Turkey, Wookie and Barf

This Thanksgiving is like all others because we'll have family coming over, we'll have a big spread and we'll have the game playing in the back-ground...whats not to like eh? We do have a lot to be thankful for. We also have a lot to think about this year and can't just hide our collective heads in the sand, that would be disastrous to all our forthcoming Thanksgivings. But for now let us truly take more than a moment to be giving thanks that we do have a warm home, plenty of food and great family to share it with. If this is not your situation then I hope this for you, I hope that your fortune changes; I hope that by this time next year you will have found friends whom you can share this day with in joy and thanksgiving, yes like the Pilgrims.

I have a lot to be thankful for so this year I'm pledging that, as in years past but not recently, I will find a charity who serves thanksgiving dinner and help out even if it's just taking out the trash. I don't want to be the big cheese nor do I have to as a volunteer, I just want to do my part no matter how small. Next year I want to invite one or two people, who have no family in this city, to join us for dinner and enjoy their company, like we used to. This is something we must do in order to understand what Thanksgiving is all about and to be human, share the joy of the day and share the moment with those who might not have the opportunity otherwise. If I don't do this then this day, as it was first celebrated, is for naught.

I often wonder what happened between us and France that we are not as great of allies as we should be. France did so much for the US during the revolution and that should have blossomed into a filial relationship. I know that most of the reason behind the help of France was to kick King George's arsh but non the less the people of France were at one time pro-American. The proof is the colors of the flag, the statue of liberty and a lot of our customs that derive from France. If I haven't said it before let me say it now, I talk about the people of a given nation in whom we befriend, not the government. Also we don't have to be just like them to be good neighbors and friends, just look at our families...ok let's not. Any way in honor of our two countries on this day I want to share something that is both all American and all French...Chewbacca winning the Tour de France. Now that's something to give thanks about!

And lastly how about our overindulgence which leads to hang-overs and bathroom camping, not pretty but this to is a tradition for some, not me the other some. So in honor of this long standing annual event I present to you a Mog, that's man-dog who's name is Barf.  As the late-great John Candy said in the movie 'Space Balls'," ...I'm half man and half dog, I'm my own best friend!..." This year I'm going to be my own best friend and live a life of thanksgiving year round.

If I see you on the road this holiday stop at my house and share some Turkey. Peace to you, your loved ones and our Nation.

Last week, week 9

Last week was one of kneeling and calling on Ralph...alot. So needless to say no cycling was done and boy did it show at the TT spin workout tonight, I couldn't even get out of the saddle and my vo2 was completely out of sink, just in ONE WEEK! Whats up with that? The picture, at right, shows how I felt, a broken down tree wheeler in a road race world! That will only last a day or two until I regain my breath, leg and sanity...would you like cheese with that wine Mr Wus?
It's funny when I talk to others who are going in the same direction as me are as far as training for a big event and it's been a decade or more since they competed. These tough competitors are in the same place as I am, struggeling to get back to a high level of fitness and control in there sport. There is the planning for several subsets of training to get ready for minor races or a warm-up here or there just to gauge the base line progress. If that progress is to far ahead then the adjust meant to rane it in a bit in order not to over prep. Or there is just the opposite and you come away from a fast club ride or a warm-up race or century and think to yourself, ' I suck and there's no way I'll be ready,,,argh'! At that point have a Sam Adams and CHILL, rethink, plan your work and work you plan. If nothing else do speed drills so your Vo2 will be there if not your legs, the rest is your WILL.
I have five and a half months until D-day on the coast of Cali. But lets back up, I just said D-day. How interesting is that saying  in our vernacular and we relate to the complete and total release of destructive forces that hasn't been seen since WW2 and yet we don't have the will to destroy the EVIL that kills unarmed citizens on our own soil...now that is weird. We have evil men doing evil deeds that by their society is a just cause and we think they just need a hug or are misunderstood. Can anyone tell me which of our political idiots thought of that? I digress again and it won't be the last time.
 Any way I hope you  all will have a very warm and happy giving of thanks for the safety of your family, be thankful for our troops that keep us safe and keep their families in your thoughts this holy-day season.
If I pass you on the road stop at Peests, and share a little holiday cheer!

PS This just in, Radio shacks team rooster is finalized: http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/team-radioshack-announces-its-2010-roster/  More to come on the races they will commit to this year.

