Blacksmiths & Cycling: if today's cyclists had to work at a blacksmith's forge, they wouldn't need steroids.
Jim Caple of ESPN recently wrote about the Tour De France and "Old-school cheating... the recent doping is nothing compared to some of the stuff that went on when the Tour was young. Back in the old days, fans would toss nails on the road and set up obstacles; riders would break the inkstands at required stage check-in points, and put itching powder in their opponents' shorts, and place cocaine on their eyelids to stay alert during the grueling race. Those are just some of the tactics described in Graeme Fife's wonderful history of the race, aptly titled "Tour De France." My favorite story, however, is about Eugene Christophe, whose front forks broke on a descent in the Pyrenees. He carried the bike five miles to a village, borrowed tools at a blacksmith's shop, and forged new forks, repaired the bike and then resumed the race. I tell you, if today's cyclists had to work at a blacksmith's forge, they wouldn't need steroids."
Neither my brothers, my niece or I will ever be drug tested for the Tour de France. Nor is it likely that we'll be visiting our nearest blacksmith for a new bike fork. However we will be cycling in Lancaster, New Hampshire this weekend, with members of the Granite State Wheelmen. No steroids, possibly some Goo!
The bottom of my left foot, just above the pedal cleat has been extremely sore. I don't think that there is enough cushion in the cycling boot. I've been riding indoors the last two days on my trainer. I can't get my heartrate up as high as on the road. I can already feel the impact. My Heart rate during indoor riding only 134. Current weight back up to 216 pounds! Some politically active bakers from the Bar Harbor parade. Can't think about food!
You may enjoy this article about a new variation of the surfing craze: 3 easy steps to learn kiteboarding: Fly it in a wide open area where there are no obstructions like trees, power lines or people in your way.
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