This morning's The Argus contained the following editorial:
Rock Island: on the Lane to Livability
By Chuck Oestreich
Quick, what makes a city a vibrant place for living? What ranks it high on the many "best places to live" lists? What makes its citizens quietly happy about where they have elected to reside?
One quick answer, surprisingly, is bicycling. And it’s more than having a path or two through some parks or along a river. No, what helps to rank a city high is its proactive stance and positive action in making it easier for its citizens to bicycle almost anywhere in the city. It’s what’s happening in Seattle, Madison, and Chicago, among other places.
And it’s happening right now in Rock Island.
As you travel on 7th Avenue after its recent resurfacing, you can’t help but notice the new bike lane striping between 20th and 11th Streets. Five-foot wide lanes are on each side of the roadway, with innovative striping at intersections. With more resurfacing in the future, residents will be able to travel all the way to the Mississippi River from the north center of the city on these lanes.
And this is not the first. Rock Island has the distinction of having the first striped bicycle lanes on a major thoroughfare in the Quad Cities. This is on 17th Street between 31st Avenue and the Rock Island Fitness Center, which is very close to Blackhawk Road.
The benefits of bike lanes are many. At the top is the perception they give that bicyclists – and pedestrians at intersections – are welcome as a part of the transportation flux of everyday life. And that word "transportation" is important. So many times we consign bicycling to recreation, forgetting that much localized travel can be easily and safely accomplished on a bike.
Bike lanes are magnets; they attract bicyclists. In an era of increasing obesity, softening of fitness, and over-reliance on labor saving devices, taking a bike ride to a store for a loaf of bread instead of guzzling up the car is almost a national imperative. And bike lanes make it much easier for that to happen.
The lanes are also helpful for cars because they clearly show the zone of safety on the side of the road that usually is an open blank. With lanes, swerving to avoid a bicyclist and possibly invading another driver’s space isn’t usually necessary. Drivers are used to roadway striping for vehicles, such as the middle double line, and generally they rigorously obey it. Lane striping for bikes is just an extension of that.
I’m happy that Rock Island is leading the way in the Quad Cities with this innovative striping. It makes my city more livable.
Livability and bicycling. They go hand in hand, or should we say handlebar to handlebar. And in Rock Island they’re riding together in tandem.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 8, 2006
Brrrring it on
Brrrring it on
By Ann McGlynn from the QC Times| Friday, December 08, 2006
Since crashing on his bike hurts “10 times more” in the winter than in the summer, Jeff Bradley often chooses cross-country skis over a bicycle once the snow and ice hit.
Bradley, the owner of On Two Wheels in Davenport, can usually be found at Duck Creek Golf Course these days, one of the hundreds of runners, bikers, walkers and other outdoor fitness lovers who are changing what they do or how they do it now that winter has set in.
“Anything outdoors is doable,” Bradley said. “There’s ice skating and hockey. A lot of people will switch and go indoors and go to the gym for spinning or aerobics. There’s lots of stuff to do out there, lots of activity indoors or out.”
Cross-country skiing, he said for example, is a great “all body workout, and it’s fun. It gets you outside in the fresh air. It’s really beautiful.”
But no matter the outdoor activity, the American Council on Exercise says proper insulation and consideration of environmental factors is vital.
Specifically, the council offers these tips:
Check the temperature and wind conditions before you go out and do not exercise if conditions are dangerous, or 20 degrees below zero when considering temperature and wind chill.
Keep your head, hands and feet warm. Keeping hands warm is easier than keeping feet warm, as hands can be superficially warmed to return blood flow, the organization said. But to keep feet warm, the rest of your body must be warm.
To do that, dress in layers that can provide a trapped layer of dry air near the skin. Avoid cotton sweats and tightly woven materials.
Warm the air you are breathing if temperatures are below your comfort level, usually around 0 degrees.
The indoor options in the Quad-Cities continue to expand, as well. More clubs are opening throughout the Quad-Cities. Established clubs are beginning to offer their annual winter specials, with a larger variety of classes geared to all fitness levels.
One of the new clubs is Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience in Moline, which is catering to bicycle enthusiasts going through warm-weather withdrawal and those who wish to try something different than a traditional club, said owner Donnie Miller.
His high-tech system allows visitors and members to tailor their workouts to specifically what they want or need, he said. One system, for example, allows people to bring in their own bikes, place it in a roller and choose a well-known or local course to “ride” while watching a large-screen television.
Another allows riders to record their ride information and compete against themselves throughout the winter.
Motivation, Miller said, is a struggle when it is cold and dark outside, Miller said.
“It is so easy to say I’m not going to do it today, then three months and 15 pounds later, April comes and you’re out of shape,” he said.
Ann McGlynn can be contacted at (563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com.
Tips for keeping your kids active in the cooped-up months of winter, from the American Council on Exercise, or ACE:
Take your kids with you for a gym workout. YMCAs and health clubs offer a warmer fitness alternative to outside and now have expanded programs for kids and parents, such as parent/child yoga and Pilates, youth circuit classes and family personal training.
Head to the mall for a walk. Many malls are open early for morning walkers and are a great way to get physical activity with the kids. Parents can split up with their children into teams and each can compete to reach a certain store in the shortest amount of time.
Commercial time is “movement time.” Establish “movement time” during commercials when children have to get up and move around the house, either to take the dog outside or put away laundry. Parents can also offer rewards for children who do their activities.
Youth-fitness products keep kids busy indoors. There are a variety of youth-oriented fitness products parents can buy including at-home yoga kits and child exercise videos and games. These would make great holiday or birthday gifts.
ACE recommends children get approximately 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but that can be broken up into intervals anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
By Ann McGlynn from the QC Times| Friday, December 08, 2006
Since crashing on his bike hurts “10 times more” in the winter than in the summer, Jeff Bradley often chooses cross-country skis over a bicycle once the snow and ice hit.
Bradley, the owner of On Two Wheels in Davenport, can usually be found at Duck Creek Golf Course these days, one of the hundreds of runners, bikers, walkers and other outdoor fitness lovers who are changing what they do or how they do it now that winter has set in.
“Anything outdoors is doable,” Bradley said. “There’s ice skating and hockey. A lot of people will switch and go indoors and go to the gym for spinning or aerobics. There’s lots of stuff to do out there, lots of activity indoors or out.”
Cross-country skiing, he said for example, is a great “all body workout, and it’s fun. It gets you outside in the fresh air. It’s really beautiful.”
But no matter the outdoor activity, the American Council on Exercise says proper insulation and consideration of environmental factors is vital.
Specifically, the council offers these tips:
Check the temperature and wind conditions before you go out and do not exercise if conditions are dangerous, or 20 degrees below zero when considering temperature and wind chill.
Keep your head, hands and feet warm. Keeping hands warm is easier than keeping feet warm, as hands can be superficially warmed to return blood flow, the organization said. But to keep feet warm, the rest of your body must be warm.
To do that, dress in layers that can provide a trapped layer of dry air near the skin. Avoid cotton sweats and tightly woven materials.
Warm the air you are breathing if temperatures are below your comfort level, usually around 0 degrees.
The indoor options in the Quad-Cities continue to expand, as well. More clubs are opening throughout the Quad-Cities. Established clubs are beginning to offer their annual winter specials, with a larger variety of classes geared to all fitness levels.
One of the new clubs is Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience in Moline, which is catering to bicycle enthusiasts going through warm-weather withdrawal and those who wish to try something different than a traditional club, said owner Donnie Miller.
His high-tech system allows visitors and members to tailor their workouts to specifically what they want or need, he said. One system, for example, allows people to bring in their own bikes, place it in a roller and choose a well-known or local course to “ride” while watching a large-screen television.
Another allows riders to record their ride information and compete against themselves throughout the winter.
Motivation, Miller said, is a struggle when it is cold and dark outside, Miller said.
“It is so easy to say I’m not going to do it today, then three months and 15 pounds later, April comes and you’re out of shape,” he said.
Ann McGlynn can be contacted at (563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com.
Tips for keeping your kids active in the cooped-up months of winter, from the American Council on Exercise, or ACE:
Take your kids with you for a gym workout. YMCAs and health clubs offer a warmer fitness alternative to outside and now have expanded programs for kids and parents, such as parent/child yoga and Pilates, youth circuit classes and family personal training.
Head to the mall for a walk. Many malls are open early for morning walkers and are a great way to get physical activity with the kids. Parents can split up with their children into teams and each can compete to reach a certain store in the shortest amount of time.
Commercial time is “movement time.” Establish “movement time” during commercials when children have to get up and move around the house, either to take the dog outside or put away laundry. Parents can also offer rewards for children who do their activities.
Youth-fitness products keep kids busy indoors. There are a variety of youth-oriented fitness products parents can buy including at-home yoga kits and child exercise videos and games. These would make great holiday or birthday gifts.
ACE recommends children get approximately 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but that can be broken up into intervals anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Indoor Roller Race
Rollin' the DICE Roller Race
Held under USCF permit
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Starting at 12:00 noon
Registration from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
@ Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience
1554-52nd AVE.
Moline, IL 61265-7077
Phone (309) 743-0260 or (877) 743-0261 toll free
bcycleracr@sbcglobal.net www.DiceTraining.com
Two-mile timed distance on Kreitler alloy rollers w/flywheel & headwind fan measured by Roller Fusion program. Two up race format.
Prize list: $260
Senior 1,2,3 $30 $20 $15
Senior 4 $30 $20 $15
Women $30 $20 $15
Masters 40+ $30 $20 $15
Juniors 15 Awards 3 places
Juniors 16-18 Awards 3 places
Category 5 / Citizens Awards 3 places
Exhibition Events
Open to anyone, all categories blended
Mt. Bike or Cyclo Cross Bike on LOG Rollers
2-Up CompuTrainer 3 mile race
Entry Fee:
$13 (includes $2 USCF Ins. & $1 IBRA) Juniors pay only $3.
Citizens required buying a one-day USCF LICENSE
2nd race only $5
Rules:
All riders will ride on the Kreitler Headwind Roller system for 2-miles competing for fastest elapsed time in their category.