Looking behind the curtian, Pro team finances

Good Monday to all, how are you this fine Monday? I do believe it's a fine Monday and all is right with the people of the world at least those who want to want to be alright and those who want their neighbor to be all right.
Now back to the Pro cyclists. So I have been really digging for info and I did find a few pieces albeit most are so common that hey are hardly worth repeating but for the sake of compilation I present here what I have found.
 RadioShack Partners With Seven-Time Tour de France Winner Lance Armstrong to Form New Cycling Team in 2010
 In reality, the partnership makes sense on several levels. The cost of sponsoring a team is surprisingly modest. The top team in this year's tour, Astana, is funded by companies in Kazakhstan that spent a reported $21 million. Armstrong reportedly sought to raise $20 million for his team, and some of that may come from the secondary sponsors eager to get their names on his jersey.
Information on the USPS pro team shows the down side of financing a great Pro team that has a excellent rooster: USPS-US Postal Service: http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/consumer/a/uspslance.htm
Check out this site on the Skoda team:. Skoda Car manufacturer in Czech Republic sponsorship of TDF and the reason behind this crazy venture:   http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162806/skoda-extends-tour-de-france-partnership
This is a snapshot of  Money problems even the BIG TEAMS run into if the 3-p's are involved. For those of you who do not know who the 3-p's are it's 'piss poor planning'. Sometimes an investor or group of investors have a bunch of money and the dream of having their TEAMS name in the news is so euphoric that these guys throw out a bunch of money for the stsrt-up. Then reality hits them and the possibility that they could lose as much as they invest they swing back the outer way and withdraw the support for the season, thats after signing contracts and spending the UP-FRONT money...a big chunck of change right there.You can follow the thread if you want to but you get the idea.   Money problems@ Astana :http://www.velonews.com/article/92087/    also of interest: New riders at Astana: http://www.europeloton.com/2009/10/david-de-la-fuente-paolo-tiralongo-sign.html
LIFE as a cyclist : http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Peloton/TNT-corner/life-of-a-pro.html
For 2009, those salaries are fixed as follows: Confirmed riders: ProTour: 33.000€/annual gross salary; Professional Continental: 27.500€/annual gross salary. Neo professional riders: ProTour: 26.700€/annual gross salary; Professional Continental: 23.000€/annual gross salary.

07-30-09, 11:43 AM

I think BMC is the only UCI pro continental team in American. So teams like Jelly Belly don't have any minimum salaries

enforced by the UCI. I don't think that USA cycling has any minimum salary requirements so what these guys make is anyone's guess. My guess is that the better riders on a team like that make 20-30k dollars per year.
That's what I was thinking. I'm sorry, may it please the court, I found the UCI salary limits, but I was unsure of what the Teams in the US even are.
Big is question is are the majority of the teams in the Jelly-Belly category?
"20-30K isn't much of an increase from the 18-25K from almost 10 years ago.
Riders on U.S. domestic continental teams (formerly referred to as Division 3 pro teams) can make next to nothing. My former team went from being just a local amateur team to fielding a Division 3 pro team. The riders on that team got $500 a month during racing season, per diem for food on days they actually raced, and they could sleep in a house the team rented". This is obviously an account from a Pro rider
He goes on to say,"I would imagine that there a handful of guys on Continental teams making actual money, but the majority of them are pretty much living a subsistence existence".
Here was a little info on the continental team Kelly investment that did real well Managed from an office in downtown Minneapolis, KBS/Medifast operates on an annual budget of more than $1 million. Aaron and his 25 employees -- which include the racers, a team coach, mechanics and an office staff -- juggle a schedule that sees BS/Medifast rolling to the start line at more than 75 races a season, this year from California to the Pyrenees Mountains in France. Last update: June 30, 2008 - 11:59 AM star-tribune Minneapolis
Looking back on the history of the sport I see that nothing in the sport has changed as far as the guys and gals that ride with their hearts. Most aren't making much money but their link with past is an unbroken line from the beginning of the men who first thought, hey lets do something crazy like ride our bikes over some insanely high mountains for three weeks and who ever doesn't die ...WINS! Thanks to those brave souls who decided to start this great sport.
So for now and until more Teams Financial Reports are available I 'll let it rest, I really need your help though on this one.
If I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.
PS thanks for readiing!

