Some fodder for your Monday:
1. Congratulations to Carlos Barredo for taking a terrific win in the Clasica San Sebastian on Saturday. In doing so, he made Quick Step relevant for the first time since April. This is the kind of win that starts new phases in riders' careers (Barredo's only 28). With a win like this under his belt, it will not be a surprise to see Carlos in the win column some more between now and the end of the season.
2. Yes, we too were disappointed to see Kreuziger lose. Are there any more doubts about this kid's talent? And is Filippo Pozatto this season's version of Michael "Bridesmaid" Boogerd?
3. Did anyone else notice the abundance of Flemish flags at the finish line in San Sebastian? No wonder a Quick Step rider won!
4. Here's a great picture of Alberto Contador’s new logo. Subtle isn't it? I wonder if he meant to use a different finger.
5. There was an interesting article in Friday's NY Times about the debate in Aspen surrounding whether or not to have a celebration in honor of its newest resident's 3rd place in the Tour. I'll let you form your own opinion, but it must be nice to live in a town where the biggest issue facing the mayor and city council involves planning a party.
6. If you haven't seen it yet, here's a look at Rapha-Condor’s new kit. It's amazing how something so retro can look so cutting edge. But will Bioracer call them copycats?
And now for some recent highlights from a few favorite blogs:
7. Here's why Embrocation's Jeremy Dunn is our hero. Hilarious. Absolutely hilarious. (WARNING: the photo in the post contains a bit of nudity.)
8. Ryan at The Service Course explains how to start a rumor. Hmmm...this gives me an idea or two...
9. Pedal Strike's Kaiko has a new venture called Cassette. It's never too early to shop for the holidays!
That's it for this Monday--thanks for reading! And please, if you like what you see here, tell some friends and/or add us to your blogroll.
Have a great week!
Showing posts with label service course. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service course. Show all posts
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday Musings - While the Tour Rides Along
While the break rides along in today’s Stage 3, here are some things for you to take a look at:
1. If you haven’t seen it yet, head to the new Red Kite Prayer. BKW’s Padraig has upped the ante with a site you need to bookmark and/or add to your RSS reader. Expect the same great content you enjoyed at BKW, plus product reviews, guest commentary, and some other surprises. Thanks, Padraig!
2. The other day I stumbled upon some photos from The Retro Ronde (link's in Flemish), a sportive ride organized by the RVV Museum in Oudenaarde. Not sure how I missed this one in the past, but it’s certainly been added to my “To Ride” list.
3. And speaking of the Ronde, here’s the newest installment of the Cervelo TestTeam's Beyond the Peloton documentary. Roubaix’s next. Great stuff!
4. If you happen to be in Austin, Texas this weekend, head over to Kealing Middle School at 6:30pm for a re-enactment of the final race scene from the cycling classic, Breaking Away. It's a Rapha event commemorating the film's 30th anniversary. After the race, you and your cutter friends can head to a shop owned by a famous Austin cyclist for an awards party and film viewing.
5. This past week The Service Course posted a two-part interview with one of the former DS's from the ill-fated Mercury-Viatel team of 2001. Given the drama that's been surrounding Astana lately, it provides a very candid inside view of one of the sport's more recent team collapses.
6. And finally, I need to give a great thank you to Chris from LockringNotIncluded for coming down for a ride and a cup of coffee last week. If you haven't been to his blog before, I think you'll quickly find it to be one of the most poetic you've ever visited. There's just something about his photography and text that cuts right to the core of why we ride. Give him a visit and share in his joy.
And now back to today's stage!
1. If you haven’t seen it yet, head to the new Red Kite Prayer. BKW’s Padraig has upped the ante with a site you need to bookmark and/or add to your RSS reader. Expect the same great content you enjoyed at BKW, plus product reviews, guest commentary, and some other surprises. Thanks, Padraig!
2. The other day I stumbled upon some photos from The Retro Ronde (link's in Flemish), a sportive ride organized by the RVV Museum in Oudenaarde. Not sure how I missed this one in the past, but it’s certainly been added to my “To Ride” list.3. And speaking of the Ronde, here’s the newest installment of the Cervelo TestTeam's Beyond the Peloton documentary. Roubaix’s next. Great stuff!
4. If you happen to be in Austin, Texas this weekend, head over to Kealing Middle School at 6:30pm for a re-enactment of the final race scene from the cycling classic, Breaking Away. It's a Rapha event commemorating the film's 30th anniversary. After the race, you and your cutter friends can head to a shop owned by a famous Austin cyclist for an awards party and film viewing.5. This past week The Service Course posted a two-part interview with one of the former DS's from the ill-fated Mercury-Viatel team of 2001. Given the drama that's been surrounding Astana lately, it provides a very candid inside view of one of the sport's more recent team collapses.
6. And finally, I need to give a great thank you to Chris from LockringNotIncluded for coming down for a ride and a cup of coffee last week. If you haven't been to his blog before, I think you'll quickly find it to be one of the most poetic you've ever visited. There's just something about his photography and text that cuts right to the core of why we ride. Give him a visit and share in his joy.
And now back to today's stage!
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Infant in the Room
Oops! Should I have said "elephant"?
