the kim west radio cycling show blog

i want to try this in des moines!!

2009-11-13T13:08:00.003-06:00

check out this link to an insane ride--entirely within the portland city limits!

FROM OUR EUROPEAN DESK

2009-11-03T15:21:00.003-06:00

Boris Johnson saves woman from street attack

Boris Johnson cycling in London. Photograph: Rex Features

Boris Johnson rescued a woman from three "feral kids" who were wielding an iron bar, chasing them away on his bicycle, it emerged tonight.
The mayor of London was cycling through Camden, north London, on Monday night when he answered the cry of Franny Armstrong, a documentary maker and environmental activist who was surrounded by a group of hoodie-clad young girls.Johnson stopped and chased the girls down the street, calling them "oiks". He then returned to walk Armstrong home. "He was my knight on a shining bicycle," she said today.
Armstrong directed the film The Age of Stupid, and is the founder of the 10:10 campaign, which aims to cut 10% of carbon emissions in 2010 and has attracted support from leading firms and personalities."I was texting on my phone so didn't notice the girls until they pushed me against the car, quite hard," Armstrong said. "At first it was quite funny, because they were only about 12. Then I saw that one of them had an iron bar in her hand. It was more than a metre long. It was as big as her."Then along came a cyclist. And I thought, 'Good, he's a big bloke,' and shouted, 'Can you help me please?'"He stopped and turned around and I thought, 'Oh, my God, it's Boris Johnson.'"He asked the girls what was going on, and at first they didn't move, so I said, 'That's the mayor of London!' and they ran off. They must have thought they were going to get in trouble. One dropped the bar, so Boris picked it up and cycled after them. He returned a few minutes later and walked me home, and we talked about 10:10."
On her Twitter feed she described her attackers as "feral kids".Armstrong admitted she did not agree with Johnson's politics, and had voted for his rival Ken Livingstone in the mayoral elections. But she added: "If you find yourself down a dark alleyway and in trouble, I think Boris would be of more use than Ken."A spokeswoman for the mayor confirmed that he had intervened to help Armstrong, but declined to comment further.
Johnson is something of a magnet for action when out and about. Earlier this year, he was nearly hit by a speeding lorry while out on his bicycle scouting for locations for new cycle routes. And in July, he fell in a river in Lewisham, south-east London, while trying to help a clean-up operation.

thanks to stewart barker, european correspondent for "the kim west radio cycling show"

* * * * *

kim asks: can you see frank cownie doing this?

REPORT THIS TRUCK TO WARREN COUNTY SHERIFF

2009-09-03T16:46:00.004-05:00

click to enlarge photo

this may be the truck that struck and killed mark grgurich last sunday near cumming on county road G-14.

tour of missouri - FREE STUFF & INTERVIEW IDEAS

2009-09-03T15:19:00.000-05:00

i'm heading to missouri this weekend for the duration for my radio show. i want some input from you, my listeners.
who do YOU want to hear from?
at the top of my list, of course, are jason mccartney and tom zirbel. but who else? are there riders from the mid-west or some other part of the country who deserve to get some air time? are there somereally cool stories out there that you want to know more about?
contact me with story ideas at
eeastonwest@aol.com or
kimwest@kxno.com or
515.669.8318

by the way, have you registered to win some really sweet prizes? the tour of missouri has, once again, has given us all sorts of great stuff, and all you have to do is REGISTER.
here's what you might win:
--cannondale quick 6 bicycle [$500 value, a quick conversion to a nice cyclo cross bike]
--yakima double down 4 rear hitch bicycle race [$350 value]
--mavic road shoes and pedals [$300 value]
--bissell "healthy home" vacuum [$250 value]
--tour of missouri replica leaders jersey [$100 value--but i'll try to get it autographed!]
here's how you enter:
1--go to my "personality pages" at my radio website: http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html
2--click on the "tour of missouri" link
3--enter your email address
and then sit back, enjoy the tour of missouri [i'm going to have LIVE daily updates on one of the clear channel FM stations--can you believe they haven't told me which one yet?], and watch for some amzing in-depth interviews. hopefully, the ones you want!
so email or call me, and if you're at the races, get in touch with me, and buy me a drink!

from the police blotter

2009-02-15T11:45:00.001-06:00

ballsy shit going on in california

this sunday on the kim west radio cycling show

2009-02-04T13:54:00.003-06:00

my guest on the february 8, 2009 episode of the kim west radio cycling show is tom ritchey. most people in the cycling world know tom as the pioneer builder of the first multi-geared bicycles designed for off-road use: the mountain bike. i'm having him my my show this sunday to talk about his current passion, and application of his vision, genius, and generosity, project rwanda, and how his efforts, and the efforts of others, are helping to improve the lives and productivity of the coffee growers of rwanda. go here to see and learn more. plan to listen in sunday night from 600 to 700 pm. make a note: call with your questions for tom ritchey at 515.284.5966, or toll-free at 866.333.5966.

pig races

2009-02-03T11:12:00.002-06:00

Roller Racing Sizzles in Chilly Climates [from bicycle retailer, 2/2/09]
AMES, IA—Roller racing in bike shops, malls and seedy bars is picking up steam. Though it may not be as colorful as watching pigs race, for cyclists, it’s a close second.

from my mailbox [radio AND orphanage]

2009-02-03T09:09:00.000-06:00

tuesday morning mail call, and it's just another day!

first, my radio show, the kim west radio cycling show, has a small but growing world-wide network of reporters. from my british corespondent, stewart barker, comes these photos of the rare and remarkable snowstorm that has belted the british isles. unlike the typical--yet equally rare--english snow, THIS is the real stuff: heavy and wet. good go, stewart. hope you keep the rubber side down.

and then there's this, from our walmart reporter, who tells me that even in these difficult economic times, we should feel secure knowing that walmart continues to demonstrate strategies that have made it the largest retailer in the world. here, specifically, their uncanny knack for creative product placement.

[click on image to enlarge]

training for the ragby

2009-01-25T23:00:00.002-06:00

lotta folks think this is easier than it appears; it's not. trust me on this.

you can't learn how on a set of rollers!

lang's new 29er

2009-01-24T16:12:00.003-06:00

lang wightman, noted world-class mountain bikers, is show here on the saddle of his new 29er.

WHAT?

stayed tuned for an upcoming episode of the kim west radio cycling show to learn what THIS foretells.

cold and snow got ya down?

2009-01-22T12:21:00.004-06:00

dave ertl, of cyclesportcoaching.com, tells of tom wilton, originally from the twin cities [ski trail cred, in MY book] who has taken it upon himself to groom both nordic and skate trails in and around central iowa. go here to learn more.

music for your outside riding pleasure

2009-01-18T09:10:00.001-06:00

during my sophomore year at the ui, i lived in the quadrangle: first floor single room; windows opened onto the quad. across the hall, a couple brothers lived, and each evening, when it was time to bust out the weed and get loaded, they fired up this song. man, they had such a killer stereo, and such killer weed. i still enjoy the song, too.

i think i'll listen again.

take 5 mintues to defend cycling

2009-01-15T10:18:00.000-06:00

as you may know, i have a little radio show on kxno am-1460. it's a ball-sport station, a part of fox sports and clear channel. how i've managed to be on the air for nearly 9 months is beyond me. the show and its audience is growing, but i'm like the rodney dangerfield of hosts, and worse, cycling is the rodney dangerfield of sports and lifestyles.

example: tuesday, on the marty and miller show, a daily afternoon drivetime show [4 to 7 pm] with LOTS of listeners, they blasted the show and more importantly all folks who ride bikes in the winter.

listen here [click on "take 5 minutes to defend cycling"].

kinda pisses me off.

why don't YOU sned marty tirrell an email at martytirrell@kxno.com and tell him how YOU feel?

tell him kim sent ya.

there's strength in numbers, you know.

[note: marty and mike are fine folks; this isn't anything personal. but they just don't get it about cycling, and THAT'S what i'm upset about.]

it's just a matter of time . . .

2009-01-11T10:14:00.001-06:00

. . . until squirrel makes one with off-road capabilities.

studs that will NOT improve your winter cycling

2009-01-09T12:53:00.000-06:00

such configurations DO tend to melt the ice, however.

your assignment for next sunday's episode, legislator:

2008-12-29T14:40:00.002-06:00

come up with a bill of rights--and IMPLEMENT THEM--so the little fuhrer can feel safe while pedaling around the metro.

happy holidays!

2008-12-21T11:05:00.003-06:00

from kim, and the entire staff at the kim west radio cycling show.

[thanks to the 'crats!]

first ice beard submission, winter 2008-2009

2008-12-21T05:54:00.000-06:00

i went out riding with my stealth cycling buddy today, as we do most weekends lately, now that dave's moved to the western suburbs. i imagine he's training for the upcoming roller season. unlike last year, however, today our timing was a few hours better; the weather did not deteriorate quite as quickly as it did when the harsh pre-christmas blizzard of '07 found us several miles out of town, and the gruelling ride back in scored us beaucoup "tough guy points." well, we racked up some TG points today, too, but just not as many. were it not for an apparent warren county policy against plowing gravel roads, we might STILL be out there southwest of cumming.

scored my first photographable ice beard of the season. not bad for the last day of autumn. sigh...i took several photos, to get the best one; the one that distills the essence of the ride, and the captures the "me" that went out, and later, returned. i believe that this one, me in my beanie, my armless mannequin sunning atop the buffet, says it best.

i am more than just a radio personality, orphanage director, and spiritual advisor to cyber thousands. yes, i also do a little r&d for a number of cycling concerns. i did a little work in the windchill tunnel today for an unnamed frame builder, who has contracted with me to help develop a better/faster cross/gravel bike bike.

although i am contractually bound NOT to say anything about the nature of my work, as it relates to any specific bike or detail, there are no restrictions with casual use of raw photographs. these two fall within acceptable guidelines. what do YOU see?

gimme five feet!

2008-12-09T08:29:00.002-06:00

Vehicles passing bicycles: Drivers would have to be at least 5 feet from bicycles when approaching them before passing under a proposal being drafted by Sen. Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City. Penalties for violators haven't been determined. "We've had a fair number of fatalities in our state with car/bicycle collisions and, in every case, the car wins," Bolkcom said.

contact YOUR legislator TODAY!!

[click on link to find your legislator's email address]

uncle frank wants YOU!!

2008-12-08T07:18:00.000-06:00

the kim west radio cycling show is celebrating zappadan, and we want your help. during last night's episode, #33, "pearl harbor meets zappadan," we featured only zappa bumper music, that music played going into and out of commercial breaks. in addition to an explanation of the highest of holy celebrations, we closed the show with an extended--for us--"joe's garage."

but we need your help. zappadan runs from december 4 through december 21, giving us two more shows to feature the music of frank zappa. what do YOU want to hear? leave your suggestions, along with links, if you have them, in the comments section below, or send them to me at kimwest@kxno.com. we'll give you props for your ideas, and you'll have the great feeling knowing that you've helped make a great show--the kim west radio cycling show--even BETTER!

you can hear last night's episode, #33, "pearl harbor meets zappadan," by going here, and clicking on either of the "listen" or "podcast" icons.

of course, you can listen to any or ALL of the previous episodes, because here at the kim west radio cycling show, there's no such thing as garbage, just old episodes.

uncle frank and the mostly reverend grandpa kim thank you for your suggestions.