     

FRANCAISE DES JEUX

Saleries of Pro Sports

I'm not really into sports per say let alone pro-sports. However  I do like the occasional get together over beer and pizza to shout for a team I think I like and ridicule someone elseses team. That for me is as enjoyable as it gets. But looking in depth at Pro-cycling, my passion and weakness, and it's finances I want to seek out other pro-sports salaries as one comparison to the wonderful world of our 'Tour' kings and princes.
OK, so we will start with the top 20 as reported online by "Free money finance"  in  August of 2006, three years ago and this is per Annam. This includes salaries, bonus, endorsements...the works:
In the US
1. Tiger Woods, Golf, $97,628,024
2. Phil Mickelson, Golf, $45,971,710
3. Shaquille O'Neal, Basketball, $34,000,000
4. Kobe Bryant, Basketball, $33,656,932
5. Carson Palmer, Football, $31,550,000
6. LeBron James, Basketball, $28,621,800
7. Derek Jeter, Baseball, $28,000,000
8. Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, $27,000,000
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Auto Racing, $25,761,830
10. Michael Vick, Football, $25,400,000
 In Europe

1. Michael Schumacher, Auto Racing, $80,000,000
2. Valentino Rossi, Motorcycle Racing, $30,000,000
3. Ronaldinho, Soccer, $29,100,000
4. Maria Sharapova, Tennis, $25,421,283
5. David Beckham, Soccer, $23,000,000
6. Ichiro Suzuki, Baseball, $22,500,000
7. Roger Federer, Tennis, $22,137,018
8. Ronaldo, Soccer, $21,600,000
9. Hideki Matsui, Baseball, $21,000,0009
10. Christian Vieri, Soccer, $20,000,000
So why is it so impossible to think that a pro-cyclist is worth at least 10 million a year given that in 2006 these guys were making this kind of money? Mind you I am not advocating that all the TOP DOGS get more than their share but that's all hinged on what they attract to a Tour, what they attract  watch to watch on Tv/internet and what they can sell, in other words it's all based on YOU!
Finding anything on the pro-cycling teams finances and the individual salaries has proved to be quite difficult. However in light of the other sports salaries I don't think I would be as shocked at our cycle heroes salaries given that the income quoted above is almost four years ago!  Also in light of the amount of work produced and finesse/strategy by the individuals and their teams at the Pro-cycling level I think a 'good living' is due each one including the DOMESTICS
I guess bottom line is with out finding raw numbers, but lots of speculation in the blogs, I would have to side with the Pro teams to be paid in the realm of the other sports stars. But why is it such a mystery anyway? Although looking at the supposed salary cap on American executives and in some cases skilled workers here, why are the sportsmen getting the lions share of $$$ for playing a game and we foot the bill? Convoluted to say the least. More on Monday and then the whole dreary thing will be over with...maybe.

Remember if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.

In the shop for repairs

Working on a new view, see you later?

closed today for mental repair

be back after my bannana break...peace

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtian

I worked a lot of years for corporations in order to put dollars to the bottom line for share holders, partnerships and owners. No matter the ideal or dogma they all had one mantra. 'plan your work and work your plan'. It's not like you haven't heard it before and it sounds easy right? But in average guy lingo that means have a goal and work towards that goal with out to many distractions and you'll make it, kinda like buying a house...but let's not open that can of worms!
So as I am reading the cycle mags and watching all the 'Tours' I can on the internet and also reading the Pro-cycle news and blogs, and there is a lot of 'em, my corporate mind took over. All I began to see is $ $ $ $'s flying around and of course I began to think about the Plan. You know the plan, the big picture the whole enchilada, the Business Plan of a Pro cycling team. So with a ton of research on Google,which didn't yield much, I did manage find the Pro team Application and general outline of how UCI, the pro governing body, wants to keep all the ducks in a row...http://www.wiwi.uni-hannover.de/Forschung/Diskussionspapiere/dp-345.pdf
The Meat really begins on page 5 of this 32 page treatise on ' what a governing body has to do in order to get some respect' piece. Hey these athletes are the hardiest working of any sport with an average of 25,000, yes that's thousand, miles a year on a pro's legs. And yes cycling did fall on it's face with all the doping and illicit behavior that goes along with any sport back before Eddy Merckx. So it is understandable that in order to be world class you have to look, feel, smell and present yourself to be, dare I say it...World Class. All cynicism aside I love this sport and I  for one want it to be for families not thugs and bookies. No disrespect to any soccer teams or their regional events it may or may not resemble.
Here is just  a little exert from pg 5 of the application so you get a glimmer of what I'm talking about:
The teams must apply for a Pro Tour License, which is limited to 20 Teams and runs 4 years,
costing EUR 100.000 (UCI 2006). Additional fees are to be paid for each race. Each Pro Tour
Team has to participate in all Pro Tour races and has to employ 25 riders. Also race organizers
have to apply for a Pro Tour license, with a maximum of 30 events being licensed per
year. The UCI system comprehends either two lower categories, the Continental Pro Teams,
which can be invited to Pro Tour races, and Continental UCI-Teams. No promotions and relegation's
are allowed for. That's $149,649 American just for the License, makes me have second thoughts about owning my own team. Oh and that's in 2006 dollars!
Reading this I know I'm just scratching the surface and an investigative journalist I'm not. I  want to understand how these organizations  function and in that way you can understand the shear magnitude of planning and money it takes before our favorite teams and heroes even get to the starting line for the first race of the season. The plan also calculates having cash reserves for the care of  the whole team all season in paychecks and accident care should someone break a collar bone or wrist or something. No one ever plans one, they just happen...Cheers to an accident free year.
More tommorow and I hope your still right there with me. Untill then if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.