Riders will ride in the approximate order of registration.
All USCF rules apply and helmets are required.
No rerides
An Iowa Roller Champion will be awarded for each category.
Your average time in 3 races will determine your finishing place in the State Champion award.
There will be a prize drawing for a set of Kreitler rollers at the final roller race. To be eligible in the drawing you must compete in four of eight roller races. Your name will be put into the drawing for as many times you enter, minimum four times, maximum eight times. This coincides with the eight different roller race dates. The more roller races you go to, the better chances you have in the drawing.
Promoted by: Double "I" Cycling Experience (DICE)
Sponsored by: Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience
Contact: Donnie Miller (309) 743-0260 bcycleracr@sbcglobal.net
A 2007 Iowa Roller Race Championship Event
Held under USCF permit
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Starting at 12:00 noon
Registration from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
@ Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience
1554-52nd AVE.
Moline, IL 61265-7077
Phone (309) 743-0260 or (877) 743-0261 toll free
bcycleracr@sbcglobal.net www.DiceTraining.com
Two-mile timed distance on Kreitler alloy rollers w/flywheel & headwind fan measured by Roller Fusion program. Two up race format.
Prize list: $260
Senior 1,2,3 $30 $20 $15
Senior 4 $30 $20 $15
Women $30 $20 $15
Masters 40+ $30 $20 $15
Juniors 15 Awards 3 places
Juniors 16-18 Awards 3 places
Category 5 / Citizens Awards 3 places
Exhibition Events
Open to anyone, all categories blended
Mt. Bike or Cyclo Cross Bike on LOG Rollers
2-Up CompuTrainer 3 mile race
Entry Fee:
$13 (includes $2 USCF Ins. & $1 IBRA) Juniors pay only $3.
Citizens required buying a one-day USCF LICENSE
2nd race only $5
Rules:
All riders will ride on the Kreitler Headwind Roller system for 2-miles competing for fastest elapsed time in their category.
Riders will ride in the approximate order of registration.
All USCF rules apply and helmets are required.
No rerides
An Iowa Roller Champion will be awarded for each category.
Your average time in 3 races will determine your finishing place in the State Champion award.
There will be a prize drawing for a set of Kreitler rollers at the final roller race. To be eligible in the drawing you must compete in four of eight roller races. Your name will be put into the drawing for as many times you enter, minimum four times, maximum eight times. This coincides with the eight different roller race dates. The more roller races you go to, the better chances you have in the drawing.
Promoted by: Double "I" Cycling Experience (DICE)
Sponsored by: Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience
Contact: Donnie Miller (309) 743-0260 bcycleracr@sbcglobal.net
A 2007 Iowa Roller Race Championship Event
New Winter Series
The Bees will once again step out of the mainstream. This time, however, we feel that instead of just stepping somewhere that is not occupied, we are stepping into the future. Another big change is we will not be doing it alone, as the DICE Team is coming along.
Starting next Saturday and Sunday, we will begin a non sanctioned race series that will last until the beginning of March. For at least 4 hours each day there will be high tech indoor racing with up to 8 people competing over various courses throughout the series. Each race will last roughly 45 minutes. At the end of the series there will be a few raffle prizes donated by Healthy Habits bike shop of Bettendorf. This should not disrupt the roller season with the flexibility of days you can race. You will use your own bike to race.
The races will be from: 8 am to 10 am for Cat 4 and 5
10-12 for CAT 3, 2, 1
Additional hours will be added at the two opposite extremes if need.
The cost is $15 to race and $10 to re race. Build up as many points for the raffle as you care to. The entry will go to cover the use of the club.
Once again, this is non sanctioned but IBRA and the points are welcome to come along for the ride if they wish.
We suggest you reserve a time by calling Donnie Miller at 877-743-0261. Please only reserve a spot if you are sure you are going to be there.
Results will be posted on the Two Bee and DICE websites.
Directions:
From Iowa: If you are coming from outside Davenport, you would take I-80 east to I-74 south. Once you cross the bridge into Moline, IL, you will take the fourth exit onto John Deere Express Way and west (right) to the first intersection, which is 16th Street. At this intersection, turn left and go south to the very last stop light (four of them). Southpark Mall is on the left and Best Buy/Toy R Us is on the right. This gets you to 52nd Ave. Go straight thru the stop light and Donnie,s Indoor Cycling Experience is the first drive on the right in a white building with a green roof, which is the very last business on 16th Street (next is the Rock River). There is a big sign on the corner and one on the building. The address is 1544-52nd Ave, Moline, IL and the phone numbers are 309-743-0260 or toll free at 877-743-0261. See our Google map at http://dicetraining.com/map/
From outside the Quad Cities in IL take I-80 or I-88 to I-74 and follow to Moline/Rock Island, or I-280 to the Quad City Airport in Moline. At the airport pick up I-74 north to John Deere Expressway and follow directions above. If you need assistance don't hesitate to call and we will direct you to Donnie's.
Starting next Saturday and Sunday, we will begin a non sanctioned race series that will last until the beginning of March. For at least 4 hours each day there will be high tech indoor racing with up to 8 people competing over various courses throughout the series. Each race will last roughly 45 minutes. At the end of the series there will be a few raffle prizes donated by Healthy Habits bike shop of Bettendorf. This should not disrupt the roller season with the flexibility of days you can race. You will use your own bike to race.
The races will be from: 8 am to 10 am for Cat 4 and 5
10-12 for CAT 3, 2, 1
Additional hours will be added at the two opposite extremes if need.
The cost is $15 to race and $10 to re race. Build up as many points for the raffle as you care to. The entry will go to cover the use of the club.
Once again, this is non sanctioned but IBRA and the points are welcome to come along for the ride if they wish.
We suggest you reserve a time by calling Donnie Miller at 877-743-0261. Please only reserve a spot if you are sure you are going to be there.
Results will be posted on the Two Bee and DICE websites.
Directions:
From Iowa: If you are coming from outside Davenport, you would take I-80 east to I-74 south. Once you cross the bridge into Moline, IL, you will take the fourth exit onto John Deere Express Way and west (right) to the first intersection, which is 16th Street. At this intersection, turn left and go south to the very last stop light (four of them). Southpark Mall is on the left and Best Buy/Toy R Us is on the right. This gets you to 52nd Ave. Go straight thru the stop light and Donnie,s Indoor Cycling Experience is the first drive on the right in a white building with a green roof, which is the very last business on 16th Street (next is the Rock River). There is a big sign on the corner and one on the building. The address is 1544-52nd Ave, Moline, IL and the phone numbers are 309-743-0260 or toll free at 877-743-0261. See our Google map at http://dicetraining.com/map/
From outside the Quad Cities in IL take I-80 or I-88 to I-74 and follow to Moline/Rock Island, or I-280 to the Quad City Airport in Moline. At the airport pick up I-74 north to John Deere Expressway and follow directions above. If you need assistance don't hesitate to call and we will direct you to Donnie's.
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition will screen the documentary "Contested
Streets" from Transportation Alternatives in New York City. The
screening will take place in meeting room A at the Iowa City Public
Library on December 18th at 7 PM.
Mark Wyatt
www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
All replies are directed to the author of the message. To reply to the group, send an email to bikeiowacity@topica.com.
Visit http://www.bicyclistsofiowacity.org
Streets" from Transportation Alternatives in New York City. The
screening will take place in meeting room A at the Iowa City Public
Library on December 18th at 7 PM.
Mark Wyatt
www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
All replies are directed to the author of the message. To reply to the group, send an email to bikeiowacity@topica.com.
Visit http://www.bicyclistsofiowacity.org
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Armstrong headlines Partnership dinner
- courtesy The Des Moines Register
Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong will be the lead speaker
at the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s annual dinner Jan. 16 in Des Moines.
Armstrong, a cancer survivor, created a furor in Iowa this summer by riding
in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa and has vowed to
ride again next year. Retired from cycling, Armstrong leads the Lance
Armstrong Foundation, a nonprofit organization that assists cancer patients.
Also at the dinner, Jim Cownie of JSC Properties will take over leadership
of the group’s board from Mark Oman of Wells Fargo & Co. For reservations to
the dinner, call (515) 286-4980 by Jan. 5. Tickets are $125-$150. A
reception with Armstrong before the dinner costs $75 more.
Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong will be the lead speaker
at the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s annual dinner Jan. 16 in Des Moines.
Armstrong, a cancer survivor, created a furor in Iowa this summer by riding
in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa and has vowed to
ride again next year. Retired from cycling, Armstrong leads the Lance
Armstrong Foundation, a nonprofit organization that assists cancer patients.
Also at the dinner, Jim Cownie of JSC Properties will take over leadership
of the group’s board from Mark Oman of Wells Fargo & Co. For reservations to
the dinner, call (515) 286-4980 by Jan. 5. Tickets are $125-$150. A
reception with Armstrong before the dinner costs $75 more.
Horner, Swanson Battle at Jingle Cross
From CycloCross World.com...
Horner, Swanson Battle at Jingle Cross
December 2, 2006
With a prize list of over $13,000, including nearly $5000 for the Men's Elite races alone, the 2006 Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock weekend in Iowa City, IA brought out many of the nation's top racers for the two-day event for the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.
In Saturday’s Rock 1, UCI ProTour rider Chris Horner (Specialized/Predictor-Lotto) showed how a roadie can excel at cross by powering through the Christmas themed cross course at a blistering pace. Doug Swanson (Grandstay), Steve Tilford (Verge-Shimano), Nathan Rice (Big Shark Racing), and Bjorn Selander (Alan Factory Team) found themselves unable to match Horner's pace and would have to set their sights on Sunday. "The course was fast and pretty dry so that was good for me," said Horner. "I loved the speed of the descent off of Mount Krumpit and that carried me through the flat sections."
In Sunday's event, however, the tables were turned and no one was ready to go down without a fight for their share of the $3000 payout. Another blistering hard pace was set early on by Horner, Swanson, Tilford, and Selander, with Sam Krieg (ICE Rocky Mountain Surgery Center) finding his legs to stay within striking distance. The fast pace also meant that whoever cracked first or suffered a mishap would have their work cut out for them if they wanted to keep their winning hopes alive. Unfortunately, fate was not on Tilford's side as he flatted midway through the race, forcing him to change bikes and ending hopes for a repeat of his 2005 win.
