Author's posts

Another warning on Olympic Discovery Trail

I've never seen a warning sign like this before, but I suppose it's appropriate for bicycle riders prone to being startled.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/09/02/another-warning-on-olympic-discovery-trail/

Downhill warning sign

Several warnings are posted along the Olympic Discovery Trail about steep descents. Be also warned: Steep descents are followed by steep ascents. I dismounted a few times on my touring bike, but for the ascent.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/09/02/downhill-warning-sign/

Dogs need to chase bikes, not ride on them

Here's something I ran across, thanks to the Tournez a gauche bicycle weblog.

A Japanese company, Koko Bicycles, makes this commuting bike with a front basket and a small compartment on the top tube to carry a small animal, like a dog.

Aren't dogs supposed to chase bikes? What if a dog chases this bike, then sees a dog getting a ride? Won't that just confuse him? …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/09/01/dogs-need-to-chase-bikes-not-ride-on-them-2/

Bicycle is best invention in 200 years, says UK

BBC Radio took a poll recently on what listeners thought  was the best invention since 1800.

The bicycle came in at #1 in the BBC poll with 59% of the vote. It was chosen for being an ecologically sound means of transportation, its simple design, and its widespread use. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/08/31/bicycle-is-best-invention-in-200-years-says-uk-2/

TransAmerica bicycle route's unforgettable Cookie Lady

When I set out on my cross-country bicycle tour 21 years ago, the one thing I didn't expect was to meet a host of unforgettable people along the way.

There was Lazy Louie in Missouri, the preacher in Elk Garden, Virginia, and a Navajo Code Talker in Arizona. But the first, and most memorable, was June “The Cookie Lady” Curry. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/08/30/transamerica-bicycle-routes-unforgettable-cookie-lady-2/

Mom and pop frame makers future of US bicycle industry?

Schwinn, Murray, Huffy … the names of bicycle manufacturers that have closed factories in the US and moved overseas goes on and on.

Even Wisconsin-based Trek makes about 80% of its bicycles abroad, mainly in Asia. In all, only 1% of the bicycles sold in the US are made here. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/08/29/mom-and-pop-frame-makers-future-of-us-bicycle-industry-2/

Rescue

Bicycle tourists spend part their time riding on the edge. I’m not just talking about the edge of the road, but the edge of their limits for physical and mental stress. Veer over the edge, and there can be a crash. End of tour.

That’s especially true for the so-called self-contained cycling tourists. No sag wagons. No mechanics. No large group for support. And, in the “old days,” no cell phones. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/08/28/rescue-2/

It's 3, not 2, US cyclists in the 2006 Vuelta a Espana

Check out the standings in the Vuelta a Espana, and you'll find three US cyclists competing — Tom Danielson (Discovery), Chris Horner and Freddie Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto) — not just Danielson and Horner like I reported Friday.

Thanks to Frank Steele at Tour de France blog 2006 for pointing out that error. The official Vuelta a Espana website still lists Mario Aerts and Christophe Brandt on the Davitamon roster, but they've been replaced by Rodriguez and Pieter Mertens …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/08/26/its-3-not-2-us-cyclists-in-the-2006-vuelta-a-espana/

Vuelta a Espana 2006 logo

aka Tour of Spain

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/08/26/vuelta-a-espana-2006-logo/

Two American cyclists in 2006 Vuelta a Espana

(Update: “It's 3, not 2, US cyclists in the 2006 Vuelta”)
The
Vuelta a Espana begins Saturday with a 4 1/2-mile team time trial around the city of Malaga. The final three-week European classic bike race of the year ends September 17 in Madrid.

The race features 21 teams and 209 cyclists, including just two Americans. Chris Horner is riding for Davitamon Lotto, and Tom Danielson competes as the team leader for the Discovery Channel team.

Why so few Americans …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2006/08/25/two-american-cyclists-in-2006-vuelta-a-espana/