass bills in the 2003, 2005, Bike Hall of Fame last September. The well- outside of the top five at the advocacy organization to being a nationally and 2007 legislative sessions that included in- known British Columbia rider started her World Championships. A role recognized, award winning authority on cycling crease of vehicle traffic fine rates, Safe Routes mountain bike career in 1991. That year she model for many mountain advocacy and education. The BTA is one of the to School legislation, Share the Road License claimed the first of her 17 World Cup victories bikers and sport enthusiasts, top ten bicycling organizations in the nation, Plates, Vulnerable Roadway User Bill, and en route toward her three World Cup Series Sydor spends time promoting based on membership and budget. laws to improve the operations and safety of titles. The 1996 Olympic silver medalist also the sport and its benefits to Moran Photo courtesy of Tom pedestrians and cyclists. earned two Pan Am Games medals, 12 World young people. Alison Sydor

PRODUCT REVIEW

Skincare in Six Gears screen. The herbal scent was quite pleasant. Hastily, I grabbed the Fourth Gear: Night Now feeling cleansed, I had my wits about Shift Skin Restore. This was a creamy lotion- me enough to realize that I had not used these like product, which I applied on my sun-baked BY TAI LEE which seemed to defeat the purpose of being products in the right order. As such, I reached arms and legs. I figured they would need it the We were recently sent a box of skin product sprayable. I also felt that the SPF 25 was a bit for First Gear: Power Face Prep. Fortunately, most. I can’t quite pinpoint how effective the goodies from the folks at Pure & Simple, Inc. The lacking. Then again, I have a preference for I needed to shave anyway. The product is in- lotion was. Comparing it to my usual aloe-based “Hi-Rev Skincare: Rebuilder Kit” included six liberally basting myself with SPF 48. tended solely for preparing the face for shaving. gel is probably like comparing Campagnolo different products, conveniently labeled as first The real regi- I washed it off to Shimano. through fifth gear, with a bonus reverse gear. men began when per the instruc- The last step was Reverse Gear: Eye Therapy Despite the product being marketed to- I got home. In my tions and then Anti-Aging Gel. This is a great play on word, wards auto-enthusiasts, I felt it was worth post-ride stupor, I used my own as the product may reverse the effects of aging, checking out. What better time to try out a six- grabbed the 2nd shaving gel to stress, and pollution around the eyes. I squirted step beauty regimen than after a century ride Gear bottle: Power finish the job. a bit out of the foaming dispenser and dabbed in late summer? Caked in salt, grit, bugs, and Body Wash. This No nicks! it around my eyes. With the regimen finished, sunscreen, I threw down a hygienic gauntlet too was rather H a v i n g it was time to answer my wife’s beckoning and to test Hi-Rev’s effectiveness. runny. I squirted already used head to bed. As one who never took instructions well, some onto a wash- Second Gear, Upon getting under the blankets, I was I started with 5th Gear, a bottle of sunscreen cloth and began I proceeded asked what took me so long. I described the with a convenient spritzer. This was brought scrubbing the to Third Gear: process I had just undergone and she reached along during the ride so that I could re-apply day’s grime off Anti-Aging Af- over in the dark, feeling for my face. “That feels every two hours, as any UV-fearing cyclist my skin. I had al- Photo courtesy of Pure and Simple, Inc. ter Shave Balm. pretty nice,” she said. Sounds like the Rebuilder should. The spritzer head did not dispense ready wiped some Yikes! That tin- Kit passes the only test that counts! much sunscreen at once and the sunscreen is of the filth off at the finish line with a wet towel, gled! By then, my wife was ready to hit the sack. The Gears Rebuilder Kit by Hi-Rev™ also formulated to be quite runny for the sake which effectively gave the body wash a head It was her first century-distance ride and she Skincare costs $49.99, more details at of being able to spray it. I felt compelled to use start. It had no trouble removing the remaining was pretty tired. She asked me if I was ready www.hirevskincare.com a lot and had to rub it around to spread it out, sticky film left behind by multiple layers of sun- for bed, but I had two more gears to go!

J & G CYCLEWEAR

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2 Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 RIDE HEALTHY

Bike Fit Considerations A Call to Action psychology (figuring out “triggers” of improper A person new to cycling should not assume Winter, 2007 Obesity is on the rise, and I am habits and strategies to overcoming them). that they need to look and act like Lance Volume 36 • Number 8 sure you are not hearing this for Armstrong in order to benefit from the sport. Easy on the Joints Publishers Jay Stilwell the first time. It is estimated that In fact, there are a few fit considerations that Ryan Price 100 million Americans, a number Bicycling and swimming are easy on will help ease the transition into cycling as a Associate Publisher Claire Bonin By Erik that has greatly increased within the joints, which make them great for those regular mode of exercise. General trends that Moen the past 30 years, are overweight gravitationally challenged. A study by Redfield will increase one’s comfort include increasing PT, CSCS E d i t o r i a l or obese. Amid adults it has R. Hull published in the the handlebar height, Editor Claire Bonin more then doubled, passing from 15% to 32.9%. Journal of Biomechanics decreasing the reach Copy Editor Amy Ensign Among children ages 2–5, it raised from 5% to compared compressive to the handlebars, Editorial Intern Brittany Schooley Writers Claire Bonin 13.9%, while ages 6–11 saw a growth of 12.3%, forces on the tibial/femoral assuming a more Amy Ensign going from 6.5% to 18.8%; the numbers tripled joint (also known as part of upright position on Maynard Hershon in the 12–19 age group, moving from 5% to the knee). It was found that the bike, lowering the Joe Kurmaskie 17.4% (www.cdc.gov). running created the greatest saddle height, using Melinda Lambuth Erik Moen A person is considered obese when their amount of compression, a wider saddle with a Dan Norton weight is greater than what is considered followed by walking and partial cutout and/or Joe Sales healthy for a given height. For an adult this can then cycling. Based on these using platform pedals. Brittany Schooley be determined by calculating a person’s Body results, a de-conditioned Padded shorts with Tai Lee Photographers Jen Ackeroyd Mass Index (BMI). A score of 30 or higher is population should not start Photo by Studio Chaton chamois cream will Arkel considered obese. BMI in children and teens out an exercise program Simone after help improve comfort Bicycle Transportation is based on the age, sex, and position within with running alone. Riding a bicycle should in the saddle. Bike fit can and should change Alliance Bicycle Paper the percentile range of kids in the same group serve as an introduction to the world of physical as you become stronger and leaner. Breezer Bicycles (www.cdc.gov). Being overweight or obese activity to those with limited muscular strength Kevin Chong can have several medical ramifications and and extra body weight. Help Someone in Need Clif Bar increase the risk of many health conditions, Why am I preaching to the choir on exercise? Ryan Correy Expenditure Level Cy•fi 2007 including hypertension, high total cholesterol, Because you are a resource readily available to Greg Descantes type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, Metabolic cost references the amount of friends and family who might be dealing with Tai Lee gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea energy or calories that is required to perform obesity. Winter is the perfect time to start sowing Tom Moran Nomad and respiratory problems. It can also be related to an activity. Measured in MET, it is a good tool seeds of change. Cycling can be intimidating to Pure and Simple, Inc. some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon). to help create and track an exercise program. the non-initiated. Your expertise and suggestions Joe Sales Physical activity is a crucial component of One MET represents the energy expenditure might help ease the initial learning curve. Donate Studio Chaton weight loss and/or body composition change. level associated with the consumption of 3.5ml equipment, lead rides on local trails, or go cycle The Surgeon General recommends 60 minutes of of oxygen/kg of body weight/minute. The shopping with them. Art and Production moderate physical activity most days of the week Australian government (www.facs.gov.au) has Design and Production Michelle Doran for children, and 30 minutes for adults. Children defined the metabolic cost of a few activities. Get Out There! Graphics Rick Peterson in particular need sustained daily exercise • 1–2 METs (rest or minimal activity): Lying Resources on www.webMD.com suggest Graphics Intern Devin Yu Printing Consolidated Press and a balanced diet down, sitting, standing, or typing that every 30 minutes spent in a car each day Advertising Claire Bonin in order to attain • 2–3 METs (easy activities of daily living): increase your chances of becoming obese by Tai Lee cardiovascular Slow walking, playing pool, light house or 3%. Consider using the car less and ride more fitness, normal yard work to decrease these odds. Start with small bouts Distribution bone mass and • 3–4 METs (walking average pace): of exercise and be consistent. Cycling is a Distribution & Mailing Amy Ensign strength, and to Walking average pace, easy bicycling, golf, wonderful sport, so make it your New Year’s Tai Lee develop weight or vacuuming resolution to share your joy and enthusiasm with