how to become a better cyclist

2008-12-03T11:39:00.001-06:00

<a href="http://www.grapheine.com">Grapheine : Webdesigner illustrateur graphiste agence de com agence web Paris Lyon graphisme</a><noembed> </object><br />great cinematography! --rolling stone<div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>why we love to cross</h1> <p>2008-12-03T08:08:00.001-06:00</p> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jSXXc6hce3k&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param></object><br />and<br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mC_lhtWtqkM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>leadership for which we ALL can be thankful</h1> <p>2008-12-02T15:00:00.000-06:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/04_30/chuck_on_bike.jpg"></a><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"> senator chuck schumer, d-ny</span></em></div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">December 1, 2008</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Sean Petty</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Chief Operating Officer</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">USA Cycling</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">1 Olympic Plaza,</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Colorado Springs, CO 80909 </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Dear Mr. Petty: </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">I write to ask that you reconsider the application from the Tour of the Battenkill to replace the 2009 Tour of Georgia in 2009 on the UCI America Tour. As you know, the Tour of Georgia canceled its 2009 race, and I believe Tour of Battenkill in Washington County of New York State is the perfect event to be included on the tour. The Battenkill Valley is an idyllic region of Upstate New York that is prepared and excited to attract even more attention to its already-popular Tour of Battenkill event. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">In just five years, the Tour of the Battenkill has become the largest amateur biking race in the country and winds through 60 exciting miles of the picturesque Washington Country. Twenty of the race's 60 miles are on harsh and unforgiving hard-packed dirt roads that emulate the legendary cobblestone courses in Belgium and northern France.<br />But unlike Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège or the Tour of Flanders, the Tour of the Battenkill takes place right here in New York and has rightfully earned the title of America's "Queen of the Classics." Last year drew 15,000 participants and spectators. This year the race is expected to attract over 20,000 people, creating an economic boon for Washington County and surrounding areas.<br />Granting the race a UCI 2.1 status will ensure that some of the top professional cyclists in the country will race on back roads of Washington County. Their participation will help fuel regional and national interest in the event and attract more people to the sport of cycling. <br />Unfortunately, due to the late cancellation of the Tour of Georgia the organizers of the Battenkill Race did not submit their application with USA Cycling until after the application deadline had passed. The UCI , however,  has encouraged the organizers to file an application with them directly.<br />Having the support of USA Cycling for this event is critical. I respectfully ask that you re-consider the application, as I know that USA Cycling would not want to miss this exciting opportunity to fill an unanticipated gap in their 2009 schedule with one of the most exciting amateur biking races in the country.<br />Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you on this matter. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Sam Schaeffer in my office.<br />Sincerely,</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Charles E. Schumer</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>yours truly plying his trade</h1> <p>2008-12-01T11:10:00.002-06:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/STQa3VZ-xOI/AAAAAAAACYM/SsJ9m2NclEg/s1600-h/JCR+08+Kim.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">i received an email this morning. the writer said "here's a photo that xx took." i feared the worst, but check it out: no costumes, no capes, no microphones, no beers. just racing.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><em>how 'bout that?</em> </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>it's coming.....</h1> <p>2008-11-27T21:19:00.002-06:00</p> <a href="http://ristocrats.blogspot.com/"></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">and DON'T say i didn't warn you!!!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;"><em>[click the image to be magically transported to a better time, and a better place...but wait until december 4th to do so.]</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>dinner with gloria gaynor</h1> <p>2008-11-27T05:42:00.000-06:00</p> <p align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">tasty!</span> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>new york city study on bicyclist behavior</h1> <p>2008-11-19T12:17:00.000-06:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/study-finds-cyclists-disobey-traffic-laws/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">read it</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. any comments?</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>this radio show has LOTS of perks</h1> <p>2008-11-18T08:34:00.004-06:00</p> <a href="http://d11885738.u33.surftown.nu/images/swedish-dance-bands-010.jpg"></a> <div align="center"><a href="http://d11885738.u33.surftown.nu/images/swedish-dance-bands-010.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">one of them is that i've gotten to know many folks "in the industry" -- here, the cycling industry. as a result, i learn about many things BEFORE they become widely known to the masses.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">well, it just so happens that i have a friend inside one of the largest cycling clothing design and manufacture companies in the world, and she has tipped me to just a few of the new kits that will be gracing the race venues in the upcoming 2009 season, beginning with cyclocross nationals in december.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://pics.yemii.com/swedish-dance-bands.html">go here to see more</a>. a word to the clever: the names attached to the photos are NOT the actual team names; they are trade names, to help keep the team image more of a surprise for the unveiling later this year.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">enjoy. <em>[can you guess which kit is headed for sioux city?]</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>behind the scenes at the kim west radio cycling show</h1> <p>2008-11-12T11:39:00.004-06:00</p> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SRsVekXmKqI/AAAAAAAACWs/9RvSdqVf-GU/s1600-h/IMG_0202.jpg"></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">sunday night, live from kenny's garage<br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SRsVfNc-GkI/AAAAAAAACW0/-UxKwVszaZo/s1600-h/IMG_0206.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/DESMOINES-IA/KXNO-AM/kwrcs%2011.09.08.mp3?CPROG=PCAST&MARKET=DESMOINES-IA&NG_FORMAT=sports&SITE_ID=726&STATION_ID=KXNO-AM&PCAST_AUTHOR=Kim_West&PCAST_CAT=Talk_Radio&PCAST_TITLE=Kim_West_Radio_Cycling_Hour">listen</a> to the episode here; download the podcast <a href="http://kxno.com/podcast/kimwest.xml">here</a>. <em>enjoy the show wherever you wish.</em> pay attention to the love i give to the vande cross race in moline. consider doing the races DICE is holding <a href="http://www.dicetraining.com/">november 22d and 23d</a>.</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>KC cross nats course preview</h1> <p>2008-11-11T05:09:00.003-06:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/gmc219">watch the course</a>, ingnore the music:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">the good news is, the course is GREAT !</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">the bad news is, the music is annoying.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><em>from a cross nats press release:</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Mother Nature is setting the tone for another great National Championships this December. Today it's raining and 32 degrees! Do we want bad weather? Maybe a little! As we get closer to the event we will be sending various e-mails to you to keep you in the loop. We also encourage each of you to visit </span><a title="http://www.kccrossnationals.com/" href="http://www.kccrossnationals.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">www.kccrossnationals.com</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"> to check for News and Updates on the home page. We will be announcing more hotel information, expo vendors, sponsor updates, team parking details and course updates.<br /><br />Speaking of the course! A local race was held on the National Championship course two weeks ago and a Masters rider used a helmet cam to document one lap of the course. </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">We will be tweaking the top end of the course after the barriers, so keep in mind the course will change a little. The course is very challenging under dry conditions so try to visualize it with rain, sleet, ice and snow! You know, the usual December weather in the Midwest.<br /><br />Below is the link to a four question survey. Please take a moment to participate as the data is important to the success of future events. See you when it's cold!!<br /><br /></span><a title="http://www.klmmarketingsolutions.com/survey/" href="http://www.klmmarketingsolutions.com/survey/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Future Cyclocross Nationals Location Survey</span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>renegade cross tuesdays</h1> <p>2008-10-13T07:47:00.000-05:00</p> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SPNDTJ_FbrI/AAAAAAAABuk/DVI72Y-cEh8/s1600-h/244cb9.jpg"></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">this from our fearless leader, who has abandoned us for the more friendly confines of fargo...</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">tuesday, october 14, week #6. practice is at ashby park, 3200 38th street. it's right on the way out of town on the "old" tuesday night rides, just north of urbandale avenue. hot laps at 500pm, hotter laps at 530pm, colder beverages to follow after about 45 minutes of grassy frollicking, probably at a.k. o'connors.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">i might suggest week #7 be held at rice field, just to give the soccer moms an idea of what their kids SHOULD be doing.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>mr. walker v. mr. wheeler...who are YOU?</h1> <p>2008-10-07T07:14:00.000-05:00</p> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">tomorrow is national walk & bike to school day. there is a wonderful discussion on kids biking to school, the sanctioned disappearance of functional [NOT artsy-fartsy] bike racks at schools, and the efforts of parent groups [PTA and others] in conjunction with school administrators to condone such efforts of kids to safely enjoy what i [and many other sane folks] consider a birthright: riding a bike on city streets without the fear of getting creamed by some thoughtless [at best] or evil [more likely] motorist.<br />to get you up to date on the problem, watch this video provided by the DOT as a part of driver education.<br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RCJsEjxcuq4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param></object><br />then go <a href="http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-09-24">here</a> to read the past few days of yehuda moon and the kickstand cyclery. this storyline begins september 24, and continues through to the present day. yehuda moon is unique, in that readers can comment in a forum section below the daily strip. follow some of the links the readers provide. it is a LIVELY discussion, to be sure. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>renegade cross tuesday</h1> <p>2008-10-06T11:48:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SOOJcS7PWAI/AAAAAAAABtM/6Zh6TzpjImg/s1600-h/retro+cross+08.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">tomorrow, october 7, we'll be back for week #5. practice is being held at McHenry park (google it!). easy to find just south of euclid: you recall leaving town on summer tuesdays, going up euclid and turning north at 12th? well, just go a few blocks farther east, and turn SOUTH a couple blocks. ya can't miss it. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">hot laps at 5. 'racing' at 530. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">i propose beer and debate-watching at highland park country club after, but majority rules on that one. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"><em>pass it on.</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>it's a COMMUNIST CONSPIRACY!!</h1> <p>2008-10-06T11:08:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.walktoschool.org/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> <em>international</em> walk and bike to school day?</span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em>it's wednesday, october 8th, kiddies</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>pamplona, iowa style</h1> <p>2008-10-06T09:44:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">a great, spanish tradition, a rite of passage for all <em>young</em> men, running with the bulls, came to iowa this weekend...<br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SOoijTl-H-I/AAAAAAAABts/kLq1UOthv9A/s1600-h/bullteam+01.jpg"></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">the above photo shows the survivors of this year's running, posing at the traditional post-run gala with the bull, moments before he was shackled and sent back to gym class.<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SOoijDT5dsI/AAAAAAAABtk/GeE6OfQKFeE/s1600-h/crohns+08.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> this photo shows how it transpired yesterday at maytag park, in newton. a seasoned bull-runner, the mostly reverend [shown prudently at far left] knows when to get the hell out of the way when a <em>loco toro</em> wants to pass.</span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>WE GOT BAILED OUT, TOO!!</h1> <p>2008-10-03T15:50:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>hey, check THIS shit out--you and i actually stand to benefit from the 799 BILLION dollar bailout bill just passed. read this:</em></span> </span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Bicycle Commuter Act Passes House, Senate<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">After seven long years, the bicycle commuter tax provision has finally passed both the House and Senate as part of the financial bailout package. President Bush has said that he is eager to sign the legislation. “We are delighted that the bicycle commuter benefits act has passed after a lengthy and persistent campaign spearheaded by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR),” said League President Andy Clarke. “Bicycle commuters will now be extended similar benefits to people who take transit and drive to work – it’s an equitable and sensible incentive to encourage greater energy independence, improve air quality and health, and even help tackle climate change. Thanks to everyone who has helped reach this milestone, especially Walter Finch and Mele Williams, our government relations staff over the years who have worked tirelessly with Congressman Blumenauer, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and many others in Congress.” Thanks also to all of you around the country who have contacted your congressional leaders over the years. Keep checking back at </span></span><a title="http://www.bikeleague.org/" href="http://www.bikeleague.org/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">www.bikeleague.org</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"> as we work on the implementation process.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>plan ahead? MOI?</h1> <p>2008-09-29T11:53:00.004-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">yup, it happens, every now and again.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">here's why this time:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">time putnam, promoter of the wonderful clear lake blues and bbq series, is going to be in town wednesday, october 15. got some bidniz to do later on, it seems. i suggested a gravel ride, leaving maybe 200 pm?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">give it some thought, and if you feel a sick day coming on, pencil one in for wednesday, october 15th, 200 pm.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><em>you're looking a bit pale and wan. </em></span><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">some fresh air would do ya a world of good.</span></em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>tuesday's renegade cross menu</h1> <p>2008-09-29T11:19:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SOD-IL8GNhI/AAAAAAAABs0/1PUDXT3MA7A/s1600-h/1930+champ+paris.jpg"></a></div><div align="center">tuesday, september 30, 2008</div><div align="center"><strong>greenwood park</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">[turn south off grand avenue at the art center]</span></div><div align="center">hot laps @ 500 pm</div><div align="center">"racing" @ 530 pm</div><div align="center">el bait shop to follow</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">. . . . .</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>special shout out to the rassy's "elite" team: </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>hey, did you ALL sell your cross bikes?</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">. . . . .</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;"><strong>the action shown above:</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;"><em>Championnat parisien de cross cyclo-pédestre, 18 Feb 1930 </em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;">Valentin Tondeur, who was to win the championship of Paris thanks to Cornez rolling a tubie, takes a run-up in the bois de Biscorne.</span> </em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>oops!</h1> <p>2008-09-27T06:16:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2008/sep08/sep27newsa"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2008/sep08/sep27newsa"> uh-oh</a>.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>early thoughts about the 2008 tour of missouri</h1> <p>2008-09-10T23:13:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SMiM8_axdtI/AAAAAAAABrc/FJpjqvuzQLw/s1600-h/tom300x250_01.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> last saturday, steve fry and i drove to kansas city to begin what turned out to be a quite interesting and thoroughly enjoyable experience covering the 2008 tour of missouri. with the cooperation of brook watts and his amazing crew at medalist sports, and the missouri department of tourism, as host of <a href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html">the kim west radio cycling show</a>, i was given insider's access to this remarkable race, still now in its sophomore edition as i type this. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">i have hours of recorded conversations with racers, support people, race fans, and more; <a href="http://fryguyimages.smugmug.com/">fryguy</a> shot scores of photos from the start of the first couple stages, from the women's criterium in kansas city, and from along tuesday's route. we're both going through our work, editing, and trying to make sense of it. fry already has a couple files posted. i'm going through recordings, notes, and scribbles i accumulated.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">it's amazing stuff, and i can't wait to get it polished and either posted here and on the radio show blog, on the radio show website itself, or to use it in upcoming episodes.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">i broadcast sunday's show, episode 20, live from the penthouse suite of the embassy suites on the plaza in the historic plaza district of kansas city. i was excited to talk with liz hecht of vander kitten racing team during the first half of the show, and i finally got to chat face-to-face with previous guest ally brandt, of cheerwine racing team. immediately following the live show, we all rushed downstairs to the gala woman's team presentation. race announcer extraordinaire dave towle was emcee for the women, as he was the night before at the men's presentation, a $250/head shindig up the street a few blocks.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">without giving it too much thought, here are some highlights [several full reports will follow]:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">1--meeting in person--and talking at length--with the many cyclists who have appeared on the radio show in the weeks leading up to the tour; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">2--going on saturday's team training ride with the kelly benefits team; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">3--many meals with a variety of teams in the team dining rooms; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">4--talking at length with recent radio show guest and cycling legend john howard; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">5--talking again with current cycling menace steve tilford, who seemed rather edgy and puzzled why a race would be taking place withOUT him; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">6--appearing as a guest live commentator on missouri radio station KRWP, 107.7 FM, "the lake" during and following the edward jones sprint competition in stockton [watch out, liggett!]; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">7--talking with recently retired race legend gord frasier; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">8--serving as inspiration for <em>both</em> tom zirbel [stage 1] and mike sayers [stage 2] shortly before their day-long race-leading breaks about the importance of racing aggressively [coincidence? i don't think so!]; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">9--nearly being killed as i was a part of the garmin chipotle team train tuesday morning driving from the airport hyatt to the start of stage 2 in clinton, missouri; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">10--meeting rory mason, an old friend from my ames cycling days, who has for the last four years served as global sports marketing manager for cannondale europe. b.v. in this capacity, rory works as liason for all of the pro teams who ride cannondale bikes, giant bikes, and more. look for an interview with rory in the coming weeks, and look for the return of someone who WILL challenge lance in france next july.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">. . . . .</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">as you can tell, without giving this any thought at all, and without checking my notes, i have a lot to talk about. and i was only there for four and a half days.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">i can't WAIT for the tour of california, man.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><em>thanks, brook!!</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>central iowa trail updates</h1> <p>2008-09-06T09:01:00.002-05:00</p> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><em>how about THIS?? there actually exists an estimated timeline of construction and repairs. thanks, lori. read and weep--or laugh, but DON'T hold your breath:</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><strong>Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee<br />City of Des Moines Parks Department<br />Polk County Conservation Board<br /></strong><br />Project Updates -- September 2008<br /><br /><strong>Trail Closures Due to Flooding<br /></strong><em>Neal Smith Trail</em> – The trail is back open, but users should use caution near the Kiwanis Nature Island where the trail surface is gravel for now. Plans are to place hard surface back in sometime this fall. [no reason to <strong>resurface</strong>, is there? this thing is smooth as silk. RIGHT. --kim]<br /><em>John Pat Dorrian Trail</em> – Trail is closed south of the Des Moines Police Station all the way to Crivaro Park due to several sink holes in the levee and cannot be repaired until levee repairs have been completed – No estimated completion date.