Up front, Horner, Swanson, and Selander would continue to battle it out until 40 minutes into the 60 minute event when Swanson put in a ferocious attack to get away from Horner and Selander. Repeated attempts to pull Swanson back were unsuccessful, and Swanson would come out on top with Selander finishing second ahead of a tired but happy Horner. “Yesterday, I didn’t have my legs but today I found them and really tried to hammer as hard as I could on those last two laps,” grinned an elated Swanson. “Horner, Bjorn, and Tilly (Tilford) were coming and I just had to find a way to hold them off.” Swanson later called his victory “the biggest cross win of my season.”
Not to be outdone by the men, the Casey’s/Handimart Women's Elite races attracted many top names as well, with Megan Elliott (Specialized), Catherine Walberg (Kenda Tire), and Sydney Brown (Lincoln Plating) all making appearances. Three reigning U.S. National Champions were also in the women’s Elite field including Kaitlin Antonneau (13-14), Samantha Schneider (15-16), and Patti Kaufman (45-49). Schneider’s Sunday race was ruined early on as she suffered an unfortunate mechanical failure with a broken handlebar and had to run nearly half the course until she made it to the wheel pit for a bike change. But the race soon turned into the Catherine Walberg show, with Walberg sweeping both Saturday and Sunday's events including taking Sunday’s $400 top prize in commanding fashion.
In the Mens Masters 35+, Brian Conant (Training Bible) proved to be too much for the competition as he swept both days. But in the spirit of the Holidays, Brian turned around and donated Sunday’s Masters top prize back to the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.
All proceeds from The Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock went directly to the Children’s Hospital , raising nearly $20,000. Race Director John Meehan credited the success of the event to finding great sponsors, volunteers, and the ideal venue for the 23 races and registration count of 500 riders. For the first time, the Jingle Cross was held at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City. The facility is traditionally used for agricultural shows and fairs. But the race organizers used the grounds with some clever twists turning the barns and fairgrounds into an exciting cyclocross course with a Christmas flair.
A livestock scale house was turned into a sand pit and appropriately called the Grinch’s Lair with the Grinch theme soung playing in the background. Another barn had been turned into an indoor Christmas light show. And behind the barns, a large steep hill became Mount Krumpit, with an 80 meter run-up that rivaled even the famed Kona-Knapp run-up in the Pacific Northwest. For the spectators, the venue was a treat as cycling fans could stand atop Mount Krumpit and see the entire race unfold from a bird’s eye view. To top things off, the Grinch made a surprise visit for the Kid’s fun race and awarded teddy bears to all of the participants who, coincidently, all tied for first. The Grinch placed last.
Complete race results are available at the race website at Jingle Cross
Horner, Swanson Battle at Jingle Cross
December 2, 2006
With a prize list of over $13,000, including nearly $5000 for the Men's Elite races alone, the 2006 Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock weekend in Iowa City, IA brought out many of the nation's top racers for the two-day event for the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.
In Saturday’s Rock 1, UCI ProTour rider Chris Horner (Specialized/Predictor-Lotto) showed how a roadie can excel at cross by powering through the Christmas themed cross course at a blistering pace. Doug Swanson (Grandstay), Steve Tilford (Verge-Shimano), Nathan Rice (Big Shark Racing), and Bjorn Selander (Alan Factory Team) found themselves unable to match Horner's pace and would have to set their sights on Sunday. "The course was fast and pretty dry so that was good for me," said Horner. "I loved the speed of the descent off of Mount Krumpit and that carried me through the flat sections."
In Sunday's event, however, the tables were turned and no one was ready to go down without a fight for their share of the $3000 payout. Another blistering hard pace was set early on by Horner, Swanson, Tilford, and Selander, with Sam Krieg (ICE Rocky Mountain Surgery Center) finding his legs to stay within striking distance. The fast pace also meant that whoever cracked first or suffered a mishap would have their work cut out for them if they wanted to keep their winning hopes alive. Unfortunately, fate was not on Tilford's side as he flatted midway through the race, forcing him to change bikes and ending hopes for a repeat of his 2005 win.
Up front, Horner, Swanson, and Selander would continue to battle it out until 40 minutes into the 60 minute event when Swanson put in a ferocious attack to get away from Horner and Selander. Repeated attempts to pull Swanson back were unsuccessful, and Swanson would come out on top with Selander finishing second ahead of a tired but happy Horner. “Yesterday, I didn’t have my legs but today I found them and really tried to hammer as hard as I could on those last two laps,” grinned an elated Swanson. “Horner, Bjorn, and Tilly (Tilford) were coming and I just had to find a way to hold them off.” Swanson later called his victory “the biggest cross win of my season.”
Not to be outdone by the men, the Casey’s/Handimart Women's Elite races attracted many top names as well, with Megan Elliott (Specialized), Catherine Walberg (Kenda Tire), and Sydney Brown (Lincoln Plating) all making appearances. Three reigning U.S. National Champions were also in the women’s Elite field including Kaitlin Antonneau (13-14), Samantha Schneider (15-16), and Patti Kaufman (45-49). Schneider’s Sunday race was ruined early on as she suffered an unfortunate mechanical failure with a broken handlebar and had to run nearly half the course until she made it to the wheel pit for a bike change. But the race soon turned into the Catherine Walberg show, with Walberg sweeping both Saturday and Sunday's events including taking Sunday’s $400 top prize in commanding fashion.
In the Mens Masters 35+, Brian Conant (Training Bible) proved to be too much for the competition as he swept both days. But in the spirit of the Holidays, Brian turned around and donated Sunday’s Masters top prize back to the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.
All proceeds from The Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock went directly to the Children’s Hospital , raising nearly $20,000. Race Director John Meehan credited the success of the event to finding great sponsors, volunteers, and the ideal venue for the 23 races and registration count of 500 riders. For the first time, the Jingle Cross was held at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City. The facility is traditionally used for agricultural shows and fairs. But the race organizers used the grounds with some clever twists turning the barns and fairgrounds into an exciting cyclocross course with a Christmas flair.
A livestock scale house was turned into a sand pit and appropriately called the Grinch’s Lair with the Grinch theme soung playing in the background. Another barn had been turned into an indoor Christmas light show. And behind the barns, a large steep hill became Mount Krumpit, with an 80 meter run-up that rivaled even the famed Kona-Knapp run-up in the Pacific Northwest. For the spectators, the venue was a treat as cycling fans could stand atop Mount Krumpit and see the entire race unfold from a bird’s eye view. To top things off, the Grinch made a surprise visit for the Kid’s fun race and awarded teddy bears to all of the participants who, coincidently, all tied for first. The Grinch placed last.
Complete race results are available at the race website at Jingle Cross
Friday, December 1, 2006
Dec 1, 2006
Cycling coach moves indoors
By Dawn Feddersen
Donnie Miller opened a cycling-based gym in Moline for people who aren’t mainstream gym rats. That’s because Miller isn’t one, either.
He has been a competitive cyclist since his teen years in Hampton, Ill. Now the coach and vice president of the Double I cycling team, as well as the race director of the Quad-City Criterium, Miller knows about how to help others get into good shape.
He is at his gym, Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience, Monday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., ready to answer questions, help with equipment and give workout advice.
Miller enjoys cycling not only for the competition and the great workout it gives him. He also relishes feeling like a kid again.
“When you ride a bicycle, it takes you back a few years. You can spin like crazy and really enjoy it, like you did when you were a kid,” he explained.
As a workout, cycling has some serious advantages an adult can enjoy.
“If you have balance or weight issues and it hurts to walk or go running, cycling is a great exercise. You’re working your heart, your lungs, and your legs, but you have three things holding you up: the feet, the seat and the hands. So you’re getting a lot of benefit with a low amount of strain,” he said.
One particular challenge faced by athletes in the Quad-City area is the cold Midwestern winter.
“I know that athletes will do so much better in competition after training indoors all winter,” Miller said.
The facility has cycling machines that can suit the needs of clients at all levels, from the beginner looking for an uncomplicated workout to the competitive cyclist looking for a way to train on their own bike.
“You can bring in your own bicycle and ride it on my fixture. That fixture is computer-controlled, like a video game environment. All kinds of courses and it creates the resistance on your bicycle like you’re actually riding that course. It has a GPS device. So you can ride a course outside and download it into the computer trainer and then ride it on the machine,” Miller said.
Laurel Darren, of Rock Island, is just getting used to the compu-trainer, she said.
Normally a runner, Darren has begun cross-training at the facility and soon will compete in her first Cyclocross, a race that combines both running and cycling. The cross training also has helped her overall level of fitness, she said.
“Cross training helps my running, strength, endurance levels, cardio. It’s just a better training regimen,” she said.
The business desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2452.
INDOOR CYCLING EXPERIENCE
Address: 1554 52nd Ave., Moline, the former Harmon Glass building near Southpark Mall
Hours: 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Cost: $10 for a day; one-month, three-month, six-month or year memberships also available.
What they have to offer: Stationary or CompuTrainer bikes, Yoga and Pilates classes, massages 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, weight training coming soon.
Cycling coach moves indoors
By Dawn Feddersen
Donnie Miller opened a cycling-based gym in Moline for people who aren’t mainstream gym rats. That’s because Miller isn’t one, either.
He has been a competitive cyclist since his teen years in Hampton, Ill. Now the coach and vice president of the Double I cycling team, as well as the race director of the Quad-City Criterium, Miller knows about how to help others get into good shape.
He is at his gym, Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience, Monday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., ready to answer questions, help with equipment and give workout advice.
Miller enjoys cycling not only for the competition and the great workout it gives him. He also relishes feeling like a kid again.
“When you ride a bicycle, it takes you back a few years. You can spin like crazy and really enjoy it, like you did when you were a kid,” he explained.
As a workout, cycling has some serious advantages an adult can enjoy.