Calendar Powered by management habits • 4–5 METs (moderate activity): others who are near and dear to you. that will serve them Gentle swimming, mowing lawn, or throughout their normal walking Redfield R, Hull, ML. Prediction of pedal life. Other elements • 5–6 METs (heavy exercise): Manual labor or forces in bicycling using optimization methods necessary to affect vigorous sports Journal of Biomechanics, 19(7), 1986: 523–540 Bicycle Paper is published 8 times per year from March to November by Seattle Publishing. body composition • 6–7 METs: Fast walking, or carrying loads Subscription is $14 per year; $26 for two years. are proper nutrition up stairs and eating patterns, • 7–8 METs: Jogging, tennis, or Erik Moen PT, CSCS is a nationally known 68 South Washington St. Seattle, WA 98104 regular sleep lap swimming expert on bicycling injury treatment and bicycle fit. Phone: 206.903.1333 and Fax: 206.903.8565 (approximately • 8–9 METs: Running about a seven-minute He practices physical therapy in the greater Seattle Toll Free: 1.888.836.5720 eight hours per mile pace, or bicycling at 12 mph area. He is an Elite licensed coach through USA All materials appearing in Bicycle Paper are night is necessary • 10 METs: Running about six minutes per Cycling and races road, track and cyclo-cross. He the sole property of Bicycle Paper. No reprinting for improved mile, or cycling at about 15 mph may be reached at Corpore Sano in Kenmore, WA or or any other use is allowed without the written capability for Photo by Studio Chaton This demonstrates that riding a bike has a through his website at www.bikept.com. permission of the Publisher or Editor. Unsolicited contributions are welcome. All manuscripts should weight loss), and Simone before true metabolic cost. be accompanied by self-addressed, stamped en- velope. Write or call for editorial guidelines and deadlines. Bicycle Paper is listed in Consumer Magazine and Agri Media Source SRDS.

President Jay Stilwell [email protected] Vice President Ryan Price [email protected] Office Specialist Amy Ensign [email protected] Project Coordinator Claire Bonin [email protected] Production Coordinator Rick Peterson [email protected] Production Specialist 1 Michelle Doran [email protected] Publication Specialist Tai Lee [email protected]

Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 3 FROM THE FRONT PAGE

“CHONG” FROM PAGE 1 I mean every time you see Kevin, he amazes As the team passed through each town, you.” The second reason Chong had for riding it was not only an opportunity to converse friend who drove and located a motel for them city to the next. Ride Without Limits is a was to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and over a shared passion, but also a chance for to stay at overnight, they finished the event in a fundraising event that benefits United Cerebral raise funds for UCP. Chong to communicate a little about his story total of 19 hours, split between two days. Palsy (UCP), one of the largest health charities Chandler joined Chong for his rides in and the importance of supporting such causes Chong is quick to say that he did not in America and a leading source of information Sand Diego, from San Diego to Portland, and in as United Cerebral Palsy. Referred to as “the accomplish this feat on cerebral palsy (www. Portland. As this venture would require more journey of a lifetime,” this trip was quite the alone. Because of his ucp.org). 75 percent of the than a weekend, Chandler approached Walsh experience. Although it was tougher than he cerebral palsy, he needs net proceeds benefit local Construction, the company he works for, about originally thought, he definitely felt himself a special kind of bicycle UCP initiatives. getting the time off. Not only understanding and getting stronger throughout it. called a trike, which The whole trip started willing to allow him to go, they took it a step Chong has been invited to train for next usually runs a pretty hefty out in San Diego on further and offered to pay for the gas for the year’s STP, which he plans to do in one day. sum. Chong’s friend Pam September 10th, with the RV that provided support for the two cyclists. He will also continue to ride hydrofoils, which Clark called WhizWheels, first of the RWL events, His company is not the only one embracing he says are his “first love.” The hydrofoil a company in Kentwood, and ended in Portland on this cause; many sponsors joined in along the is a device that is towed behind a boat and Missourri, and explained September 28th, lasting a way. Everything from the food and beverages used for water skiing (see www.skyski.com Kevin’s story. Wayne little less than a month. to clothing and gas were donated. Even the for more information). Oom of WhizWheels RWL in Portland was entry fees for the San Diego and Portland Ride Kevin Chong is out to prove that limits can recalls, “We saw so much cancelled due to a lack Without Limits events for both riders were be pushed back, and that success is possible excitement and passion of participation, which covered. Vine Ride, WizWheelz, Nautilus®, where it may have seemed unlikely. Instead of in his vision that we had Chong believes was due Watsu NW, Happy Trails Riding Center, Foil- letting his disability overcome him, he is finding to get on board. It fits in part to the fact that n.com, Sky Ski, and the Beckley family all a way to incorporate it into his new passion for with our brand image the 2007 LIVESTRONG lined up to make the ride go smoothly. Chong cycling. As he puts it, “I love to just get out and and what we stand for. esy Kevin Chong Challenge happened is extremely grateful for all the support he go. I love how fast I can travel with my own One of our philosophies the same weekend. He received, as it would not have been possible power. With my disability, I walk too slow. It’s is be part of the solution. and Chandler still rode to start the journey without it. a new feeling to be able to go that quick.” We saw Kevin as being Photo court a one-day event that Kevin Chong and his WizWhelz trike. someone who is getting was sponsored by UCP. FEATURE out there and doing it.” The bicycle Kevin rides Undeterred, Chong has plans to be on is a Zoomer Elite, which is an upscale version the committee to help Portland organize of a Zoomer trike. the 2008 event. Really, How Short Is Two Miles? After conquering his first large cycling Chong had different reasons for doing a bike event, Chong set his sights on something bigger. ride of this magnitude, the first being simply BY BRITTANY SCHOOLEY Merely looking for another 200-mile ride was that he can. As Chandler, who has known him Clif Bar traveled to not challenging enough. Instead, he opted to since tenth grade, puts it, “[The best] thing about The minds behind Clif Bar Inc., a company different campuses in a enter in two of the four Ride Without Limits riding with Kevin is he rides so well, and then devoted to people’s health and the environment, 1950 GMC bus running (RWL) events (all 200 miles except Portland, when he stands up and people realize that he have a plan to fight global warming. They are on biodiesel. Inside, the which is 100 miles), as well as bike from one has a disability, that gives me the biggest kick… encouraging everyone to take their 2 Mile bus is organized into Challenge™ by leaving their cars at home, four stations designed and bicycling (or walking) any trip that’s less to show onlookers how than two miles. much of a car culture we live in, and how we A shocking fact reveals that in the United can change that. States, 40 percent of our trips are within a The “tour” starts at the back end of the bus, two-mile distance, and 90 percent of those where a map points out all of the different places trips are made by car. This interesting detail, in the world that utilize bicycles more than we among others, brought a team of Clif Bar do in the United States, and shows how they do employees together to create and organize it. For example, 32 percent of the population in this challenge. Copenhagen bike to work, 28 percent of travel Partnering with the nonprofit organization in the Netherlands is by bike, 1,450 kiosks were League of American Bicyclists, the Clif Bar installed in Paris offering 20,000 rentable bikes team, led by spokesperson Jeff Johnson, for $1.50 a day, and three million bikes are joined together and began a tour along the parked at rail stations every day in Japan. West Coast, hitting college campuses and Videos are shown of how these countries communities to inform and encourage people function well in a more bike-driven culture. to take this test. A computer, located at the very center of Founder of Clif Bar Gary Erickson has the bus, can be used to “map your 2 miles.” By shaped his company to be one that constantly entering in any address, people can find out how addresses issues regarding the health of the many grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, environment, parks, retail

which is what shops, and banks gave Johnson are within that and his staff distance. Finding of Clif Bar the confidence out just how short to go ahead two miles is has with the 2 Mile really surprised Challenge. people, according Photo courtesy They knew to Johnson. The bus and it’s crew travelled to various university they wanted capuses to challenge people to their bikes “It has brought to address people to examine environmental awareness, and decided that their own habits,” says Johnson, who thought using the bicycle was the best way to do so. They that college campuses were the best place to offered compelling facts such as “if one million visit because the lifestyle allows for more biking. people replaced a two-mile trip once a week with Students are always making short trips. a bike ride, CO2 emissions would be reduced by The next station shows how different Clif about 50,000 tons a year,” and that “60 percent Bar employees “roll.” While taking the 2 Mile of pollution created by automobile emissions Challenge, the employees showed how they get happens in the first minutes of operation,” and around, whether it’s on a “Mountain Master,” a that “the cost of operating a car is $5,170 per see “2 Mile Callenge” on page 8 year,” compared to $120 for a bike. 4 Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 FROM THE FRONT PAGE

