It's the Vuelta Espana that's on OLN now (otherwise known as the Only Lance Network )

I use SPDS on my road bike too. When I'm not using platform pedals with no clips. I've biked up Diablo that way (platforms - no clips all the way to the top including that lovely 18% bit at the end!) You don't have to be attached to your bike. Studies have been done that show that for the average rider being clipped in does not make a significant difference in speed - so don't feel like you have to get clipless pedals to fit in. But there are riders who will tell you that you need them. Just ignore them.

Clipless is good for evening out your stroke. Which is important if you're using old fashioned friction shifters. If you have STI, you can shift most any old time - even standing up going up a big hill on a tandem (last night's adventure) and you don't need to have an especially smooth cadence with STI.

My road bike has friction shifters - a deliberate choice on my part- and I have found that when I ride hard, my cadence isn't as as smooth if I'm not clipped in, which causes some difficulities with shifting, especially if I'm at 12 and 6 when I shift.

Sounds like we really need to have a Northern California get together. There are so many of us up here. I'm thinking a ride in the Delta - about thirty miles. Only trouble is there will be a headwind on the return.

Blading.... I haven't been in ages. I did see a guy blading down the south side of Diablo though. Scary!

Night riding - we ride with lights and wear light colored jerseys/jackets. It's not our preferred, but what are you going to do - not ride? Yeah right!

Kim - I joined a new gym. You should come out and do a Spin class with me sometime. There's one at 9 onTues. and Thurs. I'll be off track at the end of the month. Although I think Spinervals is a harder workout, Spin is anice change of pace.

Happy riding!

Veronica