Animated

Santa Rosa, CA (February 18, 2008) – I grew up as a fan of Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts. Although he passed eight years ago, his presence is still felt in this hometown of Santa Rosa. In the downtown area, statues commemorating his various characters can be seen seemingly around every corner.

It may be a bit old-fashioned or puristic in thinking, but I never grew to love the animated versions of his characters. Nevertheless, I have grown to appreciate movies like “A Boy Named Charlie Brown" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

As such, the setting of Santa Rosa could not have been more fitting for both the Inaugural Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium and the finish of Stage 1 of the Men’s race, as both definitely could be described as animated.

V is for Vanderkitten
Although many of the top European names were not present for the Inaugural Tour of California Women's Criterium, the field could still be classified as a world class with the likes of Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), Brooke Miller and Amber Rais (Team TIBCO), Shelley Olds (PROMAN/Paradigm), and Mara Abbott (Team High Road), to name a few.

The view that the peloton saw most of the day

However, from the opening gun it was first year team, Vanderkitten that could be found at the head of the race with Liz Hatch leading the field. Though the conclusion was not to Liz’s expectations, owners Dave Verricchia and Mark Zefeldt could not be prouder of their chargers as they were either at or near the front animating the peloton throughout the course of the 60 minute race.

Jenny Trew has a dig

Body Double
For those who have not followed the career of Jackson Stewart (BMC) the 27-year-old's greatest claim to fame was as a body double for Lance Armstrong in two 2004 Nike commercials [oh, the sheer vanity of maintaining perceptions; or at this point in Our Boy Lance’s career, too busy training to maintain his Tour form].

On Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California, however, the BMC rider took center stage. Stewart launched himself over the mountainous terrain of Stage 1 in a suicidal effort to claim the day. With a lead that swelled to over 13 minutes at times, Stewart was finally overwhelmed just minutes before entering the finishing circuit in downtown Santa Rosa.

For his efforts, Stewart claimed the Most Aggressive Rider jersey [given daily to the rider who attacks the most or is most animated] and the King of the Mountains jersey.

Photos: Leonard Basobas

Fabulous Fabian

Palo Alto, CA (February 17, 2008) - The current World Time Trial Champion, Fabian Cancellara [Team CSC], provided ample evidence of his early season form in winning the Amgen Tour of California Prologue. The change of venue from the hill top finish of Telegraph Hill to the hard flat course in Palo Alto most likely contributed to Cancellara’s opening day success. But, in the way that the former Tour de France Maillot Jaune wearer rode the 3.3 km, any type of course profile may not have deterred him.

All the turns-of-phrase [shot out of a cannon, a human missile, etc] were applicable to the Swiss freight train's effort on Sunday. Cancellara came over the top of every time standard set on the day by nearly 10 seconds.

For those men of the Spring Classics, the former Paris-Roubaix winner has just served your notice.






Photos: Leonard Basobas

Tour of California - Prologue

"The Pro Tour Has Arrived in the U.S."

Palo Alto, CA (February 17, 2008) – It was hard to argue the words uttered by the PA announcer before the official start to the 2008 edition of the Amgen Tour of California as the start list rivaled any of the top European races. Present, among the host of American riders who have become synonymous with the domestic cycling scene, were names like Boonen, Bettini, Wiggins, Cavendish, Voigt, and Cancellara, to name a few.

Early on, it looked as if that type of star power would be overshadowed by the weather, as a fog that often typifies the Bay area hung inauspiciously over the area. The Sunshine State, however, lived up to its moniker with the sun burning off any remnants of a cold and dreary day just as the amateur/celebrity field took its turn over the 3.3 km Prologue course.

With the throngs of people now primed and ready, John Murphy (Health Net-Maxxis) of the host country set a fast opening mark from the number 5 position. Moments later, David Zabriskie, resplendent in his US National Time Trial Championship Team Slipstream kit, became the first rider to come under the 4:00 minute barrier.

Zabriskie’s early staring position [27th of 132 riders] was a bit surprising as his US National Championship and his past exploits at the Tour de France in this discipline certainly merited a later slot, but the tactic served his teammates well.

One Team Slipstream/Chipotle rider after another benefited from Zabriskie’s course feedback, as each came close to capturing the dangling carrot before them. It was the 23-year-old Tyler Farrar [pronounced Far-rah] who finally obliged. For his effort, Farrar finished on the day's podium.

The man for the Classics was certainly the most noteworthy revelation of the day, but Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team High Road) and Rock Racing’s Mario Cipollini could perhaps lay equal claim for that billing.

The Norwegian Time Trial Champion, who would eventually claim the Best Young rider’s jersey on the day, blazed over the course coming in at around 3:58, while Le Reone, Mario Cipollini, put forth an a Bunyan-esque performance coming in at a more than respectable 44th place just 17 seconds back.

The previously retired 41-year-old veteran of the professional peloton added another chapter to his legendary status [and quite possibly to the Nature v. Nurture debate] and represented his new team well despite the previous day’s antics of his team boss, Michael Ball.


The outcome of the truncated race of truth, however, would come down to the heavyweights listed last on the program. Local favorite and defending Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer provided a heroic effort, but was unable to come in under the obscene time posted just seconds earlier by Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC).


The final podium: Cancellara - first, Bradley Wiggins (Team High Road) - second, and Farrar - third.

Up Next: Choosing to bypass the Stage 1 start in Sausalito, we'll bring you coverage of the Inaugural Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium and the finish of the men's race in Santa Rosa.

Photos: Leonard Basobas

Quotes from Kick-Off Press Conference

Although I wasn't able to attend the Kick-Off press conference [to discuss the state fo professional cycling] yesterday, we have some quotes from some of the top riders and organizers and staff of the Amgen Tour of California collected by Erin Barrier.

I'll be down in Palos Alto for the start, for some possible live updates. But if that doesn't work out, you always watch it on Versus.

Andrew Messick, President, AEG Sports
On the 2008 race: “We are so happy and excited to be in Palo Alto on the eve of the third Amgen Tour of California. We are looking forward to 1 p.m. tomorrow, when all the anticipation is over and the guys can start riding. We believe this is the best course we’ve had; there is a good chance that the overall winner won’t be determined until the last day of the race. We have the best riders in the world, including World Champions, Olympic medalists and several riders who have worn the Yellow Jersey at the Tour de France. We have representation from the best international and North American cycling teams. Also this year, for the first time ever, we are including the Women’s Criterium, which will take place on Monday in Santa Rosa on a part of the actual race course.”

