Free Republic

While driving near downtown Minneapolis this morning, I saw what appeared to be a perfectly healthy young woman riding a bicycle in a normal fashion. On the bike were custom made racks constructed of vertical PVC pipe. Stowed in these racks were crutches, These were the type of crutches with arm clasps, not armpit pads; the sad kind of crutches you might associate with a chronic muscle disease or orthopedic problem, not a broken leg. Can anybody think of a an explanation for a crutch rack on a bicycle?

Summer 1937. What could be more fitting in the cool afternoon of an English country lane than a group of cycling tourists steadily pedalling their way from one historic site to another, stopping to camp overnight in fields along the way.The only problem was, that summer, some of those groups of teenage boys were Hitler Youth. > MI5 had been told that Hitler Youth groups visiting abroad were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire, including questions on terrain, population, and political views of the population. > They had stayed at a Hitler Youth camp and even taken part in a...

A 16-year-old boy who tried to rob another youth with a pellet gun was in critical condition late Thursday when his intended victim pulled out a real gun and shot him in the head, police said.

Illegal immigrant held in death of Tulsa cyclist By NICOLE MARSHALL World Staff Writer Published: 9/2/2009  2:24 AM Last Modified: 9/2/2009  5:05 AM State troopers arrested an illegal immigrant Tuesday in the hit-and-run death of a longtime bicyclist and clinical psychologist, authorities said. Roberto Salvador Alvelais-Torres, 28, is accused of striking Beverly Jean Duffield, 74, of Tulsa with a sport utility vehicle and then driving away, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. George Brown said. Duffield was killed Tuesday morning while riding her bicycle near U.S. 75 and the 1700 block of Southwest Boulevard — an area where she was known to ride frequently....

OGDEN -- Was it a friendly group bicycle ride through downtown Ogden or a confrontational melee that included obstructing traffic, assault, obscenities and alcohol? Depends on who you talk to. Numbers vary from 35 to 70, but a large group of cyclists, referred to as Critical Mass, was taking a monthly ride to celebrate cycling and assert their rights to the road on Friday when Ogden police say things got out of hand. Four individuals were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, failure to disperse and public intoxication. Matt Hasenyager, owner of Skyline Cycle and one of the bicyclists, said...

SEATTLE -- An Everett mother says she's outraged over a weekend protest full of naked cyclists. The group was riding along the Seattle waterfront Friday night wearing nothing but smiles to expose some of the dangers they face. But not everyone was smiling. "I looked and there were naked men with their genitals hanging out," said Marcy Hayes, who was there with her 6-year-old daughter Ashland. "I'm yelling at my daughter to look away." Hayes says she and her daughter walked out of the Seattle Aquarium and right into the path of a pack of cyclists and all their nakedness....

It was a sight that would catch anyone's attention, a woman riding a bicycle around St. Cloud Monday night in bitter cold. Turns out there was another reason a citizen took notice: The cyclist was carrying a gun. Police caught up to the bicyclist a few minutes after a call came in around 11:15 p.m. They found her near 14th Avenue N. and St. Germain Street with a shotgun strapped to her back, said Sgt. Joe Kraayenbrink. Turns out the 22-year-old suspect is a felon and had a warrant out for her arrest, police said. She was arrested and faces...

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) -A tip for all potential arbitration witnesses out there: Never take the mike after Greg LeMond. The three-time Tour de France winner stole the show at the Floyd Landis hearing Thursday during a short, explosive bit of testimony filled with talk of sexual abuse, blackmail and backstabbing that led to the on-the-spot firing of Landis' business manager. It was Landis who asked for this hearing to be public, though he couldn't have expected a scene like this to break out. And though it's hard to know what impact these blockbusters had on the arbitrators, it will be...

See for example this thread first. Floyd Landis suspended for doping The USADA is hoping he'll implicate Lance (a favor to France?) Over all of their losses they're moping!

Trail of terror for cyclists may lead to prison BY JASON WOMACK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL A man who police say used wires, broken bottles and nails to wage an eco-terrorism campaign against Lubbock cyclists could spend time in prison. David G. Knape, 62, of Lubbock staged at least a year-long campaign against unsuspecting cyclists, according to police reports. He stretched wires between trees at "neck level" and put nails and glass in the pathway of cyclists. "This could kill someone," said Dewayne Wallace, an avid cyclist whose friend was flung from his bicycle and cut across the neck by one of the...

Report: Lab in Landis case made 'administrative error' on 'B' sample Nov 15 10:49 AM US/Eastern Report: Lab in Landis case made 'administrative error' on 'B' sample PARIS (AP) - The French anti-doping lab that tested American cyclist Floyd Landis' urine samples made an "administrative error" when reporting its findings on his backup "B" sample, the French newspaper Le Monde reported Wednesday. The newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying the Chatenay-Malabry laboratory gave the wrong number in its report about Landis' second sample. Tests on the rider's two samples indicated that Landis had elevated levels of testosterone in his system...

