Quote

The French magazine Vélo called him "the most accomplished rider that cycling has ever known." The American publication, VeloNews, called him the greatest and most successful cyclist of all time. Winner of the Tour de France five times, all the classics except Paris-Tours, the Giro d'Italia five times and the Vuelta a España. This quote from Eddy “the Cannibal” Merckx: “Ride lots”. That says it all!

Cool Breeze 2010

August 21.2010. Rabbit and Map Boy were joined by friends Patrick and Jay for the 2010 edition of the Cool Breeze Century. Starting in Downtown Ventura, the route headed up the coast then through Carpinteria, Montecito, Santa Barbara and Goleta before returning down the coast. Great weather and a great ride, topped off by a popsicle at the last rest stop at Rincon...Ride On!

Wrigleyville

July 23, 2010. Corner of Clark and Addison following a Cubs win over the Cardinals. Ride On!!

Fourth of July-2010

July 4, 2010. Spent the 4th of July holiday weekend at friends house in Coronado . Crusin on the bike and watching fireworks over San Diego Bay. Ride On!

Zen and Bicycles

A story I found the other day:

"A Zen teacher saw five of his students returning from the market, riding their bicycles. When they arrived at the monastery and had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, "Why are you riding your bicycles?"The first student replied, "The bicycle is carrying the sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!" The teacher praised the first student, "You are a smart boy! When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over like I do."The second student replied, "I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path!" The teacher commended the second student, "Your eyes are open, and you see the world."The third student replied, "When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant nam myoho renge kyo." The teacher gave praise to the third student, "Your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel."The fourth student replied, "Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all sentient beings." The teacher was pleased, and said to the fourth student, "You are riding on the golden path of non-harming."The fifth student replied, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle." The teacher sat at the feet of the fifth student and said, "Ahh.... I am your student!"

Stage 6-Amgen Tour of California

Andy Schleck with another Team Saxo Bank rider cresting Lakeview Point

May 21, 2010. It was a great day to be on a bike for Stage 6 of the Amgen Tour of California. The day started at 6:00 am meeting up with Rick and his son Richard, and friend Rich. We drove and parked at Lakeview Point (el. 7,112') on SR 18 at 7:15 am, set up "Windbreaker Base" and headed out for a ride along the "arctic circle" portion of SR 18, then along North Shore Dr., up SR 38 to Onyx Summit (el. 8,443'), then back down to Big Bear to check out the finish line set-up at Snow Summit ski area, then finishing up the ride back out to Lakeview Pt. to watch the race.

Lakeview Pt was the last big climb on a very tough day for the tour riders. This stage alone was 135 miles and 12,000' of climbing, billed as the Queen Stage for this year's tour. The riders were broken into several groups by this point in the day's ride. It was great to be a part of it. Ride On!

Cruisin the Conejo 2010

May 8 2010. A great day for cycling in the Conejo Valley west of Los Angeles. Beautiful roads through Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Santa Monica Mountains, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark and Simi Valley. Ride On!