“If you have balance or weight issues and it hurts to walk or go running, cycling is a great exercise. You’re working your heart, your lungs, and your legs, but you have three things holding you up: the feet, the seat and the hands. So you’re getting a lot of benefit with a low amount of strain,” he said.
One particular challenge faced by athletes in the Quad-City area is the cold Midwestern winter.
“I know that athletes will do so much better in competition after training indoors all winter,” Miller said.
The facility has cycling machines that can suit the needs of clients at all levels, from the beginner looking for an uncomplicated workout to the competitive cyclist looking for a way to train on their own bike.
“You can bring in your own bicycle and ride it on my fixture. That fixture is computer-controlled, like a video game environment. All kinds of courses and it creates the resistance on your bicycle like you’re actually riding that course. It has a GPS device. So you can ride a course outside and download it into the computer trainer and then ride it on the machine,” Miller said.
Laurel Darren, of Rock Island, is just getting used to the compu-trainer, she said.
Normally a runner, Darren has begun cross-training at the facility and soon will compete in her first Cyclocross, a race that combines both running and cycling. The cross training also has helped her overall level of fitness, she said.
“Cross training helps my running, strength, endurance levels, cardio. It’s just a better training regimen,” she said.
The business desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2452.
INDOOR CYCLING EXPERIENCE
Address: 1554 52nd Ave., Moline, the former Harmon Glass building near Southpark Mall
Hours: 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Cost: $10 for a day; one-month, three-month, six-month or year memberships also available.
What they have to offer: Stationary or CompuTrainer bikes, Yoga and Pilates classes, massages 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, weight training coming soon.
© Copyright 2006, The Quad-City Times, Davenport, IA
The importance of being conspicuous
Legally Speaking - with Bob Mionske: The importance of being conspicuous
By Robert Mionske JD
This report filed November 30, 2006
Dear Bob,
I'm a triathlete and regularly enjoy reading your column. Your recent column on lights and reflectors (see "Reflected Glory") reminded me of a topic of debate between me and some friends. We're hoping you can settle it. One day, during a particularly heavy fog, I passed a cyclist on the road. The cyclist was dressed in black and wearing a black helmet, and he did not have lights or reflectors. This started us talking; it seems like technically the cyclist may not be breaking any laws, but could the cyclist still be considered negligent if there was an accident? Some say yes. Some say no, if there was an accident the responsibility for the accident would belong to the driver. Who's right here?
C.R.,
California
Dear C.R.,
Your letter raises some interesting legal questions about conspicuity. It might surprise you to learn that the cyclist you passed was in fact breaking the law, and would likely be found liable for negligence if there was an accident. But before we move on to the explanation of that answer, let's first talk about what conspicuity is, and why it's important.
Conspicuity? What's that?
"I didn't see him."
It's heard regularly when automobiles collide with bikes-the driver just didn't see the cyclist. And remarkably, cyclists involved in these collisions regularly indicate that they believed they were visible to motorists when the accident occurred. Although cyclists can readily see motor vehicles, there is a 7:1 difference in size between an automobile and a bicyclist that cyclists must take into account; this size differential means that while the cyclist may see the automobile, it doesn't necessarily follow that the driver will see the cyclist. Furthermore, consistent with driver reports that they just didn't see the cyclist, most collisions between automobiles and bicycles occur at night, when visibility is reduced by low light conditions.
Underlying the legal issues in your question is the cyclist's lack of conspicuity-the ability to be seen. Conspicuity is important because it affects both perception and recognition distances. Perception distance is the distance at which a motorist perceives that there is "something" ahead of the vehicle, while recognition distance is the distance at which the motorist recognizes what that "something" is. In turn, both perception distance and recognition distance affect the motorist's reaction time; the more time the motorist has to perceive a cyclist "suddenly appearing" in the road ahead, the more likely the motorist will be able to react and avoid the cyclist. Let's take a look at some factors affecting conspicuity:
Lights: Although state laws may require bicycle headlights to be visible for or up to 500 feet, and taillights to be visible for up to 1000 feet, actual lighting systems will vary, and may not meet the standard required by state law. For this reason, perception and recognition distances will vary, depending on the actual conspicuity of the lighting system.
Reflectors: State laws may require reflectors to be visible for up to 600 feet; the nighttime perception and recognition distances of reflectors will be at least equal to that of required bicycle lights, and may actually exceed them.
Reflective Material: The nighttime perception distance for reflective material will vary from 1,200 feet to 2,200 feet, depending on ambient light conditions; reflective material is more conspicuous against darker background lighting. Nighttime recognition distance varies from 600 feet to 700 feet, but with brighter background lighting, decreases to a range of 260 feet to 325 feet. However, motorists have difficulty recognizing what it is they are perceiving unless the reflective material is used in conjunction with a lighting system.
Color: Dark and drab colors tend to blend in with the background, rendering the cyclist virtually invisible. With dark colors, nighttime perception distance is only 75 feet, giving the driver less than 1 second of reaction time. With reaction times this short, it is virtually impossible for a motorist to avoid a cyclist "suddenly appearing" in the motorist's headlights.
Paradoxically, light colors also tend to blend into the background as the motorist approaches a cyclist, decreasing the cyclist's conspicuity as the approach distance closes. Nevertheless, light colors are more conspicuous. Fluorescent colors-particularly yellow-green, but also yellow, lime green, and orange-are the most conspicuous. In daylight, fluorescent colors may be up to four times brighter than their non-fluorescent counterparts, and are particularly effective during periods or conditions of low visibility, such as dawn, dusk, in haze, and in fog. Because the helmet is often the most visible part of the cyclist, fluorescent helmet colors increase the perception distance to greater than 600 feet. Fluorescent paint colors on the bicycle also aid the motorist in recognition. With fluorescent clothing, daytime perception distance increases from 400 feet to 2200 feet, while nighttime perception distance increases from 150 feet to 560 feet.
Conspicuity-The Statutory Requirement
Now let's take a look at what the law requires. In California, as in other states, a bicycle is required to be equipped with lights and reflectors "during darkness" - defined broadly to include nighttime, as well as other periods were visibility is reduced. However, as always, the law varies from state to state. By federal regulation, all bicycle manufacturers must equip their bicycles with reflectors on the front, rear, sides, and pedals. Beyond those requirements, each state vehicle code will specify what conspicuity equipment a bicycle must be equipped with while it is being operated. For comparison, let's look at what California requires and what the Uniform Vehicle Code requires:
The Uniform Vehicle Code requires:
Headlight (white): Must be visible for 500 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Taillight : Must be visible for 1000 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Rear reflector: Must be visible for 600 feet; required at all times;
Side reflectors: Must be visible from 600 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Side light: A light visible from both sides for 500 feet may be used in lieu of side reflectors.
Additional lights: Additional lights /or reflectors are allowed.
The California Vehicle Code requires (during periods of low visibility):
Headlight (white): Must be visible for 300 feet in the front and to the sides; the lamp may be attached to the rider instead of the bike.
Taillight (red): Not required, not prohibited.
Rear reflector: Must be visible for 500 feet;
Side reflectors (white or yellow front, white or red rear): Must be visible for 200 feet; bicycles equipped with reflectorized tires permitted to meet this requirement.
Side light: Code doesn't allow side lights instead of side reflectors.
Pedal reflectors (white or yellow): Must be visible from the front and rear for 200 feet;
Additional lights: Not prohibited.
Now, the Uniform Vehicle Code is a recommended code that the states are free to adopt, modify, or ignore as they see fit. For purposes of comparison, however, you can see that in California, the conspicuity requirements are not very stringent.
Nevertheless, there are statutory-mandated conspicuity requirements in California, and because the cyclist you encountered was riding during a period of low visibility, he was riding in violation of the California conspicuity requirements because he did not have the required headlight and reflectors.
Conspicuity and Negligence
Now what about that question of negligence? In California, as in other states, a violation of the traffic laws is prima facie evidence of negligence. This means that in the event of an accident in which conspicuity is an issue, a violation of the lighting and reflector requirements would be evidence of the cyclist's negligence unless contradictory evidence is produced. If a cyclist and motorist were both found to be negligent, that could reduce the cyclist's damages award in many states, and it could completely bar the cyclist from recovery in a handful of states. As you can see, negligence has real-world consequences that can be quite severe.
Now let's say you want to protect yourself legally, so you ride in compliance with the reflector and lighting statutes of your state. Is that it? Is that all that's required of you? Probably, although you should understand that the equipment statutes are the bare minimum required of you to protect both yourself and others. Think of compliance with the equipment laws as the floor below which you cannot legally go; there's nothing in the law that prohibits you from meeting a higher standard.
But could you be found liable for not meeting a higher standard? In Spence v. Rasmussen, a 1951 case, the Supreme Court of Oregon observed that
A careful examination of the record in this case fails to disclose even a scintilla of evidence to support the charge that decedent rode his bicycle in a reckless, heedless, and dangerous manner without any care or caution. He had a lawful right to be on the highway; he was riding his bicycle on the right-hand side of the center line of the road; there is no evidence whatever that he was riding in any unusual way; and in so far as his clothing is concerned, there is no rule of the common law, nor is there any statutory provision, which requires a person before venturing upon the highway to dress in light, rather than dark clothing.
In contrast, in 1984 the Supreme Court of New York observed in Weise v. Lazore that
There is ample evidence that the decedent himself was negligent. He was wearing dark clothing at night, traveling on a bicycle that had no lighting equipment and was in the south-bound lane of the traveled portion of an unlighted highway which had wide shoulders suitable for bike riding.
Although these two cases address conspicuity, neither court has definitively formulated a common law rule that wearing dark clothing is or is not negligent. But wait a minute-didn't the New York court just say that wearing dark clothing was negligent? Sort of, but it's not a ruling on an issue of law, just the court's commentary on the facts before the court. And although the court did cite the dark clothing as evidence of the cyclist's negligence, the court did not say that the cyclist had a duty to wear light clothing; instead, the court only addressed the cyclist's statutory obligations to have lights or reflectors and to ride on the right-hand side of the road.
