Liar, liar pants on fire?

Cycling: Change in Plans

Lance Armstrong has abandoned his plan to submit to extra performance-enhancing drug tests and make all of the results public to bolster his claims that he competes drug-free, according to the anti-doping chemist Armstrong had pegged to handle the extra testing.

Don Catlin, head of the Los Angeles-based Anti-Doping Research, said yesterday the planned partnership between him and Armstrong would not go forward for a variety of reasons. Armstrong, 37, had trumpeted the proposed arrangement last September when he came out of a three-year retirement to chase his eighth Tour de France title this summer.

Catlin emphasized that Armstrong had not reneged on his promise to allow free rein on testing and the posting of comprehensive results on the Web.

I guess we all battle the same thing...

Minutes before the Astana cyclists began their 107-mile training ride in Santa Rosa, one of the world’s most famous athletes made what seemed an off-hand remark.

Standing by his bike in front of the Santa Rosa Hyatt, Lance Armstrong was asked his plans for this ride, part of a 10-day training session leading up to the eight-day Tour of California, which will blast into the city on Feb.15. The King Ridge route had been selected by teammate and Santa Rosa resident Levi Leipheimer for both its scenery and difficulty.

“Just follow Levi,” Armstrong said.

Was he nervous?

For more of the story click here.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

We are working to transition our blog from a strictly "what are we doing" to "what is going on in the world around us." As such, we are going to be adding much more cycling content not only from Austin but from other spots across the country. Some of this content will be user provided, and some will be pulled from other sites.

Additionally on a regular basis I will be putting information about local rides, whether that is a shop ride, race, charity ride, or whatever. So get out there and ride.

The Pure Austin Pace Bend Road Race

The Pure Austin Pace Bend Road Race will be better than ever this year. We've taken the classic Texas Hill Country road race venue, added many of your inputs and suggestions, included a little creativity of our own, put in a lot of hard work, and have created a racing event that you are not going to want to miss. And it is the first race in the inaugural TXBRA Premier Cup! As always we will have the entire road for shoulder-to-shoulder racing on the ten kilometer hilly circuit. Get that - no centerline rule. Races that have been grouped in wave starts by like skill-set will go clockwise with an uphill finish near Camp Chautauqua. The Camp, by the way, is a great add to the event venue - thanks to Travis County Parks and the LCRA.

To read more please click here.

Base Miles

One of the toughest aspects of early season riding is getting base miles, especially when you live in a climate like Austin where it will be in the 70s one day and then windy and in the 40s the next. Just when you get into a good rhythm you either have to take off a few days or move in on the trainer or go spinning. Of course over 3/4 of the country would love even a single 70 degree day so they could put away their winter gear, even if for a brief moment.

This is the first year that I have not been focused on running in January and February, and even though it is a change I truly prefer being on the bike. So bring on the weather, either 70 or 40.

Another Warm Day in Austin

Tomorrow should be another warm day in Austin. Perfect for another nice February outdoor ride.

First Hand Experience

Ever since we received the first shipment of Grease Monkey Wipes, I have been using them regularly for a variety of cleaning jobs. Getting grease off my hands, cleaning pen off my arm, removing glue after an "incident", removing basic bike scum after fixing a flat. But last week I had the ultimate first hand test.

While out riding I dropped my chain while shifting gears at a stop light. After attempting to quickly get the chain back on I thought maybe sitting in traffic doing this was not the best of ideas. So after moving the bike to the side of the road I quickly re-engaged the chain and looking down and my hands were filthy. Now I am a guy and many times if it was just a little grease I might just wiped them on my bibs and been done with it. But this time my hands were caked in grease and I happened to be wearing a new kit.

Luckily I always carry a few Grease Monkey Wipes in my saddle bag, and within seconds my hands were nice and clean, had a nice clean citrus smell, and I was back on my ride with clean hands, and a clean kit.

Moral of the story: Carry Grease Monkey Wipes when you ride and you will never have to ride with greasy hands or a greasy kit again.

Enjoy the ride.