I'm just saying

The wife and I were dining al-fresco Saturday afternoon and as usual having a fine talk about things in general, sometimes brushing over social-political subjects. She is very in touch with the Peace thru love ideal and I, well I try to encompass that and keep an eye on those who are saying it but not walking it out...bless my yoga girls soul.  When comparing notes we found that the ones who shout racist and bigot the loudest are usually the ones who themselves are profiting from this agenda. Do you get me so far?
It really sickens me and most people who are trying to be good to others when all they see is the finger pointers tell them that they are racists, homophobes, xenophobes,  haters of colors and different religions and worst of all...American patriots, oh how dreadful! Suddenly the worst-most ugly dreadful person to be is an American who loves his country. I wonder how these same people feel about those French when cheering on their countrymen at the Tour of France. How do they feel about the Italians or the Spaniards during their Tours, dreadful right?
So how about those dreadful smokers of tobacco and those horrible people who eat fast food? WOW, now there is a couple of hate groups  huh, smokers and overweight people. Why then are we going after these two groups and not the real haters? Haters of diversity in all aspects of life.
For example they, them, those who are the problem, hate cigarettes but not smoking of anything else like marijuana; those who hate fast food but insist on spraying our produce with chemicals that kills our children's bodies ability to fight sickness and among another things, cancer; Those who hate gasoline power but have no way to keep our nation going and finally for this day those who want to kill the health insurance companies because they will be making trillions off the "new system" or more relevant from the very people they call the haters.We know it would be different if all of them in the government had the exact same coverage as they are trying to give us, RIGHT!
Bottom line if you want Peace work towards it, not with an Ak-47 or a suicide vest or a 1000 page bill that nobody can understand, but with your two feet. Tell a co-worker that you like working with them; tell a next door neighbor that you got their back; don't let anyone badmouth another person or religon in your presence and lastly, most importantly be part of the solution and not the problem by trusting people of other colors and religions but not blindly. PC just isn't, it's stupid and you are not stupid.
If I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.

PS, cycling for peace in the middle east :http://www.heiseheise.com/1241/cycling-for-peace-from-rome-to-mecca
 The poster here shows cyclist  for peace in Berlin Germany circa 1954, this is not a new idea but it is time for us to see it through.

Week 8 around town

The best part of 'beginning again' as a cyclist is that I know the feeling when I pass a plateau, get over the hump or, if you will, find the next gear. This last week was a series of pushing the limits and really finding the edges of the performance envelope to date. Therefore I can move the performance quotient closer to the bench mark I have set as a theoretical standard that I have targeted for the ride in May and also using my made-up standard from my memory about my racing days 24 yrs ago.  Memories are all smoke and mirrors believe me.
I don't have a cycle computer to really gauge my heart rate, speed, cadence and distance but I have mapped several courses with Mapmyride.com and can approximate the mileage. This has enabled me to follow basic rule of thumb: 60 min divided by time elapsed x distance = mph using departure time and return time, crude but effective. I have no way to accurately take my heart rate but I can say for sure it's strong and steady with my rpms  around 95-105, again a rough estimation from previous training.
All the technical chatter aside I have had a blast burning the pavement, or what seemed to me as burning the pavement, and just screaming, not me the bike, as I blew through the streets of Naples. I know that the pros are at work on their bikes but I hope they are diggin the vibes as they break away, beat the other guy , ascend to the top, go through villages that have been standing since who knows when and finally just because! Like in many of the baseball movies when one guy says to the other,'we are grown men who GET to play for a living!' Yeh baby.
I guess bottom line for me is I am so happy to have re-discovered this sport and connected with it in a big way. I have tried so many other sports and hobbies but none have made me feel so connected and given so much pleasure. To others they get runners high or surfers peace or football sore-elation or whatever sport endorphins, but to me this is the sport that's pure and raw. A team sport that depends on strong individuals that can think for themselves but work as a unit with elite machinery thrown into the mix going at speeds of 35-40 mph.
Be back next week for more good stuff from the road and If I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.