<br /><em>Trestle Trail</em> – The trail has a temporary levee placed on it west of the County building and cannot be opened until the levee is removed. PCCB and Des Moines Parks are working to establish a temporary access around this area. Plans are being drawn up to replace the trail segment. Construction will start next spring and be completed in the spring of 2009. [any thought given to a complete redesign and reconstruction to the underpass on lower beaver, maybe, or perhaps to installing a rain and water diversion system? --kim]<br /><br /><strong>Land Trail Projects</strong><br /><em>Walnut Creek Trail Segment 3</em> – Construction should be completed by the end of September.<br /><em>Walnut Creek Trail Segment 4</em> – Asphalt paving is scheduled for the week of September 11-18<br /><em>Waveland Trail Phase 1</em> – Preliminary design has started on trail. Construction is slated to start in June or July of 2009.<br />Waveland Trail 40th St to 42nd St – Trail design is nearly complete, working with property owners to purchase necessary easements for trail construction. Construction estimated to start April or May of 2009.<br /><em>Trails Signage</em> - Maps and design specifications for trail signs is nearly complete and should be ready for bid within a week and construction will likely start late Fall 2008 and be completed by May of 2009.<br /><br /><strong>Water Trail Projects</strong><br /><em>Safety Cabling Across River</em> – Center Street Dam emergency cable across river was destroyed by flooding. New cable will be installed. Cable across the Des Moines River upstream of Scott Street still needs to be installed. Installation is expected to be completed by the winter of 2008.<br /><em>Water Trail Kiosks</em> – Installation should be completed within 2 weeks.<br /><br /><strong>Bicycle Projects</strong><br /><em>Indianola Avenue Reconstruction</em> – Designs are starting on the roadway with trail, bicycle and complete street elements. Staff will bring designs to the committee at a later date.<br />Complete Streets – Des Moines City Council will be asked to approve a complete streets policy at the second Council meeting in September.<br /><em>Inductive Loop Detectors</em> – Subject to approval and installation by Traffic and Transportation Department and the next two will be 31st and 42nd Streets at Kingman Blvd.<br /><em>Bicycle and Trail Master Plan</em> – Proposals from consultants expected to be received by the City around October 1 with the master plan likely starting around the end of November. [suppose we can get access to this? --kim]<br />Application for Bicycle Friendly Community – Application was submitted August 15, 2008<br />Bicycle Parking [see my earlier post on this. you know, maybe if they would work on changing institutional attitudes they might stand a better chance of getting their blessed designation. why doesn't someone ask ME what i think? --kim]<br /><em>Installation of bike racks</em> – Approximately 50 installed to date, 150 remaining to be installed by the end of October. [would somebody PLEASE tell them simply to buy and install old school bike racks? <strong>THESE FANCY SCHMANCY ART RACKS SUCK!!!</strong> my mama always told me, "kim, don't EVER lean your bike on a piece of art--even BAD art.]<br /><em>Bicycle parking ordinance</em> – On hold [oh, THIS should be good. --kim]<br /><em>Installation of bicycle parking on private property</em> – On hold [you mean like that piece of shit "bike rack" at beaverdahl's? that thing is older than john mccain! --kim]<br /><br /><strong>Greenway Projects</strong> [nothing is included here--the mostly rev]</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">. . . . . .</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><strong>Trails Update from Polk County Conservation<br /></strong>September 5, 2008<br /><br /><em>Ankeny to Woodward Trail</em>. Anticipate Ankeny to Sheldahl will be open by October 1. Friends of Central Iowa Trails is working on an opening celebration for this segment of the trail. Fundraising continues in earnest. Still hoping for a December letting on the Madrid-to-Woodward portion that includes the bridge across the Des Moines River.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><strong>GET THIS:</strong><br /><em>Great Western Trail</em>. September letting expected for the repair work South of McKinley with construction completion expected by November 15. [wanna bet? november 15th my ass! --kim]<br /><br /><em>Trestle to Trestle Trail</em>. A pier snapped during the flooding on the trestle bridge at Johnston (Beaver Creek). Working with FEMA to prep for repair. Working with NRCS on debris removal under this trestle bridge. 1800’ of trail between MLK and River Place (just N of Euclid) remains covered in roughly 3’ of dirt from the city’s efforts to raise the levy during the flood.<br /><br /><em>Gay Wilson Trail West (Neal Smith to Ankeny).</em> Should be receiving contract documents from DOT any day now, allowing engineer to begin design work. Hoping for spring letting and summer construction.<br /><br /><em>Easter Lake Trail</em>. Working to incorporate portions of this trail as part of the Summerset Trail extension to the North. One section of the proposed route requires WRA easement. Awaiting legal description from the engineers and then will proceed with trying to acquire that easement.<br /><br /><em>Chichaqua Valley Trail</em>. While this trail was damaged during flooding, it has so far been able to remain open during repairs. Will keep you posted as work continues. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;">. . . . . </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><strong>PLEASE post comments, complaints, and suggestions, and i will pass them along.</strong></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>DUH</h1> <p>2008-09-05T22:47:00.003-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><strong>Iowa<br /></strong>State Rank: 21 out of 50.<br /><em>Reasons for Ranking:</em> In Iowa, bicycle enforcement is included in POST standards and police academy training, and there are good education efforts for cyclists and motorists. However, the state has no bike master plan.<br />Iowa's Bicycle Friendly Communities </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Currently there are no cities in Iowa that have been designated as bicycle friendly communities.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em><a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/news/090508bfs.php"><span style="font-size:85%;">source</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>which do YOU prefer?</h1> <p>2008-09-05T15:28:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SMGV7swptAI/AAAAAAAABrE/bWsPddQFlo0/s1600-h/palin+bike.jpg"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SMGV71s2TDI/AAAAAAAABrM/L05y0E_vAYo/s1600-h/obama+bike.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> cast your votes in the comments section</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>renegade cyclocross tuesdays</h1> <p>2008-09-03T06:14:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">PLEASE join us for Renegade Cyclocross Races in Des Moines starting THIS coming Tuesday, September 9, as well as each Tuesday thereafter through the end of November. At between 5 and 5:30PM we’ll start doing warm up laps, with a 45 to 60 minute ‘race’ starting shortly after. This week, the 9th, we’ll be racing at Union Park. At the conclusion of each weeks’ race, the venue for the following week will be announced/decided. The ‘courses’ will be pretty simple, and not marked as though it’s a UCI event, so if you’re looking for something PRO, you’re gonna be upset. We’ll do your best to get some tight turns, off cambers, pavement, etc. These events will be AT YOUR OWN RISK!Please understand the word ‘race’ is used loosely. This will be a training race, bike practice, or whatever else you kids want to call it. No entry fees, no prizes, no official results. What it WILL be is a great opportunity to get some intensity in, practice barriers, run-ups and other cyclocross skills and ride against guys of varying abilities-this makes it a GREAT chance for newer riders to gain some confidence and have some fun, while the experienced guys get a good workout and pass on some knowledge. Above all, it’s a good reason to ride cross bikes with friends. Cool? Questions? rversteegh@mchsi.com</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>hardin county board of supervisors today</h1> <p>2008-09-02T14:36:00.002-05:00</p> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">earlier this afternoon, i spoke by phone with jim johnson, one of the three members of the hardin county board of supervisors, discussing today's action regarding "ordinance #43," the anti-bicycle ordinance.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">mr. johnson told me that the board took the first step toward repealing the ill-advised law, enacted surreptitously july 16, 2008, on the advice of david vestal of the iowa state association of counties [isac]. explaining that the process of repealing an ordinance is the same as enacting one, the board must have public notice and opportunities for discussion, and then vote twice to repeal it. the first hearing and opportunity to vote to repeal is now set for wednesday, september 24, at 1015 am, at the courthouse in eldora. mr. johnson told me that they are following the recommendation of isac, in light of the agreement of the des moines register to change the ragbrai insurance policy and the rider waiver. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">mr. johnson also disclosed that the board, upon voting once to repeal, can also vote to waive any additional readings and delcare the ordinance repealed as early as the date of the first reading. he indicated that the board would so vote to repeal and waive additional readings unless between now and then, or at the meeting september 24, a large number of folks showed up speaking in favor of retaining ordinance #43.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">curiously, mr. johnson told me, when i asked him "why just bicycles?" that the county engineer told him that the county roads were not designed for bicycles but for motor vehicles only. i asked him if ever, or at least in his recollection, had hardin county every had a claim filed against them by a bicyclist as a result of a crash or injury, and he said no, but did quickly mention that a hardin county bicyclist "was life-flighted to a hospital this year because of a crash on ragbrai just a few weeks ago" and that he was still going through rehabilitation. he also told me that ragbrai had traveled through hardin county at least three times in years past, and never with a claim for damages.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">mr. johnson also told me that crawford county, after they settled their case, called ALL the other 98 counties to warn them to prepare for such claims, since now "bicyclists have found a way to get money from the deep pockets for when they crash." he told me that hardin county is self-insured, meaning that they would have to pay the entirety of any claims. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">crawford county, it should be remembered, has an insurance carrier, and only had to pay a $5,000 deductible, of the $350,000 negligence settlement against them.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">i asked mr. johnson, if as he was advising them to adopt this model ordinance, <em>did</em> david vestal take the time to explain to the hardin county supervisors that the <strong>actual basis</strong> of the claim against them was for the <strong>negligence </strong>of the county employee who removed the warning pylons, leaving exposed the wide expansion crack into which two other riders had previously ridden and crashed, leaving THEM seriously injured, after which mr. ulrich ALSO crashed and was fatally injure at the exact same spot--and NOT for merely the condition of the road itself?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">mr. johnson told me that "he had heard that," but that it wasn't from david vestal, and he was uncertain <em>where</em> he'd heard it, nor whether the story was in fact the truth. i told him that those were INDEED the facts, and he said, "oh."</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">mr. johnson gave no indication whether he had seen the video interview i had sent him earlier, following the illegal ride around hardin county.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">he did tell me that there were a couple local cyclists who spoke very supportingly on behalf of the board, and that there was "a woman from iowa city who was there for the iowa bicycle coalition." </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">the kim west radio cycling show will keep you apprised of this situation,</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>the kim west radio cycling show goes VIDEO!!</h1> <p>2008-09-01T19:21:00.003-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">i had the pleasure of interviewing a mystery cyclist this afternoon, who said he had a message for the hardin county board of supervisors, something about their efforts to review and maybe repeal a silly little ordinance they silently--ill-advisedly and hastily, i would add--enacted this past july, just in time for ragby, for goodness sake.<br />with no further ado, here's my interview with the mystery rider. i hope the supervisors get the chance to see this before they take any further hasty actions.<br /></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>one of the differences between riding in iowa city and des moines</h1> <p>2008-08-29T16:14:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">my friend g pickle told me about the latest iowa city tuesday night ride. i asked him to write a story about it, because it's the kind of ride that folks in des moines are afraid to try, while i think we should...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">This week the college green A rides switched to gravel. Tuesday was a fairly tame romp around but Thursday saw a different sort of energy. It had rained proper in the morning and things were wet. Cochran showed up with some slick skinnies on his cross bike and I laughed that he would be fine after we got through the B roads. The general consesus seemed to be that we would not be riding any B roads so he would be fine for the whole ride. 8 miles later, <a href="http://bikeiowa.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/the-usual-gravel-mayhem/">[read more] </a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>hardin county today, and iowa tomorrow</h1> <p>2008-08-29T07:50:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">"Yes, kuddos to Mark [wyatt, of the iowa bicycle coalition--kim] and all for their efforts leading to Hardin County's repeal of this ordinance."<br /><br />i, along with all other bicyclists in iowa, will be QUITE interested to learn JUST HOW the announcements of thursday came to pass: who were the active parties--and what roles did they play--in securing the anticipated repeal and withdrawl by hardin county officials and by david vestal.<br />until then, i can say this: i greatly appreciate the massive efforts by jeff goodman and his legal eagles, the belated apparent wisdom of the hardin county board of supervisors and the ultimate recognition by david vestal of the handwriting on the wall.<br /><br />on another note, I STILL PLAN TO MEET IN GARDEN CITY MONDAY MORNING AT 800 AM for our little spontaneous labor day cruise around hardin county.<br />it is more important than EVER to demonstrate our political, physical, and economic clout to all iowans. i would ask that anyone who plans to attend this ride request and keep all receipts for money spent going to, during, and returning home from this ride so that i can gather this information for publication and dissemination.<br />the very fact that this whole thing has come up should continue to serve as a chilling reminder of how the political and motoring masses feel about us, and just how far we MUST go to secure our rights to ride ANYWHERE in iowa.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>DO NOT BE LULLED INTO THINKING THAT THE ACTIONS ANTICIPATED TUESDAY CONSTITUTE ANYTHING BUT A MINOR COURSE CORRECTION.<br /></strong><br />what this whole ugly chapter demonstrates to ME is that bicyclists continue to be thought of AT BEST as second class citizens, and that iowa is FAR FAR AWAY from truly being a bicycle friendly environment.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>i'll see you in garden city at and before 800 am monday morning!!</strong></span> </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>what listener's are saying about "the kim west radio cycling show"</h1> <p>2008-08-27T22:31:00.002-05:00</p> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Kim,<br />I found your show through a search on itunes. . . .<br />I really like your show because while you have the racing background, you really understand that racing is only one facet of cycling. We need the trails, and the bike lanes and we need to be able to share the road because we have riders with different levels of expertise, and reasons to ride.<br /><strong><em></em></strong>You<em><strong> get</strong></em> it.<br />We all need to be advocates for all forms of cycling and support each other as it grows from a sport or a form of recreation, to a lifestyle.<br />Steve Sexton<br />Louisville, Kentucky</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>TOUR OF MISSOURI -- click and win</h1> <p>2008-08-27T12:00:00.001-05:00</p> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">hey, folks--<br /><br />less than two weeks until the kick-off of the 2008 </span><a title="http://tourofmissouri.com/" href="http://tourofmissouri.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Tour of Missouri</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">.<br /><br />this year's edition runs from september 8 through the 14th, and the </span><a title="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html" href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">kim west radio cycling show,</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> in partnership with the </span><a title="http://www.visitmo.com/" href="http://www.visitmo.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">missouri department of tourism </span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">and </span><a title="http://www.druryhotels.com/" href="http://www.druryhotels.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">drury hotels </span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">[official hotel of the tour of missouri], is doing it up right.<br /><br />sunday, september 7, i'll be doing </span><a title="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html" href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">the kim west radio cycling show </span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">LIVE from the lobby of the drury hotel in beautiful kansas city, missouri. i'll spend the entire time talking live with riders, team officials and tour folks about this exciting finale to the american professional cycling season.<br />and YOU can be there, too. we're giving away a whole slew of sweet prizes, including VIP passes to the finish of monday's stage one in kansas city, a bissel vacuum [remember, bissell is a team sponsor!], a felt bicycle, tour of missouri t-shirts and caps, and more!<br />AND THE BIGGIE IS A "MEET ME IN MISSOURI" PRIZE PACKAGE that includes accomodations for two at the kansas city drury hotel, passes to the team presentations, VIP passes and such for the finish of stage one, and more!!<br /><br />"but kim, how can i win these fabulous prizes?"<br />i love this: all you have to do is go to </span><a title="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html" href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">the kim west radio cycling show</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> website, my personality pages, scroll down just a tad to the "TOUR OF MISSOURI" LINK, and see where it says "click here to win with kim west!"?<br />JUST </span><a title="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html" href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">CLICK!</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> just follow the simple directions, and you'll be in the drawing to be held and announced tuesday, september 2, 2008. you might win a felt bicycle, a bissell vacuum, tour of missouri caps or t-shirts, VIP passes to the stage one finish in kansas city, or<br />YOU MIGHT WIN THE GRAND PRIZE "MEET ME IN MISSOURI" PACKAGE!!<br /><br />man, free stuff, and i can't even win it--i'm giving it away. how amazing is THAT?<br /><br />so </span><a title="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html" href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">click RIGHT NOW</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">. i might see you at the finish line in kansas city.<br /><br />and by the way, you KNOW you can watch the entire tour of missouri live and in-person for FREE, don't you? you don't need no stinking badges to enjoy close-up and roadside some of the finest cyclists in the world racing on beautiful, lush rolling midwestern roads.<br />IT'S JUST TWO HOURS AWAY!!<br /><br />SO </span><a title="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html" href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">CLICK IT</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> TO WIN!!<br /><br />and thanks for listening to </span><a title="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html" href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">the kim west radio cycling show</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">, bringing you only the best, free every week.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>rainy day random thoughts</h1> <p>2008-08-27T11:59:00.000-05:00</p> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">1--a dis-organized tour of hardin county, monday september 1. </span><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Garden+City,+IA&ie=UTF8&ll=42.245699,-93.398176&spn=0.005099,0.015407&t=h&z=17"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> is a map of garden city. you should be there by 800 am, and ready to roll. this is not a race, by the way. someone asked about whether to spend $$ in hardin county, and i am of two minds. the simple mind says spend what we need, collect receipts, and we'll submit the totals to the board of supervisors to let them know how much money they stand to lose from such an impromptu bike ride. we could also tell the merchants that because of their elected officials, they will not see our "green bucks" again. the more complicated, high-minded thought would be to pack and carry our own food from non-hardin county merchants and businesses. i'd rather do the simple way just this once, to prove a point. i don't really know what the point might be; it might just depend on the turnout and how the day develops. bring your still and video cameras, eh? </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">2--what's up with mark wyatt, anyway? suppose HE'LL show up and ride? will the IBC spokesperson ever do anything about this?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">3--do you suppose we should start to worry about <a href="http://www.thedailypage.com/isthmus/article.php?article=23479">THIS</a> in iowa?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">4--i hope the rain ends soon.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>i think i want to ride around hardin county again...</h1> <p>2008-08-25T18:14:00.004-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">you know, it's been a while since i've ridden the lovely, quiet roads in hardin county: pine lake, the iowa river valley and cliffs, little steamboat rock, the gently rolling hills from alden into radcliffe, and the undulations going east into union along D65... </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">whatd'ya say? want to go for a little ride with me and maybe 20 friends on labor day? this is what i'm thinking:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">meet in garden city. it's a quiet little town in southwest hardin county, about eight miles east of I-35 at the randall exit. we can roll east on D65 about 18 miles to union, and head north on S62. we take that north through the mighty burg of gifford and along some gently climbing hills into eldora [where they'll actually have some open stores for food and sustenance, and then continue north past the beautiful iowa river on the west side and pine lake on the east, and on into steamboat rock [little tree-covered town] and north nearly up to ackley, where we head west to iowa falls [more food and drink] and on into alden. we head south, more gentle rollers, past the ghost of buckeye, and the inviting little rollers that welcome you to radcliffe. just a few more wind-swept miles, and we're back to garden city.