This article was originally published in the Friday July 30th 2010 edition of the Lake Tahoe paper, the Sierra Sun.
Past Spoke n' Word columns have shied away from true, gritty race reports. But as the team name implies, Cyclepaths/Wild Cherries Racing - they do race, a lot. And it's about time you knew more about it.
The Cascade Cycling Classic is a three-day, four-event stage race held every year in the high-desert, volcanic town of Bend Oregon. A mini Tour de France of sorts, where the individual competitors are ranked based on their combined finishing time from all four stages. With only 173 miles of racing over the three days, there is no margin for error and no place to make up for lost time. The winner of the Cascade Classic isn't just the rider with the strongest legs and biggest lungs. It takes a savvy tactical sense, dialed equipment, team support and perfect recovery and nutrition practices to win a race of this caliber. One bad day on the bike, a flat tire or even a dropped water bottle could mean the difference between finishing 1st and 101st.
Mark Cavendish on the Stage 5 Tour de France podium, in hysterical tears. He couldn't stop crying. Like an 8-year old who just got beat up on the playground. There was actual snot running down his nose alongside his tears. I can understand a little emotion on the podium at the biggest race in the world, but Cavendish was going into convulsions.
"He, he, he - - - to, to, took - - - m, my, my - - - lunch money...an, an, and - - - ca, ca, called - - - m, me - - - a a a - - - bay, bay, baby!"
Maybe he is rehashing the memories of being molested by ole' Uncle Alessandro Petacchi. Or he is trying really hard to market his book, Boy Racer.
This article was originally published in the Friday July 2nd 2010 edition of the Lake Tahoe paper, the Sierra Sun.
Summer has finally (officially) arrived in the Sierras. These cloudless days of endless warmth bring cyclists of all types onto Truckee's roads, trails and bike paths. From bike commuters on their way to work, kids of all ages zooming through neighborhoods, sightseers touring Truckee on two-wheels and recreational cyclists enjoying the open road. While their ages, destinations and pedal-powered machines may be different, safety is common concern. Here's a few tips we can all follow to stay safe while enjoying a Tahoe summer on the bike.
