Tyler Hamilton saw Lance Armstrong use EPO: '60 Minutes'

Former Lance Armstrong teammate Tyler Hamilton tells “60 Minutes” in a show to air Sunday that he saw the 7-time Tour de France winner use performance-enhancing drugs.

“I saw it (EPO) in his refrigerator. I saw him inject it, more than one time. … Like we all did…. Like I did, many many times.”

Armstrong, who has steadfastly denied ever doping during his career, responded on Twitter:

“20+ year career. 500 drug controls worldwide, in and out of competition. Never a failed test. I rest my case.” ….

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/20/tyler-hamilton-saw-lance-armstrong-use-epo-60-minutes/

Dismount for these switchbacks near Fall City (WA)

Maybe I'm a little too engrossed by the mountain stages of the Giro d'Italia, but these switchbacks on the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail caught my eye on a bicycle ride Tuesday.

These turns are sharp and the pitch of the gravel trail is steep. I had no problem obeying a sign that said bicyclists should dismount.

The switchbacks interrupt the rail-trail where it dips off the plateau to cross the Preston-Fall City Road and the Raging River …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/18/dismount-for-these-switchbacks-near-fall-city-wa/

Remember fallen bicyclists: Ride of Silence is Wednesday

Bicyclists in more than 300 cities across the globe will take time on Wednesday evening to remember bicycle riders who have been killed or injured in traffic.

In most locations, the Ride of Silence rolls out at 7 p.m. for a solemn 8- to 10-mile ride at a 12 mph.

[Note: Some rides begin earlier; Seattle Ride for Silence leaves Gas Works Park at 6:30 p.m.]

The silent procession is not only intended to honor those who injured and killed, but also to remind motorists, police, the courts and other public officials that bicyclists have a right to use public roads …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/18/remember-fallen-bicyclists-ride-of-silence-is-wednesday/

This is Bike to Work Week; Friday is Bike to Work Day

Of course you know why you're seeing more than the usual number of bicyclists on the street today.

This is the start of Bike to Work Week and everyone is out there doing their part to fight traffic congestion, reduce air pollution and improve their physical well-being.

Here in the Seattle area, they might be among the 7,867 bicycle commuters who are logging their miles on 1,307 teams in hopes of winning some prizes as part of the 2011 Group Health Commute Challenge.

It's not too late to get started, as the highlight of the week is Bike to Work Day on Friday….

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/16/this-is-bike-to-work-week-friday-is-bike-to-work-day/

One last success, then David Hiller resigns from Cascade

David Hiller, the advocacy director for the Cascade Bicycle Club in Seattle, has announced his resignation effective on Friday.

The announcement on the Cascade Bicycle Club blog comes a couple of days after news that the Vulnerable User Bill, three years in the making, was scheduled to be signed into law by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire on Monday.

The 41-year-old advocate starts works next week in Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn's office, reports the Seattle Times. He'll work with the Seattle transportation department and on organizing community events ….

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/13/one-last-success-then-david-hiller-resigns-from-cascade/

“Share the Trail” in Renton (WA) on Saturday

Renton is hosting a “Share the Trail” event on the Cedar River Trail on Saturday to circulate information about the rules and trail etiquette that went into effect last summer.

In a nutshell, the city lowered the speed limit for bicycles to 10 mph and set a $101 fine for violations. It also painted a yellow line down the center of the trail and asks users to stay to the right of the line unless passing.

The parks department wants to make this Saturday event fun, so there will be booths with prizes and refreshments for all who attend from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ron Regis Park, Renton ….

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/12/share-the-trail-in-renton-wa-on-saturday/

US Bicycle Routes approved in Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan and Alaska

The first route updates to the US Bicycle Route System since 1982 have been approved by the transportation group that oversees state highways.

Shown in red at left, the new bicycle travel routes approved are:

USBR 1 in Maine and New Hampshire;
USBR 20 in Michigan
USBR 8, 87, 95 and 97 in Alaska.

Two existing routes — USBR 1 through Virginia and North Carolina, and USBR 76 through Virginia, Kentucky, and Illinois, are shown in blue.

The Adventure Cycling Association announced the new routes on Wednesday.

The remaining corridor routes on the map show the work that has yet to be done on the 50,000-mile US Bicycle Route System …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/11/us-bicycle-routes-approved-in-maine-new-hampshire-michigan-and-alaska/

15 world class bicycle-friendly cities

Where in the world would you go to take a spin in the world's most bicycle friendly cities?

The Matador Travel website recently came up with a suggested list of 15 cities. Five are in the good old U.S. of A., but not all are at the top of the League of American Bicyclists list of “platinum-level” bike friendly cities.

I usually enjoy looking at published lists of “best” bike rides, … cities, … trails, … states, … parks, … regions. It gives me a chance to think of great places to ride my bicycle or wonder what the hell the list author was thinking about.

For the most part, the Matador list seems pretty straight forward. Here are the 15 and their justifications: …..

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/10/15-world-class-bicycle-friendly-cities/

Bicycling, and coding, for the love of Alpine mountains

Some bicyclists will do anything to avoid a climb. They route their rides through the flat lands and never taste the challenge of vertical exertion.

At the other extreme is Dennis Wegewijs, a Dutch bicycling enthusiast who searches out the most difficult climbs — namely Alpine passes — to summit on his bicycle with his friends.

Dennis said that at some point, they decided to ride their bicycles over all the passes of the Alps. Why?

“To stay fit, to reach something in life …”

That enthusiasm for Alpine cycling prompted Dennis to launch an amazing website named CyclingtheAlps.com….

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/08/bicycling-and-coding-for-the-love-of-alpine-mountains/

South Lake Connector bike trail completed in Renton:
Reflects city's aviation history

If you're looking for a fresh bicycle trail to ride this weekend, you might want to head over to the just-completed South Lake Connector trail in Renton.

At less than a mile long, the multi-use trail fills the missing link on the Lake Washington bike route and connects the Cedar River Trail to a network of bicycling trails and bike lanes in King County.

I discovered the trail was open as I poked around on my bicycle in Renton on Friday. Although crews are still working on landscaping and no signs have been installed …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/06/south-lake-connector-bike-trail-completed-in-rentonreflects-citys-aviation-history/