Thursday, July 13, 2006

always ride prepared

From a recent profile of Floyd in ESPN's Magazine:
When Landis–who spends much of the racing season in Spain–churns out 100-mile (or more) training rides through the mountains near his home in Murrieta, Calif., he’s accompanied by his wife’s 18-year old brother, Max Basile. Max follows in a small SUV, and next to him sit the tools of his trade: a can of Mace and a stun gun. These are meant to protect Landis in case someone on these back roads, maybe a redneck type with spandex issues, messes with him. But wouldn’t just one weapon of mass deterrence suffice? ‘No,’ Landis says, as if the idea borders on blasphemy. ‘We need ‘em both. That way we can blind ‘em before we shock ‘em’.
I could have used some of those weapons last time we rode out at Tinker. Tomek came flying by me cussing up a storm, and right behind him a couple of pissed off dogs snapping at our heels. Fortunately, they weren't able to counter our acceleration. But a stun gun sounds like more fun.

If the x-rays of Floyd's hip were for Penner, this is for Unger. Floyd's training advisor Allen Lim is writing a daily column for Bicycling Magazine's coverage of the Tour, providing a glimpse of some of the science involved in bike racing. See, for example, this analysis of Floyd's performance in the time trial. Also interesting is the interview with Lim in cyclingnews.com.

In case anyone still cares, the LA Times recently did an in-depth article on the latest round of doping allegations against Lance Armstrong.

I discovered a new road riding route last night. I often ride out to Headingly. This time I continued to St Francois Xavier (the white horse) and beyond on Hwy 26 to Pigeon Lake. The road follows the Assiniboine River and has plenty of trees for wind shelter. It has a paved shoulder, the surface is as smooth as fine scotch, and there's almost no traffic. Did my first 100 km ride of the season. Felt great. Getting ready for that La Rivierre ride later in the season.

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