“CROSS” FROM PAGE 1 battle between Wendy Williams (River City the competition from the European contingency. Cycles), Sarah Kerlin (Hrs/Rock Lobster) and “It was really fun to race Christian here at home, popular with racers, and it has a fast growing riders escape from the bunch at a rate that must Wendy Simms (Kona). The three speedy riders he’s really strong and he made both Ryan and reputation as the nation’s single most fun ‘cross have alarmed the rest of the field. The ubiquitous stayed together for the duration and entered me race at our best,” commented Wicks. event to attend. Due to its and easily the velodrome together on the final lap. Wendy early position on the race recognizable Williams claimed victory in the exciting sprint The Comeback calendar, it attracts riders Kona teammates with Kerlin and Simms following. The women’s race saw a very determined looking to wrap up a long Barry Wicks Rachel Lloyd (Promax), who broke her chain road or mountain season and reigning Rad Racing Grand Prix and missed the wining break the previous night, with a little celebratory USA National Sunday morning and the Rad Racing GP gained an early lead. Simms and Williams racing fun, as well as Champion Ryan came early for the racers and celebrants from the quickly joined her. It looked like the three of the more serious and Trebon got preceding night’s festivities. Promoted by Rad them would spend the race together, speeding dedicated cross racers away with Geoff Racing’s head honcho Jim Brown, it serves as a away from the remainder of the field, until looking to test their legs Kabush (Maxxis) fundraiser for this nationally-acclaimed junior Simms fell on a gravel corner on the upper les and check out fellow Sa and Huele. development squad. The event saw very similar portion of the course. Lloyd took advantage of oe competitors. J Kabush’s race participation numbers to Star-Crossed. the situation and put her head down, letting her This year many was short-lived Quite different from the Saturday event, legs do the talking to solo in for an enthusiastic categories filled up fast, as he suffered which is geared towards the over-21 crowd and win over Williams. Simms finished third for the including the men’s Cat. a catastrophic even lacks a separate junior event, Brown’s race second time in two days. 3 race, which saw a Photo courtesy mechanical is all about the kids. Although you won’t find a In addition to the elite-level racing, there record 80 entrants. In Christian Heule leads on the first lap of the Rad problem a long beer garden at the Rad GP, plenty of coffee and were categories for all aspiring boys and girls, order to maintain its Racing GP. way from the even an on-site taco van (that proved to be quite from a noontime kiddies’ race with prizes for season opener status, Buchanan bumped up pits. While running the course, he was distracted popular post-race) were in operation. all participants up to, and including, a Junior his race by a week, so it preceded the newly- by the fans’ offerings along the beer gardens. While Star-Crossed is basically flat, race with a stellar prize list. minted CrossVegas race, held during the annual Although his evening of racing was over, the Fort Steilacoom event is notorious for The success of the race is a great mammoth Interbike trade show in Las Vegas. Kabush delighted the spectators by promptly the monster quad-burning, backbreaking, accomplishment for the organization that is In addition, top caliber racers hunting for some joining the boisterous crowd for the evening’s nosebleed elevation gain on the Kona Knapp centered on developing young racers. Brown early-season UCI points were in attendance. non-race refreshment activities. This left the run-up (named after Northwest 'cross legend relies on the extended network of Rad Racing Making the race an international event meant Kona duo to try to figure out a way to get rid Dale Knapp). Riders of all ages, including the members, parents and team alumni to pull Buchanan had to tweak his course and do of the Swiss rider, and for a moment, it looked incredibly tough and inspiring 10–12 year olds, off his annual race. This year, over 50 of them without the wood structure overpass that was like they might succeed. With about a lap and need to be pretty determined to previously quite popular, because it did not a half to go, Wicks launched a powerful attack make it up this section lap after comply with the mandated minimum of a four- on the backside of the course and entered the lap; it’s always a great place to meter wide race course. Buchanan thinks it was velodrome with a decent gap that generated a catch the race. all worth it, as he was able to attract several loud roar from the crowd. Unfortunately for him, In the Elite men’s race, top racers, including Swiss National Champion he carried too much speed when transitioning Kabush appeared fresh and Christian Huele (Stevens) and Danish National from the fast track of the velodrome to the wet hungry to make up for his early Champion Joachim Parbo (CVC). Huele is grass (slippery from dew) and he tumbled to dismissal from the night before, probably quite happy that he made the journey the ground. Wicks later said, “Yeah, I guess I as he rode the most aggressive to America because he managed to narrowly was going too fast, I wanted to see if I could race of the day. Again it looked win both Washington events. make it.” like it would be a four-horse Wicks’s fall, so late in the race, meant that battle between Trebon, Wicks, Star-Crossed Report Trebon was left alone to find a way to beat Kabush and Heule. Trebon got

The start of the Elite men’s race saw four Heule. The crowd believed the Kona rider off to an uncharacteristically Photo courtesy Joe Sales would win when he entered the last corner slow start, but he was soon A determined junior racer makes his way up the steep before the finishing straight in the lead, but pressed into active duty at and long run-up at Rad Racing GP Heule managed to sneak up on him in the last the front to try to contain the couple of feet of the high-speed drag race to constantly attacking Maxxis’s rider. Late in volunteered on race day, helping with the snatch the victory by mere inches. the race, Kabush’s aggressive riding took its logistics and grunt work. toll and he fell off the pace, settling for fourth Both Brown and Buchanan felt that the 2007 Juniors and Women place overall. This left Wicks, Trebon and Heule editions of their respective races were the best One of the more exciting races of the evening alone at the front. Like the night before, Wicks yet, and both acknowledged that the two races, was the men’s Cat. 3 event, which included lost contact with his breakaway companions, although strikingly different, complement each several junior-aged riders. Four of them, all leaving Trebon in a two-up sprint against other and will be paired up again next year.“ Rad Racing teammates, led from the gun and Heule. The Swiss rider proved too strong and I’m always trying to improve our race, and I’m captured the four top spots, with Steve Fisher nipped Trebon at the line again by the slimmest already thinking of ways to make 2008 even taking the top podium placing. margin. better,” says Brown. That’s good news, because Photo courtesy Joe Sales The women’s race was also tightly Despite back-to-back losses to the visiting it means we will continue to see top-caliber Barry Wicks at Star Crossed contested, and it came down to a three-way Huele, both Wicks and Trebon seemed to enjoy cyclo-cross racing in the area.

Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 5 F E A T U R E

get ready. While Smudz and Correy geared up Race Across Oregon—More than just Another Cycling Event mentally and physically, the Hammer Sharks BY MELINA LAMBUTH stuck to their regular bike rides and planned sores, foot woes, and depression somewhere by director George Thomas. This might have out a rotation strategy. The comfort of a 31-foot Making its ninth appearance, the Race along the route.” It all comes down to how you worked for him, but each racer had to take his motorhome was definitely helpful in preparing Across Oregon (RAO) took place July 21–22. prepare for the event, and how you handle the or her own capabilities into consideration. for their next shift. “We were treated like rock The 535-mile race covered territory between curveballs thrown at you. With the race moving from June to July a stars,” says Rueter. So not only did this team Portland and Timberline. Of the 37 competitors, The heat’s effects can magnify if there is couple of years ago, there is less of a worry for win their event, but they did it in style. only 12 were familiar with the hilly course and not a good nutrition plan. For Smudz this was snow and rain up in the mountains, but the Directors George Thomas and Terri Gooch challenge ahead. However, even those who had particularly important, as it proved to be his intense heat can become a serious problem. were proud of the race they put on this year. not participated previously did what they could downfall in 2006. Last year he developed a The solution is awareness of this obstacle, and Although numbers were down from 80 to prepare mentally and physically. stomach illness as a result of dehydration, and planning for it ahead of time. Correy was attentive participants in 2006 due to conflicting races A highly demanding event, RAO is a had to drop out halfway through the race. As he to this, stating and teams needing qualifier for Race Across America (RAAM). This told Monroe News, “I left Oregon last year with prior to the race, a break, the event is a common motivation for many of the riders a vengeance. I swore I was coming back next “Midday, I expect still brought out a who participate in events like RAO. Created year, and I was coming back to win.” This time the temperature to lot of excitement. in 1982, RAAM is now the longest-running around his diet throughout the race consisted be in the triple digits. Thomas said he y ultra-distance bicycle endurance competition of 84 Powerbar® gels and about 3.5 gallons of Keeping my fluids was thrilled to see orre in the world. The guns fire somewhere on the water for the first 400 miles. in check will be the Smudz come back West Coast and the finishing line is over 3,000 Mental preparation was also a key key to surviving from his “did not miles away, on the other side of the continent, component for many of the competitors. Prior these periods.” finish” results in which is different from the Tour de France with to the race Ryan Correy, a first-year participant, With many of the ‘06 to win the men’s its multiple stages. drove along and inspected the whole route climbs becoming solo division. He

