Product Review

The holidays are over and I received many excellent gifts, or perhaps one "gift of gifts" as a certain roommate of mine puts it. Most of the things i received were cycling related, but i did receive a few things that were worth passing on, even to the non cyclist. First would be the book "A Dog in a Hat" by Joe Parkin which tells the story of one of the first modern American riders (sorry Major Taylor) to go to Europe and race with some success in mostly Belgium but also in other European countries. Most know that I am a voracious reader, but I was so enthralled in this book in a record setting two days and probably would have done in one if it hadn't been for Christmas . You can read the first chapter here.
I would deffinatly suggest you pick it up, its a good cycling related read. Or if you know me and are extra nice I might let you borrow it.

Another highlight would be the box of honey stinger gels, bars and chews. I first tried these products last year towards the end of the cycling season and was really impressed. I personally can't stand any of the fruit flavored gels on the market so that leaves me Chocolate, vanilla and mocha. As such I was getiing pretty tired of those choices by the end of the year. So honey stinger provided a nice change. The gels are honey flavored, which I like and the chews taste like something I would have begged my mom to buy me as a kid leaving the supermarket. I havn't had any bars yet but I'm sure they are of the same quality. Another big plus is that the company is based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. So what's not to like? You can order them online here or buy them at REI. Give them a try! If you go through as many gels/energy products as I do in the season it can't hurt.

This is what it looks like outside






So this is what it looks like inside... minus the "optional steering frame" "animated terrains" and sexy girl to keep me company. Really the only plus I have at this point is some serious Euro trance, which for me, is the mental equivalent of turning all the lights off and checking out for the day.

Poachers

I am generally a proponent of stricter punishment for dopers. I think it's time the UCI and the national federations got serious about punishing riders who have destroyed the creditability of our sport. At this point it feels like nothing is going to get through to these offenders. Now with riders like Heras, Basso and Landis returning from their bans and looking for teams to ride for how can we expect to regain the respect we deserve if its the usual suspects lining are up at the Giro, Tour de Gila or local parking lot crit. On the same token I realise that these riders have dedicated their lives to riding bike, they never obtained advanced degrees, they simply decided cycling was the thing they wanted to do and hoped when they were too old someone would pick them up as a commentator. That's why I really like the Poacher turned Game Keeper approach. Yes you've made a mistake, given into pressure and doped, now you hold your racing future in your hands. Attempt to assist the WADA, UCI or National Federation and receive a deferred sentence, say a year long ban but once completed you can return to the peloton and race. However if you are caught doping again, the full weight of your first and second come down on you. Lifetime ban, sorry you've had your chance now it is time to go.

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