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">our dream tour of hardin county is over, we've covered a little over 80 miles, and we've proven that an advertised ride of over 20 cyclists CAN travel hardin county roads with no casualties, and hopefully no one will get arrested.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">any takers?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;"><em>[p.s. is this the action of a patient and understanding cyclist? i hope it doesn't appear that way.]</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>mark wyatt</h1> <p>2008-08-25T15:20:00.000-05:00</p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">i learned about 30 minutes ago that hardin county enacted--quietly or in full public view i don't know--the <em>exact same ordinance</em> considered and tabled by dallas county after a lengthy and well-attended public hearing at which 30 to 40 cyclists and dallas county residents were given an opportunity to address the board and air their concerns, questions, and comments about the legality of the proposal. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />among those in attendance was mark wyatt, lobbyist and paid employee of the iowa bike coalition, who spoke against the not-yet-completely-dead brain-child of attorney david vestal, who is circulating this poison-penned proposal on behalf of the iowa association of counties.<br />when we left that day, the feeling was one of cautious concern, not celebration, knowing that this battle might need to be waged in as many as 97 more counties in iowa, notwithstanding the fact that the same suggestion previously had been rejected by the iowa legislature, who realized the many fatal flaws in vestal's flimsy efforts to help the counties avoid liability for failing to do what counties quite simply <strong>have</strong> to do--maintain safe roadways within their county limits.<br /><br />we all agreed the need for vigilance was paramount.<br /><br />wyatt, as the hired gun for the IBC, seemed to be best-poised to oversee his fragile fiefdom, the highways and byways, and streets and trails of iowa; the rightful yet threatened sovereign domain of any and all bicyclists who might seek to enjoy the roads, trails, streets and more--<em>the bounty of iowa--</em>by bike.<br /><br />so what happened? hardin county enacted the EXACT SAME ORDINANCE [requiring that any "organized" ride of ten or more riders need a permit, minimum $1,000,000.00 liability insurance policy or face a $750 fine--$1,000 for second offense] that was soundly "set aside for the time being" by the wisened or intimidated board ofsupervisors in dallas county.<br /><br />yet <em>who</em> informed us, the iowa bike coalition's constituency, the bicyclists of iowa, of the pending action in hardin county?<br /><em>who</em> rallied the troops with a call to arms?<br /><em>who</em> covered ALL media outlets with press releases decrying the outrageous efforts by these backward-looking governmental officials?<br /><em>who</em> saw to it that the hardin county supervisors meeting room was packed to the gills and more with angry and indignant bicyclists of all stripes AND statewide media?<br /><br /><strong>not mark wyatt.<br /></strong><br />nope.<br /><br />not word one have we heard from this guy, <em>whose JOB it is to do just that.<br /></em><br />i have LONG been biting my tongue about mark, hoping beyond hope that mark would get off his ass and prove me wrong; to show me that he really DOES care about the interests for which he is paid to represent and for which he is expected to fight to preserve and maintain. <em>[some might even suggest he is paid to EXPAND these rights, but christ...]</em><br /><br />it WOULDN'T be tough to make me think i am wrong. <em>hell, i'd love to meet him JUST ONCE out on a bike ride.</em> but i don't even think he rides! [recall: if i don't SEE it, i'm not likely to believe it. that's why i didn't believe in flying saucers for so long, and why i tend not to believe in bigfoot.]<br /><br />but mark wyatt absolutely has lost his right to speak on MY behalf about the rights and interests of bicyclists and bicycling in iowa. he has been losing it for his failure to act on behalf of the MANY dead cyclists this past year, and for his failure to follow-up on behalf of the too many dead cyclists from last year <em>[remember all the trips i made to funerals last year? where is evidence of mark's follow-ups on all those?]<br /></em><br />nope, by <strong>his total lack of meaningful and active leadership</strong>, mark wyatt is steering the iowa bike coaliton right off the roads, streets,paths, and trails right back into the garages and basements where--in his mind--all bikes should be stored, the patient and understanding little cyclists that we are.<br /><br />this guy's GOTTA go, before all we have left are roller races.<br /><br /><em>mark: i BEG you to respond.</em> do SOMETHING, for christ's sake. show the bicyclists of iowa that you DO REALLY REALLY care about riding bikes, not just raising money and feathering your nest. i am NOT better off than i was <em>[how many years ago?]</em> when you started at the IBC.<br />it is time for you to go. let us have a REAL spokesperson. we deserve it.</span> </span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>FLASH!!</h1> <p>2008-08-25T13:07:00.003-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"><strong>HARDIN COUNTY PAVES </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"><strong>COUNTY ROAD TO HELL</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">. . . . .</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">hardin county passed the exact same ordinance that dallas county was considering. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">it passed <em>unanimously. </em></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">looks like another group of towns that won't be seeing </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">ragby roll down their roads.</span></strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>coming soon to a bike friendly community near you</h1> <p>2008-08-19T15:43:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://failblog.org/2008/08/19/bike-fail-2/"></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>the two-wheeled justice</h1> <p>2008-08-19T13:39:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">des moines just got a whole lot more bicycle friendly!<br /></span><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SKr75En_c1I/AAAAAAAABqE/Hb1JJusysy8/s1600-h/justice+rick+&+schwinn.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> <span style="font-size:78%;">Des Moines, August 13, 2008—Governor Culver has appointed Des Moines attorney Richard H. Doyle, Des Moines, to the Iowa Court of Appeals. Doyle, 58, will fill the vacancy that will occur when Judge Van Zimmer retires September 4, 2008.<br />Doyle has worked in the private practice of law since 1977. Prior to working in private practice he served as Assistant Attorney General for the Iowa Department of Justice in the Criminal Appeals Division.<br />He earned a bachelor of arts in political science from Drake University in 1971. He received his law degree from Drake University Law School in 1976. He served as staff member of the Drake Law Review.</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;"><strong>. . . . . </strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">yeah, yeah, yeah; that's all fine; but press releases never tell you what REALLY matters, but <strong>today's sermonette</strong> <em>always</em> does! </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">rick and his wife, debbie, are the parents of two kids, kerry [who lives in oregon] and her brother [who lives in chicago and whose name i never <em>can</em> remember]. i first met the doyles when i worked at zanzibar's with kerry. debbie was a morning regular [2% iced latte to go], and she and rick would often come in evenings. debbie is a huge elvis fan, and rick has always been an enormous cycling enthusiast. we talked about bikes and racing and all subjects bicycles on a regular basis, rick and i. while kerry and i were working together, she found a mixte frame bike, i recall, and fixed it up. she rode that found bike all over [she was hooked]. when she moved to oregon, she got into the fixed gear scene, and started riding all over, including seattle to portland, as i recollect. a 200-mile ride on a fixie. truly nuts.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">her folks were supportive and skeptical, but rick, i detected, was really quite thrilled and proud of her. so as she took off and started getting more and more into it, and riding bikes all over the northwest, rick spoke with me about his old blue schwinn [seen above, rick bought it new], and about buying a new road bike. i told him to go for it, but by all means to keep this bike, and think about converting it to a single speed or a fixed gear bike.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">he did, and after having both new road bike and new old singlespeed to ride, like the kid he is, he confessed that he has more fun riding the old bike. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;"><strong><em>and that's how it ought to be.</em></strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">since the word got out about the formation and opening of the des moines bike kollective, rick has been as enthusiastic AND actively participating supporter of the place as there can be. he has personally been responsible for bringing approaching, what, rick, maybe a couple dozen bikes to the shop? he was the first to adopt a bike shop--rassmussen's on grand--BEFORE i made the request to have folks adopt a bike shop. he regularly stops by, checking to see what bikes are there for donation, and he brings them down. he pounds the pavement and buzzes the phone lines shaking down his neighborhood association and others for their unridden bikes. additionally, rick is regularly out on the trail, under the poorly-designed and constructed bridge under grand avenue at 1st/63d street, cleaning the mud, sand, and muck away after floods. he has lobbied the city to do more on a regular basis to maintain its trail system. i would be remiss if i failed to mention that he and debbie are regular listeners of <strong><a href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html">the kim west radio cycling show</a></strong> sunday nights on kxno AM1460. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">rick not only talks the talk, but he rides the ride. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">rick doyle <em>gets</em> it. he understands the need for both bike trails AND integrated bicycle traffic on public streets. he <em>does</em> something about it.</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;"><strong>. . . . .</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">the city of des moines is struggling to have itself declared as a "bike friendly community." it has been told repeatedly that while building bike trails and painting bike lanes is laudible, until there is descernible and lasting institutional change, it will not be truly bike friendly. we need role models in high and public places who not only lavish praise and support upon bicycle riders, but who TRULY EMBRACE bicycles and bicycle riding as a significant and respectible lifestyle, who see bicycles as a viable and NECESSARY component of a vibrant urban environment, AND who are sufficiently committed to that end to influence OTHERS to do likewise. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">for example, suppose des moines chief of police judy bradshaw issued a directive that "ALL city of des moines police officers shall recognize bicyclists as rightful users of city streets, and shall enforce reckless driving laws against motorists who use their motor vehicles in such a way to intimidate or harass a bicyclist." </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">wouldn't THAT be grand? THAT would be a big step toward des moines becoming a bike friendly community.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;"><strong>. . . . .</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">i have no idea what kind of justice rick doyle will be on the iowa court of appeals; we have not, in our many hours of conversation talked about the hot-button legal topics of the day. but i DO know this: for the first time EVER, the state of iowa will have a high court member who knows how to convert an old ten-speed to a singlespeed bike, and knows how to enjoy riding it. we are likely for the first time ever to have a court of appeals justice to commutes to work on a regular basis on an old single speed schwinn--even in winter!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">and THAT is what will help make des moines a bike friendly community. i could not be more proud of, and happy for, rick and debbie doyle, and delighted for the state of iowa. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">we will have one of us sitting up there in a black robe.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;"><strong>congratulations, rick!</strong></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>snowdog has moved to los angeles?</h1> <p>2008-08-18T07:26:00.001-05:00</p> <br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">this shocking video demonstrates the importance of police reports and persistence.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>WIN FREE PRIZES JUST FOR LISTENING TO THE RADIO</h1> <p>2008-08-15T15:17:00.001-05:00</p> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SKXiCtNcZtI/AAAAAAAABp0/ThInHNukIzU/s1600-h/tom300x250_01.jpg"></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">OVER THE NEXT THREE WEEKS, in cooperation with the <em><strong>tour of missouri</strong></em>,<br />the kim west radio cycling show will be GIVING AWAY </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1KuktJdam8">absolutely free</a><br />24 TRULY VALUABLE PRIZES, including:<br />one FELT cruiser bicycle,<br />one yakima bicycle car rack,<br />one bissell healthy home vacuum,<br />five VIP passes to the stage one finish in kansas city,<br />five tour of missouri t-shirts,<br />five tour of missouri caps, and<br />five jelly belly gift packs.<br /><br />AND SOME LUCKY DOG WILL WIN THIS GRAND PRIZE!!<br />A "MEET IN MISSOURI PACKAGE, with hotels, meals,<br />and VIP hospitality at the tour's stage one finish in kansas city.<br /><br />all you have to do to win is this:<br />1--go to the kim west radio cycling show <a href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html">website</a> </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">and do the KIM WEST TOUR OF MISSOURI CROSSWORD PUZZLE; and then<br />2--listen LIVE to the kim west radio cycling show sunday nights from 600 pm to 700 pm for your chance to call in </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em>[515.284.5966 or 866.333.5966]</em></strong> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">and win.<br />it really IS that easy. i'll ask from time to time during the show for listeners to call in and give me the answer to such and such a clue from the crossword puzzle. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">you call in, and you win a prize. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">we'll do it again NEXT sunday, august 24th, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">and again august 31. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">on the august 31st show, will draw from all the winners to award the grand prize of the MEET IN MISSOURI PACKAGE.<br /><br />i'm telling you, i can't believe we're doing this! these are actually pretty cool prizes.<br />BUT YOU MUST LISTEN LIVE, either </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">on the radio at 1460 AM, kxno,<br />or stream it live at kxno.com.<br /><br />podcasters won't stand a chance. sorry.<br /><br />so go to the <a href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html">website</a> now</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">download the crossword puzzle now and do it, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">and then keep it handy as you listen over the next three weeks.<br />somebodies are gonna win a whole bunch of cool, free stuff, JUST FOR LISTENING and CALLING THE SHOW.<br /><br />SPREAD THE WORD, FOLKS: </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">FREE STUFF FROM </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>THE KIM WEST RADIO CYCLING SHOW</strong><br /><br /><strong><em><a href="http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=1ziU-hj3EGI&feature=related">WOWIE ZOWIE!!</a></em></strong></span></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SKXizmjYvOI/AAAAAAAABp8/sRkzbbLCE0s/s1600-h/radio+logo+02.jpg"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>biking with dbax</h1> <p>2008-08-15T12:38:00.002-05:00</p> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SKW_Po7evoI/AAAAAAAABps/iVDns8Y59Lk/s1600-h/dbax+mobius.jpg"></a><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>it's not bicycling, but . . .</h1> <p>2008-08-15T08:30:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">they ARE on wheels!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>is the olympic cycling team selection process fair?</h1> <p>2008-08-15T07:34:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">chris horner recently suggested that the process by which the u.s. olympic cycling team was selected is not fair, and failed to produce the best possible team. what do you think? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">please leave your thoughts in the comments section, and stayed tuned for an upcoming episode of the kim west radio cycling show devoted to this very topic, which we hope will feature chris horner, members of the selection committee, and others with knowledge of the process.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">thanks!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>lance does leadville</h1> <p>2008-08-15T07:24:00.003-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">hey, brendon, someone asked me, "having viewed the now ubiquitous video of lance and dave wiens doing leadville, if it was obvious that lance--not in tip-top shape, but still able to do what no one had done before, that is, leadville in sub-seven hours--had not doped during his tour wins." </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">any thoughts on that one, my southern man? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">and can i quote you on that?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Kim, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">You can quote me on this: </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">I do not believe that Lance's performance at the Leadville 100 is in any way indicative of evidence for or against any doping committed by Lance Armstrong during his professional racing career. His performance in the most recent Leadville 100 is impressive as this is a very grueling one-day racing event contested by a group of unique cyclists. While many excellent cyclists participated, it is difficult to compare the start list at the Leadville 100 with any of the start lists at the multi-day Tour De France during his tenure at the top of the cycling world. Additionally, it is important to consider there is no formal UCI drug testing protocol (at least I could not find any indication of it) at this event. I would never falsely or otherwise imply a cyclist had doped at this event without a positive A sample followed up by a confirmation of the positive B sample. In the event a positive B sample was indicated then a discussion of the rider and their actions would be appropriate.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;"><em>Brendon S. Hale, Ph.D. </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Assistant Professor </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Department of Kinesiology </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Mississippi State University</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">* * * * *</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">how about you, dear readers and listeners: what do YOU think about lance's performance at leadville? do you think this is vindication for him? do you think this puts to rest any question about whether or not lance juiced his way to seven tour titles? i pose this question as it was put to me by a regular listener of the radio show.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">leave your thoughts here in the comments, and save them for discussion on an upcoming leadville episode. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>NOTE NEW DATE!!coming august 31: meet the man behind yehuda moon and the kickstand cyclery</h1> <p>2008-08-03T13:08:00.004-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.yehudamoon.com/images/strips/2008-08-03.gif"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> i've told you before to read this comic strip, found at </span><a href="http://yehudamoon.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">yehudamoon.com</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">if you read it once, you're likely to become a regular reader.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">i am. i love the comments that are left by its fans. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">they can be as insane as some of the action in the strip itself. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">cartoonist rick smith has created a great core of characters in this four-panel daily, and we'll be talking live, <strong>sunday august 31</strong>, from 600 pm to 700 pm, central daylight time, on the kim west radio cycling show.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">you're NOT going to want to miss THIS show. plan to call in and chat with rick.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>sunday, august 31</strong>, on the kim west radio cycling show.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>coming on the august 10 kim west radio cycling show</h1> <p>2008-08-02T19:55:00.003-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>an hour with five-time olympian </strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">francie larrieu smith</span><br /></strong></div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SJUCivU8C-I/AAAAAAAABo4/0EbLYUU1eQY/s1600-h/Franno_card.jpg"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>madison county set to join bike-hater club</h1> <p>2008-08-01T13:04:00.001-05:00</p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">SHARED ROADWAY SIGNS MAY GO<br /></span></strong><em>County officials cite condition of roadways after flooding, </em></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><em>insurance liability concerns</em></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The shared roadway signs denoting the various bicycle routes around Madison County may have to come down, at least temporarily, according to county officials. Reasons are two-fold. <strong>One is because of the recent flooding. Another is that of the county's insurance liability.