On the anti-doping policy: “First and foremost, we are delighted with all of the support we’ve gotten for the initiatives we have implemented in order for this to be a clean and fair race. We want to thank all the teams and riders for helping us manage these new protocols. There is a process by which all riders end up on the team rosters, and every team participating in this year’s race agreed to our new anti-doping protocols.”

Levi Leipheimer (USA), Defending Champion Astana
On the 2008 race: “I think the Mt. Hamilton and Angeles Crest climbs are great new additions to the Amgen Tour of California; I look forward to those. I think I have the advantage because Stage 1 and Stage 2 go through my hometown. This race has always been an important goal of mine, no matter what else is going on in the racing calendar.”

On his 2007 stage win in Santa Rosa: “I owe a lot of great memories to the Amgen Tour of California. It was a very overwhelming experience to lead the race into my hometown of Santa Rosa last year. It was very emotional; I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew my friends and family would be there but what I saw was unbelievable. It was like riding into the Champs-Élysées – it was packed. When I got on the awards stage in Santa Rosa last year, I was at a loss for words. I will never forget that.”

On the anti-doping policy: “The teams, all 17 teams, are the ones who agreed to the new protocols. I think it’s time for the teams to work with the organizers to follow the rules. It is what the teams and the riders agreed to, so I’m behind it.”

David Millar (GBR) Slipstream Chipotle Powered by H30
On the 2008 race: “The competition here is at the same level as that of the Tour de France – it’s the best competition in the world. The Prologue is going to be a good gauge of competition – I’m actually a bit nervous. We are seeing a new wave of professional cycling, and I think the state of California should be proud that this new wave will start here. This is the first big race of the year. This race means a lot to us; we put this race up there as one of our biggest objectives.”

On the anti-doping policy: “The initiatives that AEG have taken are really the future of the sport. It is all about taking responsibility and I think this is the way it should be.”

Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing
On the 2008 race: “I’ve always enjoyed racing in the U.S., especially in California where I grew up. The more competition, the better for us – it opens the playing field. We have a great team, including some top sprinters, so I think we are really going to do our best this year. For us, we are really excited to come here; we’ve been working really hard. The guys are motivated, we are having fun and we’re stepping it up to another level.”

Jens Voigt (GER) Team CSC
On his team: “Every year we try to perform our best; we really try to go for it. We’re always trying to take the next step to reach the highest spot on podium.”

On the 2008 race: The Amgen Tour of California is a great race; a great race to start the season. It has a lot of big, wide roads and lots of spectators.”

George Hincapie (USA) High Road
On his team: Our team is great; we have some of the best young talent in the world. It’s a great mix of guys.”

On the competition: I have a lot of friends in this room; we are all professionals. We are going to try to win as much as we can and it’s going to be a battle, but in the end, we’ll still be friends.”

Phil Liggett, VERSUS Announcer
On the 2008 race: “This race has grown into an enviable organization. The field of riders for this year’s race is the best so far. The Prologue is as good of a start as the start in London during the Tour de France. It is going to be one great competition this year.”

On the state of professional cycling: “There is a lot to prove this year for the world of cycling; we want to prove a point. At the moment, what we need is a clean race here, and an ongoing clean sport. Then, the sport can return to the greatness that it has always been.”

Sean Petty, Chief Operating Officer, USA Cycling
On the 2008 race: “This race has been world-class, first-class, since day one and it’s only getting better, which is hard to believe. Looking at the field, there are some excellent riders. We’ve had some great fields compete here in the U.S. in the past, but to see this type of talent these days is phenomenal. It’s a tremendous compliment to all the partners involved.”

On the anti-doping policy: “AEG and Amgen are to be applauded for the initiatives they’ve taken this year to have a stronger anti-doping protocol; it’s not pretty but it’s necessary. When you’re serous about it, this is what it looks like. I applaud the riders for making the sacrifices to support these programs. They have done it willingly because it is the right thing and the best thing for this sport. They are sending the right message at the right time. It is because the best of the best in this sport have agreed to these new protocols that we are able to do what we’re doing.”

Jim Birrell, Race Director, Amgen Tour of California
On the 2008 race: “The nice thing about life is that you learn something new every day. For the 2008 course, we listened to our critics. Although we haven’t yet achieved a mountain-top finish, we achieved a course that will allow us to see a dynamic race unfold each day. The top General Classification will be really tight going into Stage 1. You can expect to see very competitive racing, one that creates excitement for the riders. In an effort to see the Amgen Leader Jersey change on the last day, we removed the circuit finish.”

Bob Stapleton, Owner, Team High Road
On the 2008 race: “We have a great roster, top athletes, and the Amgen Tour of California delivers a great stage on which to perform. We have unlimited potential. We have a lot of new athletes on our team and hopefully we’ll get a chance to put on a great show. This race could become a signature cycling event among the top races in the world; it has that potential. The Amgen Tour of California is great for the sport of cycling in the U.S. and great for the sport overall. You could do anything with this event. This sport has a bright future, but it needs a dramatic event like this to make it happen.”

Rory Sutherland (AUS) HealthNet Presented by Maxxis
On the 2008 race: “If the Prologue of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California is anything like last year, Sunday is going to be an absolutely great day. The competition is at such a high level that it will be a bit daunting, but I’m excited to be here.”

Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
On the 2008 race: “Here we are on the eve of the biggest race in America and we are excited to get started. This is a huge race and tomorrow, it’s on. I feel motivated and fresh – the whole team is ready.”

Oscar Freire (ESP) Rabobank
On the 2008 race: “My decision to race in the Amgen Tour of California is easy because everyone speaks so highly about it. We are in the beginning of the season, the weather is good and this is a good start to the season. I think that we have a good team; we have good, young riders. California is nice.”

Phyllis Piano, Vice President of Corporate Communication, Philanthropy, Amgen
On the 2008 race: “We are delighted to be here and honored to be here with these athletes – they are inspiriting. One of the things we are most proud of is the Breakaway from Cancer initiative, which benefits the Wellness Community and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.”