Now, you should understand that neither of these commentaries are the same thing as saying that a jury couldn't reasonably find a cyclist negligent for wearing dark clothing. The courts just haven't ruled yet on whether cyclists have a non-statutory duty of conspicuity. On the one hand, a jury could find negligence for lack of conspicuity if that lack of conspicuity was the cause of injury to the cyclist or somebody else. For example, remember that dark clothing at night reduces perception distance to 75 feet, and driver reaction time to less than one second. On the other hand, it seems inconceivable that a cyclist who is riding in observance of the law's conspicuity requirements could nevertheless be found to be negligent for wearing dark clothing. After all, a cyclist who is equipped with lights and reflectors but wearing dark clothing is still conspicuous, even if the cyclist isn't as conspicuous as possible. It seems more probable instead that, if a cyclist is riding in violation of the law, a jury would consider dark clothing as additional evidence of negligence, rather than as evidence of negligence despite the cyclist's riding in observance of the law.
And that raises an interesting issue. Suppose you're riding in observance of the law-with the required lights and reflectors-and you're also outfitted in fluorescent and reflective material, and your lights stop operating. Would a jury find you negligent in the event of an accident? In order to analyze whether a particular action might be considered negligence, the cyclist should ask himself "Would a jury consider this prudent"? Typically, that will be the answer to the question "What would a reasonable person of ordinary prudence do in the same situation?" This is an objective, rather than a subjective standard; it doesn't have anything to do with what you personally believe to be prudent. It is neither the standard of behavior of the person who takes no precautions, nor of the person who takes excessive precautions; instead, it is the standard of behavior of the person who takes reasonable precautions, and will depend upon what precautions a particular jury believes is prudent in a particular set of factual circumstances.
In the scenario I outlined above, taking additional precautions beyond what the law requires, such as outfitting yourself with fluorescent and reflective material, might help convince a jury that you were not riding negligently, despite the failure of your lights. This would be an example of introducing evidence contradicting the prima facie evidence of negligence.
Conspicuity and an Ounce of Prevention
Of course, there's another, more important reason to take additional conspicuity precautions-preventing injury to yourself in the first place. As we saw, fluorescent and reflective materials significantly increase driver perception and recognition distances, both in daylight conditions and during darkness," especially when used in conjunction with lights and reflectors. Ultimately, prevention of serious injury to yourself is far preferable to arguing these points of law after a preventable accident; even when the cyclist wins in court, no amount of money can substitute for your good health.
Good luck,
Bob
By Robert Mionske JD
This report filed November 30, 2006
Dear Bob,
I'm a triathlete and regularly enjoy reading your column. Your recent column on lights and reflectors (see "Reflected Glory") reminded me of a topic of debate between me and some friends. We're hoping you can settle it. One day, during a particularly heavy fog, I passed a cyclist on the road. The cyclist was dressed in black and wearing a black helmet, and he did not have lights or reflectors. This started us talking; it seems like technically the cyclist may not be breaking any laws, but could the cyclist still be considered negligent if there was an accident? Some say yes. Some say no, if there was an accident the responsibility for the accident would belong to the driver. Who's right here?
C.R.,
California
Dear C.R.,
Your letter raises some interesting legal questions about conspicuity. It might surprise you to learn that the cyclist you passed was in fact breaking the law, and would likely be found liable for negligence if there was an accident. But before we move on to the explanation of that answer, let's first talk about what conspicuity is, and why it's important.
Conspicuity? What's that?
"I didn't see him."
It's heard regularly when automobiles collide with bikes-the driver just didn't see the cyclist. And remarkably, cyclists involved in these collisions regularly indicate that they believed they were visible to motorists when the accident occurred. Although cyclists can readily see motor vehicles, there is a 7:1 difference in size between an automobile and a bicyclist that cyclists must take into account; this size differential means that while the cyclist may see the automobile, it doesn't necessarily follow that the driver will see the cyclist. Furthermore, consistent with driver reports that they just didn't see the cyclist, most collisions between automobiles and bicycles occur at night, when visibility is reduced by low light conditions.
Underlying the legal issues in your question is the cyclist's lack of conspicuity-the ability to be seen. Conspicuity is important because it affects both perception and recognition distances. Perception distance is the distance at which a motorist perceives that there is "something" ahead of the vehicle, while recognition distance is the distance at which the motorist recognizes what that "something" is. In turn, both perception distance and recognition distance affect the motorist's reaction time; the more time the motorist has to perceive a cyclist "suddenly appearing" in the road ahead, the more likely the motorist will be able to react and avoid the cyclist. Let's take a look at some factors affecting conspicuity:
Lights: Although state laws may require bicycle headlights to be visible for or up to 500 feet, and taillights to be visible for up to 1000 feet, actual lighting systems will vary, and may not meet the standard required by state law. For this reason, perception and recognition distances will vary, depending on the actual conspicuity of the lighting system.
Reflectors: State laws may require reflectors to be visible for up to 600 feet; the nighttime perception and recognition distances of reflectors will be at least equal to that of required bicycle lights, and may actually exceed them.
Reflective Material: The nighttime perception distance for reflective material will vary from 1,200 feet to 2,200 feet, depending on ambient light conditions; reflective material is more conspicuous against darker background lighting. Nighttime recognition distance varies from 600 feet to 700 feet, but with brighter background lighting, decreases to a range of 260 feet to 325 feet. However, motorists have difficulty recognizing what it is they are perceiving unless the reflective material is used in conjunction with a lighting system.
Color: Dark and drab colors tend to blend in with the background, rendering the cyclist virtually invisible. With dark colors, nighttime perception distance is only 75 feet, giving the driver less than 1 second of reaction time. With reaction times this short, it is virtually impossible for a motorist to avoid a cyclist "suddenly appearing" in the motorist's headlights.
Paradoxically, light colors also tend to blend into the background as the motorist approaches a cyclist, decreasing the cyclist's conspicuity as the approach distance closes. Nevertheless, light colors are more conspicuous. Fluorescent colors-particularly yellow-green, but also yellow, lime green, and orange-are the most conspicuous. In daylight, fluorescent colors may be up to four times brighter than their non-fluorescent counterparts, and are particularly effective during periods or conditions of low visibility, such as dawn, dusk, in haze, and in fog. Because the helmet is often the most visible part of the cyclist, fluorescent helmet colors increase the perception distance to greater than 600 feet. Fluorescent paint colors on the bicycle also aid the motorist in recognition. With fluorescent clothing, daytime perception distance increases from 400 feet to 2200 feet, while nighttime perception distance increases from 150 feet to 560 feet.
Conspicuity-The Statutory Requirement
Now let's take a look at what the law requires. In California, as in other states, a bicycle is required to be equipped with lights and reflectors "during darkness" - defined broadly to include nighttime, as well as other periods were visibility is reduced. However, as always, the law varies from state to state. By federal regulation, all bicycle manufacturers must equip their bicycles with reflectors on the front, rear, sides, and pedals. Beyond those requirements, each state vehicle code will specify what conspicuity equipment a bicycle must be equipped with while it is being operated. For comparison, let's look at what California requires and what the Uniform Vehicle Code requires:
The Uniform Vehicle Code requires:
Headlight (white): Must be visible for 500 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Taillight : Must be visible for 1000 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Rear reflector: Must be visible for 600 feet; required at all times;
Side reflectors: Must be visible from 600 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Side light: A light visible from both sides for 500 feet may be used in lieu of side reflectors.
Additional lights: Additional lights /or reflectors are allowed.
The California Vehicle Code requires (during periods of low visibility):
Headlight (white): Must be visible for 300 feet in the front and to the sides; the lamp may be attached to the rider instead of the bike.
Taillight (red): Not required, not prohibited.
Rear reflector: Must be visible for 500 feet;
Side reflectors (white or yellow front, white or red rear): Must be visible for 200 feet; bicycles equipped with reflectorized tires permitted to meet this requirement.
Side light: Code doesn't allow side lights instead of side reflectors.
Pedal reflectors (white or yellow): Must be visible from the front and rear for 200 feet;
Additional lights: Not prohibited.
Now, the Uniform Vehicle Code is a recommended code that the states are free to adopt, modify, or ignore as they see fit. For purposes of comparison, however, you can see that in California, the conspicuity requirements are not very stringent.
Nevertheless, there are statutory-mandated conspicuity requirements in California, and because the cyclist you encountered was riding during a period of low visibility, he was riding in violation of the California conspicuity requirements because he did not have the required headlight and reflectors.
Conspicuity and Negligence
Now what about that question of negligence? In California, as in other states, a violation of the traffic laws is prima facie evidence of negligence. This means that in the event of an accident in which conspicuity is an issue, a violation of the lighting and reflector requirements would be evidence of the cyclist's negligence unless contradictory evidence is produced. If a cyclist and motorist were both found to be negligent, that could reduce the cyclist's damages award in many states, and it could completely bar the cyclist from recovery in a handful of states. As you can see, negligence has real-world consequences that can be quite severe.
Now let's say you want to protect yourself legally, so you ride in compliance with the reflector and lighting statutes of your state. Is that it? Is that all that's required of you? Probably, although you should understand that the equipment statutes are the bare minimum required of you to protect both yourself and others. Think of compliance with the equipment laws as the floor below which you cannot legally go; there's nothing in the law that prohibits you from meeting a higher standard.
But could you be found liable for not meeting a higher standard? In Spence v. Rasmussen, a 1951 case, the Supreme Court of Oregon observed that
A careful examination of the record in this case fails to disclose even a scintilla of evidence to support the charge that decedent rode his bicycle in a reckless, heedless, and dangerous manner without any care or caution. He had a lawful right to be on the highway; he was riding his bicycle on the right-hand side of the center line of the road; there is no evidence whatever that he was riding in any unusual way; and in so far as his clothing is concerned, there is no rule of the common law, nor is there any statutory provision, which requires a person before venturing upon the highway to dress in light, rather than dark clothing.
In contrast, in 1984 the Supreme Court of New York observed in Weise v. Lazore that
There is ample evidence that the decedent himself was negligent. He was wearing dark clothing at night, traveling on a bicycle that had no lighting equipment and was in the south-bound lane of the traveled portion of an unlighted highway which had wide shoulders suitable for bike riding.