Race Across Oregon is separated into to become familiar with the landscape and more gradual, the Photo courtesy Ryan C also tipped his hat divisions, which include men’s solo, women’s challenges he would be facing. Although new real problems were Ryan Correy preparing for his first RAO event. to Glen Johnson, solo, men and women’s relay teams, tandems, to this particular event, cycling and its intensity in that last leg up to who worked hard and recumbent. The solo and tandem racers are no strangers to him. He explained, “The Timberline and the heat that plagued the riders last year to get his team through the illness of a took off at 5 a.m., with the two- and four-person thought of racing that distance in under two most of the day. teammate, bringing them to the end. This past team participants following up a little over two days, it is insane, and oddly intriguing at the In the end it seemed it was the kinship summer Johnson finished second as a men’s hours later. same time. Ultimately, I feel that the greater between rider and crew that kept the solo and was proclaimed Rookie of the Year, Winning the men’s solo division with a time race takes place in the mind. If everything is in participants going. It surprised Correy, who felt qualifying him for RAAM. “Our goal as race of 35 hours and 30 minutes, Al Smudz talked check up there, the legs tend to keep rotating camaraderie with his fellow cyclists as words of directors was to ignore the lower numbers and about the difficulties of the event stating, “40,000 and the body finds a way to finish.” encouragement were “spouted from a vehicle make certain we put on a race of the highest feet of climbing, 535 miles, heat in excess of Throughout RAO there were no mandatory or the rider to your side. It felt as though we quality for those who did enter. Judging from 100 degrees, and rural support are just a few of rest stations, although five time stations were had been to war and back…” As Smudz put it, the feedback we’ve received, we accomplished the obstacles. It is very easy to suffer cramps, set up. Smudz spent a total of 15 minutes off “Every rider who’s completed RAO shares a our goal,” George said. Smudz very much dehydration, fatigue, nauseousness, saddle of his bike over the two days, as mentioned personal satisfaction of completing something agreed, stating, “Race directors George Thomas really big. You see it in the huge smiles at the and Terri Gooch host a first-class race.” post race banquet.” This was especially true for When asked what first prompted him to those few who qualified for RAAM: Al Smudz, put on such an event, Thomas said he thought Glen Johnson, Bob Buntrock, Adam Gorman, Highway 20 looked like a better route than and Ryan Correy. the one he had just raced on in Bicycle Across The solo racers were not the only ones Missouri (BAM). Starting as a fundraising to participate in this event. The Therapeutic event in 1999 for the Epilepsy Foundation of Associates Hammer Sharks, a four-woman relay Oregon, the race caught on and has continued team, set a new course record. They came in at a on ever since, with the funds still going to blistering 29 hours and two minutes, three hours charity. Making sure credit is given where ahead of their original goal. Team member Kim it is due, Thomas said, “The race really took Rueter mentioned that the key to their success off when Terri came on board in 2001. She’s was due to the backing of their experienced crew. been amazing!” She described it as the perfect race, having great RAO not only leaves the cyclists with a sense rider rotations (doing 30 minutes on the course of satisfaction at having just accomplished and 90 minutes off, with exchanges taking five something remarkable, but also, as Smudz minutes or less). The RAO seems overwhelming says, awesome memories that linger after the when looked at from the solo rider standpoint, pain and sweat are gone. but Rueter feels that the relay is much more The 2008 RAO will be taking place on accessible to the everyday person. She and her July 19–20. For more information, go to teammates did nothing out of the ordinary to www.raceacrossoregon.com.

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6 Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 FROM PAGE ONE

“PRODUCTS” FROM PAGE 1 volume can be adjusted without having to remove the hands from the handlebars. environment while biking, but wanted to be any kind of off-road activity. The Bluetooth wireless motion sensor able to listen to his music too. Developed by TTI North America, the parent is priced at $69, a phone holder is also Using Kleer™ Audio transmission, which company of Dirt Devil, Royal, and Hoover, available. The SoundOfMotion Bluetooth claims to be 10 times more energy-efficient which all have substantial background in dirt Mobile Bicycle Computer application than Bluetooth, the Cy•fi speaker is light and cleaning, the Nomad pressure washer should can be downloaded for free at www. compact, weighing less than three ounces. Com- be able to get the job done. soundofmotion.com. Phone carriers for patible with iPod and iPod nano, the transmitter It is available in various bike shops at a this device include T-mobile, AT&T, Fido, connects to the 30-pin dock connector on the suggested retail price of $169.99. For more and Rogers. Photo courtesy of Breezer Bicycles bottom of the iPod and offers 30 feet of wireless information visit www.nomad2go.com. range. One of the most appealing aspects is that Arkel Seat Bag the riders won’t have to take their hands off Bluetooth Mobile Bicycle Computer This bag is probably Claire's favorite piece and just for fun. The Nexus internal hub shifts the handlebar to adjust volume or skip tracks. Instead of carrying your cell phone as dead of equipment for 2007. An ingenious four-panel flawlessly and requires very little maintenance. The device is remote controlled, 100 percent weight, put it to work. Using the shell design in which a nylon The most amazing feature is the power lossless with six hours of battery life, and has new, specially-designed Bluetooth pouch slides in and out, it uses generator, built right into the front hub. No group syncing if you ever want to play your wireless motion sensor and the Java reinforced Velcro bands to attach more worrying about replacing batteries for music with fellow riders. Verified™ application, turn your under the saddle. the included headlight and taillight. Both lights Available for delivery at the end of February cellular into a Bluetooth Mobile Spare tubes, CO2 cartridges, also include a capacitor, which stores enough 2008, the Cy•fi system is the perfect new toy Bicycle Computer. Java.com, which a wallet, Allen keys, a chain juice to keep the lights blinking while stopped for cyclists. Retail suggested price $149.95. For is known for its games, screen breaker, a rag and an energy bar at a traffic light. The upright position is perfect more information go to: www.mycyfi.com. savers, and many other services, is easily fit in the 60 cubic inches of for loafing around and fulfilling the needs of featuring the bicycle computer. packing space. Storing it all in the everyday life.

Nomad™—H2O On the Go Unlike any other cyclo- 100 percent waterproof Thermo- The only concern with the Uptown8 is the With all the dirt and grime Northwest computer, the unique motion Guard nylon pouch makes it plastic chainguard. It fully encases the chain, cyclists pick up on the roads and trails, who sensor offers more accurate convenient and easy to access. and it requires a screwdriver, and a little more has not dreamed of a compact cleaning system measurements of speed and The inside sack can be removed time, to gain access for lubing it. The upside to be able to wash up before loading the bike acceleration, and could capture in no time, allowing you to easily is that it does a perfect job of protecting your on, or worse, in the car? With the new Nomad torque and power through the same carry it anywhere using the roll- clothes and keeping road grime off the chain, portable pressure water sprayer, cyclists can device. The sensor, which mounts top integrated handle. The outer which is so well sealed off that nothing can have such a luxury on hand at any time. on the wheel, has impressive shell and Velcro bands compress get to it! Although it requires a 12-volt power outlet, the capabilities. It detects as little as and stabilize the pouch in a very The Uptown8 retails for $995, which is Nomad comes in handy at the end of a race or 8 mm of motion, which is then secure way; it doesn’t move. A clip, an impressive deal. There isn’t another bike Photo courtesy of Arkel any extended trip. It can clean both bike and wirelessly transmitted to the Java not a zipper, closes the bag. out there at this price that includes such cyclist when you don’t have access to a hose, application on the cyclist’s phone. The sensor Now available in orange, yellow, red, silver great features. or don’t want to wait in line for one. is easily detachable, rechargeable via Mini- and black, the Arkel seat bag retails for $29 in For more information: The device consists of a 3.5-gallon tank USB, very lightweight (less than 1 oz.), and select bike shops. For more information, and www. breezerbikes.com with a large fill cap, a 20-foot hose with a grip weatherproof. to find a dealer near you, visit nozzle, mesh accessory pockets, and a 10-foot The application calculates and records all www.arkel-od.com. power cord that can be plugged into any 12-volt travel data, and displays speed, acceleration, power outlet. This set up allows for 10 minutes time, and distance in large color digits, making Urban Comfort: Uptown8 of constant cleaning. The spray patterns are it easy for cyclists to read during any time of by Breezer adjustable as well, ranging from a heavy-duty the day or night. Breezer’s Uptown8 is a pressure wash to a light mist, so it can be used Along with the sensor and the Java well-designed urban vehicle, on all bike equipment and delicate components application, the Bluetooth bicycle computer which combines the sensibility or any outdoor gear. features a sound simulator created by of a Dutch-style bicycle with an The Nomad was invented by a mountain SoundOfMotion for mobile devices. As a safety array of modern conveniences. biker and designed feature, the simulator It comes with an incredible list of with bicycle cleaning in allows others road user components, including a dyno mind during those times to hear a cyclist coming, generator hub, front and rear when it’s most needed which helps avoid lights, Nexus 8-speed internal and unavailable. In accidents by making the gearing, a rack and fenders. addition to bicyclists, the rider more noticeable. Joe Breeze of Breezer Bikes Nomad is beneficial to The bicycle could, and Bill Davidson of Elliott Bay all outdoor enthusiasts. therefore, sound like a Bicycles arranged an extended