Rock Racing Relegated

Earlier today, Rock Racing announced their eight for the start at the Tour of California. But just as quickly as team owner Michael Ball announced his roster and the need for a riders’ union to protect individual rights, three of his riders were being excluded by TOC organizer AEG.

The line-up that was to be headlined by Tyler Hamilton, Santiago Botero, Oscar Sevilla and Mario Cipollini was summarily reduced to five, rather than face complete expulsion.

From Sean Weide:
Palo Alto, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2008) – Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball announced today that he stands by his riders and is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the team is able to field a complete, eight-rider squad for the Amgen Tour of California.

Ball, outfitted in Rock Racing’s new black-and-lime-green “Juice” uniform, made his remarks during a packed press conference Saturday at the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto, Calif.

As announced by Ball, Rock Racing’s roster for the eight-stage, eight-day international stage race consists of: Mario Cipollini (ITA), Santiago Botero (COL), Michael Creed (USA), Tyler Hamilton (USA), Doug Ollerenshaw (USA), Victor Hugo Pena (COL), Freddie Rodriguez (USA) and Oscar Sevilla (ESP). Team directors are Mariano Friedrick (director sportif) and Haldane Morris (assistant director sportif).

A roster released earlier this week by race organizer AEG for Rock Racing did not include Botero, Hamilton or Sevilla. Ball said he hopes the omission of those three riders was simply an administrative glitch. The three have all received clearance from their respective national federations that they are not the subject of any current investigations and are free and clear to race.

“I’m steadfast in my guys riding,” Ball said. “I’m in a position to give these guys who may or may not have made a mistake a second chance. They’re willing to step up for a second chance and I’m willing to give them that chance.”

The recent exclusion of the Astana professional cycling team from the Tour de France is a perfect example of the mistakes being made at the sport’s highest levels, Ball noted.

“The fact that the Tour of California is allowing Astana in this race is good. Bravo,” he said. “They (Astana) should be allowed to race. I support that.

“You are innocent until proven guilty. But for there to be a wholesale swipe across a team or an individual who in the past was under suspicion, that’s the past. This is time to make a difference in this sport. We’re trying to move forward and make a difference.

“The past is the past. We have a moment right now to change this sport. Let’s move forward. If it means giving these guys amnesty, do it. Stop digging up graves. This sport is going to wither on a vine and die if this continues. Sponsors are bailing out. If things continue with these conditions, I can’t do anything else but exit. It doesn’t make any sense business-wise.”

Uncertainty surrounding Rock Racing’s final roster for the Tour of California has brought the team closer together, Ball said.

“When you have adversity, it brings a team closer together and makes them stronger,” he said. “If my guys could never race again, I’d still pay them and send them into the city to tell children that there are better things to get involved in than drugs or gangs.”

Ball said Rock Racing is committed to a fair, anti-doping policy and individual rider rights. Central to that, he said, is the formation of a union.

“It’s good for business,” Ball said. “With a union comes security. That means athletes who make mistakes aren’t outed – and the investors and sponsors aren’t out. Control for the sport has to come from within: a rider’s union and in each team organization. That’s how it is in other sports.”

Rock Racing’s effort to make a difference in cycling extends to its “Rock the Cure” philanthropic division of Rock & Republic. Exemplifying the way corporations should give back, Ball has created specialty items from each collection, everything from shoes to denim, to directly support Rock the Cure. One hundred percent of the profits generated from these specialty items directly benefits deserving charities.

“For me, it’s fighting the good fight and doing what is righteous,” Ball said. “ It’s showing you can make a good product and give it away. Outreach to inner city kids is important to me. I’m the perfect example of someone who got the second chance.”

During the Tour of California, Rock the Cure will make a donation of $20,000 dollars on behalf of Rock Racing to benefit underprivileged children and after-school programs in cities along the Tour.

At a press conference by race organizer AEG, officials announced that terms of a contract between the race organization and each of the 17 teams in the race led to the exclusion of the three Rock Racing riders.

Not So Fast...
Despite only being able to field a five-rider squad – three short of the standard team roster – Rock Racing will compete in the Amgen Tour of California.

Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball said the team’s riders and staff collectively decided Saturday night not to pull out of the race after race organizer AEG declared that three riders on the team’s original race roster – Tyler Hamilton, Santiago Botero and Oscar Sevilla – would not be allowed to start.

Relevant language in the AEG contract reads:

“Team agrees to participate fully with all anti-doping initiatives as established by UCI, USA Cycling, USADA and WADA and to be subject to the respective sanctions of such governing organizations. From the date of execution of this Condition of Entry Agreement by Team through the conclusion of the 2008 ATOC, no member of the Team, which shall include without limitation named riders, coaches, trainers and Team management (individually and collectively, “Team Member”) shall have any open investigation as determined by UCI and/or USA Cycling) with regard to any matter involving a violation by such Team Member of any anti-doping rules as established by UCI, USA Cycling, USADA and/or WADA, unless or until such Team Member has been acquitted of such violation by UCI, USA Cycling, USADA and/or WADA…”

“No Team member participating in the ATOC may be under suspension by UCI, USA Cycling, USADA, and/or WADA from the date of execution of this Condition of Entry Agreement by Team through the conclusion of the 2008 ATOC.”

Ball stands firm that Rock Racing is compliant with those terms of the contract.
“This is not a decision governed by the agreement,” Ball said. “There is no open investigation. AEG is acting irrationally, to the detriment of the sport.”

The five Rock Racing riders who will compete in Sunday’s prologue time trial through the streets of Palo Alto are: Mario Cipollini (ITA), Michael Creed (USA), Doug Ollerenshaw (USA), Victor Hugo Pena (COL) and Freddie Rodriguez (USA).

“Mario is in the best shape he’s been in five years and Freddie has tremendous form,” Ball said. “Creed and Ollerenshaw can be great domestiques for those guys if they have to and you should never count Pena out.”

Ball said Hamilton, Botero and Sevilla will continue to accompany the Rock Racing team throughout the Tour and are still part of the team. They will be available every day to sign autographs for fans before and after each race and are slated to race throughout the remainder of the season.

“Our team is ready to go out there and show them what we can do,” Ball said. “These guys are fired up and in the best shape of their lives. We’re ready to go out there and win.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Katrina Florence, 310.995.3619 katrina@teamelevation.com
Sean Weide, 402.541.2594 sean@teamelevation.com

Renowned U.S. Professional Women’s Cycling Teams Confirmed

Accomplished Field of Professional Female Riders Assembled for Santa Rosa Race

LOS ANGELES, February 15, 2008 – The most well-renowned professional women’s cycling teams in the United States will be represented in the first edition of the Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium presented by the Redwood Regional Breast Center, it was confirmed today by race presenter AEG.