After two trying months marked by doping allegations, an assault on his reputation and his father-in-law's suicide, Floyd Landis doesn't wish for a stirring comeback so much as the simpler things in life. At this point, he will settle for a good night's sleep, free of pain. To help reach that goal, Landis had hip-replacement surgery last week. With his rehab under way, the 30-year-old American who won this year's Tour de France won't rule out a return to competitive cycling. "Things have been up and down for me," Landis said Monday in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'll...

September 25, 2006 'A total maniac'     We had hoped that conservative commentator Laura Ingraham would be the one to finally provide a rare peek into President Bush's mountain-biking world, which for whatever reason rotates in secrecy.     Mr. Bush invited the popular syndicated Washington-based radio host along for this past Saturday's two-hour-plus bike ride atop the dusty trails of the Secret Service training facility in suburban Maryland -- although, as usual, there wasn't a single sighting of the presidential trekkers.     "Of course it was OTR," Miss Ingraham told Inside the Beltway afterwards, feeding us the presidential code for "off-the-record."

The controversy surrounding Floyd Landis is actually different then other controversies over illegal steroid use for one major reason: Both his blood and urine has been tested eight times (three blood tests) throughout the French de Tour. These other tests combined are more significant and telling then the single sample test found with an abnormal T/E ratio. As it stands, Landis' single positive test is just a distraction that sheds little light on the truth of any illegal drug activity on his part. To get any benefit out of an anabolic agent it must be used over weeks, not hours...

Tour de France champion Floyd Landis' backup urine sample confirmed high levels of testosterone, cycling's governing body said Saturday, raising the prospect that he could lose his title. Following the results of the "B" sample, Landis was expected to be fired by his Swiss team, Phonak, which had suspended him pending the results. He also faces a two-year ban from USA Cycling, which is responsible for sanctions against the American rider. "The analysis of the sample B of Floyd Landis's urine has confirmed the result of an adverse analytical finding notified by the Anti-doping laboratory of Paris on 26th July,...

WASHINGTON, July 23 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush congratulated American cyclist Floyd Landis on Sunday on winning the Tour de France, saying he exhibited "amazing strength." "Everybody's proud of you. You showed amazing strength and character," Bush said in a telephone call, White House spokeswoman Eryn Witcher said. Bush, an avid mountain biker and sports fan, invited Landis and his family to tour the White House. Landis sealed his victory by finishing third in Saturday's time trial, extending the American dominance in the grueling race after Lance Armstrong took the title seven consecutive times.

CROSBY TOWNSHIP -- A bicycle outing turned deadly when two people were struck and killed by an oncoming car on New Haven Road near Crosby Road on Sunday. At about 11:15 a.m., deputies said Anthony Gerike, 25, of Batavia, lost control of his Geo Tracker and drove left of center and head-on into a group of 10 cyclists that was traveling westbound. Gerike's car continued to travel out of control and also hit a Chevrolet Cavalier that was traveling behind the group. Two bikers, 51-year-old Amy Gehring of Cincinnati and 53-year-old Terry Walker of Fairfield, were pronounced dead at the...

See for exampl this thread first. San Francisco's bicycle ride could not be described if you tried Nude buttocks, and breast, and, yes, all the rest-- the things ugly moonbats should HIDE!

"I can't believe how windy it is today," said the woman in line at the pet store. "I know," said the cashier. Then, rolling her eyes and nodding meaningfully in my direction, she added, "and some people are riding their bikes." . . . After two weeks of riding my bicycle everywhere, I'd gotten used to people treating me as if I were somehow not right in the head. Store clerks ignored me, old men gave me the hard stare, soccer moms avoided eye contact. After all, almost nobody in America rides a bike if they can afford a car....

A quick vanity to all... I am beginning to plan a 1-week or so family vaction (experienced cyclists / hikers) "Up North" next summer to get out of Arizona heat. We are looking primarily at Alaska, Glacier National Park (Montana), Yellowstone. We are looking at hiking, kayaking/rafting, bicycling, horseback riding; and prefer camping to hotel stays. Does anyone have any recommendations as to the best tour company or ones to avoid? Could anyone give pointers on dumb things to avoid or things which really added to their experience? Cheers!

A star he is ~ but it could have been different. Lance Armstrong could have well been an abortion statistic. His mother was a 16 year old unwed mom and poor. But she did the right thing and was a continual source of support and inspiration to Lance throughout his life. Linda, then a supermarket checkout girl, had got pregnant at the age of 16 and gave birth to her son when she was only 17. The pair enjoy an exceptionally close relationship, which Linda puts down to the fact that "we grew up together". Armstrong took on the...

