BBC News: Ben Collins, aka ‘The Stig.’
”Former Formula Three driver Ben Collins has won a legal fight to publish an autobiography in which he claims to be The Stig - the mystery driver on the BBC’s Top Gear show. But who is he?” Fast, that’s who he is.
BBC News: Llanwrtyd Wells bog snorkel ‘has new world record time.’
”Contestants must avoid conventional swimming strokes when negotiating the 60 yard (55m) water-filled trenches.” Beats watching sitcoms, I suppose.
Washington Post Video: Raging bull injures 40 spectators.
I take it this was Ferdinand’s angry brother [If you don’t know Ferdinand, here].
Selectism: Orvis Bison Leather Football.
For you sports fans.
Cyglo: Tyres built to be seen.
Well, why not?
BBC Sport : Schumacher ‘sorry’ for blocking Barrichello in Hungary.
”I didn’t want to endanger him with my manoeuvre. If he had this feeling I am sorry, this was not my intention.” You look at the photos and replays, this is total BS.
BBC News: Catalonia bans bullfighting in landmark Spain vote.
”The vote was brought to the agenda by activists who argue it is cruel and unacceptable and say most spectators in Catalonia these days are tourists.” After seeing that Big Picture gallery the other day, I’d have to agree. Besides, let the bulls stay healthy and get a clear shot at the fighters. Even the odds.
Bicycling Magazine: Saying No to the SAG Wagon.
”Finally, the race organizers got me a bike, but it was this little yellow junior bike. It was way too small for me and even had old-fashioned toe-clip pedals. But that is the only way I could get down the mountain, so I had to ride it for like 15-20 kilometers until I finally got to a team car with my bike.” Sometimes being hard core means keeping your sense of humor.
NewWest: Finally, For Cyclists, Transportation Policy Takes a Right Turn.
“We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally funded road projects [snip] We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.” As nice as this sounds, I shudder to think of bureaucratic solutions to car/bike/pedestrian ills. Let’s hope they listen to some common sense.
Valet.: Brooks England B17 Touring Saddle Bicycle Seat.
If you have the patience, you end up with a custom fit. Digging through their catalog, you can get some surprisingly springy seats (with full retro cred, though at a weight penalty).
Twisted Spoke: Contador takes yellow, re-interprets unwritten rule.
“One of the charms of professional cycling it the old school gentlemen’s agreements. A code of honor that says you don’t take advantage of someone’s slipped chain or full bladder. It’s the opposite of the American phrase, winning ugly. It’s a sport with leftover chivalry, a bygone idea that there’s a correct and beautiful way to win.” And that’s one of the reasons I follow the sport. Lose the chivalry, you lose me. Period. Offhand thought ... imagine the spluttering, incoherent outrage if Armstrong had done this.
Rush University Medical Center: Hip Arthroscopy.
“The researchers at Rush determined that 78 percent of athletes suffering from hip labral tear caused by internal ball and socket joint damage to the hip also known as hip femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) were able to return to their sport within an average of a little more than nine months following a hip arthroscopy. Also, 90 percent of the athletes were capable of competing at the same level as they had prior to their initial hip impairment.” Long recovery time, but great results.
Boston Globe, Big Picture: 2010 Tour de France - part I.
A whole lotta blood. Plus the stereotypical sunflower-with-cyclists in the background. I wouldn’t have chosen those. All are great, however, and you’ll have seen some from earlier galleries I’ve pointed to.
Washington City Paper: What Do D.C. Cyclists Have Against Bike Helmets?
”Safety standards apply to all helmets, so you can actually get the cheapest model on the market and be just as safe as if you got the priciest.” Perhaps so, but the cheapest ones feel like strapping on a cinderblock. To get something decent, you have to go twice the price. Even going out for an ‘easy’ ride, I wear it. Once you’ve done an unanticipated ‘endo’ on a presumed safe ride, you clearly understand the benefits.
CR4: Carbon Fibre Bike Frame.
Carbon fibre had great promise. When carbon fibre MTB frames were more popular (half a dozen years ago or so), every time I’d go out to ride on local trails I’d see the remains of another shattered carbon frame. When it goes, it goes suddenly and catastrophically, in long sharp shards. If it’s not manufactured precisely, if the metal-to-carbon fibre joints are not glued perfectly ... net-net, it’s a great idea ... but in use, not so hot. IMHO.
CSM: Scenes from the 2010 Tour de France.
How much better these would be if presented in a “Big Picture” format. The interface is annoying, too. #3 gets me laughing out loud.
Selectism: Cork Bicycle Helmet.
NPR: U.S. Allows Iroquois Lacrosse Team To Travel Abroad.
”The U.S. government has agreed to allow a native American lacrosse team to travel to England for a world championship competition under passports issued by the Iroquois Confederacy.” Now, where can we watch them compete?
SteepHill.TV: 2010 TdF photos, Stage 9.
‘Big Picture’ style. Now yer talkin’ ... check out the paintjob on Schleck’s bike!
NY Times: iPod Oblivion.
”It is a near trance-like state people can apparently enter while using mobile phones, MP3 players or electronic personal organisers.” A fellow gym member poked me in the arm the other week, and asked me to stop slamming weights ... something I never normally do. The iPod just zones me the hell out. I stay attentive to form and propriety, now that I’ve been called out as ‘one of those weight smashers.’
Tour de France 2010: Stage 8: Le Morte d’Armstrong.
No regrets. As I said, at 38, this was a significant long shot for Lance. I hope he rides the whole Tour out, and continues to support his teammates.
NPR: A Tour de Force.
Now those were men. Get off on a tangent, and look at these histories of toeclips.
velonation: Tour de France: Robbie McEwen crashes again, taken to hospital.
This TdF is sheer hell for McEwen. Props for sticking out out, Robbie.
NY Times: Is Jousting the Next Extreme Sport?
”‘I want to see another guy get paralyzed,’ a boy in front of me squealed, waving a toy sword.” Let’s not and say we did.
Washington Post: Armstrong loses time in bumpy 3rd stage of Tour.
Cobblestones took their toll on all. If you’re rooting for Armstrong, remember that the oldest TdF winner was in 1922, at 36 years old. Heavy odds against. TdF riders generally become champions in their early 30’s - the combination of fitness and strategy peaks at that time. Not saying it’s impossible, just highly improbable. There are four riders this year over the age of 35. Even an ‘average’ Armstrong performance on his part will be history-making.