With representation from 28 elite professional women’s cycling teams, the Women’s Criterium will be an exciting and challenging competition, kicking off the women’s cycling season. As a new component to the 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional road cycling race, the Women’s Criterium will bring the thrill of professional women’s cycling to fans in the hours before the men’s finish in downtown Santa Rosa. Using portions of the Stage 1 men’s finishing circuit in Santa Rosa, the newest addition to the National Racing Calendar (NRC) promises to be an exciting and historic event for racers and fans alike. Held on Monday, Feb. 18 during the Amgen Tour of California, the Women's Criterium will consist of a field of 125 riders competing for more than $10,000 in prizes.

"The response from women's cycling teams when presented with an opportunity to take part in the Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium has been robust and enthusiastic,” said Laura Charameda, race director. “The event will boast top talent, and we can expect an aggressive race from a highly-motivated women's field. I am very encouraged to see that we're getting such good feedback from the women's elite cycling community for the event's first edition."

The 2008 Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium roster includes representation from top American women’s cycling teams including, Aaron’s, Cheerwine, Colavitta/Sutterhome, Proman, Team High Road, Tibco and ValueAct Capital.

"I've been in Sonoma County all week with the ValueAct Capital team for our training camp,” said Katie Mactier, Australian World Champion, riding for ValueAct Capital Cycling Team. “I'm really looking forward to racing with the girls again in the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium. We have a very strong team; and I know the competition will be very good and we plan to go out there and win."

Crank Love

For Valentine's Day last year, we brought you some images of Dario Pegoretti's Love #3. This year, I thought I'd attempt to channel Bicycling magazine's Style Man and give you some gift giving style tips for the cyclist in your household.

The Beer Jersey
Even before Lance Armstrong made cycling and beer drinking en vogue, with his outward affection for a Shiner Bock, beer and cycling have gone hand-in-hand [or mouth, as it were]. Athough no one can really dispute the sales numbers for these types of jerseys [if they weren't selling, they'd certainly stop making them, right?], but I'm hard pressed to find anyone who wears one. Then again, how many true Schlitz lovers do you see out on the bicycle paths.

If you're considering matching jerseys for you and your sweetie, pass [caution: the advice above should be disregarded for those living in Wisconsin or other beer producing states].

The Pop Culture Jersey
This genre of jersey is reserved for the rock band addict whose favorite black tour t-shirt is tattered and torn by frequent usage and infrequent washing [you know that dilapidated Rolling Stones tongue tee], or for those who can't live without seeing their favorite print or lithograph for 5 minutes [you know the type, the friend who has the matching bag, umbrella, coasters and post card of their favorite wall accessory].

If you're dead set on getting this type of jersey for that special someone even though they don't fit the bill, consider the classic, Rosie the Riveter. Not only is it retro chic, but it has the potential for high jinx with a good Rob Schneider impersonation., "We Can Do It!"

The Charity/Cause Jersey
Nothing says cheap bastard more than contributing to your favorite charity or cause on the behalf of that special someone and then keeping the jersey for yourself.

Seriously, if you're with someone who can truly see giving to help others less fortunate as a gift, then make sure you get them a knock out jersey to match, like the one for Project Rwanda.

The Don't Even Go There...
Italian cycling apparel maker, Castelli, makes some of the finest apparel around, but their new Koori shorts [with matching jersey] has to be right up there with the shorts that looked like cut-off jeans. Purchase only if you're looking to make a splash with the girl who already thinks that you have no fashion sense as this will only serve to confirm that notion, or if you're in the midst of a break-up, as she'll most likely drop you after seeing these out of the box and on her figure.

The Morning Commute

It's the middle of February, and in the Midwest that means winter. Last evening, the southwestern portion of Michigan received a moderate amount of snow. Although numerous cars were sidelined or deterred from making it to their destination, this gentleman was not.

The photo [taken with my cell phone and from the comfort of my car] is a bit grainy, but it speaks volumes about the mentality of the cyclist as a commuter.

Ride on...

Team Type 1 Dials In Positions In Wind Tunnel Testing

New A2 Wind Tunnel Near Charlotte Redesigned To Test Cyclists

Mooresville, N.C. – The same technology that is helping NASCAR’s top drivers reach faster speeds was put to good use on Monday by riders from Team Type 1 who were intent on improving their own aerodynamics.

The A2 Wind Tunnel near Charlotte hosted TT1’s Chris Jones (inset) and Nathan Bartels for a day-long testing session on their team-issue Orbea bicycles.

The A2 Tunnel was specifically re-designed last fall for use by cyclists by Gary Eaker, who created the AeroDYN Wind Tunnel that is testing home to many NASCAR race teams.

Team Type 1 Manager Tom Schuler said the team’s first-ever wind tunnel test paves the way for even more testing at a later date.

“We had such a good experience down here that we’ve decided we want to come back with more riders,” he said. “Although we were only able to test two athletes, we have information to share amongst the team and our mechanics and sponsors.”

A2 Wind Tunnel Bicycle specialist Mike Giraud oversaw the day-long session, which measured each rider’s power output, aerodynamic drag and wheel speed. Digital full-motion cameras recorded the testing, with a data projection system providing real-time feedback.

“Mostly it was tweaking their positions and finding out what hurts and what helps,” Giraud said. “We want to make sure they are still comfortable, while putting power out and staying in that position.”

Jones, who races on the TT1’s professional team, said his new position reduces his drag by 10 percent.

“They started off with my elbows as wide as they could go and as high as they could go, then went all the way down to the narrow and lowest position possible,” Jones said. “Thankfully for me, I’m pretty limber. Even an improvement of one percent would have been good.”

Bartels will use his new position while racing as part of a second team of all-Type 1 racers who will compete in national and regional races, as well as the Race Across America (RAAM). TT1 is the two-time defending champion in RAAM’s corporate team division.

TT1 Team Mechanic Chris Davidson said he was impressed by the efficiency of the testing.