Ben Bostrom to the starting line

I read about Ben in this months issue of Bicycling magazine and saw the future of cycling. A couple of months ago they interviewed a Nascar driver who had a Carmichael jersey on and thought, this is interesting. But now I see that LA, that's what the cool people call Lance Armstrong, has had a huge effect on celebs in every walk of sport. Bring'em on I say and let the sport of cycing be better for it.
Ben Bostrom (born May 7, 1974) is an American motorcycle racer. Bostrom returned to Ducati as Neil Hodgson's teammate for the 2006 AMA Superbike Championship. Ducati withdrew from the AMA Superbike Championship at the end of 2006, leaving Ben to join the Yamaha/Graves Motorsports team in 2007 for a rebuilding year, riding in the AMA Superstock Championship, where he finished second in points, though unable to score a win. In 2008, Ben Bostrom switched from Superstock to Supersport and led the Graves Motorsports Yamaha team to an AMA championship in the 600cc class. 
That's his creds. This guy, Ben, is now on a mountain bike in the off season. Yah, he claims it's to stay in shape and when he started it was, but now his competitiveness has landed him on a pro mountain bike team.That's not just staying in shape that's a real  A plus personality for you. The team is SHO-AIR and the complete story on BE @: http://www.team-shoair.com/pdf/Bicycle_2009_Bostrom.pdf
To me this just shows that cycling is becoming more mainstream and therefore more accepted as a true sport in the US.It  also means four things to us cyclists which are   1 opportunity 2 opportunity 3 opportunity and 4 respect on the road or 'street cred' if you will. I don't like it when all the straits jump on the band wagon but it does wonders for the tech side, the big name draw and also our place in the sporting world. But, and there is always a BIG BUT, when the crowds leave and we cyclist are all that's left to sweep up the party I hope for all our sakes we have kept a few of the party favors for the future and not fallen apart. It happens all the time in every sport, it's like being re-discovered only to be left for the next hottest, newest trend.  Here is to getting the big revenue boost, cheers! What ever the outcome this guy Ben is having a great time and I hope you are too!
If I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.

Veterarns Day

I thought long for a way to say how I feel about all those who have come before me, those who stood up and drew the line and backed it up with their blood. It's not the government that makes the people but the people that makes the government. If we as a people don't stand for honesty, integrity and morality then our government will collapse. So with that in mind I put down the way I feel about those who have served.
We Americans are a product of our past. We have fought in all the wars that needed us to put our shoulder to the effort. We have fought with and beside our allies for 100 years and  we have been there every time we were asked, although friends never need to ask. It really doesn't matter what these men and women have been asked to do what mattered to them is being the line between good and evil...yes EVIL. What do you think solders do kill people? They eradicate EVIL. Yes that's the definition, read Bushido the samurai's code or the knights code of chivalry. Nothings has changed as far as good and evil just weapons and tactics.
 I work at a job that brings me into contact with those who have done honor in every war since WW!. It is such an honor to talk to them because they are honorable people and know what it means to uphold the honor of their brothers in arms no matter British, French or whatever flag they were wearing.

Bottom line is we honor these men and women who fought and lived or died to keep us free and by the way this includes Korea, Vietnam, both Gulf wars and Afghanistan. We owe them a big thanks for what they have done including being men and women of honor. We all want peace in our time but in the mean time, serve your fellow man well, fight the good fight and honor those who have done so on your behalf.
If I pass you an the road stop at Peets, because if your a Veteran I'm buying.

This years Pro Tour Teams

Press release: UCI ProTeams : applications update as of 20 October for 2010 registration
Date:	22.10.2009
Description:	In October each year the UCI ProTeams are required to submit an application for registration the following year to the UCI. The UCI, in association with Ernst&Young, evaluates whether the teams are in compliance with the regulatory requirements, particularly in terms of their administration and financing. In accordance with a new article added to the rules on 1 July 2009 (2.15.169b), the UCI is today publishing the list of teams that by 20 October 2009 had submitted an application file containing the following required documents: •     budget •     the sponsorship contracts duly signed with the main partners •     the bank guarantee •     at least 12 contracts with riders duly signed by the two parties •     for new teams only, a description of the structure of the team together with a copy of the deed of incorporation of the paying agent.

The teams are:

•     AG2R La Mondiale

•     Française des Jeux

•     Footon-Servetto

•     Garmin-Slipstream

•     Lampre Farnese Vini

•     Liquigas-Dommo

•     Quick-Step Cycling Team

•     Rabobank Cycling Team

•     RadioShack

•     Omega Pharma-Lotto

•     Team Columbia-HTC

•     Team Katusha

•     Team Milram

This information is being published with a view to keeping all parties concerned informed about the progress of UCI ProTeam registration applications.