It could be used while Photo courtesy of Nomad motorcycle, a horse, a test ride for us. Over the camping, boating, steam train or any other course of a week, I, Tai, rode it fishing, hiking, or on customized sound. The commuting, running errands,

Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 7 METAL COWBOY

and I’ll encourage, extoll, push, pull and cajole “bungied” not Road-Testing A Marriage all three boys across Canada with you bringing one, but two BY JOE “METAL COWBOY” KURMASKIE table we’d carefully set with plates of shared up the rear or leading the charge.” sleeping bags beliefs, platters of common ground political I registered the fear in her eyes, but behind across the rear Follow your folly, wherever it leads you. candidate choices, and forkfuls of desserts it was resolve. Beth is nothing if not a firebrand rack. She asked Pursue it with the rabid ferocity of a mad we can order for each while one of us is off Italian. She had signed on for the mass-transit me on the fer- dog, or an Englishman left too long in the mid- in the bathroom. ride, but now she was going to have to keep up ry to Prince day sun. Of course, you might end up a pile But it wasn’t as if I was asking Beth to ride with the caravan using her own horsepower. Rupert how of bleached bones; a roadside caution sign for her own bicycle. I wouldn’t hang her out to “On the bright side, Honey, I’ll be handi- long it would the rest of us to ponder through the remains dry like that on her first long distance jaunt. capped with 17 feet of rolling metal, three kids be before we of the day. Be assured though that the one A bulldog of a backpacker, a field biologist by and most of the gear.” were back on fate you will not meet is the slow-as-molasses profession, Beth knows her way around a camp- She nodded. “Didn’t seem to slow you the bikes. I fade, full of regrets in front of the digital glow site and thinks nothing of hiking for hours on a down the last time.” thought she of a TV set. trail. But watching her testing out the Terry seat “I’m two years older, there’s one more bike was mocking It’s a bold statement, this “following one’s as she pedaled aimlessly in the same gear on length and I’m hauling an additional child.” me at first, but folly” business. It’s purposeful and lively on the wind trainer in our basement, I was happy I attempted a stooped-over posture and a it was a serious question. And on the remote paper, but an entirely different animal for those we’d all be joined at the hip. The plan called for pained expression. reaches of the Yellowhead Highway, each time who actually play out the string. us to pedal the longest stretch limo of a bike She wasn’t buying it. I’d look into my third eye there Beth would be, I’ve been accused of folly hunting from the train I’d ever seen; a Santana triple connected “I’m gonna need you to remind me how holding her own through fjords and against saddle of a bicycle, held up as a poster child to a trail-a-bike, connected to a Chariot trailer. those gear shifter things on the handlebars headwinds. When we’d hit the steepest, longest for it, and while I can see how that impression She’d be sitting behind me on the triple the work again.” hills she’d catch the tail of our massive train was fostered into existence, I’ve never actually whole way. No need to master the subtle art Our darkest hour came a half-century in, with enough energy left to chant out a cadence- redlined my life out of control. form that is loaded-bike-tour-gear-shifting up along the Galloping Goose; one pristine, and setting “Mush!” mantra. I’ve always had outs: safety nets, escape and down the Rocky Mountains. I might add, fully completed rail trail running Once at the summits she’d nurse the baby, hatches, someone I could call for moral support, Best laid plans… from Victoria to French Beach on the western make sure the boys weren’t hypothermic in their money transfers, or an all-out air strike and Sixty miles into the ride, on Washington’s end of Vancouver Island. My idea was that father’s care, then load back up for the descents, extraction from the blast zone. I’m a cardboard Discovery Trail, we hit upon a few epiphanies a rail trail with lots of places to camp, lakes, all without issuing a single complaint. cutout of an adventure traveler compared to my of our own. First, that it is possible to pedal a coastline and no cars would be a confidence Color me impressed. ancestors. I still manage a rowdy episode or bike train that’s long enough to need a Class C builder, gently easing her onto the open roads Still, it’s a “helluva” ledge to climb out on, two from time to time. More telling, I’ve never license, but with the weight of a second adult of Canada. asking someone you love to love the one thing completely disappeared off the radar inside my and overstuffed panniers aboard, it’s not en- By 10 a.m. Beth had several firsts under her you can’t get enough of… head. I’ve never said, “To hell with all the costs.” joyable. Imagine a rolling Bowflex® machine belt. Her first pedal wound to the back of her Frost coated our tent fly the morning I called Broke at times, but never broken—there’s a big that someone keeps tipping side-to-side when ankle (it only bled for a few miles and clotted it good and set off in search of bike boxes for difference. Sometimes I wonder what the view you least expect it. The contraption resembled up on its own), the makings of her first biker’s the long flight home. is like from that side of the chasm, but my inner pedaling an unwieldy ship over rough seas. tan and her first completely realized blood sugar “Is there any way we can keep going?” Cowardly Lion won’t let me find out. Also, we learned that the Discovery Trail is not episode, also referred to as “bonking.” Stopped Somewhere in Canada, cycling became That is until I asked Beth, my true com- completed yet, no matter what the official state her in her tracks. She couldn’t understand why one of Beth’s passions. Tricked into it by a bit panion, the mother of our three sons, and long and municipal maps want you to believe. Rather a brief lie-down in the dirt did not restore her of unintended bait-and-switch on my part, suffering wife of my cycling antics lo these than meandering along a crushed gravel trail, to full power. she embraced it on her own terms. Asked to 17 years, to hop on a bicycle and see how far one will find themselves back on highways bat- Two cream cheese bagels and three sweet- declare what she was bringing back to the across Canada we could get before snow chased tling the hot breath of logging trucks, the bog, and-salty granola bars later, she was back in states, Beth would have been within her rights us home. and weaving away from bumpers of distracted the land of the living. I mustered up the cour- to announce that she was the proud owner of This proposition made crossing the length of tourists late for the ferry. age to meet her gaze, which was still slightly a deep, rich, uneven biker’s tan and a Tour de the Australian Outback solo seem like a pedal “You’re the expert,” she said, “the one with out of focus. France attitude. in the park (a dry, sweltering park devoid of all the books and the bylines. If you think we can She was smiling, sort of. “You bastard,” Look for us in thirty years. We’ll be that fit, moisture and good sense, but a park nonethe- do it with this set up, I’ll soldier on.” she anointed me with. “I just realized older couple on a tandem. Since Beth has tasted less). It dwarfed seven cycling adventures across We were parked on one of those train something…you rented our house for the the open road on her own bike now, I doubt America, even the one done while towing two trestles. I looked her in the eye and was struck next two months.” she’ll take second saddle to anyone. young sons, 13 feet of bicycle and 250 pounds by how much of that moment could have been I nodded, agreeing with the facts, but un- I wonder if I’ll have to apply for the position of gear. Rolling the length of South America on lifted from the film Stand By Me, only we weren’t clear where they were leading. of Beth’s stroker? road bike tires with rudimentary Spanish skills trying to figure out what to do with any dead “Which means I can’t go home.” She dusted and not a phrase of Portuguese? Chump change. bodies…yet. herself off, accepted a piece of fruit and the Mud, Sweat and Gears: Cross Canada Family Plumbing the depths of Copper Canyon on two “It’s just not safe or much fun to keep go- handlebar of the bike I was holding for her. Cycling Saga on Seven Wheels will be on sale wheels during winter? Child’s play. ing like this.” Quieter then, but with a dignity I will not at- September 2008. Until then direct sales of Testing the limits of a perfectly good rela- Her relief was visible. “Thank you, Jesus. tain if I live longer than a hobbit, she patted Joe’s other books, including signed copies of tionship by asking Beth to embrace a passion The only time I wasn’t terrified today was when the Terry Butterfly seat, adding, “Which means Momentum Is Your Friend, can be purchased at that borders on being my identity, all in the I was in a flat-out panic.” this is my home now.” www.metalcowboy.com. Come down to the name of journalism and a super-sized family Beth’s celebration was short-lived. She must From that point forward we were golden. Seattle REI for Joe’s holiday live performance vacation? Utter folly. have assumed we were headed home. Beth began working those gears like she’d been December 11, 2007. Prizes, raffles, and a new Moreover, I was messing with the laws of “I think I need to put you on my touring born to it. In no time I was adding a second set of show based on the Canadian adventure will attraction, upending the mysterious but familiar bike, convert the coupler Santana into a double, panniers on the front rack of her rig, eventually I be unveiled. FEATURE