“This is a great facility, with a very knowledgeable staff,” he said. “Here we have the ability to make changes and make them in a hurry. A2 has developed an excellent interface in the control room, which really lends itself to quickly collecting and assessing data in improving the athlete’s position.”

Team Type 1 was created to inspire people with diabetes around the world to take control of their health through diet, exercise and proper health care. The 15-rider pro team includes four athletes with Type 1 diabetes.

RAD Racing NW Announces 2008 Junior Cycling Program

The Triple Crankset will officially be two years old at the end of March. During that time span, we haven't devoted much in the way of covering the junior circuit; with the rare exception of the occasional story or mention of a rising star in our respective local cycling clubs [Pennsylvania's Zach Putt easily comes to mind]. But with our growth over the past year, we've definitely been exposed to more stories about juniors from across the nation.

Today, we profile the Junior Development squad RAD Racing NW. The Washington state team is not only celebrating its 10th Anniversary with the introduction of a new title sponsor, but it has also positioned itself for success well beyond 2008.

10th Anniversary/New Sponsors Unveiled

Olympia (Wash.) - RAD Racing NW launches the 10th Anniversary season for the program in 2008 with several announcements. From its humble beginnings as a 5-rider grassroots mountain bike team in 1998, RAD Racing has grown into one of the top junior teams in the country. USA Cycling Development Director Steve McCauley affirmed, “RAD Racing NW has had a huge effect on junior cycling, not only with the development and success of it’s own riders but with the racing opportunities they have created for all juniors in the state of Washington. They are a 6 time winner of our development foundation's Center of Excellence grant and they continue to set the bar for other junior clubs."

A new sponsor and a new partnership head up the team’s 2008 announcements. RAD Racing NW proudly announces the addition of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro as co-title sponsor of the team. With the addition of the prestigious law firm to the ranks of supporters, the team will be known as RAD Racing/Hagens Berman. This exciting relationship will enable RAD Racing to provide a higher level of support to its riders with travel assistance, equipment, and funding assistance.

Steve Berman of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro described the fit, “Hagens Berman believes that cycling is a sport that should grow in popularity as people begin to realize the environmental and health benefits of cycling. Sponsoring RAD is our effort to encourage the development of young riders and to help grow the sport.”

The second part of this relationship is a racing partnership with the formation of the Hagens Berman/LWV Racing Team. As RAD Racers upgrade to Cat-2 on the road, they will ride with the Hagens Berman team providing on the road coaching and mentorship enabling the riders to develop. When participating in junior category races, our member will still sport the classic RAD uniform.

“This is a win/win for everybody, RAD is getting great support and we have created a stepping-stone for the progression of our riders as they develop, this will especially be helpful for our older juniors and U23 riders.” explained Jim Brown RAD Racing NW Director.

The junior-focused program dovetails nicely with the sustainable message of the team. “We’re a youth program so it’s important for the team members to carry the message of environmental sustainability, especially to other kids,” Brown explains. That message includes recycling programs at the 2008 Seattle Cyclocross Series and an innovative energy-saving program inspired by team sponsor Pedro’s. This season every junior entrant in the team’s Lance Armstrong Junior Races will receive a CFL light bulb. “It’s a very simple thing to change a light bulb, but that one bulb makes a difference, the kids influence the parents by bringing home the low-wattage bulbs,” says Brown, “and pretty soon the house is converted.”

In November, RAD Racing was selected to receive a grant for the Slipstream/Chipotle “Causing the Slipstream” program for 2008. Brown boasted, “We will be proudly displaying the logo from America’s top professional cycling team in 2008”

And continuing its winning ways, for the 6th consecutive year RAD Racing NW has been selected as a “Center of Excellence” by the USA Cycling Development Foundation. This prestigious honor brings financial support and continues the relationship between the club and cycling’s governing body thereby helping many RAD athletes enter the USA Cycling pipeline.

Rad Racing also continues to receive generous support from friends in the form of cash and equipment donations, the team could not operate at the level that it does without the valuable assistance of these supporters

Highlights for RAD Racing/Hagens Berman in 2008

Road Racing
RAD Racing will continue to focus efforts in the Seattle Area LAJORS series with riders of all ages. Coaches Dave Schilling (U14), and Chris McGovern (15+/U23) will coordinate efforts towards regional and national competition.

• Older riders will be spending more time racing in the senior categories in an effort to take their racing and fitness to the next level.
• Road Director Chris McGovern has mapped out a plan for the season, which includes several of the major NW stage races, the US National Championships and the prestigious Tour L’Abitibi.
• RAD Racing/Hagens Berman will continue to coordinate the 2008 Seattle LAJORS races for the 7th year. This series has become a staple of junior racing in the NW region.

Mountain Bike
Head MTB Coach and U23 rider Luke Brechwald will head a 2008 program that will have riders participating in selected regional mountain bike races in preparation for National Level competition.

• RAD Racing will field an MTB team for the Sea Otter Classic and the National Championships, including defending National Champion Eric Emsky.
• Every Wednesday night during the summer RAD coaches will be running a free beginner skills clinic in coordination with the Kore “Wednesday Night World Championships”.
• This will be the 7th year that RAD staff has coordinated the Mountain Bike section of “Freedom Sports Week” at YMCA Camp Orkila.
• RAD will also assist in staffing to Larry Kemp MTB camp, promoted by the Washington State Bicycle Racing Association in Cle Elum Washington in August.

Track
Head Coach Tela Crane will once again be running weekly track workouts and will coordinate participation in the racing at the Marymoor Velodrome.

• In addition to the racing locally, RAD Racing/Hagens Berman will be sending riders to the US National Championships in Los Angeles.
• This will mark the return of former National Champion Benny Swedberg to national level competition on the track.

Cyclocross
The RAD Racing/Hagen’s Berman junior cyclocross program will continue to be led by cyclocross legend Dale Knapp. The powerhouse team is coming off of one of its most successful cyclocross seasons ever, which included World Championship team selections for junior members Steve Fisher and Eric Emsky. In addition, Nick Weighall represented RAD in the U23 field.

• RAD Racing/Hagen’s Berman will field 20+ riders in all junior age categories during the tough Seattle 2008 cyclocross season.
• Top level riders will once again work towards the US National Championships and selection to the US World Championship Team
• RAD expects to send at least 3 riders to Eurocross Camp in Belgium during the frenzied Christmas cross week, which will include participation in select World Cup races.
• 12-year-old Andrea Casebolt will return as a defending National Champion after her storybook first year of racing.

