Profile for the Ronde van Vlaanderen
Big George Hincapie leading the way at the 2002 Paris-Roubaix
Copyright 2006. RedEye (Tribune Interactive, Inc. ("TI"))
After I read the article, I was a bit conflicted (almost schizophrenic; "I've never run through a red light on my bike," or "Yes I do see you, no need to pound on the car.") as I debated the staffers' top ten reasons why drivers hate cyclists and vice versa, given that I've been on both sides of that frustration.
Now do we, cyclists, belong in the urban setting? Although not mapped out specifically in the US Constitution, riding a bike is an activity/freedom entitled to everyone. Groups such as Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and grass roots efforts such as Critical Mass have been set up to fight for our rights on city roads. Richard Daley, Mayor of Chicago, has even set out on an agenda to make the city the most bike friendly in the USA. But even though we have the right, should we exercise it? Wouldn't we be better served cycling in areas where the hazard of our next turn is dependent on how much speed we carry into it and the not on the opening of a car door?
If it isn't a couple of extra pounds, or flying off his bike into the rear window of the support car to start the Tour, it's always something with Jan Ullrich, y'know?
The Crankset's list of The Shit is dynamic. As we find new [and better] things, we will update the list; adding and subtracting as we see fit.One way to look at this room was to imagine all the stuff that was not here-the millions of dollars in bike frames, wheels, helmets, and shoes that had failed to pass the through the needle's eye of the Armstrong standards. Everything in here had been sorted, tested, and stamped with the highest mark of excellence, namely that it had officially been designated by its curator as The Shit. That's what Armstrong called something he liked, and when he really liked something, an event which happened perhaps three times a year, he granted that item his ultimate accolade: he said it will kill them.
Here then, outlined in white halogen light, lay the Museum of Shit That Will Kill Them. There, glistening silver on the workbench, were the new Nike shoes with the Texas flag on one buckle and the world-champion rainbow insignia on the other.
We began this blogging venture humbly enough; through a series of long and drawn out email exchanges. Three years after we participated in a Trek Travel tour that saw us tackle the Pyrenees in the final week of what many argue to be the most competitive and memorable Tour de France to date, we decided to take on the blogosphere. We have many to thank who have contributed to our growth, but we'd be remiss if we didn't thank those of you who have randomly happened upon our site and come back time and time again.
Special Thanks: Mike A., Amber A., Sue H., Dan M., Leo C., Amy K., Katie W., Sean W., Pip G., Liz H., Kathleen K., Amber R., and Kris K.
Media Credentials
2007 CSC Invitational
2007 Interbike
2008 Amgen Tour of California
2008 CSC Invitational
2008 US Cycling Professional Criterium National Championships
2008 Interbike
Featured In
Profiles
53rd Tooth (Aaron M) - I began my cycling passion like many American suburban kids, with my first crack at freedom. At a spry 12 years of age and toting a 30lb, '85 Schwinn World Sport, I explored all the wonders of Hershey and Central Pennsylvania.
Realizing quickly that I was not satisfied with merely touring the countryside I began challenging other neighbor kids, dogs, motorcycles and even school buses to any "race" they were willing to enter or as in most cases, not even aware they were participating in. As such, I spent my working hours wrenching at the local shop and began real racing in high school as a USCF junior. It was then that I drew inspiration from the great American riders of the day: Phinney, Grewal, Hampsten and of course Lemond.
Like most kids racing bikes in the 80's, I found himself often training alone and having few to share my passion. It was those times of solitude that forged my personal and physical development into the person I am today.
Having given up cycling for 10 long years while navigating the rigors of corporate life, I returned to the bike in 2002 a hefty 225lbs. It was Lance Armstrong's "Its' Not About The Bike" that helped me turn the corner. Newly inspired and motivated, I began regular training in 2003, lost 60lbs and joined fellow Crankset bloggers in achieving one of my childhood dreams, attending the Tour de France.
Since 2004, I have returned to regular racing and in 2007 began a tradition kicking off the season somewhere I have not been before. My inaugural trip included Northern CA, Portland, OR and Seattle. In 2008, I plan to continue this tradition somewhere in the American West.