“2-MILE CHALLENGE” FROM PAGE 4 their products at each stop, while launched their Natural Energy students and the general public Tour series back in 2005, which “Single Speed,” or a “Hybrid Hypo.” Because If you’re a serious cyclist or environmentalist, enjoyed performances by bands like included the first biodiesel Natural this challenge was organized internally, as you can enlist to become a bike ambassador, the Ginger Ninjas and Fossil Fool. Energy Tour, the Save Our Snow Johnson explains, everyone on the Clif Bar team and create a challenge of your own. While contributing to campuses Tour. Now completing the 2 Mile played a role in creating it. The long-term goal of the 2 Mile Challenge and communities, Clif Bar also Challenge, which is the third tour After being educated about bicycling in the is to inspire more people to integrate biking presented $5,000 to WorldBike, an of the series, Clif Bar will continue

U.S. and in other parts of the world, mapping into their on lifestyles, so that we can live in international network of bicycle of Clif Bar Courtesy to inspire and encourage people your individual route, and seeing how you can a healthy environment. Along the tour, Clif designers and leaders working to Choose your challenge to conserve our planet and live “roll” on different bikes, one may be enlightened Bar donated $25,000 worth of cycling gear to provide transportation solutions healthy. and ready to take the challenge, which consists the 12 campuses they visited, including the for developing countries. The bus may have left our region, but of six options. First, you can pledge to get a University of Idaho, Gonzaga, the University Clif Bar, offering all-natural and organic nothing stops you from taking your own 2 bike, and if you already have one, you can map of Washington and the University of Oregon. energy foods, is committed to the health of Mile Challenge. those two miles. If you’re willing to do more, Companies like Dahon Bicycles, Electra and people and the environment and focuses greatly you can “trick” your bike and commit to ride. Xtracycle supported the challenge and showed on sustaining our natural resources. They 8 Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 FEATURE RACING NEWS

Canadian Cyclo-cross Nationals Redline Cup Meets its Goals On October 21, Wendy Simms BY DAN NORTON (Kona-Yourkey.com) returned to the top step racers or the spectators down. Five hundred of the podium for the first time since back- In the early 1990s Redline worked with the riders spread across all categories turned out to-back victories in ‘03 and ‘04. Alison Sydor welders at Control Tech to design an affordable for the event. In most of the races, large groups (Rocky Mountain-Hayward) finished second aluminum ‘cross-specific race bike. The dream of competitors remained together before being at her first ‘cross championships. was to make cyclo-cross more accessible and to narrowed down as the laps went by. bring the joy and excitement of the sport to more The Category 3 and 4 races had very Mountain Bike Endurance Events people. Finally, in 2007, as Redline returned to important fields and some exciting racing. The Squamish, BC Test of Metal grassroots racing with its sponsorship of the Early in the day the men’s 4 was won by James marathon mountain bike race announced “Redline Cup”, the dream became a reality. Tim Wooley, with Trevor Lugars finishing a close that registration for the event will open at 6 Rutledge, the head of promotion at Redline, second. Christina Norwich was the first Cat. 4 Photo by Jen Akeroyd p.m. on January 1, 2008. Like previous years, Russel Stevenson (front) puts the screw on and the early innovator of the affordable ‘cross woman to finish followed by Monica Dewald. participation has been capped at 800 riders. the boys bike, decided to bring the Jonathon Sirois became the Anyone who wishes to compete on June 14 company back to its roots owner of the Redline bike. Elite men (both groups race at the same time). should remain close to their computer and with this sponsorship. The Cat. 3 men had a In no time, Redline’s Matt Hill and Randy the www.testofmetal.com site, as it took only The Redline Cup barnburner of a race, as Iddings managed to break away and distance 50 minutes to sell out in 2007. is designed to give total young Rad Racing racer themselves from the other Masters competitors. autonomy to the local Benny Swedburg found The performance of the day in that category Cross Crusade Establishes New promoters “to put on races himself sandwiched between belonged to Andy Dahlstrom (Ragnarok) who Participation Records that reflect the specific two Zoka racers. Each rider rode to a fine third place. Dahlstrom spent Over 1,000 riders spread over 17 nature of each region” and attacked and countered the previous night setting up the course, and categories attended the first event of not have an agenda or until finally Dave Cook was back at 6 a.m. on race day to put in the the series. The following week saw 910 license requirement that (Zoka) gapped the young, final touch. “crusaders,” including 160 women, entering is set by a larger national but determined Rad racer. The best Elite men riders from the Seattle the North Plains, Oregon race. series. The 2007 Redline Cup Swedburg hung on for area were in attendance. The race was no events are being staged in second, while Chris Hill sooner underway than attempts to whittle Burnaby Six Days Track Racing Seattle, southern California, (Zoka) ended up third. down prospective competitors were coming Scheduled for December 31 to January Boulder, and Tennessee. Singlespeeder Mike Rolcik from all sides. Leading the charge were the BRI 5, the fan of the oval track will be treated The turnout and feedback won the Redline bike. duo of Russell Stevenson and Toby Swanson, to exciting racing action showcasing some received on Sunday, October The Elite women were on and Lapierre’s Ryan Iddings. All three took of the best athletes from Canada and the Photo by Jen Akeroyd 20 in Seattle, answered the course at the same time as turns attacking and counterattacking until USA. The program includes endurance Christie Berg question of “how will the the Cat. 3 men. The eventual one by one they wore each other out. The final and sprint events, like Madison, Scratch, idea be received?” The 500+ riders showed winner, Christie Berg (Redline) managed to get result showed Stevenson powering away from Points Race, Keirin, Sprint and more. up for the event proved that the concept is an a gap on the first lap and use some of the faster Iddings and Swanson, who finished second and On the line is a $7,000 cash purse. For excellent one. men’s groups to distance herself from her rivals. third respectively. After the race the racers had registration and additional information visit Redline partnered with the local promoters, Berg was able to move from group to group and many positive comments about the course, the www.burnabysixday.com. seattlecyclocross.com, and local property kept attacking on the road sections to gain a level of competition, and the owner Corlis Bros., to make this race special few seconds each lap until she finally got out day in general. As Stevenson on two fronts. First was to reward the Cat. 3 of sight. Ingrid Spies (Recycled Racing) took put it “This was very hard, and Cat. 4 racers, who make up the bulk of the second, while Jadine Riley of the Group Health the best ever.” participants at the local venue; and second was women’s team finished third. All in all, the goals of to help the less-fortunate in the Bonney Lake An imposing number of Masters lined up the event were achieved and community. The goals were accomplished by for the start of the race. A group of 10 to 15 Redline, the riders, and the giving away two Redline bicycles at random riders found themselves still together at the Bonney Lake community were in those classes, and by donating what would end of the first lap. The attacks multiplied as all happy with the results. have been the event cash prize to the local food the wily competitors tried and bridged to the To see the schedule and bank instead of the riders. location of the The race took place on a large private remaining races, farm in the Bonney Lake area that is visit the website at owned by the Corlis family. The course seattlecyclocross.com went through a wide-open pasture and become part of the that features a large hill on the south exciting fall cycling side, which is ideal for spectators. It is Jen Akeroyd community. See you designed to take advantage of the grass in the mud and rain,

fields and keeps small clusters of racers Photo by at the races! together to hopefully get an attacking- The Redline Cup was well received by the racers as many style of racing. The setup did not let the filled up several large fields Redmond Cycle 425-885-6363 16 pounds, light, hand built. FAST!