Events

• Seattle Area Lance Armstrong Junior Series (LAJORS)
• State Junior XC MTB Championships
• YMCA Camp Orkila Freedom Sports
• Larry Kemp MTB Camp
• RAD Racing GP UCI Category 2 Cyclocross

Financial Sponsors

• Hagens Berman
• Metropolitan Markets/Kraft
• USA Cycling Development Foundation
• Slipstream Sports
• Back In Motion Chiropractic Olympia Washington
• Heritage Bank Olympia Washington

Equipment/Performance Sponsors

• Kona Bicycles
• Shimano Drivetrains
• Mavic Wheels
• Full Speed Ahead Bar/Stem/Post
• Schwalbe Tires
• Fi’zi:k Saddles
• Fox Racing Shox
• Chris King Headsets
• Voler Team Wear
• Adidas Shoes
• Crank Brothers Pedals
• Clif Bar Nutrition
• Rudy Project Helmets/Eyewear
• Polar HR Monitors
• Pedro’s Lube Products and Tools
• Training Peaks Software
• Herriot Sports Performance
• Thule Rack Systems
• Pryme Gloves and Protection
• Burton Snowboards

Trek Recalls Girls Bicycles Due To Frame Failure

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Trek MT220 Girls Bicycles

Units: About 49,000

Importer: Trek Bicycle Corp., of Waterloo, Wis.

Hazard: The bicycle’s frame can break during use, causing the rider to lose control and suffer injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: Trek has received 13 reports of frames breaking, including four minor injuries.

Description: This recall involves Trek girls’ bicycles model MT220 and model years 2005 (light metallic blue), 2006 (metallic silver and metallic purple or pink and pearl white), and 2007 (pink and white pearl or metallic purple).

The model name is printed on the frame of the bicycle. Model year 2008 bicycles re not included in this recall.

Sold at: Authorized Trek dealers nationwide from April 2004 through June 2007 for about $300.

Manufactured in: China and Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled bicycle away from children immediately and return it to a Trek dealer for a free replacement MT220 girl’s bicycle or a $100 discount on a different size Trek bicycle.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers can contact Trek at (800) 373-4594 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.trekbikes.com

Handmade

In cycling, as in life, there are certain things not to be missed; the Tour [de France] for its tradition and for the sheer spectacle, the Spring Classics for the pure joy and passion of bicycle racing, and the North American Handmade Bicycle Show for its aesthetics.

Although it only started in 2005, the North American Handmade Bicycle Show has been dedicated to showcasing the talents of individuals from around the world whose art form is the bicycle.

One such artist is Vanilla Bicycles' owner/builder, Sacha White. In the latest Vanilla Bicycle newsletter, The Vanilla Journal [excerpt below], White's passion for the bicycle and artistry are evident in his description of the tricycle he built for his daughter.

Trike
"This bike represents a pivotal moment that happened in the Vanilla workshop. The design borrows heavily from the original Vanilla cross bikes (2000/2001 season). It features classic lines, unfussy lug-work, and straight blade forks. I am proud to report that most of the original cross machines are still being raced today.

I built this tricycle for my daughter Delilah. Although it was completed nearly two years ago, the recent flurry of interest from the art and design world had prompted me to share a little bit of it's story and some photos with you all.

I went into the project wanting to build something for my daughter that would last. As I considered what that meant, it occurred to me that what I wanted to build was a family heirloom. Something brought to life with materials that can hold up for generations of riding, being left outside under the tree, being stored in the attic, being cleaned up and oiled and passed down to the next adventurous youngster, ready for their first taste of pneumatic-tired freedom. There are definitely some personal ideals that come into play here and they are ideals that have further crystallized since I started building. In particular, I am talking about having fewer, but higher quality items in my life. Building this trike was a magical experience for me. I found an excited kid in me who likes to experiment and create and the grown-up in me has the skill to bring that kid's imagination to life.

The design started as very rough napkin sketches. Unlike a standard diamond frame, this is a form that I had no template to start from. The scribbling turned into detailed illustrations and eventually evolved into a full-scale useable drawing.

The front end is fabricated almost completely of Stainless steel. This includes the handle bar and stem (inspired by cafe racer style motorcycle bars), the head tube with built-in lug work and double down-tube bullet ends, the fork and cranks which both have lug ports built off of them. All of this was machined and welded from raw pieces of stainless tubing and solid stock. Once welded, the weld beads were filed and sanded to give each piece the appearance of being made from a single piece of metal, rather than segments that were pieced together.

The grips were made from cherry wood and polished aluminum, inspired by the lovely turn of the century bikes with wooden or cork grips that were carved into an elegant elliptical shape. The rear platform was also made of cherry wood and has a sky blue inlay around the perimeter with a stainless inlaid Vanilla script.

The rear end of the trike is made of chromoly tubing. All of the curves were completed in-house. We built the mandrels for this project from hardwood and shaped the tubes by heating them and pulling them around the wooden forms.

The front hub and the rear wheels were custom made for us by Phil Wood Co. (Phil is best known for their beautiful and bomber track hubs and bottom brackets.) The rear wheels were machined from a solid 10" bar of aluminum. The Brooks saddle was cut down from an adult sized saddle. I did the final shaping with a larger belt sander, which spun at several thousand RPM, creating a lot of friction between the belt and the saddle. It smelled just like a barbecued hamburger. Gross, right?


What I love most about the trike, is that whether a person is 3, 30, or 100, whether they are wealthy or poor, it garners the same reaction from everyone. An indescribable kind of mischievousness and a smile that reveals some dream whose spark has been re-ignited."

More photos of the Trike.

The 2008 edition of the NAHBS is being held in Portland, Oregon. It began today, February 8th and runs till the 10th. For more coverage and photos, visit Cyclingnews.com.

Ritchey to Unveil New Products at NAHBS

Ritchey Design to Show Handlebar Prototypes Using Unidirectional Carbon Fiber

SAN CARLOS, Calif. - Feb. 6, 2008 - Ritchey Design today announced it will show prototypes of road and mountain bike handlebars using hi-strength "UD" unidirectional carbon fiber at the upcoming Handmade Bicycle Show in Portland, Ore., February 8-10 held in the Oregon Convention Center. In addition to the prototypes, Ritchey's sister company, Syncros will also introduce several new products with its new "grunge" style graphics for the 2009 product line.

