Category Archives: Comments about Cycling

San Diego to KC, Via Denver

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I left San Diego yesterday and flew to Denver late. The Advantage Rental car company is a complete disaster. It took more than an hour and a half to get on the shuttle and actually get in a car. I drove to the Springhill Suites, by the University of Denver and got in a room at 1 am. I’m supposed to view some testing on Garmin’s Tom Danielson at 10 am. It should be interesting. I’m really not sure exactly what is going to happen or what I’m supposed to witness, but it should be a learning experience at least. Jonathan Vaughters is coming too, so that will make the trip worthwhile. If I have any extra time, I’m going to head over to Arvada and go for a ride with my friend Vincent. He did a 100 mile MTB race last Saturday and I’d like to hear the blow by blow. He butt must be sore. 7 plus hours.

I rode around North County yesterday. Didn’t really have an agenda. I finally made it up to Pannikin in Encinitas. The bakery items there are from the Land of the Giants. Muffins that are bigger than grapefruit. It is awesome.

I have a short turn around today. Just in for the physiological testing and then out tonight, flying back to KC late. The Tour of Kansas City starts Friday evening. It is just 3 criteriums now. I’m not sure, but I think that it is the longest running stage race in the country. This is the 50th edition. I first rode the Tour of KC in 1974 when I was an intermediate. I was 2nd in the Pro 1/2 race when I was 17. It was an Olympic Developement race then. There is a traveling trophy, but my name isn’t on it. And it won’t be on it again. I have no ability to race at a winning level now. Baby steps. It is funny, but I’d rather be doing a NCC race and just sit in than a big regional race that takes a lot of energy in the wind. Strange.

I’m mildly worried about the heat in KC. It is supposed to be in the mid 90’s all weekend. Yesterday, it was 65 on the coast. That is a 30 degree differential. But, you have to get used to it sometime. I’m not yet like Jens Voight and can acclimate to the heat in two days, like he did at the Tour of California.

Okay, I need to get scooting. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Last meal of each trip is at Ichiban in PB. Sue and Don always order an unbelievable amount of sushi.

Last meal of each trip is at Ichiban in PB. Sue and Don always order an unbelievable amount of sushi.

Don was replacing the CV boots on his Ferrari yesterday morning.

Don was replacing the CV boots on his Ferrari yesterday morning.

Bill
It was Bill’s birthday yesterday, so I guess a bunch of people met over at the Flying Monkey/PT’s and drank a few beers. Missed out on that one.

This guy, on one of the those duck-bike-things, was following Don and I up the coast for a couple miles. He was going really good, over 20 mph.

This guy, on one of the those duck-bike-things, was following Don and I up the coast for a couple miles. He was going really good, over 20 mph.

I was riding by the cove and this guy was about to head in to dive. He must have looked strange to all of us.

I was riding by the cove and this guy was about to head in to dive. He must have looked strange to all of us.

Last shot of Torrey Pines for a while.

Last shot of Torrey Pines for a while.

I love watching the pelicans glide back and forth down the coast. They fly so effortless.

I love watching the pelicans glide back and forth down the coast. They fly so effortless.

This machine is detecting something in my shoulder each time I go through it. I had to get patted down on the way out and then again on the way back. Must have been one of the anchor screws in my arm bone.

This machine is detecting something in my shoulder each time I go through it. I had to get patted down on the way out and then again on the way back. Must have been one of the anchor screws in my arm bone.

This monitor is right after you clear security in the San Diego airport. I guess it is just there to remind you what nice weather you are leaving.

This monitor is right after you clear security in the San Diego airport. I guess it is just there to remind you what nice weather you are leaving.

Jan Ullrich Doped!!! Holy Shit!

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Breaking News! Yesterday, Jan Ullrich confessed, sort of, to doping during his career. I actually think the article is going to be printed on Monday, but someone must have leaked some of the tidbits. It didn’t really say exactly when, or what races he doped for, but I have this believe, really a rule, that when someone is either caught, which Jan was, or just confesses, which Jan did, then all his results should be thrown out. So, Jan, it’s time to send those Olympic medals you won in 2000 and that Tour de France jersey for ’97 back.

Jan really didn’t seem to have much remorse. He actually denied cheating. He said he was just doing it to level the playing field. That he wasn’t doing anything more than anyone else. Here is the exact quote –

“In my view you can only call it cheating on my part when it is clear that I have gained an unfair advantage. That was not the case. All I wanted was everyone to have the same chances of winning.”

So, Jan thought that all the guys riding the Tour in 1997 had the same chances of winning, or even better, the Olympic Games, where one rider wins the road race and that was him? Equal chances? I think not.

I was hoping for more from Jan. I was thinking he was going to let it really become past before he spilled his beans. He really didn’t spill much. He just told us what we already knew. Except I would have thought, by now, the guy would have smartened up some and been a little more politically correct, even if he didn’t believe what he was saying. It’s not going to sit too well with about anyone, this little non-confession he did.

How about the 1996 Tour de France, when even the mechanics from T-Mobile could have climbed better than Miguel Indurain Larraya, who had won the previous 5 Tours. That was a pretty equal chance of winning for all, right?

How about the 1996 Tour de France, when even the mechanics from T-Mobile could have climbed better than Miguel Indurain Larraya, who had won the previous 5 Tours. That was a pretty equal chance of winning for all, right?

brotherinarms
His thoughts on Lance – “We are both guilty,” said Ullrich. “I am no better than Armstrong, but no worse either.” At least he has that right.