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Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 9 CALENDAR

Dec 9: Seattle Cyclo-cross Series #8 Nov 24: Wine Country Populaire - Final Forest Grove, WA. 112km event open to everyone. Welcome to the Pacific Northwest’s Most Sumner, WA. Kelly Creek course. Dan Norton, John Kramer, Oregon Randonneurs, 503-628-7324, www.seattlecyclo-cross.com www.orrandonneurs.org/ Dec 15: Sandy Point Beach Cross #4 DECEMBER Comprehensive Bicycle Calendar Boise, ID. Clinic followed by racing. See Race Series for details. www.lostrivercycling.org Dec 2-7: Hawaii All events are listed chronologically within their respective sections: Events (clinics, expositions, lectures, etc.), Camps, Kona, HI. Explore on foot, bike and in the water the Multisport (events that include cycling as part of the competition), Series (competitions where cumulative point standings JANUARY very best parts of the Big Island, including many are awarded), BMX, Cyclo-cross, Mountain Bike Racing (competition featuring single-track and other off-road riding), Jan 20: Vanport Kermesse Series #1 hidden spots. Pedal from coffee plantations to the High Portland, OR. Part of a 3-event series. Jeff Mitchem, Country, see a volcano and banyan tree forests. Also Mountain Bike Touring (rides featuring single-track and off-road riding), Road Racing (bicycle competition), Road www.obra.org available: 12/27. Bicycle Adventures, 800-443-6060, Touring (road rides of various distances and for any type of bicycle), Track (velodrome-type events). Jan 27: Vanport Kermesse Series #2 www.bicycleadventures.com To conserve space, we’ve chosen to run web sites only on events where both web site and email are available. If you Portland, OR. Part of a 3-event series. Jeff Mitchem, Dec 31-Jan 1: New Year Revolution www.obra.org Avondale, AZ. Enjoy the sunny and warm climate of are an organizer and your event is not listed, or if the information listed changes, contact us and we will gladly update the Arizona to escape the cold and snow of the North and calendar. Please send your event information in the same style and format seen here. FEBRUARY Ride Out the Old Year and Ride in the New Year on All aspects of this event calendar are copyright 2007 Bicycle Paper. This calendar may not be transmitted or reproduced Feb 3: Vanport Kermesse Series #3 your bike. Bob Kinney, Bike 2 Bike, 801-677-0134, www.bike2bike.org by any means, electronically or printed, without written consent of the publisher. Portland, OR. Part of a 3-event series. Jeff Mitchem, www.obra.org JANUARY Jan 1: Polar Bear Ride MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURING Bend, OR. 30-mile road ride to Alfalfa and back. There EVENTS MARCH CYCLO-CROSS JANUARY are no steep climbs, but small rollers coming back into Mar 8-9: Group Health Seattle Jan 19: Stinky Spoke (Stinky Weather town.10:00am start for those that might have stayed up DECEMBER NOVEMBER Poker Run) late the night before. Meet at Hutch’s on 3rd St. Hutch’s Bike Expo Bicycles, 820 NE 3rd St., Bend, OR, 503-382-6248, Dec 1: Metal Cowboy Holiday Show Nov 17: 4th Annual Toys for Tots Woodinville, WA. A mountain bike “poker run” cover- Seattle, WA. Over 150 exhibits of gear, active travel, www.hutchsbicycles.com Portland, OR. New show that features the Canadian rides and more. New location: presented at the Cruise Cross Race. ing about 12 miles. Riders get playing cards at 5 sta- adventures on seven wheels. River City Bicycles at Terminal 30. Photo contest. Cascade Bicycle Club, Boise, ID. www.lostrivercycling.org tions, and the best hands at the end get the best prizes! FEBRUARY 5:30pm. Free food, beer, giveaway. www.cascade.org Nov 17: Sandy Point Beach Cross #2 Yes, this is the coldest and rainiest day of the year! Feb 8: Worst Day of the Year Ride www.metalcowboy.com Boise, ID. Clinic followed by racing. See Race Series for Todd Cowles, 425-985-9402, www.stinkyspoke.org Portland, OR. 18 mile odyssey around downtown Dec 11: An Evening with Metal Cowboy RACE SERIES details. www.lostrivercycling.org Portland. Join other hardy souls and gather for chili, Seattle, WA. Joe Kurmaskie presents his new adven- Sep 29-Dec 1: Eagle Island Cross Nov 18: Cross Crusade #7 ROAD RACING soup and cornbread. 2000-rider limit Benefits the tures with photos and stories taken from his last trip Eagle, ID. 4-event cyclo-cross series. MTB friendly but Portland, OR. Hillsboro Stadium location. Brad Ross, FEBRUARY Community Cycling Center and their bicycle safety pro- in Canada. Presented at the REI downtown location. remove bar-ends. All categories. A, B and C group. 503-806-6943, www.crosscrusade.com grams. Neal Armstrong, Community Cycling Center, Feb 18: Cherry Pie Road Race All proceeds support Camp Creative. Cascade Bicycle Overall GC based on top 3 out of 4. Prize: 1/3 entry Nov 18: Inland NW CX #8 503-546-8864, www.WorstDayRide.com Club, www.cascade.org fee for the category to top 3. Team Digestive Health Corvallis, OR. The new 26-mile course is located Feb 24: Chilly Hilly Cycling Classic Spokane, WA . Finals - Highbridge Park Emde Sports, North/West of Albany and features many rolling hills Clinic, www.idahocyclo-cross.com Bainbridge Island, WA. Washington State season FEBRUARY 509-326-6983, www.emdesports.com and an uphill finish. Neutral roll-out start from Adair Sep 30-Dec 9: Seattle Cyclo-cross Series opener. 33-mile recreational ride around Bainbridge Feb 8-9: North American Handmade Nov 18: Sandy Point Beach Cross #3 Park. New tandem class offered. Distance: 1 or 2 laps. Various, WA. Series of 8 events raced around the Island. Cascade Bicycle Club, www.cascade.org Boise, ID. Clinic followed by racing. See Race Series for First start at 10am. Jim Fisher, 541-990-8979, Bicycle Show (NAHBS) Seattle area. Open to all categories. Overall calculated Portland, OR. The 4th Annual NAHBS, the world’s details. www.lostrivercycling.org www.eugenecyclingteam.com MARCH on points. First start at 9:30am. Entry fee $20, except Nov 24: Eagle Island Cross #3 largest consumer show for custom-built bicycles, will women Cat 4 and junior $5, kids free. Race categories Feb 24: Jack Frost Time Trial Mar 2-8: Big Island Ride Eagle, ID. See Race Series for details. Team Digestive be held at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland. = age as of Dec 31, 2006. MTB without bar-ends Vancouver, WA. 12.4 miles out and back. Start in Big Island, HI. 271 miles of spectacular cycling, Health Clinic, www.idahocyclo-cross.com http://server40326.uk2net.com/~handmad/2008/ are ok. Series Finals earn double points. Registration Vancouver Lake Park. Erik Voldengren, 503-649-4632, averaging 45 miles a day. Combine respectable index.php closed 20 minutes prior to start. Marymoor Velodrome, Nov 25: Seattle Cyclo-cross Race #7 www.obra.org cycling distances with plenty of opportunities for other Feb 16-17: Denny’s Vancouver Seattle, WA. South SeaTac course. Marymoor www.seattlecyclo-cross.com MARCH activities. Fully supported. Tim Kneeland, Four Seasons Bike Expo Oct 14-Dec 8: Sandy Point Beach Cross Velodrome , www.seattlecyclo-cross.com Cycling Events, 818-445-4060, www.kneeland.com Vancouver, BC. Consumer bike show, with various Mar 2: Banana Belt RR #1 Race Series DECEMBER Forest Grove, OR. Road event. See Race Series for demonstrations and activities and a full line-up of bike Boise, ID. 4-event race series, raced at Sandy Points. TRACK companies. Covers road, mountain, touring and BMX. Dec 1-2: US Gran Prix Cyclo-cross details. Jeff Mitchem, 503-233-3636, www.obra.org Clinic before the start of the first race. Portland, OR. Racing for all but not part of Cross Cru- NOVEMBER NSMBA bike swap. BC Place Stadium National Event www.idahocyclo-cross.com/ Mar 9: Banana Belt RR #2 Management, www.outdooradventureshow.ca sade series. Racing at Portland International Raceway. Forest Grove, OR. Road event. See Race Series for Oct 5-Dec 14: Burnaby Friday Night Mar 2-16: Banana Belt Road Brad Ross, 503-806-6943, www.crosscrusade.com details. Jeff Mitchem, 503-233-3636, www.obra.org Feb 23: Seattle Bike Swap Race Series Racing Seattle, WA. Magnuson Park Hanger #30. New and Dec 8: Eagle Island Cross #4 Burnaby, BC. A series of 10 weeks of racing for novice, Forest Grove, OR. One of the oldest series in Oregon. Eagle, ID. See Race Series for details. Team Digestive OAD OURING used cycling-related equipment and clothing. Blow-out A 3-event road race series. Race around the Henry- R T A, B and C categories. Program varies each week. prices. 100 independent sellers. Open from 9:00am to Health Clinic, www.idahocyclo-cross.com Check website for schedule. Burnaby Velodrome Club, Hagg Lake 11-mile course. 750ft elevation gain per Dec 9: Krugers Kermesse Farm Crit NOVEMBER 2:00pm. David Douglas, 206-932-5921, lap. Hills are long and steady but not steep. Open to www.burnabysixday.com www.pazzovelo.com Sauvie Island, OR. It’s payback time at the farm! Finish Nov 19-23: California Wine Country - all categories. Points system determines the overall the 2007 cycloross season in style with this epic and 4 Days DECEMBER winners. Cash prize. Jeff Mitchem, 503-233-3636, fun race that will lead you along rutted farm roads, Santa, Rosa, CA. A shorter and easier version of www.obra.org Dec 31-Jan 5: The 6 Days of Burnaby through berry fields, pastures, a barn, and a full-scale 6-day tour, it also includes elegant lodging and fine Burnaby, BC. Madison Cup for A and B groups, Sprint corn maze! Kris Schamp, Portland Racing, dining, with a wine tasting dinner. Bicycle Adventures, and Keirin and more. $7000 in cash and prizes. Glenn Promoters, get your 2008 events listed! 503-466-9007, www.portlandracing.com/kermesse/ www.bicycleadventures.com Barr, Burnaby Velodrome Club, Go to www.bicyclepaper.com or email us at [email protected]. www.burnabysixday.com