"More than ever, cycling enthusiasts understand the value of a custom bike with a custom fit." said Steve Parke, general manager and vice president of marketing for Ritchey Design. "Exhibiting at the Handmade Bicycle Show allows us to show framebuilders and consumers how our Fit Logic philosophy and components position a rider optimally on a bike, improving overall comfort and performance while riding."

The Ritchey products on display will include new versions of the Logic II Carbon road bars, Evo SL road handlebars [current version, inset], WCS Carbon Flat and Carbon Rizer mountain bike handlebars, each using a carbon fiber with unidirectional weave. The unidirectional weave provides a better mix of strength and stiffness while reducing weight at the same time. Ritchey's new unidirectional weave products will launch at Interbike 2008 and be available from retailers beginning 2009.

Ritchey 2008 components on display at the Handmade Bicycle Show include:

Bars
Logic II carbon road bars, Evo SL road bars, Pro Matrix road bars, WCS Classic Alloy road bars, Carbon Flat and Carbon Rizer for mountain.

Stems
Carbon Matrix, 4-Axis 44, 4 Axis and Pro 30D

Saddles
WCS Streem White and WCS Marathon

Seatposts
WCS Carbon Single Bolt, WCS Wet Black Alloy, WCS Carbon 2-bolt and Single-bolt Stubby

Pedals
WCS Peloton and WCS Echelon

Forks
WCS UD Road and WCS MTB

For details of the above products, please visit http://www.ritcheylogic.com/.

Syncros Gives Preview of 2009 "Grunge" Graphics
Subsequent to acquiring Canada-based Syncros in 2003, Ritchey maintained the simple black and white graphics and branding for the manufacturer of freeride and downhill mountain bike products.

At the Handmade Bicycle Show, Ritchey Design will introduce the new "grunge" style graphics for its 2009 Syncros line, complete with tattoo style art in bold black, red, white and grey.

There are actually three versions of the graphic to differentiate between Syncros' cross country, freeride and downhill products. They are as follows:

FL = freakin light - meant for the cross country set. It gets the least amount of graphic treatment to appeal to the minimalist associated with the XC set.


AM = all mountain or enduro – meant for the 5" front and rear suspension bikes. Noticeably more graphic elements.


FR = freeride or gravity segment – meant for the bikes hauled up the mountain on ski lifts – think Whistler Bike Park. Has the most graphic elements.


"The Syncros brand has always been a high energy company with a focus on strong and light-weight components for freeride and downhill mountain bikers," said Parke. "The new graphics add to the personality of the product and provide additional flair for a high-quality line of components."

For more information about the Ritchey products on display at the Handmade Bicycle Show, please contact Chip Smith at 801.523.3730 or csmith@soarcomm.com.

Team Type 1 Ready for Malaysia

Debut Comes Saturday in Malaysia at the Tour of Langkawi


From Sean Weide:
Wauwatosa, Wis. - Team Type 1 will make its professional racing debut at the Tour of Langkawi in Malaysia, Feb. 9-17.

Team Type 1 was created in 2005 to inspire people with diabetes around the world to take control of their health through diet, exercise and proper health care. TT1 won the corporate team division of the Race Across America (RAAM) in 2006 and 2007 before re-organizing as a UCI-registered professional continental team for 2008. Four members of its 15-rider pro team are athletes with Type 1 diabetes.

Team Type 1's roster for the nine-stage, 855-mile race includes three Australians -- Matt Wilson, Ben Brooks and Fabio Calabria -- as well as American Ian MacGregor, New Zealand's Glen Chadwick and Moises Aldape of Mexico. Calabria, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes seven years ago, will represent the Type 1 athletes.

TT1 Sport Director Ed Beamon said he is excited to have the opportunity to showcase the team at such an important race.

"Team Type 1 has an important message about diabetes care and wellness, and we are happy to begin our season with such a large audience," Beamon said. "Matt Wilson has good form, and we expect to be aggressive and competitive in every stage."

Beamon said several TT1 racers have been racing and training independently in Australia and South America, giving him hope that a stage win or two is not out of the question.

"Langkawi is never an easy race," he said. "All of the top riders want to win and the battle is always hard for stages as well as the general classification. I expect the same this year."

More information on Team Type 1 is available at the team's website, http://www.teamtype1.org/

Room With A View

THE BUFFALOES are gone.
And those who saw the buffaloes are gone.
Those who saw the buffaloes by thousands and how they pawed the prairie sod into dust with their hoofs, their great heads down pawing on in a great pageant of dusk,
Those who saw the buffaloes are gone.
And the buffaloes are gone.

I used to live just north of Carl Sandburg Village [north of Division, on Clark and LaSalle] on the Near North Side of Chicago for over a decade.

A career move took me to Ann Arbor, MI, in the fall of 2006. Strangely, when I look out my window [see above] these days at work, I am often reminded of the Windy City as I recall Carl Sandburg’s poem, Buffalo Dusk.

Unfortunately, from the current view of the grounds at Domino’s Farms [which aside from housing specific businesses and companies is a real working farm] it is also readily apparent that it may be some time until biking outdoors once again becomes a reality.

Though I am consumed by my cabin fever, the delirium has at least been assuaged by thoughts of California [our coverage of the Amgen Tour of California begins in 9 days!].

Going to California

The Triple Crankset banner will be flying high in California [or at least Northern California] as we just received an approval for media crendentials for the 2008 edition of the Amgen Tour of California.

The 8 day race kicks off with a Prologue on February 17th in Palo Alto and ends on the 24th in Pasadena.

I can't promise the most complete coverage of the event, but it certainly will be one of the more colorful.

A Legacy of Knowledge

On an extremely sad note, I found this item on BikeRadar:

Sheldon Brown, the human encyclopedia of bicycling knowledge and a famous employee of Harris Cyclery in Massachusetts, died of a massive heart attack Sunday evening, February 3, according to his wife Harriet.

I didn't know Sheldon personally, but he helped me and thousands of others whenever we had an issue with a bike or needed information about it. If you were lucky enough to interact with Sheldon, whether it be through email, one of his online write-ups, or his MySpace page you knew instantly that you weren't alone and that a fix was right around the corner.