Although these two cases address conspicuity, neither court has definitively formulated a common law rule that wearing dark clothing is or is not negligent. But wait a minute-didn't the New York court just say that wearing dark clothing was negligent? Sort of, but it's not a ruling on an issue of law, just the court's commentary on the facts before the court. And although the court did cite the dark clothing as evidence of the cyclist's negligence, the court did not say that the cyclist had a duty to wear light clothing; instead, the court only addressed the cyclist's statutory obligations to have lights or reflectors and to ride on the right-hand side of the road.
Now, you should understand that neither of these commentaries are the same thing as saying that a jury couldn't reasonably find a cyclist negligent for wearing dark clothing. The courts just haven't ruled yet on whether cyclists have a non-statutory duty of conspicuity. On the one hand, a jury could find negligence for lack of conspicuity if that lack of conspicuity was the cause of injury to the cyclist or somebody else. For example, remember that dark clothing at night reduces perception distance to 75 feet, and driver reaction time to less than one second. On the other hand, it seems inconceivable that a cyclist who is riding in observance of the law's conspicuity requirements could nevertheless be found to be negligent for wearing dark clothing. After all, a cyclist who is equipped with lights and reflectors but wearing dark clothing is still conspicuous, even if the cyclist isn't as conspicuous as possible. It seems more probable instead that, if a cyclist is riding in violation of the law, a jury would consider dark clothing as additional evidence of negligence, rather than as evidence of negligence despite the cyclist's riding in observance of the law.
And that raises an interesting issue. Suppose you're riding in observance of the law-with the required lights and reflectors-and you're also outfitted in fluorescent and reflective material, and your lights stop operating. Would a jury find you negligent in the event of an accident? In order to analyze whether a particular action might be considered negligence, the cyclist should ask himself "Would a jury consider this prudent"? Typically, that will be the answer to the question "What would a reasonable person of ordinary prudence do in the same situation?" This is an objective, rather than a subjective standard; it doesn't have anything to do with what you personally believe to be prudent. It is neither the standard of behavior of the person who takes no precautions, nor of the person who takes excessive precautions; instead, it is the standard of behavior of the person who takes reasonable precautions, and will depend upon what precautions a particular jury believes is prudent in a particular set of factual circumstances.
In the scenario I outlined above, taking additional precautions beyond what the law requires, such as outfitting yourself with fluorescent and reflective material, might help convince a jury that you were not riding negligently, despite the failure of your lights. This would be an example of introducing evidence contradicting the prima facie evidence of negligence.
Conspicuity and an Ounce of Prevention
Of course, there's another, more important reason to take additional conspicuity precautions-preventing injury to yourself in the first place. As we saw, fluorescent and reflective materials significantly increase driver perception and recognition distances, both in daylight conditions and during darkness," especially when used in conjunction with lights and reflectors. Ultimately, prevention of serious injury to yourself is far preferable to arguing these points of law after a preventable accident; even when the cyclist wins in court, no amount of money can substitute for your good health.
Good luck,
Bob
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Road tour going high tech
By John Meyer Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated:04/17/2006 09:42:34 PM MDT
Sweat is dripping off Kathy Zawadzki's nose as she pushes seven determined cyclists through a workout. The women in her class are huffing, puffing and grimacing as they dig deep for what's left of their strength.
"Fifteen seconds, hold it there, come on!" she says. "Come around that second rider. You're hip to hip. Keep pushing it! Come on, keep driving. Four, three, two, one ... nice job. Whew!"
The Wednesday night women's-only class at MOB Cyclery in northwest Denver isn't your typical indoor cycling class with an instructor who may not know the difference between lactate threshold and lactose intolerance. Zawadzki has a master's degree in exercise physiology, and those aren't spin bikes the cyclists are pedaling so furiously.
They are on their own road bikes, and they're riding a virtual road tour on CompuTrainers, using technology that allows them to train and compete with each other in ways no old-school class could achieve.
Load generators apply resistance to each bike independently, depending on where the rider is on the tour and the grade of ascent or descent. This ride simulated one in Waimea, Hawaii (hundreds are available in the database).
The load generators are calibrated to take into account the weight of the rider and her bike. A large screen on a wall shows the position of each rider with an elevation profile. Data for each rider includes the grade of ascent or descent at the rider's location on the course, distance traveled, speed and power output expressed in watts.
"It's very realistic," said Mel Taylor, 32, of Denver. "You feel like you're actually on the road, as opposed to some spin classes I've taken. I like the numbers it gives you, like your watt output. And then the competitive spirit of it is fun."
In a spin class it's easy to pretend you're working harder than you really are, but you can't fake it in a CompuTrainer class.
"If you cheat, everybody knows because you just look up at the screen and they'll see how far back you are," said Chris Rodriguez, 49, of Lakewood.
MOB is the only cycle shop in the Denver- Boulder area that offers access to CompuTrainer. The only other CompuTrainers open to the public are at the ATP Center in Evergreen and the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine.
"Anybody can come in at any time, as long as there is a trainer available," said George Mullen of MOB. "We will hook it up, ask them what kind of course they want to ride, what kind of workout they want to do and walk them through it."
Zawadzki coaches for Carmichael Training Systems and previously worked on the Sports Sciences team at the Olympic Training Center. She likes CompuTrainer because it allows her to instruct in a controlled environment (no wind or stoplights) and provide input to multiple riders simultaneously even if they are spread out over several miles of a virtual ride.
"All different levels of riders can ride together," Zawadzki said. "You can never get dropped. You're never a mile back, riding all by yourself. For a beginning rider, that's huge."
There's also no need to worry about bonehead motorists, potholes or other road hazards.
"It's really the spinning of this century," said Tim Becker, director of marketing and sales for CompuTrainer. "People are riding their own bicycle. Spinning has a big flywheel and you're kind of locked in there. When you're riding your own bike, you're actually pushing the pedals and producing power, just like you would if you were outside."
By John Meyer Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated:04/17/2006 09:42:34 PM MDT
Sweat is dripping off Kathy Zawadzki's nose as she pushes seven determined cyclists through a workout. The women in her class are huffing, puffing and grimacing as they dig deep for what's left of their strength.
"Fifteen seconds, hold it there, come on!" she says. "Come around that second rider. You're hip to hip. Keep pushing it! Come on, keep driving. Four, three, two, one ... nice job. Whew!"
The Wednesday night women's-only class at MOB Cyclery in northwest Denver isn't your typical indoor cycling class with an instructor who may not know the difference between lactate threshold and lactose intolerance. Zawadzki has a master's degree in exercise physiology, and those aren't spin bikes the cyclists are pedaling so furiously.
They are on their own road bikes, and they're riding a virtual road tour on CompuTrainers, using technology that allows them to train and compete with each other in ways no old-school class could achieve.
Load generators apply resistance to each bike independently, depending on where the rider is on the tour and the grade of ascent or descent. This ride simulated one in Waimea, Hawaii (hundreds are available in the database).
The load generators are calibrated to take into account the weight of the rider and her bike. A large screen on a wall shows the position of each rider with an elevation profile. Data for each rider includes the grade of ascent or descent at the rider's location on the course, distance traveled, speed and power output expressed in watts.
"It's very realistic," said Mel Taylor, 32, of Denver. "You feel like you're actually on the road, as opposed to some spin classes I've taken. I like the numbers it gives you, like your watt output. And then the competitive spirit of it is fun."
In a spin class it's easy to pretend you're working harder than you really are, but you can't fake it in a CompuTrainer class.
"If you cheat, everybody knows because you just look up at the screen and they'll see how far back you are," said Chris Rodriguez, 49, of Lakewood.
MOB is the only cycle shop in the Denver- Boulder area that offers access to CompuTrainer. The only other CompuTrainers open to the public are at the ATP Center in Evergreen and the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine.
"Anybody can come in at any time, as long as there is a trainer available," said George Mullen of MOB. "We will hook it up, ask them what kind of course they want to ride, what kind of workout they want to do and walk them through it."
Zawadzki coaches for Carmichael Training Systems and previously worked on the Sports Sciences team at the Olympic Training Center. She likes CompuTrainer because it allows her to instruct in a controlled environment (no wind or stoplights) and provide input to multiple riders simultaneously even if they are spread out over several miles of a virtual ride.
"All different levels of riders can ride together," Zawadzki said. "You can never get dropped. You're never a mile back, riding all by yourself. For a beginning rider, that's huge."
There's also no need to worry about bonehead motorists, potholes or other road hazards.
"It's really the spinning of this century," said Tim Becker, director of marketing and sales for CompuTrainer. "People are riding their own bicycle. Spinning has a big flywheel and you're kind of locked in there. When you're riding your own bike, you're actually pushing the pedals and producing power, just like you would if you were outside."
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Jingle Cross Rock Results
John Meehan writes….
The 2006 Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross is in the books. The results are posted on our website at www.JingleCrossRock.com.
Some of the facts:
1. A Pro Tour rider, a 5x World Mountain Bike Champion with nearly 30 US National titles, A 6th place World Juniors Cross Rider, an Olympic Cyclist, and multiple current and former U.S. National Champions
2. In one race, 3 current reigning U.S. National Champions in Sunday's Casey's/HandiMart Elite women's field.
3. A huge cat 3/4 race both days with 60 riders on Rock 2
4. I've heard estimations of 500 spectators for the final Elite events of the day. (I have no clue because I couldn't look up to see).
5. Although we haven't got exact numbers yet, we estimate that we raised somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000 for the Children's Hospital of Iowa
A huge thanks go to Todd Gillihan for his work on the hill to make that course ridable....
Zugs, Kim Sheets, Dan Schaffer, and countless others for coming thru on the course construction...
John Olney for stopping in the middle of his pre-race day ride for stopping and helping build the course...
Team Skin (Darcy and Jean and several others) for being all over the place...
Mark Guthart for being the best damn referee.... Period!...
and a huge thanks to my secretary Linda Shalla who none of you know. Before Saturday, she knew nothing about bike racing but was on the computer the whole weekend doing registration, results, etc, etc.