Tour of '03 (Steve K) - It's hard to believe that my Trek 5200 will be six-years old in 2008. But then, it's hard to believe that I will be 10-times older than my bike in 2008.
Six years ago, 2003, when I bought my 5200 following a bike accident that totaled my Trek 1300 and nearly totaled me, was a watershed year for me. And it was all about the bike. I recovered from the accident, trained hard for my first of two Trek Travel tours along the Tour de France, triumphantly climbing in the Pyrenees with my eventual Triple Crankset teammates. A year later, I returned to France with Trek Travel for the first week of the '04 Tour. I also attended the Grand Depart in London in 2007. But for me, it's all about the Tour of '03.
Professionally, I'm a journalist, a teacher and a mentor. I have taught for 18 years, the last nine at George Mason University.
I have been a journalist since I wrote my first story for the school newspaper at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1966.
I have worked for the Milwaukee Journal, Wisconsin State Journal, South Bend Tribune, Akron Beacon Journal, Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cleveland Crusaders (of the World Hockey Association), Enterprise Radio/The Sports Network, the Stamford Advocate, Tennis magazine, the Lansing State Journal, USA Today, and a number of long-gone dot.com startups during the heady boom days.
And my proteges, if I can call them that, number in the many dozens throughout the media world.
Oh -- and I believe that it is Lance Armstrong's big heart that has carried him to his victories on and off the bike. As long as I can believe that, I can believe in the value of a career and life spent in sport.
Granny's 30 (Lenny B) - Among my many and varied interests are cycling and writing. I am deeply passionate about both. Strangely enough, neither has come very easy to me.
I had such a horrible crash as a small child that I did not attempt to ride again until the 6th grade. From that point forward, you could say that I have had a love affair with two-wheels. When I was not out on my bike, I could be found tearing apart or putting back together other bikes. The frames and parts found in my parents’ basement today are a testament to that fact.
Around the same time that I began riding again, a young rider named Greg Lemond had just won the U23 World Championships. Following his career was my entry point into the sport of cycling, but I never participated in organized racing until I was past my cycling prime. Today, a healthy curiosity about racing has me lining up on the road and in the nearest velodrome.
In regard to writing, I am not a trained journalist. My writing strikes a creative bent in the form of short stories, at least when I not writing for my day job in clinical research. Although I have yet to be published for my creative writing, I have authored several abstracts and papers, and been published in a well-known peer reviewed medical journal.
Profile for the Ronde van VlaanderenBig George Hincapie leading the way at the 2002 Paris-RoubaixCopyright 2006. RedEye (Tribune Interactive, Inc. ("TI"))
After I read the article, I was a bit conflicted (almost schizophrenic; "I've never run through a red light on my bike," or "Yes I do see you, no need to pound on the car.") as I debated the staffers' top ten reasons why drivers hate cyclists and vice versa, given that I've been on both sides of that frustration.
Now do we, cyclists, belong in the urban setting? Although not mapped out specifically in the US Constitution, riding a bike is an activity/freedom entitled to everyone. Groups such as Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and grass roots efforts such as Critical Mass have been set up to fight for our rights on city roads. Richard Daley, Mayor of Chicago, has even set out on an agenda to make the city the most bike friendly in the USA. But even though we have the right, should we exercise it? Wouldn't we be better served cycling in areas where the hazard of our next turn is dependent on how much speed we carry into it and the not on the opening of a car door?
If it isn't a couple of extra pounds, or flying off his bike into the rear window of the support car to start the Tour, it's always something with Jan Ullrich, y'know?The Crankset's list of The Shit is dynamic. As we find new [and better] things, we will update the list; adding and subtracting as we see fit.
Here then, outlined in white halogen light, lay the Museum of Shit That Will Kill Them. There, glistening silver on the workbench, were the new Nike shoes with the Texas flag on one buckle and the world-champion rainbow insignia on the other.
We began this blogging venture humbly enough; through a series of long and drawn out email exchanges. Three years after we participated in a Trek Travel tour that saw us tackle the Pyrenees in the final week of what many argue to be the most competitive and memorable Tour de France to date, we decided to take on the blogosphere. We have many to thank who have contributed to our growth, but we'd be remiss if we didn't thank those of you who have randomly happened upon our site and come back time and time again.