For several weeks now, Pavé has struggled with formulating an appropriate tone with which discuss one Monsieur Armstrong. On Wednesday's Rapha Continental Centre Ramble, Ben Lieberson and I shared a moment chatting (while I could still talk) about Lance-tiquette and how it seems that in many circles, any remark even slightly throwing criticism in Lance's direction is the social equivalent of saying "there's no such thing as Santa Claus" at a Sunday School Christmas party.
As a result, and to not alienate any readers, I've made a concerted effort to refrain from any comment or post that could be construed as Lance-bashing. It seems much of the media was doing the same.
But now, things have changed. The Service Course has done a wonderful job documenting the "scandal" surrounding Lance's recent media silence. In a nutshell, it appears Lance has been offended by the media's "insensitive" coverage of his role in the protest during the Giro's stage in downtown Milan last Sunday. He's apparently resorted to posting his comments via Twitter tweets and videos on his Livestrong webpage. (Even Cyclingnews can't get to Lance.)
But the media has proven once again that the pen is mightier than the s-word.
A media boycott of Lance's Twitter has ensued--oh the drama! Whatever will we do to hear Lance's daily musings, learn about his meals, and share in various other bits of Lance-minutia?
Thank heavens for the New York Times! No boycott from them! (The picture on the web edition is Menchov, but the picture in the print edition was Big Tex.) Unfortunately for them, they've been forced to rely on lesser English-speaking stars like Michael Barry, Danny Pate, and Levi Leipheimer for quotes during the Lance-cuum. Here's my favorite line:
"Levi Leipheimer, a teammate of Lance Armstrong’s on the Astana squad..."
At what point will the world wake to realize that there's an entire team of riders wearing matching helmets and riding bikes with the same paint job? Levi's in 3rd-freaking-place and has a chance to win America's first Grand Tour since--
We hear all the time about how cycling needs to overcome its past in order to truly embrace a cleaner, more media-friendly present. At some point, we're going to need to realize that yesterday's champions are from yesterday; today's need room to breath. What's going to happen at the Tour? Will Contador ride himself into yellow only to be overshadowed by the scrum of media covering Lance's latest temper tantrum?
I'm sorry if this offends you. If it does, feel free to boycott my Twitter.
But please keep reading my blog.
We're still allowed to have opinions on those, right?
(BTW: We'll be posting a link to buy Brett Favre Minnesota Vikings jerseys as soon as they become available.)
For several weeks now, Pavé has struggled with formulating an appropriate tone with which discuss one Monsieur Armstrong. On Wednesday's Rapha Continental Centre Ramble, Ben Lieberson and I shared a moment chatting (while I could still talk) about Lance-tiquette and how it seems that in many circles, any remark even slightly throwing criticism in Lance's direction is the social equivalent of saying "there's no such thing as Santa Claus" at a Sunday School Christmas party.
As a result, and to not alienate any readers, I've made a concerted effort to refrain from any comment or post that could be construed as Lance-bashing. It seems much of the media was doing the same.
But now, things have changed. The Service Course has done a wonderful job documenting the "scandal" surrounding Lance's recent media silence. In a nutshell, it appears Lance has been offended by the media's "insensitive" coverage of his role in the protest during the Giro's stage in downtown Milan last Sunday. He's apparently resorted to posting his comments via Twitter tweets and videos on his Livestrong webpage. (Even Cyclingnews can't get to Lance.)
But the media has proven once again that the pen is mightier than the s-word.
A media boycott of Lance's Twitter has ensued--oh the drama! Whatever will we do to hear Lance's daily musings, learn about his meals, and share in various other bits of Lance-minutia?
Thank heavens for the New York Times! No boycott from them! (The picture on the web edition is Menchov, but the picture in the print edition was Big Tex.) Unfortunately for them, they've been forced to rely on lesser English-speaking stars like Michael Barry, Danny Pate, and Levi Leipheimer for quotes during the Lance-cuum. Here's my favorite line:
"Levi Leipheimer, a teammate of Lance Armstrong’s on the Astana squad..."
At what point will the world wake to realize that there's an entire team of riders wearing matching helmets and riding bikes with the same paint job? Levi's in 3rd-freaking-place and has a chance to win America's first Grand Tour since--
We hear all the time about how cycling needs to overcome its past in order to truly embrace a cleaner, more media-friendly present. At some point, we're going to need to realize that yesterday's champions are from yesterday; today's need room to breath. What's going to happen at the Tour? Will Contador ride himself into yellow only to be overshadowed by the scrum of media covering Lance's latest temper tantrum?
I'm sorry if this offends you. If it does, feel free to boycott my Twitter.
But please keep reading my blog.
We're still allowed to have opinions on those, right?
(BTW: We'll be posting a link to buy Brett Favre Minnesota Vikings jerseys as soon as they become available.)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Ronde van Vlaanderen/Tour of Flanders - Wrap-up, etc...
"Devolder the Soldier"?
Did I really post that?
Funny how the morning after often brings clarity through hindsight.
Speaking of hindsight, there's much to be said following yesterday's race. And while I'd like to say it all myself, I think The Service Course pretty much covered it all--with great links to boot. If you haven't visited this blog yet, today would be great day to start.
As for myself, James from Ridelugged and I spent the day wandering around Central PA, writing the final cue sheet for the Ramble. While I'm waiting for a more substantial post down the road, we've been selected to lead the ride as part of Rapha's Continental Calling.
More pics and info still to come...
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