Make no mistake...This was a joint effort by all of you and the cycling clubs and teams of Iowa have something to be very proud of...Team Skin, DICE, 2 Bee, Atlas, ICCC all pitched in. IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, PLEASE GIVE A GREAT BIG THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR CAROUSEL VOLKSWAGEN AND PAT LIND, THE MAN WHO RUNS THAT GREAT DEALERSHIP. THEY DID AN AMAZING JOB AND WE'RE A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH.I'm sure I'm forgetting somebody so please forgive me. But I'm going to sleep now...see you next year!
http://dicetraining.com/docs/JingleCross2006Results.doc
The 2006 Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross is in the books. The results are posted on our website at www.JingleCrossRock.com.
Some of the facts:
1. A Pro Tour rider, a 5x World Mountain Bike Champion with nearly 30 US National titles, A 6th place World Juniors Cross Rider, an Olympic Cyclist, and multiple current and former U.S. National Champions
2. In one race, 3 current reigning U.S. National Champions in Sunday's Casey's/HandiMart Elite women's field.
3. A huge cat 3/4 race both days with 60 riders on Rock 2
4. I've heard estimations of 500 spectators for the final Elite events of the day. (I have no clue because I couldn't look up to see).
5. Although we haven't got exact numbers yet, we estimate that we raised somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000 for the Children's Hospital of Iowa
A huge thanks go to Todd Gillihan for his work on the hill to make that course ridable....
Zugs, Kim Sheets, Dan Schaffer, and countless others for coming thru on the course construction...
John Olney for stopping in the middle of his pre-race day ride for stopping and helping build the course...
Team Skin (Darcy and Jean and several others) for being all over the place...
Mark Guthart for being the best damn referee.... Period!...
and a huge thanks to my secretary Linda Shalla who none of you know. Before Saturday, she knew nothing about bike racing but was on the computer the whole weekend doing registration, results, etc, etc.
Make no mistake...This was a joint effort by all of you and the cycling clubs and teams of Iowa have something to be very proud of...Team Skin, DICE, 2 Bee, Atlas, ICCC all pitched in. IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, PLEASE GIVE A GREAT BIG THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR CAROUSEL VOLKSWAGEN AND PAT LIND, THE MAN WHO RUNS THAT GREAT DEALERSHIP. THEY DID AN AMAZING JOB AND WE'RE A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH.I'm sure I'm forgetting somebody so please forgive me. But I'm going to sleep now...see you next year!
http://dicetraining.com/docs/JingleCross2006Results.doc
Friday, November 24, 2006
Family bikes to Florida for a one-night stay
Photo: AP Photo/The Pantagraph, Myron Oesch
The Oesch family, from Illiopolis, Ill., are seen cycling in Mississippi during a three-week bike trip from their home in Illiopolis to Pensacola, Fla. in June 2006. Taking part in the trip were Myron Oesch, his wife, Barb and their three children.
ILLIOPOLIS, Ill. (AP) -- Myron Oesch had an interesting tale to tell his students at Riverton Elementary School in Illiopolis when the topic turned to ``How I spent My Summer Vacation.''
Oesch, his wife, Barb, and their three children spent theirs riding their bicycles from Illiopolis to Pensacola, Fla.
After the three-week trip, Oesch wasn't the big wheel around his house anymore. His 11-year-old son, Breton, literally rode rings around his dad, who was handicapped by towing the family's camping gear in the old infant hauler the kids used to occupy.
As a result, the younger cyclist logged 20 miles more than his dad, whose odometer read about 1,000 miles when the ride was done.
Oesch, 48, and his wife have cycled together since they met through a church youth group. After their marriage ceremony in May 1980, they left on bicycles bearing ``Just Married'' signs to ride round-trip to the Grand Canyon. The trip of 4,200 miles lasted 68 days.
The very next year, they did a 4,000-mile bike tour through the East Coast and Ontario.
While working for the (Bloomington) Pantagraph's community services department, Oesch launched an annual three-day bike ride through the Pantagraph circulation area.
Erin, their oldest daughter, now 17, was born four days after Barb Oesch completed the 220-mile ride one year.
In 1984, the couple rode more than 7,000 miles from just north of San Francisco Bay to Alaska and eastward through Canada.
Erin, Breton and daughter Claren, 14, all first joined their parents on rides as infants. In the 1990s, Breton rode in the baby hauler and the girls pedaled along when the family biked to Turkey Run State Park in Indiana from Illiopolis, where Myron Oesch teaches youngsters computer and visual arts skills.
So, Myron and Barb Oesch weren't too surprised when they heard Erin say, ``Can we do a longer ride?''
``Yeah, to Florida or something?'' added Claren.
On Father's Day, they packed gear into the baby hauler and onto their new road bikes and started off. The route took them through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. For the most part, they stuck to lightly traveled roads where they felt close to the landscape and the people.
They did 30 miles the first day. Some days stretched to 70 miles, but most days saw 50 to 60 miles roll by. They cooked breakfasts and dinners and lunched on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
They carried water and knocked on doors to refill water bottles.
The Oeschs planned to stay in 13 state parks. But they wound up staying in only five because of offers from strangers for places to stay in homes and the opportunity to stay in churchyards, city parks and on the grounds of fire stations and police departments.
``If you want to dialogue with people, buy a bike and ride across country,'' Oesch said. ``The least populated places, people seem to me more outreaching and kind, rich or poor.''
Some people along the way thought the Oeschs were crazy for riding 1,000 miles in three weeks just to stay one night in Pensacola.
But Myron Oesch pointed out a trip on bikes is not about the destination at all.
``I'd say, 'It's not about being in Florida. It's about being with you right now.' The journey is a story, a whole lot of stories all coming together,'' he said.
``When you do it, you think this is a trip of the lifetime. But, I don't think it will be our last. I don't want it to be our last.''
Photo: AP Photo/The Pantagraph, Myron Oesch
The Oesch family, from Illiopolis, Ill., are seen cycling in Mississippi during a three-week bike trip from their home in Illiopolis to Pensacola, Fla. in June 2006. Taking part in the trip were Myron Oesch, his wife, Barb and their three children.
ILLIOPOLIS, Ill. (AP) -- Myron Oesch had an interesting tale to tell his students at Riverton Elementary School in Illiopolis when the topic turned to ``How I spent My Summer Vacation.''
Oesch, his wife, Barb, and their three children spent theirs riding their bicycles from Illiopolis to Pensacola, Fla.
After the three-week trip, Oesch wasn't the big wheel around his house anymore. His 11-year-old son, Breton, literally rode rings around his dad, who was handicapped by towing the family's camping gear in the old infant hauler the kids used to occupy.
As a result, the younger cyclist logged 20 miles more than his dad, whose odometer read about 1,000 miles when the ride was done.
Oesch, 48, and his wife have cycled together since they met through a church youth group. After their marriage ceremony in May 1980, they left on bicycles bearing ``Just Married'' signs to ride round-trip to the Grand Canyon. The trip of 4,200 miles lasted 68 days.
The very next year, they did a 4,000-mile bike tour through the East Coast and Ontario.
While working for the (Bloomington) Pantagraph's community services department, Oesch launched an annual three-day bike ride through the Pantagraph circulation area.
Erin, their oldest daughter, now 17, was born four days after Barb Oesch completed the 220-mile ride one year.
In 1984, the couple rode more than 7,000 miles from just north of San Francisco Bay to Alaska and eastward through Canada.
Erin, Breton and daughter Claren, 14, all first joined their parents on rides as infants. In the 1990s, Breton rode in the baby hauler and the girls pedaled along when the family biked to Turkey Run State Park in Indiana from Illiopolis, where Myron Oesch teaches youngsters computer and visual arts skills.
So, Myron and Barb Oesch weren't too surprised when they heard Erin say, ``Can we do a longer ride?''
``Yeah, to Florida or something?'' added Claren.
On Father's Day, they packed gear into the baby hauler and onto their new road bikes and started off. The route took them through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. For the most part, they stuck to lightly traveled roads where they felt close to the landscape and the people.
They did 30 miles the first day. Some days stretched to 70 miles, but most days saw 50 to 60 miles roll by. They cooked breakfasts and dinners and lunched on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
They carried water and knocked on doors to refill water bottles.
The Oeschs planned to stay in 13 state parks. But they wound up staying in only five because of offers from strangers for places to stay in homes and the opportunity to stay in churchyards, city parks and on the grounds of fire stations and police departments.
``If you want to dialogue with people, buy a bike and ride across country,'' Oesch said. ``The least populated places, people seem to me more outreaching and kind, rich or poor.''
Some people along the way thought the Oeschs were crazy for riding 1,000 miles in three weeks just to stay one night in Pensacola.
But Myron Oesch pointed out a trip on bikes is not about the destination at all.
``I'd say, 'It's not about being in Florida. It's about being with you right now.' The journey is a story, a whole lot of stories all coming together,'' he said.
``When you do it, you think this is a trip of the lifetime. But, I don't think it will be our last. I don't want it to be our last.''
ICCS Series Final Results
on behalf of Dave Thompson...
This is the final standings for the 2006 ICCS series. Congrats to Bryan Moritz, Pat Hanrahan, Phil Curran for podium positions and to William Huntsberger for a first and second in TWO different categories. For the record: There were NO official points accrued by Juniors in 2006 as decided at the end of 2005 [along with single-speed and MTB categories] because of lack of interest.
Race 1 Davenport East Village
Race 2 Newton Woodland Park
Race 3 Newton Maytag Park
Race 4 Webster Nokomis Park
Race 5 Bettendorf Crow Creek Park
Race 6 Newton Woodland Park (State Championship)
Race 7 Moline Green Valley
Race 8 Bettendorf Middle Park
This is the final standings for the 2006 ICCS series. Congrats to Bryan Moritz, Pat Hanrahan, Phil Curran for podium positions and to William Huntsberger for a first and second in TWO different categories. For the record: There were NO official points accrued by Juniors in 2006 as decided at the end of 2005 [along with single-speed and MTB categories] because of lack of interest.