Special Thanks: Mike A., Amber A., Sue H., Dan M., Leo C., Amy K., Katie W., Sean W., Pip G., Liz H., Kathleen K., Amber R., and Kris K.
Media Credentials
2007 CSC Invitational
2007 Interbike
2008 Amgen Tour of California
2008 CSC Invitational
2008 US Cycling Professional Criterium National Championships
2008 Interbike
Featured In
Profiles53rd Tooth (Aaron M) - I began my cycling passion like many American suburban kids, with my first crack at freedom. At a spry 12 years of age and toting a 30lb, '85 Schwinn World Sport, I explored all the wonders of Hershey and Central Pennsylvania.
Realizing quickly that I was not satisfied with merely touring the countryside I began challenging other neighbor kids, dogs, motorcycles and even school buses to any "race" they were willing to enter or as in most cases, not even aware they were participating in. As such, I spent my working hours wrenching at the local shop and began real racing in high school as a USCF junior. It was then that I drew inspiration from the great American riders of the day: Phinney, Grewal, Hampsten and of course Lemond.
Like most kids racing bikes in the 80's, I found himself often training alone and having few to share my passion. It was those times of solitude that forged my personal and physical development into the person I am today.
Having given up cycling for 10 long years while navigating the rigors of corporate life, I returned to the bike in 2002 a hefty 225lbs. It was Lance Armstrong's "Its' Not About The Bike" that helped me turn the corner. Newly inspired and motivated, I began regular training in 2003, lost 60lbs and joined fellow Crankset bloggers in achieving one of my childhood dreams, attending the Tour de France.
Since 2004, I have returned to regular racing and in 2007 began a tradition kicking off the season somewhere I have not been before. My inaugural trip included Northern CA, Portland, OR and Seattle. In 2008, I plan to continue this tradition somewhere in the American West.Tour of '03 (Steve K) - It's hard to believe that my Trek 5200 will be six-years old in 2008. But then, it's hard to believe that I will be 10-times older than my bike in 2008.
Six years ago, 2003, when I bought my 5200 following a bike accident that totaled my Trek 1300 and nearly totaled me, was a watershed year for me. And it was all about the bike. I recovered from the accident, trained hard for my first of two Trek Travel tours along the Tour de France, triumphantly climbing in the Pyrenees with my eventual Triple Crankset teammates. A year later, I returned to France with Trek Travel for the first week of the '04 Tour. I also attended the Grand Depart in London in 2007. But for me, it's all about the Tour of '03.
Professionally, I'm a journalist, a teacher and a mentor. I have taught for 18 years, the last nine at George Mason University.
I have been a journalist since I wrote my first story for the school newspaper at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1966.
I have worked for the Milwaukee Journal, Wisconsin State Journal, South Bend Tribune, Akron Beacon Journal, Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cleveland Crusaders (of the World Hockey Association), Enterprise Radio/The Sports Network, the Stamford Advocate, Tennis magazine, the Lansing State Journal, USA Today, and a number of long-gone dot.com startups during the heady boom days.
And my proteges, if I can call them that, number in the many dozens throughout the media world.
Oh -- and I believe that it is Lance Armstrong's big heart that has carried him to his victories on and off the bike. As long as I can believe that, I can believe in the value of a career and life spent in sport.Granny's 30 (Lenny B) - Among my many and varied interests are cycling and writing. I am deeply passionate about both. Strangely enough, neither has come very easy to me.
I had such a horrible crash as a small child that I did not attempt to ride again until the 6th grade. From that point forward, you could say that I have had a love affair with two-wheels. When I was not out on my bike, I could be found tearing apart or putting back together other bikes. The frames and parts found in my parents’ basement today are a testament to that fact.
Around the same time that I began riding again, a young rider named Greg Lemond had just won the U23 World Championships. Following his career was my entry point into the sport of cycling, but I never participated in organized racing until I was past my cycling prime. Today, a healthy curiosity about racing has me lining up on the road and in the nearest velodrome.
In regard to writing, I am not a trained journalist. My writing strikes a creative bent in the form of short stories, at least when I not writing for my day job in clinical research. Although I have yet to be published for my creative writing, I have authored several abstracts and papers, and been published in a well-known peer reviewed medical journal.