NEWS

Tuft crowned America Tour Champion Championships. She competed in the 50+ dar title with 650 points while runner-up Willow (Ketchum, ID/Red Bull- After a long women category. Koerber (Asheville, N.C) collected 361 points Specialized) as inaugural season of racing, to finish second. Gould’s dominance in the USA Cycling Mountain Svein Tuft officially Gould, Kabush claim overall MTB women’s Cross County calendar came as result Bike National Calendar received his 2007 Cross Country Calendar titles of seven key victories throughout the season. champions. Buhl and UCI America Tour USA Cycling recognized Canadian Geoff Like Gould, Kabush was clearly the one to Graves won the National championship Kabush (Team Maxxis) and Georgia Gould beat, referenced by the collection of six calendar Gravity standings while eg Descantes 2005 award in Côme, (Ketchum, ID/Luna) as overall winners of the victories this summer. Ross and Rusch captured Photo by Bicycle Paper Italy, on October inaugural USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Gould and Kabush join Jared Graves, overall National Ultra- Geoff Kabush 20th. UCI Presi- Cross Country Calendar following the conclu- (AUS), Melissa Buhl (Chandler, AZ), Nat Ross Endurance titles.

dent Pat McQuaid of Gr Courtesy sion of the season-long series. (Golden, CO) and Rebecca Rusch presented the prize Svein Tuft A f t e r 2 9 during the UCI gala. Tuft won the individual events, Kabush overall ranking by a 40-point margin. His beat out Todd Bonney Lake of Sumner Symmetrics Cycling Team captured the team Wells (Duran- classification title. Christian Meier finished go, CO) by a third in the Under-23 rankings. 55-point mar- gin, Jeremiah 253-863-5145 World Championships Bishop (Har- 1406 Main St, Sumner, WA Kristin Armstrong (Boise, ID) earned her risonburg, VA) third consecutive World Championship medal took third over- in Germany on October 26, when she captured all, followed by Accessories, Tune-Ups & Repairs the silver in the time trial. Jeremy Horgan- Specializing in Jill Kintner (Seattle, WA) successfully Kobelski (Boul- Bianchi • DK • Electra • GT • Haro • K2 • Kona defended her 4-X World Title in Scotland on der, CO) and Masi • Redline • Schwinn • Specialized September 7. The relay team of Georgia Gould Adam Craig (Ketchum, ID), Sam Schultz (Missoula, MT) and (Bend, OR/Gi- Adam Craig (Bend, OR) claimed the bronze a ant) in fifth. • 2008 Cyclo-cross Models in Stock • couple of days earlier. In the wom- Finally, Donna Smith (Cowiche, WA) en’s division, • All 2007 Models on Sale at Close Out Prices • collected a silver medal in the 500 meters Gould won the in Australia at the World Master Track overall calen- 10 Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 MAYNARD’S OPINION

Are They America? explosives and stroll into train stations or street BY MAYNARD HERSHON fairs. Some terrorists drive 15-over on narrow, shoulder. The road is wide and empty, but the urban streets past schools, dog-walkers and My friend Alan and I are riding in the Suburban and my friend are inches apart at 35 people toting grocery bags. hills southwest of Denver. We’ve climbed for mph. No plate on the Suburban. Alan manages We hate suicide bombers who sneak into miles and now we’ve turned around, headed not to crash. Was it close? Coin toss. public places swathed in dynamite. They are for home. We’re flying down a wide, lightly The huge car passes Alan; it’s gone to harass nothing like us. They define “foreign.” trafficked road in what feels like country. We another cyclist, perhaps you. Hey, they victimize innocent people, see as many bicycles as cars. Alan, I think, was not afraid at that moment. people they don’t know, people against whom Spooked as I am by motorists, I’m in the When we stopped a mile or so down the road, he they have no grudge. They make us afraid in not-very-clean bike lane, an 18-inch wide strip was dismissive about the incident. I thought it our everyday lives. Their values are not our at the road edge protected from traffic by a was a genuine threat to his physical safety, but values, our historic Judeo-Christian values of forbidding three-inch white line. he wasn’t so sure. One of those things… forgiveness and good will toward men. The law says I can ride anywhere on the road After a while, he turned to me and asked With hatred of terrorists burning in our I feel safe. What good is a law like that? me how fast I thought we might have been breasts, with gentleness and willingness to I’m in the bike lane so as not to provoke going when the Suburban passed us. “Jeez,” forgive welling up in our hearts, we drive 45 drivers by apparently not knowing my place. I I said, “we had to be going at least 35. If the mph on narrow streets in school zones. don’t want to appear to be defiant or cocky. I want mirror had hit your arm, you’d have been Not because we have a grudge against only to hover below the radar of the imperial somersaulting in the road. Would have been school kids. Nah. We’re impatient, is the thing. warlords and warladies of the highway. big-time serious.” It isn’t personal. We put poor Alan’s life at risk So I place myself and my bike where the He asked me twice more that morning even though we’ve never met him, or we met enforcers have decreed I should be—out of about the near-miss, or made some comment him and liked him but find today that he’s in their goddamned way. about it when we weren’t talking about cars the goddamned way. At least suicide bombers believe in Alan, evidently less wary than I am, is on and bikes. We put Alan’s life at risk to say something something. They are convinced that what they’re that white line or a few inches left of it, four Folks are angry, huh? They’re aggressive, that couldn’t be clearer but we don’t dare say. doing is honorable; someone is preparing a place bike-lengths ahead of me. Again, the road hostile and prone to homicidal flare-ups. We say that our impatience, our need to get in heaven for them as heroes. is wide and there’s nearly no traffic—none They’re at their worst in their cars. Without there unimpeded, is more significant than the What does the sweetheart in the Suburban at all coming up the hill toward us. You can causes, without grievances, without promises risk we represent to the safety of others. believe? That cyclists and pedestrians are pains see for half a mile. of everlasting rewards, they’re terrorists. We’re in a hurry. Got a problem with that? in the ass? That roads are intended to be used A black Suburban, Chevy or GMC, passes If a driver uses force or the threat of force We feel justified, righteous. No law against being only by hard-working, hard-driving, “real me. If you’re a cyclist, you know Mr. and Ms. to intimidate cyclists, what is he or she but in a hurry, right? We know what we’re doing. Americans”? That we can do whatever we want GMC; they’re vicious and proud of it. “We’re a terrorist? What else do you call a motorist We take no crap. We settle our own scores. because we’re in a hurry and there are probably America” is their point. “We’ve got ours. who drives like a bully, who asserts his/her All that said, we take very few personal no cops around? We didn’t get it on any damn bicycle. Get “right” to do whatever unsafe, crazy thing risks and we’re outta there before our victim’s Those are the beliefs of the fastest-growing out of the way.” that comes to mind? blood stains the pavement. No, officer, I didn’t religion in this great nation. It’s everywhere. It’s As I watch, the driver very deliberately puts Motorists who do those things are terrorists. see any accident. Wheelchair? No sir, never non-sectarian. No meetings, no sanctuaries, no his right-side mirror six inches from Alan’s Not all terrorists wrap themselves in plastic saw any wheelchairs. clergy, no guilt. No end in sight.

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Send us your 2008 event information at [email protected]

Bicycle Paper Winter 2007 11