The UCI and Ernst&Young will continue to evaluate all applications, including those of teams not in the above list, which have until 20 November to submit their completed applications. The UCI ProTour Council will make a final decision on UCI ProTeam registrations for the 2010 season after the official deadline of 20 November.

Any team whose application is rejected will have its file passed on to the Licence Commission. In the event that the application is subsequently rejected by the Licence Commission the team’s UCI ProTeam licence is automatically withdrawn.

 

UCI Press Service

For more about the Euro Pro tours here is the address: http://www.uciprotour.com/Templates/UCI/UCI5/layout.asp?MenuID=MTY5Mw&LangId=1
So why did I copy this wholesale? I wanted you to see a portion of the exacting standards that these teams have to measure up to before they can even practice, before the bikes are bought, before the uniforms or 'kit' is designed and purchased, before the team members are assembled, before contracts are signed, before managers are brought in, domestics, drivers, trainers, message therapists, winter quarters...well it's a heck of a lot of money, planning and focus just to start this undertaking. So ya, 13 teams international teams for all the big races, looking good.
But what about domestic teams that we saw in the US tours. Well w I am copying this also to get the full list:
2010 USA Pro Continental Teams Announced
12 American men’s squads seeking UCI Continental Team status for 2010 road season. Team TIBCO lone Women's team to seek UCI status.
USA Cycling received and is reviewing and processing 12 candidates for men’s UCI Continental Team status for the 2010 season. The deadline for submitting a team inscription was October 31, 2009 and no other candidates will be accepted for the 2010 season.
Twelve American squads have applied for Continental level status for 2010, one fewer than the 2009 total. The proposed Continental squads looking to primarily compete on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar circuit and the USA Cycling Professional Tour include:
Men's Pro Teams:
Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team
BISSELL Pro Cycling
Jamis/Sutter Home presented by Colavita
Jelly Belly Cycling presented by Kenda
Kelly Benefit Strategies
Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Gear Grinder
Adageo Energy Pro Cycling
Team Hotel San Jose
Team Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe’s
Team Type 1
Trek LIVESTRONG U23 Cycling Team presented by RadioShack
UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis
Again more complete information @ :

2010 USA Pro Continental Teams Announced
12 American men’s squads seeking UCI Continental Team status for 2010 road season. Team TIBCO lone Women's team to seek UCI status.
USA Cycling received and is reviewing and processing 12 candidates for men’s UCI Continental Team status for the 2010 season. The deadline for submitting a team inscription was October 31, 2009 and no other candidates will be accepted for the 2010 season.
Twelve American squads have applied for Continental level status for 2010, one fewer than the 2009 total. The proposed Continental squads looking to primarily compete on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar circuit and the USA Cycling Professional Tour include:
Men's Pro Teams:
Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team
BISSELL Pro Cycling
Jamis/Sutter Home presented by Colavita
Jelly Belly Cycling presented by Kenda
Kelly Benefit Strategies
Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Gear Grinder
Adageo Energy Pro Cycling
Team Hotel San Jose
Team Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe’s
Team Type 1
Trek LIVESTRONG U23 Cycling Team presented by RadioShack
UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis
Again the complete list and info for the US domestic year, including the womens teams and calender @ :
http://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=15942
This does not include a lot of back round info but it is merely the tip of the iceberg. The fact that the US is starting to get the cycling scene going as strong as Europe is not to rival the rest of the world in a bad way but to join in the ever growing cycling community and be able to place in the top ranks regularly. I know this also gives more Americans the ability to be drafted by the big international teams. Good for everyone don't you think?
I haven't looked at the Spanish, Italian, German,Swiss, Czech, Russian or any other domestic teams, not because of ethnicity but that it would require more space than I have here. Bottom line, it's going to be a Great Race season!!! Look for me to be cheering on Radioshack and some of  cycling's future standard bearers from around the globe.
If I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying...and you better have some good stories.

News around the cycle world

 When I had a glimmer of interest in cycling the only real news to be had was Velo news. It was published every month and sometimes you had already heard the news from some obscure source and other times it was as current as possible but still old news. Let me tell you this is a great sight to get all the current info  about Pro-cycling regionally, US and from around the world:  http://www.velonews.com/article/99506/  I thank those who have stuck with it to keep this publication going. The really nice thing is it's online and no dead trees to print it. You can order a subscription...but why? And it's loaded for those who want to get started in the competitive side of riding and still has a lot to offer those who have been at it.
Here also is an updated list of the big tours, but it's not all inclusive just the focused ones getting ready for the Tour De France. If you have other road races that are note worthy add the dates below. Tour of California  http://www.velonews.com/article/99506/
TDF    http://velonews.com/article/99249   and the Giro de Italia    http://www.velonews.com/article/99530/ The picture above is from the Tour of Missouri and is a very fine tour that is well attended and respected,,,believe it!