</strong> About 70 shared roadway signs were purchased by the Madison County Cycle Club — the group that sponsors the annual BRAMCO (Bike Ride Around Madison County) — and installed by county officials. <span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Four designated routes:</strong></span> There are basically four routes marked around the county. One is in northwest Madison County on the Earlham and Pitzer pavement areas; one is in northeast Madison County on county road G4R — known locally as the Cumming Road — while two are in southern Madison County. One of the southern routes covers the circuit from Winterset to St. Charles via the St. Charles Road and then south to Truro and back to Winterset through East Peru to old U.S. Highway 169 and north. The other shared roadway area is the Winterset to Macksburg area. Flooding damaged roads, shoulders County officials say the early June flooding caused a tremendous amount of damage to not only the roadways, but also the shoulders of the roads. And according to county engineer Todd Hagan, the roads aren't really safe until they can be fixed. He says keeping the signs in place may encourage cyclists to ride "because our roads are in perfect shape, and they're not." "Do we need to take the shared Roadway signs down? I think we do," Hagan told county supervisors last week. While Hagan's recommendation to perhaps temporarily remove — and the definition of the word "temporary" is highly subject to interpretation — the signs is "because of current condition of the roads" <strong>there's also the nagging issue of liability. </strong>When the signs were put up <strong>at the behest of the cycle club</strong>, some officials were adamant that perhaps the signs shouldn't be erected, because it would expose the county to certain liability issues if a cyclist is injured, or worse, traveling the county roads. "They probably need to come down," supervisor Steve Raymond reluctantly said. "I want to encourage them to ride," supervisor Bob Weeks said. "So do I," echoed supervisor Joan Acela.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">[<em>yeah, and i want money to come out of my ass.</em> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">i'm telling ya, this stupid nonsense is worse than the creeping charlie in my front yard, and it's not going away on its own, either.--the mostly reverend]</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>bike friendly, redefined</h1> <p>2008-07-29T14:59:00.001-05:00</p> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oUkiyBVytRQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>how we did the live from harlan episode</h1> <p>2008-07-29T07:38:00.003-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SI8PgH8aBvI/AAAAAAAABoQ/IRyCs3wUtwo/s1600-h/harlan+02.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> pretty high tech, eh?</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>dallas county supervisor mark hanson joins the whiner's club</h1> <p>2008-07-28T17:58:00.004-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">bikeiowa.com has posted a </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/hotnews/newsdisplay.asp?NewsID=3250">story</a></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> about dallas county supervisor mark hanson, in which he whines about being perceived as "anti biker." </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><em>take a moment to read it... </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><em>okay, good, thanks.</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>wah! wah! wah! </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">my guess he would describe himself as an "avid cyclist," which further proves my point. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>1--NO REAL CYCLIST WOULD HAVE HIS NAME ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH AN ASSININE PROPOSAL. IF HE TRULY IS OPPOSEs IT, HE shOULD HAVE CLEARLY STATED HIS POSITION AT THE MEETING WITH CYCLISTS.</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>2--THE TOPIC IS <span style="font-size:100%;">ROADS</span>, NOT TRAILS, DUMBASS.</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">jesus, people like him really piss me off.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>QUICK! before they come to their senses!</h1> <p>2008-07-16T00:00:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">i swear to god, i've got an official ragby blog--at the register!!</span><br /></strong><a href="http://www.poynterextra.org/extra/gallery/images/DesMoinesRegisterX.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> and here's the link to the first post. read it now, before it's too <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=PluckPersona&U=a76857701e1043609d3a5539ba628e55&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckUserId=a76857701e1043609d3a5539ba628e55&plckPostId=Blog%3aa76857701e1043609d3a5539ba628e55Post%3a2f01d874-bd3b-4dc6-8070-7471c0ee4376&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest">late</a>.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>i've been talking about it since day 1</h1> <p>2008-07-15T22:55:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>it's your des moines bike kollective at work</strong></span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://cmsimg.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Avis=D2&Dato=20080715&Kategori=COMM&Lopenr=807150809&Ref=PH&Item=8&Maxw=450&Maxh=400"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> doing bike repair and maintenance at the homes of oakridge on a sunday afternoon. see and read all about it <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=COMM06">here.</a></span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>anatomy of a team victory</h1> <p>2008-07-14T17:40:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><em>a report from the clear lake road race, by all9yards.com team members chad vandelune and lane anderson:<br /></em></span><br /></div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SHvU1xgQmNI/AAAAAAAABnU/UqpPwpx_wu4/s1600-h/qcc07+30+01.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>CHAD VAN DELUNE writes:</strong></span> I don't usually do this, and my writing sucks, but I am so proud of how the cat 1,2 team raced sunday at clear lake that I want to share the race from where I was. five all9 riders (lane, d-lip, jared, kurt, chad), 75 miles, no hills, serious west winds, 1 big loop. Right at the start, Josh madson attacked, and Lane and Lou went with him. We had already decided that if we got into a break with Lou we would not work. It didn't make sense to help drag him to the line when he had no team. So Lane was doing just the right amount of work to keep the break going. Best quote of the weekend, Shrek says "Lane doesn't even work on RAGBRAI". Back in the pack, green was trying to keep the pace steady and protect Jared. Bikes to You seemed to be protecting Sean Walker, but Lee kept attacking. Kurt did a great job covering Lee, and finally about 20 miles into the race, they got a gap. The pack let them get about a 1:30 up the road, and then we decided to keep them there. Bart came back on the motor bike and said 4:45 to the leaders, and 1:00 to the chasers.<br />This news must have made Lee decide to wait for us, because he and Kurt came back soon after. At this point Jared-- our protected rider--was getting a little nervous. I could tell he was strong and could win the race if we timed it right. This is about when Clark decided he needed to get a chase going to have a chance to win. He finally got away, but by himself. It took the pack a few miles to decide who was going to chase, so he got a good gap.<br />Finally, Bikes to You decided they would help bring him back, so Dave, Kurt, and I worked with Walker and Tater. We caught him with about 30 miles to go. At this point we didn't know what the time gap was, but still couldn't see them. I talked to Walker, and told him we were pretty happy with our odds in the break, and we were done working. Dave, Kurt, and I had done the Lion's share of work, and i, for one, was starting to cramp.<br />Then Walker goes to the front and drives it for a good seven miles or so. We thought they were working for him, but it turned out they were trying to get Lee the win.<br />With about 15 miles to go, Lee attacked hard, right before the cross wind section, and Jared and I both jumped. This was our chance to get Jared across to Lane. Jared was very fresh, and took long pulls--but not too hard. I went to the front and pulled as hard as I could, and then let up to get Lee to pull.<br />Lee's pulls were very slow and short. I could tell that Jared could ride away from him at any time, but we didn't want to do it to soon.<br />Then we started seeing some riders up the road. We couldn't tell if it was the break, or some other category. The motor bike finally showed up and gave us splits: "1:15 to the break and 1:45 to the pack." At this point, i knew we could get Jared to the break to help Lane. Jared and I kept getting closer, and when we got within maybe 30 seconds, I told Jared to jump.<br />I knew he could ride across, but you never know about Lee. He is really good at playing dead.<br />Jared shot across to the break, and Lee couldn't make it. [This is where I checked out so you will have to get the rest of the story from Lane or Jared.]<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>LANE ANDERSON continues:</strong></span> When Jared got to us, I made sure he felt good, and then I attacked our group with about 1 mile before the tailwind finish section. This was my plan for 65 miles, even without teammates, because I had done so little work, but having Jared there guaranteed the win.<br />I got a good gap, and Bart let me know Jared had dropped Lou and was coming up alone. Jared got to me with about 1.5 miles to go and it was celebration time. Thanks, guys. That race was an excellent illustration why cycling is such a great team sport. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>dove nel mondo sei? [where in the world are you?]</h1> <p>2008-07-14T06:29:00.004-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">to my visitor from verona, italy: benvenuto! Spero che vi soggiornò per ascoltare la mia radio show. vorrei sapere cosa pensi. e torna a presto<span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">clicca qui per il podcast pagina: <a href="http://kxno.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=kimwest.xml">http://kxno.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=kimwest.xml</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">grazie di nuovo. arrivederci.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">--kim</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>golden throat at work, the clear lake twilight criteriums</h1> <p>2008-07-14T00:55:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SHrqn70XyqI/AAAAAAAABnM/cuLMGmGZAxk/s1600-h/IMG_1197.JPG"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> or as governor hedley lamarr said, "work, work, work, work."<br /></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>episode 6: from my telephone archives</h1> <p>2008-07-12T09:14:00.003-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SHi8aPVN4UI/AAAAAAAABms/MZI6spST1wg/s1600-h/05-22-08_2144.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> jeffrey bock [l] and bill rumme [r] in the studio<br /></span><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SHi8ahcFUwI/AAAAAAAABm0/rB3i3y6NpCQ/s1600-h/05-22-08_2146.jpg"></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">recording episode 6, which can be heard anytime right </span><a href="http://kxno.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=kimwest.xml"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>if you don't listen to my radio show...</h1> <p>2008-07-10T06:31:00.000-05:00</p> <a href="http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/25/nationallampoondog.jpg"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>kickstand cyclery</h1> <p>2008-07-09T07:47:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.yehudamoon.com/images/strips/2008-07-09.gif"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">enjoy the entire strip, from its <a href="http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-01-22">beginning</a></span><a href="http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-01-22"> </a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>i just hang MY bikes from hooks in the rafters</h1> <p>2008-07-06T06:12:00.000-05:00</p> <a href="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20080703/capt.cps.mwy07.030708175912.photo00.photo.default-512x369.jpg"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>how i'm spending my weekend</h1> <p>2008-07-05T07:14:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd110/iowajambandsociety/8035_banner_Myspace.gif"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong> be there! you'll hear and see about it <a href="http://kxno.com/pages/kimwest.html">here</a> and <a href="http://thekimwestradiocyclingshowblog.blogspot.com/">here</a> and <a href="http://theorphanageandyou.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>learn about it <a href="http://www.80-35.com/">here</a>.<br /></strong></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>bike safety quiz</h1> <p>2008-07-04T08:41:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>how many did YOU get wrong?<br /></strong></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>[answers are given at the bottom of this post. for the love of god, DON'T CHEAT!]<br /></em></span>Each year approximately 800 bicyclists are killed, and 600,000 are injured in motor vehicle-related crashes. A bicycle is not a toy: it’s a vehicle. Use the following quiz to test your knowledge of bicycle safety. Click on the following each question to see the answer.<br />Q1. Are there any times when you don't need to wear a bike helmet?</span><a onclick="alert('No, you should wear a helmet every time you get on a bike.')" href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/healthsafety_bikequiz.shtml#"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q2. Name at least three safe bike riding practices.</span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q3. Riding your bike in the dark is dangerous, but if you have to ride at night, what can you do to make yourself more visible to drivers? Name at least three safe bike riding practices.</span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q4. What kind of things should you check before beginning to ride? </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q5. Where do most bicycle crashes occur? </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q6. When riding your bike, it is important to stay alert at all times. Name three road hazards you should watch out for.</span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q7. Is it OK to ride a bicycle while listening to audio headphones? </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q8. What is the most serious type of injury for cyclists? </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q9. Always be a courteous cyclist. Remember, _________ have the right of way. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q10. Be safe, Be _________ ! </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q11. Always go with the flow of traffic, and stay to the ____________ .</span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q12. Before entering a roadway, you should look ______ for traffic. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q13. Always check _________ you before changing lanes. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q14. Your bicycle helmet should fit __________ and cover your ___________. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />Q15. When making a turn, ___________ your moves to others. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><em><strong>extra credit: </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><em><strong>how many ANSWERS did the test constructors* get WRONG?</strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">.....</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><a onclick="alert('Signal.')" href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/healthsafety_bikequiz.shtml#"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>*test stolen from the FDNY</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Answers to the above questions</span><br /></strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q1. No, you should wear a helmet every time you get on a bike. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q2. 1. Ride single file. 2. Obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. 3. Signal your moves to others. 4. Check for traffic at an intersection; 5. Stay alert at all times. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q3. Wear clothing that reflects the light; make sure your bike has a front headlight that is bright and white; and equip your bike with reflectors on the front and rear, and on the pedals and wheels. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q4. 1. Inflate your tires properly and check your brakes before riding. 2. Always wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors when riding during the day. 3. carry your books and other presentations in a bicycle carrier or backpack.<br /></span><a name="Q5"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q5. At intersections.<br /></span><a name="Q6"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q6. Potholes, wet leaves, storm grates, cracks, gravel, etc.<br /></span><a name="Q7"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q7. NO<br /></span><a name="Q8"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q8. Head injuries.<br /></span><a name="Q9"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q9. Pedestrians.<br /></span><a name="Q10"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q10. Seen.<br /></span><a name="Q11"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q11. Right.<br /></span><a name="Q12"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q12. Left-Rignt-Left.<br /></span><a name="Q13"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q13. Behind.<br /></span><a name="Q14"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q14. Snugly/Forehead<br /></span><a name="Q15"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Q15. Signal.<br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>dallas county board of supervisors meeting</h1> <p>2008-06-26T07:51:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">watch as they discuss a proposal of the iowa state association of counties to require any group ride of as few as ten cyclists to register, get a permit, carry signed waivers of liability, AND show proof of a MINIMUM of $1,000,000 liability insurance for the ride. you'll learn that the dallas county engineer is PRESIDENT of the group that developed this model ordinance, and be further dazzled by the fact that the dallas county attorney is the current president of the state county attorney association. [anyone ever read "the </span><a href="http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?PeterPrinciple"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">peter principle</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">"?]</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">there will be eleven of this clips. at present, i have eight completed and posted; the other three will be linked here as the slow process continues.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">enjoy, and then write to the board of supervisors and give them your opinion.</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=WIGcFgUWJMY"><span style="font-family:verdana;">$1,000,000+ threat? pt1</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=1BDCoZbSGUs"><span style="font-family:verdana;">$1,000,000+ threat? pt2</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=pS_Eu6jXFWI"><span style="font-family:verdana;">$1,000,000+ threat? pt3</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=w2DY8XeRzlI"><span style="font-family:verdana;">$1,000,000+ threat? pt4</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=ySqVxHSYGpo"><span style="font-family:verdana;">$1,000,000+ threat? pt5</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=LabISNY-up8"><span style="font-family:verdana;">$1,000,000+ threat? pt6</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=3-jE92pAarE"><span style="font-family:verdana;">$1,000,000+ threat? pt7</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=KCikJ3a8pVM"><span style="font-family:verdana;">$1,000,000+ threat? pt8</span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=iABM7qkXjLk">$1,000,000+ threat? pt9</a> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=U5ngNrIXbLg">$1,000,000+ threat? pt10</a> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=suvBReO0FPs">$1,000,000+ threat? pt11</a> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.....</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">please watch these, leave comments either here or on the youtube pages, and them contact the dallas county board of supervisors to give your opinion on this proposal. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>remember, as a matter of fact, </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>you DO own the road.</strong></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>how to contact the dallas county board of supervisors</h1> <p>2008-06-25T17:12:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">you may express your opinion on the board's decision to consider <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/NEWS/80624010/1001/">this</a> idiotic proposal to these fine young men [<a href="http://www.co.dallas.ia.us/bdsup/golightly_bio.asp">brad golightly</a>, <a href="http://www.co.dallas.ia.us/bdsup/hanson_bio.asp">mark hanson</a>, <a href="http://www.co.dallas.ia.us/bdsup/ockerman_bio.asp">bob ockerman</a>] at this </span><a href="http://www.co.dallas.ia.us/bdsup/bdsup.asp"><span style="font-family:verdana;">address</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>tuesday's mass ride to dallas county board of supervisors meeting</h1> <p>2008-06-20T16:17:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>a reminder: </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>we will be LEAVING from the west side of </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>the iowa state capitol building </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>tuesday, june 24, at 800 AM SHARP!!!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>There will be media coverage at <a href="http://thekimwestradiocyclingshowblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/join-us-to-protest-stupid-rules.html">the ride</a>. </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>If we want to make a true statement, </strong></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>we need to be there in numbers. </strong></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Please email me if you are planning on riding; </strong></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>I have some logistical stuff to do depending on the numbers. </strong></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Lets not let Dallas County start </strong></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>what we can't afford for the rest of the counties to finish!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>Thanks!! </em></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Jeff Mertz 515-710-3163</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">jeff.mertz@studio37designs.com</span></strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>flash!!!! hy-vee triathlon update!!!</h1> <p>2008-06-20T16:08:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.comics.com/comics/frazz/archive/images/frazz2008024452620.gif"></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;"><em><strong>for immediate release:</strong></em> </span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>DEVIL ANNOUNCES ROUTE CHANGE</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">. . . . . </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">hey, i'm having fun messing with all the do-gooders, ya know? </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">so what's the deal NOW?</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">let me tell you: </span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ff0000;"><strong>heckler's row will be located on </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">south jordan creek parkway</span><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">south of stagecoach drive,</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">so that we can watch you going out, </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">and cause you torment coming back up the 2.0 kilometer-long hill. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">i really wasn't going to park it so early in the bike leg; nooooooo. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">i'm doing my best to give you a strong northerly headwind, too.</span></strong></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>fill the hill IS BACK!!</h1> <p>2008-06-19T08:12:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SFpaokciK4I/AAAAAAAABfg/Athe8O47jzk/s1600-h/devil+on+the+hill+01D.jpg"></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">this just in: in yet ANOTHER route change, this one for the better, we DO have a devil-worthy heckler's hill for this sunday's hy-vee triathlon. