Okay, a happy post...

[Geonz]

... http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...e=caple/060724

ESPN says, "what do you mean, you can't ride to the store? Floyd could ride up the *(& Alps on a dead hip! Get out there!"

Yea, I didn't care for his parting comment either... on his idea of who should wear lycra... but maybe it sends the message that "I'm talking to you folks who don't think you look good enough, too." Yea, that's it...

[Bikingmomof3]

Great article, thank you for sharing it.

[Cassandra_Cain]

HMmmm....just read the original article.

I'm sure it will take a while for the many hecklers to stop yelling 'go lance go' on the road.

I really don't know that american success in bike racing has translated into anything whatsoever for everyday, commuting cyclists. I see many, many club riders zoom by on weekends and then drive off in their SUV's with 3 bikes in tow. Is that progress?

Maybe it is just the idea the cycling is a legimitate form of transportation, and not just a sport or leisure activity. That's the big thing I see missing, which probably is one of the things at the root of all the problems we face.

And hey, I'm with you - wear Lycra! Who cares if you need to lose a few pounds, if you are riding, then chances are you will, and being in lycra is a hell of a lot cooler and healthier than sitting in a car~

[Geonz]

If enough of the media starts planting the idea, though.... I know a *lot* of people are in that "sort of thinking about it" stage. The more times it comes to "the top of the mind," the more likely it is to spawn a change in the momentum directions.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Sue - that could be the case, I mean I'm reading (here and there) about more people trying public transit, etc because of gas prices. If more funding is put for that sort of thing (and promoting bicycling) it may well happen. Which would be a great thing indeed.

[Grog]

That was a fun read, thanks Geonz.

My dear partner and I are currently visiting my home town (Montreal - we currently live in Vancouver and it's his first time in Montreal) and I got us a pair of beater bikes to commute to work/school (6 km trip one way) and get bagels (or ice cream) in the evenings. They're in not-so-good shape but they take us places. At first he was not convinced but this morning we used it on our commute for the first time and he had a great time, and admitted it was way nicer than the subway or, of course, the car (which we had to use before for a midnight bagel). I also had a great time, despite the broken spokes and the occasional heel kick I have to give to the stand so it stays out of the way of the pedal.

We both have racy road bikes that we ride nearly every day. But the Road King (his) and the Galaxy (mine) are just as exciting, in their own way.

So yes, commuting on a bike is fun and uplifting. Even if people don't do it every day, a few times a week is great, and has so many benefits.

[KSH]

Thanks for sharing the article!

Maybe it is just the idea the cycling is a legimitate form of transportation, and not just a sport or leisure activity. That's the big thing I see missing, which probably is one of the things at the root of all the problems we face

Well, it is a problem... because cities do not make it so people can ride their bikes to various locations. I would ride my bike more places if I felt I could get there without risking my life on a busy road.

So, I drive to group rides and we ride back roads. I did think about riding to a group ride last Sunday.... but had I done that... I would have gone about 50-60 miles that day...and I wasn't up for that kind of mileage. Whimp. I know.

Now as far as riding my bike to run errands.... that's a whole host of other problems. Where do I put the bike? Do I want to run my errands in my cycling shoes (can't change pedals)? What do I wear when I get there and how do I carry my other clothes (i.e. having to dress for work)? How do I keep my bike from not being picked apart if I lock it up outside.

Yea, it's great to ride a bike and lock it up outside... if it's a cheap bike that you don't mind being stolen, etc.

I could go on and on... but you get the point. And my comments are directed towards the author of the article, not you ladies.