While we are talking about road racing here is a new book for us all, we fortunate few who have embarked on this perilous  journey on a two wheeled racing machine. The name of the book aptly is: Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer  and can be found at:   http://www.velogear.com/prodinfo.asp?number=201ROAD .
As usual if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.

PS Lance is affectionetly named LA by his fans...Humm I wonder why?!

Who are you riding with?

The average guy has pack tendencies. We like a pace line, we like to watch football , basketball or baseball with other guys and we like to win and we like our teams to win. In the middle of all that we like to have a gut knowledge of who is on our team and are they someone we can count on; are they some one who's quirks will keep us from winning or will these quirks make for a stronger and more interesting ride. If I flat and my spare is flat will my riding buddies cough up the spare I need or leave me stranded. Will the guys and girls dig in for the win or will they give up: will they help shelter a sick fellow rider when were 30 miles from home or leave them stranded with out a wheel to follow? And if all goes wrong will they make sure we all get home safely?
I have to know, not that I'm a wus and can't do these things or haven't done these things for myself and family. I have fended for myself in the corporate world sometimes with a friend watching my back and sometimes in a real meat-grinder. I just had to be aware of who and what the landscape was and keep my eye on the goal and damn everyone else for trying to crush me and keep me from succeeding. Yes, I lost a few but I never lost hope and that hope, that will, translated into more wins for my team, and that is as they say is the name of that tune.But what an average guy and girl wants is to work hard and play hard. We want the same from our friends and compatriots especially when we are out on a tread cycling. Lance said in an interview to have the highest ethics, win the race and then shut up about it, now that's a team. Other quality teams make the race and with out them there is no competition right?
Yesterdays murders at Fort Hood shows me that there are those who are cowards posing as heroes: there are losers posing as winners and there are enemies posing as friends. The cowards are not just those who pull the trigger in the name of some religion, that's not new to mankind from histories past lessons. The biggest cowards are those who are in the positions of power and knew of this persons goal of murder but because of his religion ignored the facts in order to be PC. They failed the team. They killed those who were team mates!
Those posing as heroes in suites who rattle the saber in public but in dark secret plot with others to undermine our young men and women in uniform by not allowing the military to weed out the traitorous bastards who are dressed in team jerseys but work for another team. These suits are the traitors themselves  and should be given tricycles so we can recognize them as the HATERS they are.
The biggest and ugliest of them all is the poser who pretends to be 'the big winner' and is really a loser. He's not on our team and never was. He is not the captain of our team as we thought he would be but in fact a turncoat for the big money team. The only win he wants is for himself and big money and he will never protect the 'average guy team' and help us to win. His team makes laws to stop us from finding those who would take hope from our team mates by terror: his team makes laws that turns fact-finding into hate speech: his team makes it impossible to get justice for cowardly crimes, losers who disrupt justice and outright enemies who murder the innocent on our own soil.
I could say alot more but I leave you with this: when comes a time to defend our children will you lose hope or will you be the standard to which all rally, who are you riding with?

Instead of my normal parting I ask you to pray for our children, our young men and women in uniform and our fellow country men who are our teammates...Peace to you and your houshold.

Week Seven of this and that

Last night, after a frustrating afternoon of car failure and GFI blowout at home, I had THE best ride so far. It was after dark on well light streets in down town Naples. There is a natural time/speed course with a turn around that's 2 miles one way and if you park 3 to 4 miles away you are good and warm by the time you reach the start.  The shear excitement of getting there pushed me to 'get some' on the way there.  I was just in a groove when I came upon this little gem of a course.  I didn't discover this little beauty nor did the ones I observed running it, I'm sure, but the fact that it is in use daily really got my juices flowing.
The wife and I were out biking together on Sunday and I was just happy to be doing something I love, cycling, with my best friend Yoga girl. I found the area to be good for tooling around at speed and the drivers, most of whom are imports from other parts of the world, to be courteous and liked that cycling was seen in the US. But the point of this is that in the pleasure of the fun ride I came upon this cool treasure of a speed drill tucked away in this posh neighborhood...pure gold!
I went back to this pressure cooker after a tough day and it was so cool, just being there gave me renewed energy that night. I got so pumped that it just flew by as I pushed the pedals at 1oo rpm and in the digging deep I found the next gear, mind blower! I breathed so well after the the course was completed my legs were still fresh and I just went crazy.  I outran a couple of cars in the 25mph zone and just blew a car away in the 35 mph zone leaving him in the dust. WHAT A GREAT FEELING IN THE SOUL!
Just as a side line the wife's apple mac pro is so touchy that when correcting the spelling on this blog it just evaporated 200 words before my very eyes and had the nerve to say, WHAT I didn't do anyhting.  Yet another bit of frustratin for my week.  Back to the regularly scheduled blog...
Well here it is, the moment I said I had a breakthrough I would blame it on Lance so here it is, thanks Lance! As I was riding last night I found that next gear, a feeling I haven't felt since the early 80's on my old Grandis. If it wern't for the darkness last night I would have been 100 miles away before I stopped.
Remember if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.