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">.....<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">while it's NOT the strategically-placed grand avenue leg-buster from last year, it is much better than the dualthlon route which had caused me to threaten to recommend hammocks along the route. while they won't admit it, i suspect that promise was enough for race officials to fudge the bacteria test results down into acceptable levels.<br />in any event, a map of the revised-revised bike route is included:<br /></span></span><a title="http://www.hy-veetriathlon.com/filemgmt_data/files/bike_course.pdf" href="http://www.hy-veetriathlon.com/filemgmt_data/files/bike_course.pdf"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">http://www.hy-veetriathlon.com/filemgmt_data/files/bike_course.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />i suggest that plenty of cold beverages should be included in your heckler's pack. we will be on fuller road, just west of its intersection with 35th street.<br />i suggest you bone up on water-borne bacteria, as i'm certain that the bikers will be covered with it. a little mass-contagion hysteria never hurt anyone. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">.....<br /></span><strong>be there early this sunday--</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>the first wave of amateurs hits the petri dishes at 600 am.</strong></span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>join us to protest stupid rules</h1> <p>2008-06-18T12:57:00.002-05:00</p> <a href="http://www.houseof3d.com/bike/massride/critical_mass_toronto_may2003_100.jpg"></a><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;">we will be meeting at the west side of <strong>the iowa state capitol building tuesday morning, june 24, between 730 and 800 am</strong>, for an 800 am departure for the ride to adel. to underscore that roads ARE designed and built to be safe for bicycle traffic, we will ride en masse via hickman road and us highway 6 through west des moines, waukee and on into adel:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">route details: distance--24 miles. 16mph average = 1.5 hours </span></strong></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>--leave the capitol, and head down grand past the governor's mansion up to 42nd; </strong></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>--north on 42d to University, jog east to 41st, then north on 41st to Hickman; </strong></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>--west on hickman/highway 6 to adel.</strong></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />if we fail to act, this could be one of the last rides we can lawfully do like this. don't get me started on what i think about THAT. [million dollar liability coverage...]</span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">WHO: Dallas County Board of Supervisors<br />WHAT: Proposed Bicycle Event Ordinance<br />WHY: To show support for bicyclists and learn more about this ordinance<br />WHEN: June 24th at 9:30 am<br />WHERE: Adel City Hall, 301 S. 10th Street Adel, IA 50003 (</span></span></div><a title="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Adel+City+Hall,+301+S.+10th+Street+Adel,+IA+50003&sll=41.700187,-93.647251&sspn=0.006761,0.020428&ie=UTF8&ll=41.61618,-94.01958&spn=0.00677,0.020428&z=16&iwloc=addr" target="new" hl="en&geocode=" q="Adel+City+Hall,+301+S.+10th+Street+Adel,+IA+50003&sll=" sspn="0.006761,0.020428&ie=" ll="41.61618,-94.01958&spn=" z="16&iwloc="><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">map</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">)<br />HOW: Just be there. Drive or ride your bike if you have the time</span> <div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />clear your schedules, and plan to ride with us. you can join us anywhere along the route: hickman and highway 6. cue the "convoy" song... [wince]</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>iowa: home of bike friendly communities?</h1> <p>2008-06-17T12:46:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">does anyone REALLY wonder why des moines was denied "bike friendly community" status? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>two words: DALLAS COUNTY</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.....</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><a href="http://www.iowacounties.org/News/Upcoming%20Events/ISACMeetings.htm">this slime</a> is spreading faster than herpes at an orgy.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">coralville? johnston? you're next.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.....</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">can't they spray to prevent this crap?</span></strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>ghost bike tributes</h1> <p>2008-06-17T12:35:00.001-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://ridewithgarrett.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/img_0797.jpg?w=450&h=337"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> click <a href="http://ridewithgarrett.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/ghost-bike-on-32nd/">here</a> to read a beautifully written tribute to a fallen cyclist in denver, penned by my old pal and misplaced riding buddy, garrett.</span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>SHE'S NUMBER 1!</h1> <p>2008-06-13T17:59:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SFL4y0q0zII/AAAAAAAABd4/aZz_EcWfmnE/s1600-h/syd+01.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> <em>via text from syd brown:</em> "I'm the no 1 cat 2. There was a mistake. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">They are looking for a leader's jersey for me." 526 pm 6/13/08</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">WAY TO GO, SYD!!</div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>drive thru funnies</h1> <p>2008-06-11T07:41:00.006-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://images.inc.com/magazine/20080101/behindscenes-wendys.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> look at all the happy drive-thru customers.<br /></span><a href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00sedd77A88w4/610x.jpg"></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">we use pedestrians to keep our drive-thru clean.<br /></div><p align="center"></span><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SFRE8r8z7II/AAAAAAAABeA/XnvHVj63xWE/s1600-h/mooseknuckle.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> why, even a MOOSE can walk right up and order.<br /></span><a href="http://blogs.menupages.com/philadelphia/20071210wendys.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> cars and drive-thrus are not inherently dangerous. bikes and pedestrians ARE.<br /></span><a href="http://www.royalfaires.com/arizona/images2/Wendys08.JPG"></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>fill the hill, 2.0</h1> <p>2008-06-09T23:34:00.000-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>12 days, and counting...<br /></strong></span></div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SE4BcueRROI/AAAAAAAABdg/iyg6szPkj80/s1600-h/07devil-umbrella.jpg"> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em>the prudent devilette will bring a parasol</em></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>we liberals are known for our quick fixes</h1> <p>2008-06-09T10:28:00.003-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SE1NwWwL7JI/AAAAAAAABco/yv5XfUwj4cw/s1600-h/kwrcs+day+1.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">a link back to the radio show? duh; good idea. i'll get to the permanent links after i spend some quality time with my muddy basement. but for now, click here to get to the </span><a href="http://kxno.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=kimwest.xml"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">podcast archives</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">, but to set up a link to listen live, sundays from 600 pm until 700 pm, i will have to have someone set it up during the show. i'm not quite up to that task.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>from our listeners: trail riding</h1> <p>2008-06-04T10:32:00.005-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SE1OQ5I_ggI/AAAAAAAABcw/fJsTaY_qg8A/s1600-h/6-9-08ComuttewithTeri&Izzy004.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">6.9--a bikin' squirrel says <em>what?</em></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SEa10e6PW7I/AAAAAAAABbA/vWh5Y-OIX8c/s1600-h/6-4-08ComuttewithTeri004.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> <strong>everyone knows--or <em>should</em> know--the pottorff family.</strong> </span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">quick math reveals them to be a six-wheeled commuting family. this shot, taken today, june 4, shows the family on one of MY personal favorite bike paths, 86th street in the northwest metro area. i prefer <em>this</em> bike path to the new trestle to trestle, for example, because when work is being done on THIS multi-use bike path, the city doesn't just close it down, they only close that portion that is being repaired, while creating and posting detour signs. i can't understand WHY the city doesn't do this on ALL the trails.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">and for THAT matter, i don't know why they don't do REPAIRS on all the other many bike trails. i don't seem to recall trees blocking 86th street for days and weeks on end, nor do i recall muddy water pooling across it every time it rains. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">notice how happy users of this multi-use trail are, and how well they are interacting with our heroes, teri, izzy, and picture-snappin' daddy squirrel.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>MPG report: none required.</strong></span></div><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>from listener matt martin, of muscatine:</strong> <span style="font-size:85%;">matt was profiled by the muscatine journal during bike to work week. anyone who has done the melon city crit over the years has warmed up or cooled down on the streets of muscatine, and knows what a lovely town it is. these are the streets over which matt commutes as many of 40 weeks a year. he's from washington, d.c., and he has some quite valid and interesting observations about the local bike scene. he's pictured on his fair-weather fixie; his foul-weather fixie has fenders, and is no doubt getting a lot of miles here lately. read </span><a href="http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2008/05/14/news/doc482b01cb247a2613397094.txt"><span style="font-size:85%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> for the full newspaper story. thanks for writing, matt! say hello next year at the melon city crit. i'll be sitting at the hairpin with friends and a cooler full of beer. </span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SEisqokDjxI/AAAAAAAABbo/6BKyTUe8kUU/s1600-h/SpainWorldChampionships001.jpg"> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong> a reader/listener known only as "the one" sends in this photo,</strong> <span style="font-size:85%;">and claims it is somehow related to his employment, but it raises many more questions than it answers. i don't know where to begin, so i'll end with this: thanks for your submission, one. you must have a fairly interesting job.</span></span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>i could make this stuff up, but i have perfect strangers doing it for me!</h1> <p>2008-05-28T10:15:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SD13TctIeEI/AAAAAAAABZo/2RF1JdxnMso/s1600-h/KIM-WEST-RADIO-PROOF+fr.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">i was just going through the in-box at the orphanage, and these things rose to the top of the pile. unsolicited does NOT equal unwelcome. in fact, i LOVE hearing feedback, good and not-so-good. we read it all:<br />"mr kim-just a quick kudos on how cool your radio show continues to get. week after week, it's another fun thing for us bike folks to listen to. and bill and jeff, what great guys to hear talk about their paths to cycling geekdom. keep up the good work!!i WILL call in sometime.....but when i tried last night, i couldn't get through.......maybe it's the podcast.....?"<br /><em>dear listener: you need a special phone to get through to me during the podcast. it's very expensive, but i know someone who can get you a deal!<br /></em>"oh, i know, that podcast is MOST confusing. i thought that was your </span><a href="http://houndtalk.invisionzone.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=3655"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">home #</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> and you were always there. suddenly i feel as if i've been slighted. and yes, i WILL listen live on sunday and hope several folks call in with good questions. looking forward to it."<br /><em>dear listener: see how easy it is to communicate in cyberville via voice over podcasting phones?<br />and this from a young female listener in the land of maize and gold, or yella, or something:<br /></em>"I too am a listener and I listen live when I can. Just go to the radio station's website when Kim's show is on in your area--it's on at 7 in Michigan on Sunday. Then just hit streamlining and viola you'll have Kim West live, which I admit freaked me out a little b/c I've never actually met Kim so I had this preconceived, imagined voice which was the exact opposite of what I heard on the radio. Kim, you sound like a refined NPR spokesperson and whenever I hear your voice your mustache is immediately gone and your hair is cut neat and I couldn't possible imagine you wearing a devil costume and chasing girls. I suppose living in Iowa will do that to a person, I mean look at Brokaw...Hope that helps! --huge fan in michigan<br /><em>yes, i am a graduate of the "carl cassell school of how to sound like </em></span><a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2005/11/carl-kasells-spit.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><em>carl cassell</em></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><em> on the radio" and the mustache and devil costume? i fear you have me confused with someone else.</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><em>.....<br /></em>but DO keep those cards and letters coming! the orphans and i read them all, and in the winter,they burn well in the fireplace. we have a fireplace on the intertubes, and each email we forward to it make the fire burn brighter. i love the intertubes.<br /><em>and this just in:<br /></em>"Another SUPER GREAT SHOW"<br /><em>how cool is THAT to hear in your in-box. thanks, folks.<br />sincerely and seriously.</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>most aggressive rider awards - quad cities crit [video links at end]</h1> <p>2008-05-27T14:34:00.005-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">it was my distinct pleasure to award the highly-coveted kim west radio cycling show most aggressive rider award to several racers at the 2008 quad cities criterium monday, may 26. this prize--an award that money has not yet been able to buy--is the very rare and extremely kool kim west radio cycling show t-shirt, and is given to the rider who doesn't necessarily win the race, but who, through repeated aggressive racing, makes the race what it ultimately becomes. he or she might be the one who initiates the winning break, or who chases down an escapee for a teammate who eventually wins, or who exemplifies hard, gritty racing in the spirit of the person after whom the award is named: </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>ME, kim west, host of the kim west radio cycling show.<br /></strong>and yet i'm not the one who makes the decision; i turn that over to race officials or to the announceer. in this instance, former us postal team member and former winner of the old capitol criterium kenny labbe, whose insight to aggressive riding is no surprise to me, and it was no surprise to me that when i asked him who he thought should win at the conclusion of each race, we agreed 100% of the time. good hard racing DOES have its reward: several of the winners also won their race, but not all of them.<br />let this be a lesson to you slackers out there: hard work IS recognized and appreciated by others. and now, it is sometimes rewarded with a very kool t-shirt. someday we might have money and a podium girl. <em>but it's a start.</em></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">the <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>most aggressive rider award</strong></span> went to:</span> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">weston luzadder, iscorp/nova</span></strong>, carmel, ind, juniors 15-18;</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>sydney brown, team revolution</strong></span>, lincoln, neb, women's 2/3;</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>greg aronsen, team dice</strong></span>, bettendorf, ia, 30/40+ cat4/5;</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>chris wallace, mesa cycles</strong></span>, shawnee, kans, cat 3;</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>chris rat hayes, haymarket cycles</strong></span>, warrenton, va, 30/40+ cat 1,2,3;</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>sherri stedje, hub racing</strong></span>, lutz, fla, women 1,2,3; and </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>bryce mead, jelly belly pro team</strong></span>, sterling, ill.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">congratulations to all of you aggressive rider award winners. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">wear that t-shirt proudly. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">and if anybody gives you grief about riding too hard, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">kick 'em in the butt, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><em><strong>and tell 'em kim west sent ya.</strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">.....</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">several short videos from monday's criterium action can be found here:</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">1--juniors 15-18, 2 laps to go </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=q5RSzEL24f4"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=q5RSzEL24f4</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2--juniors 15-18 bell lap and finish </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=iJxENpshrQw"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=iJxENpshrQw</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />3--juniors 15-18 podium and aggressive rider </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=zRRvR6S2_Ug"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=zRRvR6S2_Ug</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />4--women's cat 2/3 finish </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=QYSEkAyoTqs"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=QYSEkAyoTqs</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">5--women's cat 2/3 podium and aggressive rider </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=p6b1JPR3ymw"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=p6b1JPR3ymw</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">6--30/40+ cat 4/5 podium and aggressive rider </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=I2LFWbaIKbM"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=I2LFWbaIKbM</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">7--chatting with racers from indiana </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=HeiPW2tn8j0"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=HeiPW2tn8j0</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">8--a view of spectators [a9y] </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=pkbeE9OrJjk"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=pkbeE9OrJjk</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">9--cat 3 podium and aggressive rider </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=gfbj94CqEdg"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=gfbj94CqEdg</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">10--more cat 3 podium and aggressive rider </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=9UZYbwLu9vE"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=9UZYbwLu9vE</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">11--podium & aggressive rider, 30/40+ cat 1/2/3 </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=WYQlBX5cjEw"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=WYQlBX5cjEw</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">12--b/n conrers 7 & 8, women's race </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=CiNP2vnmQno"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=CiNP2vnmQno</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">13--b/n corners 7 & 8, women's race </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=HAdkaqsFN5w"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=HAdkaqsFN5w</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">14--b/n conrers 7 & 8, women's race </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=DU2hIyIopb8"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=DU2hIyIopb8</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">15--mid-race interview about team revolution's chances </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=AQv8BFGpWsY"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=AQv8BFGpWsY</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">16--break laps field in women's race </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=fPE_zcrd7FE"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=fPE_zcrd7FE</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">17--finish to women's 1/2/3 race </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=57M-yyzUe-o"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=57M-yyzUe-o</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">18--bryce mead chats with bart </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=o8XxYChE7OQ"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=o8XxYChE7OQ</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">19--interview with women's winner immediately following her race </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=0smT_THQi2I"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=0smT_THQi2I</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">20--women's podium </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bv1WFdZvJrw"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bv1WFdZvJrw</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">21--bell lap and finish pro 1/2 </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=9L0F-QRIrN4"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=9L0F-QRIrN4</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">22--men's pro 1/2 podium </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=wMT7gojJqpw"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=wMT7gojJqpw</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">23--chad vande lune receives his award </span><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=GcbiLl3_MpU"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=GcbiLl3_MpU</span></a></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;"></span></strong> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>i've always said bike trails are dangerous</h1> <p>2008-05-23T08:51:00.002-05:00</p> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">i received this email at <a href="mailto:kimwest@kxno.com">kimwest@kxno.com</a>, my radio show email address, and it deserves to be shared, especially in light of our recent discussions of safety, and for me personally, since a good friend of mine was the victim of a string-triggered pipe bomb on the inter-urban trail a few years ago. PLEASE exercise caution while riding on bike trails. just like wearing a helmet, the thought that one is safer while riding on a bike trail than on a city street or county road is no excuse for being constantly vigilant to your surroundings: potential danger lurks in the beauty around you.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">and craig, thanks for sharing this with us.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I found out about your show through the RAGBRAI web site. I listen to your podcast, so I can listen to it over and over again. I love it. I heard this story on the Sioux City Public Radio Station KWIT this morning. I thought I would share it with you since you have been talking a lot about bicycle safety.