Stage 5 - Wednesday, July 6: Chambord - Montargis, 183 km Another of the Tour's early stages for the sprinters, there are plenty of green jersey points on offer over a stage with only one Cat 4 climb - it's mostly flat, fast riding, and a day for one of the fast men to enjoy some time in the yellow jersey. In 2004 it was Thomas Voeckler who spent 10 days as the darling of France in the yellow jersey over the opening stages. The route sweeps further north and heads closer to its entry into Germany, with plenty to...

Bicycle enthusiasts protest Chicago Auto Show February 13, 2005 — Dozens of bicycle enthusiasts peddled outside the Chicago Auto Show yesterday to protest the annual showing of new and prototype vehicles. The friendly and sometimes humorous protest focused on alternative transportation and respect for bicyclists on the road. Cyclists passed out fliers, played recordings of car alarms and horns and also offered passers-by the chance to ride their bikes. The bicyclists started their demonstration with a rally at the Daley Center and then they rode together to the auto show at McCormick Place. Protests at the auto show started six...

Cycling partner recalls horrifying moment of friend's hit-and-run fatality BY d. LANCE LUNSFORD AVALANCHE-JOURNAL Kedric C. Hobbs, 20, spoke several times about the agony of possibly getting struck by a car while cycling. He and cycling partner Luke Thornton, 20, had been riding together for about a week until Monday night when a red pickup - allegedly driven by 32-year-old Jason D. McInroe - struck Hobbs, killing him. On the side of the road, in the 7800 block of Fourth Street's dusty shoulder, Thornton held Hobbs in his arms, having unsuccessfully felt for a pulse in the moments after the...

US Postal team rider Lance Armstrong of the United States wears the leader's yellow jersey as he receives a kiss from his girlfriend, U.S. singer Sheryl Crow, after the fourth stage of the Tour de France, a team time trial from Cambrai over 64,5 km to Arras, northern France, July 7, 2004. The US Postal team won the time trial in one hour, twelve minutes and 03.26 seconds. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

U.S. star reveals how he made the climb to Alpe d'Huez with brake rubbing wheelPARIS Lance Armstrong has cleared up a minor mystery of the last Tour de France: how he rode the first 160 kilometers of the major mountain stage to Alpe d'Huez without noticing that his back brake was rubbing his wheel. It was, he says in his new autobiography, "like trying to swim in a pair of boots." "I didn't realize it because I was so strong that day," he explained in an interview Friday. "Man, was I strong! I woke up that morning and felt tremendous....

<p>A bicyclist died last night after being struck by a sport utility vehicle driven by Heather French Henry, wife of Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, at Lexington Road and Grinstead Drive, police said.</p> <p>The name of the 43-year-old woman was not released. She had been taken to University Hospital.</p>

Why A Naked Bike Ride? Every day we are bombarded with countless messages demanding our obedience to the corporate dictates of a consumption dependent society. Little regard is paid to the future of our planet and generations left with a legacy of waste and environmental contamination. How many countless times each day do our media masters spin the same message: Unless you buy this, you are not worthy. Unless you look like this you should be ashamed. By cruising naked down the spending frenzy capitals of the world, we are saying.NO! ...a fancy new car is not a mark of...

       www.sfgate.com        Return to regular viewWith dwindling sales, Schwinn shifts to mass appeal Top of the line U.S. bicycle maker will sell at big chain stores Dina ElBoghdady, Washington PostTuesday, August 27, 2002 ©2002 San Francisco Chronicle. URL: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/08/27/BU26501.DTL&type=business The gold standard of traditional American bicycles started appearing in Wal-Mart, Target and Toys R Us stores this month, stunning the U.S. cycling industry and promising to transform the way bicycles are sold. Schwinn, the premier brand of Pacific Cycle LLC, has long been a staple of specialty bike shops, which sell its family, off-road and sleek racing bikes...

Sat, Jul 27 - Stage 19 - Lance makes another statement - he wins the Individual Time Trial! Report: While all eyes were on the fight between Lance and Kelme's Santiago Botero in the second Individual Time Trial, the surprise of the 2002 Tour de France, Lampre's Raimondas Rumsas, looked like he finally was going to put his mark on the race. Rumsas set the best time at the first 10.5 km mark and only Lance was close at 17" back - but too much, too soon for Rumsas? Apparently so - as the riders all completed the second 33...

Page 2: Is Armstrong Too Dominant? By Joe Lindsey JULY 22, 2002 So some French fans booed Lance Armstrong on yesterday's stage to Mont Ventoux. Aside from the irony that these scattered malcontents were shouting the word "Dope!" at a man who has never returned a positive test despite being run through the wringer more than any other cyclist in the past three years and the subject of a two-years-long investigation, while a convicted, confessed doper up the road went for a stage win, these fans' boorish behavior is in one way merely reflective of a larger zeitgeist in armchair...

Announcement only.