To his immediate family and those at Harris Cyclery in West Newton, MA, our sincerest condolences.

Training Day

Vanderkitten Racing 2008 Training Camp
Berkeley, Calif. – February 4, 2008 – Vanderkitten Racing will kick off the 2008 season with its initial team training camp February 11th through 18th. The team will conclude its camp by participating in the Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium on February 18th.

Vanderkitten’s training camp will include scenic rides through Northern California, providing intense yet inspiring workouts to prepare the team for the upcoming NRC season. In addition to focused training sessions, the team will be dialing in their new BH Connect road bikes, participating in multiple photo sessions for VK Racing and sponsors, and conducting interviews with industry related media.

“We’re psyched to kick off this year’s camp. We’ve got some awesome activities planned along with some super sick rides,” said Scott Gross, Director Sportif of VK Racing. “This will be a great opportunity for our team to bond and really get to know each other in addition to getting their bodies and minds ready for the season ahead. Being able to hold our training camp in Vanderkitten’s backyard is great, and we’re extremely grateful to our sponsors for helping to make this happen.”

The Vanderkitten cycling team is composed of a powerhouse roster and a squad of regional riders, including: Jane Despas (AUS), Leah Guloien (CAN), Liz Hatch (USA), Moriah MacGregor (CAN), Melissa Sanborn (USA), Jenny Trew (CAN), Leigh Ann Valletti (USA), Flavia Oliveira (USA) and Heather Sborz (USA).

“I couldn’t be more stoked to have this group of women representing Vanderkitten - clothing for women who kick ass,” said Dave Verrecchia, owner and founder of the Berkeley-based clothing company. “These girls have proven that they not only can race their bikes, but they embody the Vanderkitten brand with class, intelligence, and style.”

The mission of The Vanderkitten Foundation's Elite Women's Cycling Team is to promote health, well being and equality for women in professional cycling. The VK cycling team is committed to the development of young riders and increasing participation and visibility of women in the sport of cycling.

For more information please visit http://racing.vanderkitten.com or email mark@vanderkitten.com

Independent Thought
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The Issue All Candidates Should Be Running Against

From the Lance Armstrong Foundation website:
Since President Richard Nixon declared war on cancer in 1971, the disease has never drawn any significant political attention or opposition. Until now.

In August, the Lance Armstrong Foundation invited all of the presidential candidates to address the cancer burden in our country. At the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum, six candidates pledged to renew the war on cancer and to make cancer a national priority.

The LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum made cancer a ballot box issue for the 2008 presidential elections. Our next president must be focused on the cancer issue. He or she must be committed to our health and well-being and have the political will to do something about it.

Cancer must remain part of the national dialogue, and you can help. Learn about candidates' commitments to the war on cancer and spread the word to your friends and family that cancer is an important issue for our nation.

Soon you will have the opportunity to cast your vote. The millions of people affected by cancer across the country are counting on you.

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Super Tuesday

Today is referred to as Super Tuesday in the United States. It marks the day, usually in February or March, when the greatest number of states [24 in this case] hold primary elections to select delegates to their respective national conventions. As there is no incumbent candidate in this election, Super Tuesday is crucial to the chances for each presidential candidate.

Although there are more substantial issues, such as the economy, health care, and foreign policy to debate, this election could be shaped radically if cyclists chose to vote in a block. We have already proven that there is real power in our pedals, raising awareness and money for such causes as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and the plight of Rwanda to name a few.

The front runner for that potential block vote might have been the former Senator from North Carolina, John Edwards, had he not recently dropped out of the race last week. Last summer, Edwards joined Lance Armstrong in riding a leg of the tour across Iowa known as RAGBRAI.



The folks over at BikePortland.org have a nice breakdown of where and how each of the current candidates stand on cycling, with Barack Obama being the only candidate to have actually made a comment directed towards cyclist.

“As president…Obama will build upon his efforts in the Senate to ensure that more Metropolitan Planning Organizations create policies to incentivize greater bicycle and pedestrian usage of roads and sidewalks, and he will also re-commit federal resources to public mass transportation projects across the country. Building more livable and sustainable communities will not only reduce the amount of time individuals spent commuting, but will also have significant benefits to air quality, public health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Interestingly, if we were to simply go by cycling merit alone and choose from any number of politicians, that vote would surely go to the Congressman from Oregon who clearly is representative of his cycling constituency.

Excerpt from the Wall Street Journal (December 29, 2007):
"Some members of Congress come to Washington and get in the fast lane. The 59-year-old Mr. Blumenauer came to Washington and got in the bike lane. Few members of Congress care more than he does about cranks and sprockets.

Mr. Blumenauer's "obsession with bicycling borders on the interesting," sniffed TV satirist Stephen Colbert.

"Bikeman," a House colleague from Oregon calls him. Mr. Blumenauer owns seven bikes. His congressional office is one of the few -- if not the only one -- that didn't even apply for a parking permit. On occasion, Mr. Blumenauer has cycled to the White House. On Mr. Blumenauer's first visit, the Secret Service, more accustomed to limousines, was flummoxed at the sight of his bike.

"I leaned it up against the portico," Mr. Blumenauer says.

Washington isn't particularly bicycle friendly. The summers are swampy. The winters are cold. And if you aren't careful, you could get flattened by a motorcade.

But Mr. Blumenauer has been a pedal pusher since his days on the Portland City Council, when he pressed for more bike lanes and set an example by riding around in his suit and a big bow tie. When Mr. Blumenauer arrived in Washington in 1996, he didn't bring a car. Soon he was preaching the benefits of pedaling.

He launched the Congressional Bike Caucus, a bipartisan group that promotes public investment in cycling. In his early days, he tracked down Speaker Newt Gingrich in the House gym to pitch transit-fare subsidies for House workers. He got them. As the ranks of the Bicycle Caucus have grown -- there are now more than 170 members -- money for bike projects has grown, more than doubling during his time in office.

So, too, has Mr. Blumenauer's reputation: He's a Pacific Northwest liberal, labor and eco-friendly, with an earnest demeanor. He broke his foot in early 2006, tripping as he took out the trash for recycling at his home in Portland. "It could not have been more politically correct," says Kerry Tymchuk, state director for Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith, a Republican. For several weeks afterward, Mr. Blumenauer, on crutches, stayed off his bike."

[MORE]