<br /><br />Craig Miller<br />Remsen, IA</span><br /></em> <br />OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An Omaha woman is warning bikers in the area to use caution after a trail prank turned dangerous for her husband. Pam Fusselman says her husband was riding his bike on the West Papio trail last week when he hit with a band of clear tape that stretched from one side of the bike trail to the other between trees. The impact sent Pam's husband flying, leaving him with a concussion, broken collarbone, broken ribs and a punctured lung.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>episode 5: johnny singletrack</h1> <p>2008-05-22T15:08:00.002-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">after the show, in which andrea chase, ryan hanser and i spent a very fast-moving hour talking about the ins and outs of establishing, building, maintaining and preserving these trails, and the fights among interest groups who covet limited natural resources and even more limited government cash, i came across this video from local weatherman [a different connotation than when i was a weatherman back in the late 60s and early 70s] jason parkins, of kcci-tv8 in des moines. jason is a real friend of cycling, and has produced a wonderful clip for the des moines bike kollective, too.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">but here's his piece about banner trails at somerset state park.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">enjoy...</span></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>the power of my microphone?</h1> <p>2008-05-13T20:34:00.005-05:00</p> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">in episodes 3 and 4, i read statements from the candidates for congress in the district which includes the des moines metro area: ed fallon, the challenger, and leonard boswell, the incumbent. lest anyone think that no one listens to <strong>the kim west radio cycling show</strong>, and that what we say doesn't matter, check out <strong>this</strong> email sent out by the fallon campaign today--and <em>then</em> tell ME that bicyclists--and their votes--don't matter!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><a name="content140"></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Ed's Personal Commitment<br /></strong>Ed has been riding his bike as a consistent form of transportation for years. It's his way of demonstrating his personal commitment and responsibility for reducing his carbon footprint. Here's Ed arriving by bike at his campaign office in the February snow. </span></span><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SCpDyJDicrI/AAAAAAAABWE/6rCa83bXL5Y/s1600-h/fallon+bike.jpg"></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Today, Congressman Boswell participated in a Bike-to-Work-Week event and included this photo in an email to constituents.<br /></span></div><p align="center"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SCpDyZDicsI/AAAAAAAABWM/w3GevHcey6Y/s1600-h/boswell+biking.jpg"></a><strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Personal commitment or photo op?</span></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>You decide!</em> </span></span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">.....</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">i had the opportunity to speak with congressman boswell during his ride monday, and complained to him about the sad state of the road surface on the neal smith trail. i also asked him about the possibility of having input regarding the formulation of nationwide standards for rumblestrips, for starters. ahhh...the power of the media to shape the discourse of the campaign.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>unacceptable</h1> <p>2008-04-25T09:47:00.005-05:00</p> <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SBHvGE1Ih0I/AAAAAAAABPo/KXGXq9JtUA4/s1600-h/04-25-08_0826.jpg"></a><br /><div></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>i'm an advocate</strong> <span style="font-size:85%;">i make no bones about it, and i'm proud of it, in fact. i think it's fair to say i've helped a lot of people over the years, and in doing so, i've ruffled some feathers, too. that's a drag, i suppose, but some brain cells are going to get hurt in any learning process. i don't set out trying to hurt or offend; my goals are generally noble and altruistic; i think rumsfeld calls it collateral damage. but there are a number of things that happen--that are done--in the name of "improving" things for bicyclists that are just STUPID. they are done by people who DON'T ride bikes. i swear to dog that they [the powers that be] don't even KNOW a serious bicyclist--just "avid" bicyclists. those "avid" bicyclists will be the death of us all. want proof? check out this photo, taken this morning as i rode up northwest beaver approaching the i-80 overpass. the photo shows the latest stupid improvement by the city of des moines [fill in the blank of responsible department] to the city's much-praised bike trail network.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">LOOK AT THAT, WOULD YOU? THAT'S MUDDY WATERS, and we're all singing the blues. there was so much water that i could get no closer than that. and the idiots have made it impossible to escape, as it is totally fenced off as one approaches from the west side.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">STUPID STUPID STUPID. i cannot believe that this kind of crap--this shoddy, unsafe, dangerous engineering--CONTINUES to be the standard for trail building. wha? no kidding: ride the trail any time south of ashworth pool, and you'll find the same "design" which encourages overflow and pooling with NO drainage options. ride the trail north to saylorville: if the regular root bumps don't kill you, the over-the-trail-drainage most certainly will.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">MAYOR COWNIE: i went on your ride for trails. have you ever ridden these trails? they SUCK!!!</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><em>thought you might like to know...</em></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></span></strong></p><p><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">do YOU have any trail trouble spots? tell about them in the comments, and i'll start a "trail of shame" list. let's see if we can do anything to help.</span></em></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>KENNY LEFLER tour de georgia trip reports</h1> <p>2008-04-21T22:17:00.006-05:00</p> <div align="center"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SBB0Uk1IhzI/AAAAAAAABPg/aatdbENfi0Y/s1600-h/Ken&Lu2.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;"> our intrepid southern sojourners, kenny and lu<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SA1ZHE1IhtI/AAAAAAAABOw/h8NlJwFYJvs/s1600-h/benkriegleffler.1.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;"> [if you know iowa racing, you'll spend some time with this photo from the author of these reports, iowa citian ken lefler]</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Fri, 4/18/2008 11:43pm <strong>TDG trip report 1</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Wow that sucked. Lu and I are safely in our crappy hotel room outside Indianapolis. We rode 375 miles all but about 40 miles in pouring rain. At one stop I didn't think Lu was going to quit shaking. The rain was not the hard part either. The wind was almost the worst I have ridden through. This wind comes in a close second to North Dakota when the wind broke my windshield. Tomorrow is another day and maybe it won't be cold, wet, and windy. I will check in tomorrow if the hotel has internet. We hope to be in North Georgia tomorrow night.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Sun, 4/20/2008 2:57pm<strong> TDG trip report 2<br /></strong>Oh yes what a difference a day can make. We woke to more rain we packed up and rode over to local Bob Evans for breakfast. From our window seat we could watch the rain. Lu was looking out the window and saw a lighter looking sky, she said which direction is that. I said that is the direction we are headed. She said "Sweet" We suited up and headed out into the rain. The rain quit by the time we were on the south end of Indy. We got about 20 miles south of Indy and the sky opened up to a beautiful blue. The clouds circled in and out most of the day, but it never let any more then a mist come down the rest of the day. The terrain south of Indy gets better and better the farther south you go. We rode through Louisville and then over to Lexington. Then we headed south to Knoxville. This is where things get good. It was not all hugs and kisses with the Leflers thou. You know I love my wife and I think the best of her. She is a very smart women but sometimes things slip through the cracks on her. Why she didn't figure out that our route would take us right through the Tail of the Dragon, (318 curves in 11 miles) I'm not sure. I have ridden it before but I wanted to ride it on the new BMW. It was every bit as much fun this time. The GS handled great. I had one big KTM give me a try but we dropped him. The rest of the run south was good and now I am typing this from a nice fleabag hotel in Gainsville, Ga. We found a nice Mexican place and now I am drinking a Captain and Coke and adding up the miles for the day. I was smarter this year and brought along a bottle of Captain, with the dry counties everywhere down here it is a good idea. You can get a Coke at any fleabag hotel in America. Tomorrow we will head for Savannah. I had to hold this and send it today since the fleabag had never heard of internet let alone high speed wireless. Our digs tonight and tomorrow are much better. I will report more later after we do some site seeing and food and drink. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Sun, 4/20/2008 741pm <strong>TDG trip report 3</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Oh what a beautiful day. The day started dry and sunny. It was 57 degrees at the hotel this morning and it did nothing but get warmer and warmer. We kept taking off layers as we went. I was down to boxers under my riding pants and a T-shirt under my coat. The liners are put away until we return north. The roads were much better then I thought they would be. The north Georgia mountains are great but there are areas of Georgia that are not so pretty. We did mostly two lane roads and some interstate near Savannah. The two lanes were great, rolling and tree lined. The interstate was prettier then any two lane I have been on in Iowa. We checked in to the hotel and then did some site seeing. Lu took some time out to critique the Pope on his mass style. You will need to ask her about that. We went to Forsyth Park. This was mentioned often in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It was cool. Then we rode around to get the lay of the land. Downtown was good. Music and food all around. We stopped by the Moon River Brewing Company and had a good meal. I had a couple of their IPA's and they were good. Then I heard the saying I have waited a life time to hear. "Would you like a ToGo cup for that beer" "Excuse me" "Welcome to Savannah, you may take any drink ToGo as long as it is in a plastic cup" What the hell is wrong with our city? We made it back to the hotel, that is several steps up from the last couple of night, even with a couple IPA's in me. I will be working the captain the rest of the night. We made it back in time to do a friend a favor. Some of you may have heard me tonight. I called in to Kim's radio show and gave him a report on the race. He emailed me the other day and told me he could not go and it would be great if I could be the roving reporter for his show on this one. I think it went well. I talked to Jason a few minutes ago and he is ready for bed and ready for the race. He sounded good. He says they have a good team for the Team Time Trial but he is not sure, with the short distance, that there will be good gaps between the teams. It may all lay out in the mountains. I can't wait. Tomorrow we are going to the Pirate House, it is a famous sea food place here. Then it is the race and more site seeing. I will report back tomorrow.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Mon, 4/21/2008 609pm <strong>TDG trip report 4</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Very nice day, it was like being on vacation. We woke up late, ate a small breakfast and did some touring. The giant cemetery is somewhat famous so we rode through it. Not all that impressive. I have seen better. The people here are into their ghost stories. We rode down to where the riders would roll through town on their way out to a loop in the country. Jason was sitting on the back cruising. Then we ate at the Pirate House. It was good. Then we went into full tourist mode, we did a carriage ride around the city. We sucked in some history. We had a couple of beers by the river then headed out to Tybee Island for a walk on the beach. We figured if we were this close to the sea we should do the deal. We walked and then sat on the beach until I was burned enough. We then rode across the street to gas up. Just by coincident we were right across the street from the host hotel for the teams. Just as we were gassing up who would drive up in full force to gas the team cars. It was Rock Racing. I will say this Micheal (my balls our bigger then your) Ball does pump his own gas or at least he stood out there with the credit card. I was spitting distance from cycling's new bad boy. Back to town we did some shopping and now we are going to dinner. Oh did I forget to talk about the race. It was somewhat forgettable but we did watch the finish. They only rode 70 miles so not even a good warm up. We talked to Jason right after. He had barely broken a sweat. He said "I feel great, it is like the pedals are not even there". He wanted to ride back to the hotel on Tybee Island but Bobby was not into it. He wanted to get back so they could go for a real ride. We are on the move again tomorrow so we will see what the hotel has to offer for internet access.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Tues, 4/22/2008 659pm <strong>TDG <span style="font-family:verdana;">trip report 5</span></strong></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:78%;">It was another great day on the road. This time we decided to go to the start town since it was on the way to our new digs. We will get into that later. The start towns I don’t find all that interesting. You get the same speeches from the mayor and the head of the chamber of commerce. Then the prayer, we are in the south, then the color guard. The some local sing the National Anthem then they go. It is always a neutral start so not much excitement. It was OK this morning and we got to see Jason come up to sign in. He gave me cool CSC cycling cap because my face and head looked like a lobster. The boy worries about me. I am working the sunscreen. Then we headed to a sprint town, again since it was right on the way to Augusta. These are not all that exciting either but it is entertaining watching the townies have fun with the race. I was impressed to see the race organization let United Bank have a rolling announcer work the race. He rolled up about 15 minutes before the race and let everyone know what was going on. The other little fact is this guy was about 100 times better then the idiot that they have at the finishes each day. We will talk about that later as well. One entertaining note at the sprint town, the official was talking to a couple of people following the race. They said they were going to beat it to the finish town and watch the finish. She said “Oh you need to get there early or you will have to walk forever. You will never make it now”. I just quietly laughed. We have been doing this for 4 years and it has never been a problem. This time we rolled into Augusta and following the GPS we rolled up to a perfect legal parking place right by a cop at the 50 meters to go sign. I talked to the cop so he would keep an eye on my motorcycle and then asked him where to eat. He did us right. Then we watch the race on the big screen and made fun of the idiot announcer. The day went well for our boys and JJ Haedo won the day. Now let’s talk about Dave Towne or Towlie, or something like that. He is maybe the worst announcer ever. They have him announce every big race and he sucks. He has a tiny bit of race knowledge but not enough to help anyone and I am of the opinion that bad info is worse then no info. He is the king of misinformation. He also has all these little saying that just annoy me. Things like: Charge of the light brigade, Hurricane of Pain, The Gladiators of the Road, It is ON like Donkey Kong. He makes up words like “W” does, my favorite today was Motification, I think it means some sort of motivation to get KOM points. He was talking about the chase today and they pulled back 15 seconds in 5 k he said that the field was Vaporizing the lead. He is an idiot. I wouldn’t let him announce Kent Park let alone a big time Pro race. Now the good news. Our hotel tonight, although not great has internet access. It is stolen from the hotel next door, but we have it. It is also 5 blocks from the great food and entertainment area of Athens Georgia. Lu and I are enjoying a couple of cocktails before we walk downtown to eat. I will have more tomorrow guys and girls. We are staying here two nights. Tomorrow our friends the Danielsons are coming into town. They are very nice people and we have gotten close over the last few years. They are also possible race winner Tom Danielson’s <span style="font-family:verdana;">parents.</span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">..... </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Wed, 4/23/2008 935pm<strong> TDG trip report 6</strong></span><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Yes boys and girls it is another beautiful day in the peach state. Lu and I walked to downtown Athens from our hotel and spent some quality time in a local Mexican restaurant where they mix the margaritas by hand. We sample several just to test the consistency. I like Athens. That is just a blanket statement but I stand by it. Very fun town. We enjoyed a few cocktails in the hotel and then slept well. Today we had several things to take care of and it all worked out perfectly. A good breakfast of Country fried steak, I would die if I lived down here. Everything is fried but you have to try it your in the south. I don't know if I have ever talked about the sweet tea line and my thoughts on it but there is such a thing. As you travel south you will hit a line where they will ask if you would like sweet tea. It is some where in Missery. Then as you get farther south they just quit asking. In Savannah I asked for unsweetened tea, they looked at me like I was sick. We made a nice ride up to Gainesville and found a spot to park. Guys I did not do as well on the parking space today. I parked at the 150 meter to go sign. We did the expo since I think if they took the time to set up I should do a run through then we watched the race on the big screen. It didn't take long before our friends the Danielson's showed up. We had a couple months worth of catching up and some talk about wine then the race was heating up. It was not a hilly stage so those all lay out about the same. There is a break of 4 or 5 then near the end the pack sucks it back and they all come in together. Today they had a hard down hill finish with a couple of hilly circuits. While we were standing there watching on the big screen Kevin Livingston walked up and stood by us. He is the technical director of the race. I asked him why they always have that Dave guy announce and he laughed. Then he said haven't I met you guys before. I said yes that we were from Iowa and that I had followed his career for since he was about 14. He said yes that Jason had introduced us the year before. The racers were drilling it for the circuits and they dropped some pretty stud riders. Jason was right in the mix so no lost time. I talked to him right after and he said that the finish was pretty sketchy. Talking to Terry Danielson, he said that is exactly what Tom said as well. We did some more catching up with the Danielsons and then we headed back to Athens. We had a couple of chores to do. Our friend Lisa designs play grounds and Athens has a huge one. We paid it a visit and took several photos for her. Then it was laundry time. There is only so much room on the big GS and it was necessary to hit the laundromat. Our time there made me think. First I hate it there and avoid it at all costs, that said this was a good visit. It made me realize that some times on these trips it is the people you meet that make the trip. The young guy that was running the place was a joy. He was maybe thirty years old and he owns a laundromat. He clearly worked his butt off and he knew 90% of the people walking in that place. He kept it clean and helped several of the people that came in. He was a motorcycle rider and had his crutch rocket parked out front. <span style="font-family:verdana;">I was impressed and that says a lot at a laundromat. Now it is more Captain and the Daily Show.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;"><br />PS I have been hearing rumors that there is a special guest mechanic at Open Shop night at my house tonight. Just remember all my tools need to hung back up where they belong. I will know if they are out of place. </span></div></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;"><strong>kenny lefler tour de georgia trip report 6.5 959pm</strong></span><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">I almost forgot, Lu and I tuned into the </span><a href="http://kxno.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=kimwest.xml"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">podcast of the Kim West Cycling show </span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">tonight and it was great. I liked the show and I didn't sound like an idiot. I recommend it highly. Isn't technology great. I am on a motorcycle tour of Georgia and I can listen to a radio show from Sunday in my hotel room.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;"><strong><em>[thanks, kenny!!]</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Thur, 4/24/2008 933pm <strong>TDG trip report 7</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">We had one mission today and that was to eat breakfast at a Waffle House. I had two reasons for this. The first and most important reason was Waffle House is one of the sponsors of the Tour De Georgia. The second reason was the Waffle House is a southern icon. Down here they are like Starbucks in a big city. If you have never been to one, it is a classic experience. Today’s Waffle House was at an exit to a large interstate. Waffle Houses are small establishments with a classic old lunch counter and a few tables everyone I have ever been in is very close to the same. This one proved two of my earlier theories. First was the sweet tea line theory.