PS. in case you haven't seen the recent Team Radio Shack news here the address: http://www.teamradioshack.us/  The funny part of the nameing of the team is that the ones not chosen were interesting enough but they actully got votes by the cycling public in each ones support. They are: Team Shack, Shack-Strong, Team Radio Shack-Livestrong and a couple of other I feel if you were to read them your IQ would drop 10 points instantly.

Naples got Sportitude

Before work the other day I stopped at the grocery store to get some lunch stuff. Pulling into the parking lot I saw a 70ish woman in her Reeboks, workout shorts with an applique rose on them and her Nike workout shirt and of course the obligatory huge white old lady purse on her arm. It totally amazed me to see this woman not only look fit and healthy at her age but she got out of a new Toyota Rav 4. She definitely had sportitude!
When The wife and I moved to Naples 10 years ago this was predominately a retirement village not even big enough to be a town. The beach was the biggest draw at that time and frankly still is.  We were looking forward to a laid back lifestyle and thought it was worth the adjustment. The family had lived in Portland Oregon for 12 years and led a very active outdoor life full of hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, playing in the snow and the like. We loved that about Portland but needed a break from city life...we thought.
The amazing thing about Naples is in the last 5 years it has tripled in size with all the hip and cool things the nouveau-Neapolitan's brought with them. I talking good gyms, good coffee, good bagels, bike shops, yoga studios, organic grocery stores and all that good stuff a big city has to offer. Now in Naples we see pace lines with folks of all ages; Yoga on the beach; runners in every place you can imagine and these people are from every age group! 
I didn't invent the word sportitude it was from  Erick Marchello, who's  facebook page is dedicated to sportitude. The page address is: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000198011245
So whats the big deal. As Erick describes it this is a lifestyle that is dedicated to healthy food, no drinking of alcohol ( that's a little severe), no smoking which is a good one if you work your body hard and want to breath, and well just keeping fit. I believe in this life style and now  Naples is embracing this ideal and shows it every day.
No matter where you live I hope you have a good sportitude even if you are the only one.  But remember if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.

Life as I know it

The wife and I watched the move 'Bright Star' today, Monday. I had a four day holiday from work which I must say is a great way to enjoy an otherwise quick weekend. So anyway  the movie was beautiful to watch and the poetry of Keats was spellbinding. But my point is some people are like Keats and some like his friend Mr. Brown...the latter would be me.
John Keats was able to bring forth the soul of mankind and expose it for all to see and feel and be in awe of. Mr. Brown was just intelligent enough that he could only look at those heights as they were unfolded before him and never able, himself, to drink in the elixir of sweet life who's table he so longed to sup at...not bad.
I have had those Mr. Brown days when others have grabbed the glory and been resplendent in it whilst I have sat in the gallery only to watch from a distance. In my youth I knew the day would come for me to join those at banquet and engorge myself of this most tasty of feasts. And I must admit I did have my turn on a few occasions, but few indeed and few in frequency. I was and will be the one who for all right and measure supports and upholds the breath and width of mere mortals and 'am in awe of those who reach the heights and live there for certainty twixt the stars in the heavens.
Well now that I got that out of my system all I want to say is 'looky here',  WE are all humans given to great heights in our own way and able to sink to such depths that we can't see our hands for the blackness that surrounds us. Yes even Lance. It's what we do with those times and with those feelings that makes us super stars to our friends and families and really thats what counts. Can they count on us 100% or are we out for the count when we are in the middle of something? In this case it's not what you know but can you be there for them that counts!
I will never be a Greg, a Lance, an MJ, Paul Bocuse or any one of the hundred people I admire. Nor do I have what they have no matter how hard I work, what matters is I'm the best at me and for my family. In the end I share my life with them forever...PERIOD. And for that I thank my lucky stars and my G-D.
Remember, if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying!
PS, this is a last minute addition: I want to be a good cyclist; I want to ride some of the great rides in the US. I remember how it felt to be competitive in races...I want ot WIN! Life is a race to win and not be a spectator.