<a href="http://www.chattanoogapulse.com/pages/uploaded_images/WaffleHouse.jpg"></a><br />Our waitress, and I am not kidding, was named Opal. There are a couple classic southern waitress names, Flo, Opal, and Pearl. Lu asked for iced tea and then corrected herself right away saying “Sweet Tea”. Opal said “Hon’ you don’t have to say sweet tea that is what I would get you’all”. Opal called everyone that came in either Hon’ or Sweetie. The second theory was that it is all about the people you meet. I had a blast watching the 4 people that ran this place work. First thing that had me laughing was that the other three people behind the counter were trying to teach Opal proper southern speak. Opal was not from the north, she was from so far south and so far old school that they could not understand her. This was an issue because this Waffle House barked their orders. They did not give the order slip to the line cook they barked them to him and he was a magician. It was an open kitchen, no secrets here. He worked it to a tee. I was fascinated with his prowess. Opals inability to say words like onions was hurting his efficiency. We left our Waffle House and rode 150 yards over the interstate where we were dead in front of another Waffle House. It reminded me of the old Lewis Black comedy routine where he talks about the end of the world when he sees a Starbucks across the street from another Starbucks. We made our way to Road Atlanta. We have a parking theme going here this week so it was time to continue that theme. This one really surprised me but after reflection it is not out in left field. They were charging for parking. I pulled out my wallet and the man at the gate said motorcycles get in free. It gets better guys. We got in the line of cars that were being flagged to a parking spot. The truck in front of us wanted to go forward and the parking lady yelled at him that he had to park over there. She made him turn then she looked at me a said “You can go where ever you want” I was in heaven. The deal is that Road Atlanta in a motorcycle track. It is the home of two motorcycle racing schools and they clearly have a special love of the vehicle. We found a parking area right above the team cars and called it home. Now to the race. I personally think that the Team Time Trial is one of the coolest spectacles in sports today. This did not prove to be so today. The first problem was that the riders were not allowed to use their TT bikes. They had to use conventional racing bikes. I do not know the reason but it was rumored to be to even the playing field for the domestic teams. I think this is a crook since what domestic team, racing here, doesn’t have TT bikes? The other problem was that it was only 10 miles. It needed to be at least 3 times longer to open any real time gaps. Jason predicted the finish perfectly the night before stating that it would be a toss up between the High Road, Slipstream, Astana, and CSC, but that no one would open a gap. That said it was pretty cool. The hill off the start was a killer. It was cool watching the different styles for the race. Some teams tried to keep everyone together while others clearly did the “you go balls out for as long as you can pull then we will see you at the finish”. The venue was pretty neat as well. The people came out and the venders were there in force as well. Tomorrow is the stage into Dahlonega. Jason has won this stage and done quite well the other years he has been here. Two years ago the announcers renamed it the Jason McCartney stage. It should be fun. We are going early to watch on the big screen. I look for a break. Now it is time to make the guys that came down last year jealous. Lu and I are at the cabin in the woods. We emailed Peg earlier in the week and told her you were all losers and it was only going to be Lu and I. I told her that if she had a larger group that needed the space we would change cabins. She put us in Maple. That is all the way at the back and the view out back is amazing. I love old barns and there is a beautiful one out in the field behind the cabin. The cabin has a four poster bed and a Jacuzzi tub in the corner. Lu and I went to our favorite restaurant, The Cobb Mill. I Strayed from tradition and did not have the Jambalaya pasta, I opted for the Pollo Rose. It was a chicken breast grilled with a touch of rosemary then tossed with Fettuccini Alfredo with red onion, sautéed mushrooms and bacon. It was so good that I could not order the cheese cake. The warm rolls soaked in that garlic butter pushed me over the edge. Right now I am sitting on the porch; all southern homes have porches, continuing my quest for poor heath. It is a good thing it doesn’t count while you are on vacation. I am drinking a beer and smoking my last Guantanamera straight from Havana Cuba. Thanks Braden. Note to the guys, they have not repealed the no alcohol law yet but at the Cobb Mill you may bring your own bottle of wine. Now the porch thing, all southern homes have porches. Even the nastiest trailer has a porch built on. I call these Trailer Concealers. Thanks Renae. I saw the nicest trailer concealer ever today. It was the full length of the single wide trailer, redwood, with plants hanging every where. It was a very nice touch. It clearly cost twice as much as the trailer. The cabin lady has made the leap to modern times and although I don’t think you should interject technology with this beautiful setting, I will walk up and tap into her wireless to send this. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Fri, 4/25/2008 650pm <strong>TD<span style="font-family:verdana;">G trip report 8</span></strong></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Todays stage was from Suwanee to Dahlonega. Sorry guys I don't have many good southern human interest stories today. Lu and I stayed at the cabin and ate breakfast here. I spent some time this morning taking a few pictures then we headed to the finish. The start town was too far away and I don't like the starts anyway. Yesterday we came down highway 129. It is one of my all time favorite roads. Lu does not share my enthusiasm for this stretch of road. It is the section near Vogel State Park, and it rocks. It is not quite as twisty as the Dragon, but it is damn twisty and the road surface is perfect. She feels like she is on a roller coaster and it makes her sick. Yesterday was an all-time first for me. I was passed by a truck on this road and I let it go. First the truck clearly had a mission and was crossing the double yellow just to make the corners. I will not do that, that is how motorcycle riders get killed. Second I knew it would push Lu over the edge. When we got back to the cabin she asked if there was any other way we could go to Dahlonega. I looked on the map and said yes. Today we rode over Wolf Pen Gap and then Woody Gap. She said it was not any better. The race was good, we rode into town and we were to meet Sherry, Jason's mom. We made one pass through town and and made a turn. Sherry was standing right in front of us. Timing is everything. Jason's brother and sister with their significant others were all there as well. Aaron, Jason's brother, and his girl friend Jennifer met us in the bar and we got prepared for the finish. The bar was giving away pint glasses if you bought the Terrapin Beer I had several glasses so I had to talk Sherry into flying them back for us. I just can't get anything else on the bike. We made our way up to the big screen and found that they had issues with camera two so all they had was a camera on the break of 4. A gentleman standing beside me had internet access on his Crackberry so he filled us in. The break was caught right on the last climb and the studs of the race rolled it in together. Trent Lowe took over the lead. The Slipstream boys are at the front 1,2,and 3. Levi is close but so are several others. The lack of individual TT makes things really close. I talked to Jason tonight and he says that he doesn't think anyone can climb with Levi. Sevilla can climb but all he will do is help Levi at this point. He is 53 second down. Jason says that Trent Lowe looks good and he looked good at the last race as well. He is taking his break right after so he will go deep. I asked him if he was going to climb with those guys and he said we will see what happens. He said the Inigo can rock the house for his team. Tomorrow will be fun.<strong><em> My times on top of Brasstown have always been fun. Even the year it snowed up there was great. The atmosphere up there is great. It is worth the trip alone. </em></strong>Tomorrow it could be rainy and we are leaving right after the stage to head back towards Iowa. I hope we are not starting in the rain and ending in the rain. That would leave me with a bad feeling toward Iowa.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Sun, 4/27/2008 1238am <strong>TDG Trip report 9</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;"><strong><em>Wow, Brasstown Bald Mountain never disappoints.</em></strong> This is what racing is all about. Today we got up early and packed our possessions. We left our stuff with the cabin lady and we rode up to the base of BTB Mountain. Cars were already 3/4 of a mile down the road. We decided to make a roll by then select a spot to park. I got to the base and told the ranger that I was going to make a u-turn. He said go down the road beyond the cones. If I let you do it I have to let everyone do it. Even if he was a dick, he did me a favor. We got to the end of the cones and there was a motorcycle parked on a grassy area right below the BTB mountain sign. There was space for more so we dropped off the road and pulled up. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">It was perfect and as close as you could get. We took the bus to the top and planned to walk down. We took our coats, warm pants, and our chairs. We have been up there in the snow and we have been up there in blazing heat. You just don't know and the forecast was for rain. We set our chairs up then we spotted Micheal Lange's parents. Micheal races for Jelly Belly and he is have a great TDG. We were dead in front of the big screen and that was the spot. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">It did not take long before Jason was off the front with a small group and it was fun watching. Jason's mom and the rest of the family made it up and we were all very animated. Jason has hundreds of fans in the Georgia area due to his breakaways every year. Several of these people have met me, maybe because I can be a little animated in these situations, but lots of people were stopping by to say nice job. The Danielson's were there to cheer Jason on as well. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Jason did his job well and was clearly driving the break up every climb. He took both the KOM's at Hogs Pen Gap and Unicoi Gap. That was enough to get the jersey for the day and the tour. I think this is the third time he has won that jersey. His real job was to work the other teams over so Bobby, Bradley, and Inigo could have a go at it later. He was caught on the up hill before the BTB climb. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">When he rolled by Lu and I he smiled and gave me the high sign. He was doing good. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">The battle up the hill was laying out great and no one suspected that the young High Road rider was riding into the lead. That is what makes bicycle racing so fun. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Levi and Trent were looking at each other and just let him go. He was pegged as the High Road overall guy so I don't really know what they were thinking. Last year Levi took his ear piece out on the climb. I thought it was a crappy move since the stage should have been Tom D's. Someone had to stay with Brackavic and since Levi could not hear his director he attacked and Tom was the good team guy and stayed with Jani. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">I would think it was super funny if that is how he lost the race this time. If he thought once again he knows better then the director and was going on his schedule. That would be really funny. Either way the young climber took over the lead while the big names were looking at each other. I do feel a little bad for Trent since I think he is a good guy. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">I think that High Road owes Jason a big thanks since the Slipstream guys had to bury them selves to keep Trent in the game. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;"><em><strong>Wow I love bicycle racing.</strong></em> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">After the broom wagon rolled through we headed down the hill. The only way is to walk it. They hold the cars for a long time and the line to get on the buses is huge. The walk down sucks but we endure it. We jumped on the cycle and picked up our stuff. Our plan was to try and ride as far North as we could before we shut it down. This is not all bad. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">The first great part of this, is just up the road 40 miles or so. There is a section of Highway 64 in North Carolina and into Tennessee that is one of the prettiest rides in America. It is all along the Ocoee River and Lake. The road is twisty but not so twisty that it hurts Lu. There is a rock cliff on one side and the river on the other. You are winding through the mountains with the beautiful colors. I love it. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Then you hit the interstate. This is not all bad either. It is one way to make time. We roll through Chattanooga and then up the mountain. We stopped at the top for gas and something to drink. The guys that know me will like this. I did not eat today and after our walk down BTB I was getting a little shaky. Believe it or not even a fat guy like me needs food. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Here is the good part I was so hungry I almost ate at McDonald's. Then I got a hold of my senses and bought some crackers to get me by. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">The start down the mountain did not go well. The road was a parking lot. The other lane was a ghost town. It took about thirty minutes but we finally got past the hold up. It was a 45 MPH curve that a semi hauling Twelve packs of Miller Lite did not make the turn. The semi was totaled. There was a scrap truck full of broken twelve packs loaded with a skid loader. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">The road was covered with beer and it smelled like Beer. The other lane was shut down for miles. Now back to the cool part. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">I like rolling into big cities at night. We rolled through Nashville just after dark. The lights of the city were cool, but what I like it the riding through city traffic. I would not want to do it every day, but it can be fun and on the bike it is a rush. I play it like a game and I love the higher sense of your surroundings that it requires. You have to watch every thing, you have to know the other drivers habits, which ones use there turn signals, which ones are on the phone, which one is going to change lanes and kill you. Then you light it up. We ran through town fast enough over, it would be go to jail. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">The section after Nashville is the only part I hate. It is all tree lined and looks like a deer heaven. I spent my time looking for a deer sweeper. I would find the car or truck that was moving pretty good and ride his bumper. I am working on the thought that he will hit the deer before I will. We made it to Cadiz, Kentucky. We ate at a Cracker Barrel. I am still working on my bad health. Then we checked into the Super 8. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">That's all for the TDG. Tomorrow we are going to roll through St Louis and see Lu's </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">Aunt </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">and Uncle then </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">make the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">dash home. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">We are close enough now that it will be an easy run in.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Mon 4/28/2008 550pm <strong>TDG Trip report <span style="font-family:verdana;">FINAL</span></strong></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">If you have not guessed, Lu and I made it back from the land of fried foods and Gravy. This is a true story, that is the red neck way to start a story, We were at a fast food restaurant in Kentucky yesterday morning. I know, Ken at a fast food restaurant? I will do it in an emergency. When Lu gets hungry it is an emergency and this was the only option. Now back to the story. This guy was pissed because the breakfast combo did not come with gravy. He didn't understand why none of the options had gravy as a side. They gave him a Styrofoam container of gravy and he seemed to be happier.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;"> Anyway I just have a few thoughts and comments on the week. We rode a good 600 miles yesterday and after our walk down BTB mountain I can barely walk today. It was a good thing my job today was to read through the 200 emails and answer all the voice-mails at work. I left the office maybe twice to pee. Yesterday we rode home through St Louis so we could see Lu's Aunt and Uncle. They are getting up there in age so not to be too morbid, but we may have only so many more chances to see them. They are great people. They are very fun to talk with. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">We found the rain again as we left but it only lasted about 50 miles and we were back to sun. We were riding along and still about 55 miles from home and I realized that it was time for the Kim West Radio Show. I pulled it over to a gas station near Salem Iowa and called Kim from the dumpsters out back. It was pretty funny because they put me on hold and the hold music was the <strong>Kim West Radio Show</strong>. I tuned in just in time to hear him reading my report from the night before. He said he thought we were still on the road and would not be able to call in and his producer said I think he may be on hold right now. Timing is everything. I gave him my thoughts on the race and Lu and I rolled it home. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">I really enjoyed this vacation and going back to work today really sucked but what do you do. It was nice to sleep in my own bed and not live out of a bag. That is the only real issue with the motorcycle. Things are tight and you have to do the repack thing every morning. It was so nice to be in one place for a couple of days just so I would not have to pack again. A 600 mile day on a motorcycle is a pretty good day. Some of you know that I do some admittedly stupid long motorcycle trips, but I do these solo. It is one thing to run 1680 miles in a day but it is another to drag Lu along with me. 600 is as long as I will push her. She did great and never said a word about the rain and such. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">I have taken the Lisa DeShano attitude about that type of thing. If you don't know Lisa you should. She is an adorable person and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. The other day Jim was talking to her and he was complaining about the weather. Jim is a Cat 2 racer and he needs to ride most days to compete and he, like a lot of people, was tired of the cold, rainy, windy, generally crappy weather. He turned to Lisa and said what do you think Lisa? She calmly said, in that sweet Lisa voice, "I can't complain about the weather I choose to live here". </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">I think those are words to live by. Lu and I have perfectly good automobiles but we choose to travel by motorcycle or bicycle so I can't really say much about the cold, rain, and wind. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Here are my thoughts on the race, I hope they secure a sponsor for next year and continue this race. I love it. I love it in Georgia and I love the race. I think the powers that be need to realize that someone like LuAnne and I would never have gone and spent a week in Georgia if it were not for the race. I have grown to love the state, but lets face it there are 10 places I would have chosen to go to before Georgia. We spent fat cash for the week. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">We met some great people while we were there and the fan base that Jason has built is fascinating. We talked to several people on Saturday that really told the tale. The first was the motorcyclist we parked by at the base of the mountain. He asked who we were cheering for and Lu said Jason. He said Jason McCartney, he is always a threat. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">The next was a guy sitting in front of us at the big screen. He heard us talking about Jason and turned around and told us he was at the start of the TTT. The announcers introduced Jason as, Jason (I Love Dahlonega) McCartney. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">The next was an older gentleman that was staying at the cabins we were staying at. He asked if we were at the race and I said yes we rode down from Iowa to watch Jason McCartney. He about jumped out of his shoes. He said "Do you know Jason". I said that I did and that I got him into this crazy life of cycling so I thought I should see him through it. He was beaming. He said he had followed Jason's career for years and just loved him. I loved it. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">It sounds like Atlanta was pretty normal for a last day circuit race. It was good to see the High Road guys finish it off well. I like Greg Henderson as well. We met him after the San Francisco Gran Prix one year. The whole Health Net Team came to the bar after and all Jason would say was "Watch out for the Kiwis, they are dangerous". We did lots of shots and I had to agree. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">That is all I have for now. Thanks for listening.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">.....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">and i want to thank kenny and lu for their fine reports, and for the great telephone reports. i can't wait for the next report, and next year, kenny, i hope to be there with you. thanks for giving my radio show such a great kick start!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <h1>know your bicycle experts</h1> <p>2008-04-21T17:16:00.000-05:00</p> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SA0VLDMTdQI/AAAAAAAABOo/bm62gUg6Wfo/s1600-h/bob+mionske+at+interbike+01.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>bob mionske</strong> is a former competitive cyclist who represented the u.s. at the 1988 olympic games (where he finished fourth in the road race), the 1992 olympics, as well as winning the 1990 national championship road race.</span><a title="http://www.velogear.com/prodinfo.asp?number=" href="http://www.velogear.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VP+LAW" target="new"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> after retiring from racing in 1993, he coached the saturn professional cycling team for one year before heading off to law school. mionske's practice is now split between personal-injury work, representing professional athletes as an agent and other legal issues facing endurance athletes (traffic violations, contract, criminal charges, intellectual property, etc). mionske is also the author of<br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/423191916_3501640c74_m.jpg"></a></span><a title="http://www.velogear.com/prodinfo.asp?number=" href="http://www.velogear.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VP+LAW"><span style="font-family:verdana;">bicycling and the law</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">, </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">designed to be the primary resource for cyclists to consult when faced with a legal question. it provides readers with the knowledge to avoid many legal problems in the first place, and informs them of their rights, their responsibilities, and what steps they can take if they do encounter a legal problem. </span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SA0S3zMTdOI/AAAAAAAABOY/AJnvE3YJAyw/s1600-h/kelby+radio+pic.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>kelby bethards, md</strong> received a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from iowa state university (1994) before obtaining an m.d. from the university of iowa college of medicine in 2000. has been a racing cyclist 'on and off' for 20 years, and when time allows, he races cat 3 and 35+. he is a team physician for two local ft collins, co, teams, and currently works family practice in multiple </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">settings: rural, urgent care, inpatient and the like. </span></div><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__mS8X0Uxxpw/SA0TnjMTdPI/AAAAAAAABOg/MdHhSXVIfyI/s1600-h/syd+01.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>around town sydney brown</strong> is eclectic, adaptable and a bit hot tempered. scared of heights, but not speed. like chili peppers, and learning to like radishes too. leo. every good show needs a detective--a snoop, someone who can look inside team vehicles, get in behind closed doors, and get people to talk...and then tell all about it. we've got the best in the business: around town sydney brown has ways of making you talk. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">how are you gonna resist?</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kxno.com/cc-common/mlib/726/04/t_726_1208572137.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">if you've ever seen the devil on snake alley, you'll recognize his long-time personal advisor, and exercise physiologist, <strong>dr. brendon hale</strong>. he's the devil's right-hand man, and he can be yours, too. are you dumb enough to doubt him?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> </main></body></html>