Race 1 Davenport East Village
Race 2 Newton Woodland Park
Race 3 Newton Maytag Park
Race 4 Webster Nokomis Park
Race 5 Bettendorf Crow Creek Park
Race 6 Newton Woodland Park (State Championship)
Race 7 Moline Green Valley
Race 8 Bettendorf Middle Park
TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total
Brian Eppen ICCC 50 50 50 40 100 290
Nathan Moenck ICCC 34 40 40 50 80 244
Cully Todd Team Skin 30 23 30 30 34 60 207
Sean Walker Atlas 23 20 23 34 23 68 191
Thad Neil MBWC 20 23 14 17 20 23 26 143
Greg Aronson DICE 12 14 17 20 52 115
JJ Bailey Triton Homes 40 40 34 114
Josh Johnson Big Sharks 50 50 100
John Meehan ICCC 14 10 26 20 30 100
Mark Studnicki Cowtown Cycles 34 34 30 98
Bruce Grell DICE 10 7 7 17 46 87
Troy Krause Slimenundg. 30 30 26 86
John Olney ICCC 40 40 80
Sean Noonan Team 14 17 26 26 69
Dennis Grelk MBWC 17 23 12 52
Matthew Brandt Baraboo Sharks 50 50
Kelly Irwin N.Rockies Ortho 6 17 12 9 44
Rob Versteegh Team 14 9 5 14 10 38
Jack Hirt Unattached 34 34
Jeremy Reimer Lincoln Plating 10 9 14 33
Tony Nichols 20 12 32
Josh Shively Smiths 26 26
Dylan Lewis ABD 26 26
Chris Maharry Team 14 8 17 25
Mark Hollander All 9 Yards 5 10 6 21
Nate Cline ICCC 20 20
Tracy Thompson Atlas 12 7 19
Chris Reed ICCC 8 9 17
Matt Gumm All 9 Yards 4 12 16
Will Huntsberger DICE 14 14
Jeremiah Gantzer DICE 14 14
Andy Cornelison Hot Tubes 12 12
Andrea Myers Team Kenda 10 10
Josh Lukins Unattached 3 6 9
David Reyes Unattached 9 9
Nick Martin Atlas 9 9
Jeff Barnes ICCC 8 8
Ian Robinson Two Bee 8 8
Greg Grouard Manchester/Trek 7 7
FEMALE OPEN
Amanda Miller Atlas 50 40 40 50 50 60 290
Tammy Meehan ICCC 30 50 40 40 80 240
Robin Goforth U of Iowa 20 40 34 30 34 68 226
Lindsay Wetzel Team Kenda 40 50 30 120
Andrea Myers Team Kenda 50 50 100
Corrie Berrigan Team Kenda 100 100
Jane Riessen ICCC 40 34 74
Debra Wood Team Kenda 52 52
Andrea Venteicher All 9 Yards 30 20 50
Jami Hartwig Team Skin 23 26 49
Kim Sheetz DICE 14 26 40
Darcy Sanford Team Skin 34 34
Margie Millar Unattached 30 30
Jean Gilpin Team Skin 26 26
Sandy Kessler Team Skin 23 23
Daniela Williams Unattached 17 17
MALE CAT 4
Bryan Moritz DICE 20 50 50 40 50 40 40 100 370
William Huntsberger DICE 10 40 30 40 30 30 40 220
Dominic Moraniec Atlas 40 8 30 34 26 52 190
Andy Lueck ICCC 30 34 50 68 182
Ron Bridal Team Mack 26 34 80 140
Steve Bullerman Bike Tech 26 23 23 26 34 132
Todd Gillihan Team Skin 34 34 60 128
Chris Hansen Team 14 9 50 50 109
Jeremiah Gantzer DICE 30 46 76
Randall Crist Omaha Velo 34 34 68
Jeff Farrell Team 14 23 17 12 12 64
Taylor Webb Irwins/Toyota 14 23 14 4 55
Brian Farrell Team 14 17 17 17 51
Nate Cline ICCC 50 50
Jeff Abel DICE 9 23 18 50
Chad Bishop Melon County 17 26 43
Kyle Williams U of Iowa 8 20 14 42
Kyle Sedore Irwins/Toyota 40 40
Tyree Williams Melon County 2 12 24 38
Keith Snoop Unattached 7 17 12 36
Jeff Dullard Team Skin 7 20 7 34
Rob Houlihan Bike Tech 30 30
Mike Clark Unattached 1 14 6 9 30
Brent Linn PA-Indy Fab. 20 9 29
Stephen DeLong Unattached 5 23 28
Norbert Koeningsfeld Bike Tech 28 28
Doug Larson Bike Masters 26 26
Don Raskey Slimenundg. 26 26
Jesse Gerlits DMOS 10 12 3 25
David Burke Unattached 4 20 24
Jason Sennfner ABD 23 23
Michael Johnson Bike Tech 10 9 4 23
Dave Burice Unattached 20 20
Mike Winter DICE 20 20
Brent Hauser CICC 20 20
Michael Wakely ABD 3 16 19
Phil Curran DICE 17 17
Steven Robinson Unattached 10 6 16
John Peters Unattached 14 14
Bill Monson Unattached 14 14
Steve Beals Northern Rockies 14 14
Daniel Galles ICCC 12 12
Joe Newendorp Unattached 12 12
David Reyes Proctor 10 10
Tom Langhead Unattached 10 10
Scott Swanson DICE 10 10
Steve Fry Unattached 9 9
Jim Cooper Unattached 8 1 9
Landon Beachy Bike Tech 8 8
Matt Klemish DICE 8 8
Brandon Green Unattached 7 7
Adam Price ICCC 6 6
Matt Muerer Unattached 6 6
Eric Nordstrom Unattached 5 5
Jeff Corcoran Team Skin 5 5
Paul Varnum Team 14 4 4
MALE 30+
William Huntsberger DICE 50 50 40 34 40 80 294
Tracy Thompson Atlas 40 50 40 50 100 280
Brent Hauser CICC 34 34 34 30 60 192
Matt Scotton Team 14 40 40 26 106
Lee Ventiecher All 9 Yards 34 50 84
Dominic Moraniec Atlas 68 68
Jamie Jorgensen Team Skin 34 30 64
Paul Deninger ICCC 50 50
Cody McCollough Sioux Cty Velo 50 50
Jeff Dullard Team Skin 40 40
Ryan Michels Proctor 34 34
Jeff Abel DICE 30 30
Ian Robinson 2 Bee Racing 30 30
Jane Riessen ICCC 23 23
MALE 40+
Dominic Moraniec Atlas 50 50 50 50 34 234
Pat Hanrahan DICE 26 20 23 40 100 209
Phil Curran DICE 26 17 30 20 80 173
John Peters Unattached 40 40 40 120
Mike Winter DICE 50 68 118
Donnie Miller DICE 23 34 52 109
Don Raskey Slimenundg. 50 40 90
Randy Catron DMOS 30 23 34 87
Chris Locke Cowtown Cycles 40 34 74
Brad Petty Team 14 30 30 60
Matt Brakeville DICE 60 60
Dave Hammer DMOS 26 26 52
Jim Robidoux All 9 Yards 50 50
Greg Duethman ICCC 40 40
Darrell Bratton Team Mack 34 34
Steve Beck Unattached 34 34
Jeff Williams Team Mack 30 30
Paul Jensen All 9 Yards 17 17
MALE 50+
Landon Beachy Bike Tech 50 50 50 50 50 50 100 400
John Adamson Bike Tech 40 50 40 40 40 210
Richard Gilmore Bike Tech 34 34 26 34 60 188
Mike Guidici DICE 30 40 68 138
David Thompson DICE 34 80 114
Kim West Triton Homes 40 40 80
Mike Zugmaier DICE 26 30 56
James Cooper Unattached 34 34
Dan Shaffer ICCC 34 34
Marvin Stern Unattached 30 30
Steve Heine Proctor 26 26
Reid Hansen Proctor 23 23
Monday, November 20, 2006
RESULTS FROM THE MIDDLE PARK MADNESS CYCLOCROSS RACE
We raced Middle Park in Bettendorf yesterday and I have to quite honestly say..."That was one of the HARDEST FREAKIN' RACES I've ever done! What an awesome course and thanks goes out to Bruce Grell who designed one hell of a course! Well, at least I finished the race!! Great job goes out to Bryan Moritz for winning the Cat 4 race yesterday in what looked to be one of the best finishes of the day! When Bryan and Ron Bridal from Team Mack came into the start finish area setting up for the sprint right before the last set of barriers, Ron gets a front flat (at the wheel pit no doubt) and had to change his front wheel, and still was able to hold off Andy Lueck from ICCC taking second place. Other race winners from DICE Cycling were Patrick Hanrahan in the Master's 40+, who raced a good race also! Way to go Bryan and Pat! In the series overall we also had Bryan winning the Cat 4 series overall and William Huntsberger taking second. William also was the winner of the Master's 30+ catagory. Jeremiah Gantzer won the Juniors overall and Patrick took third overall in the Master's 40+...great job guys! Way to represent those DICE colors!! On to the results...
...on behalf of Dave Thompson
Thanks to all who came out and raced at our new venue. Good numbers, crisp
cool sunny weather. ICCS season long series decided and awards handed out.
Thanks to everyone who helped set-up and tear-down as well. Todays results:
RACE 1
30+ MEN
NAME TEAM OVL/POS
1-Tracy Thompson Atlas 1
2-William Huntsberger DICE 2
3-Dominic Moraniec Atlas 3
4-Brent Hauser CICC 8
40+ MEN
1-Patrick Hanrahan DICE 5
2-Phil Curran DICE 6
3-Mike Winter DICE 7
4-Matt Brakeville DICE 12
5-Donnie Miller DICE 16
50+ MEN
1-Landon Beachy Bike Tech 4
2-David Thompson DICE 9
3-Mike Giudici DICE 10
4-Richard Gilmore Bike Tech 15
BEGINNER MEN
1-Jesse Leonard FORC 11
2-Kyle Williams U of Iowa 13
3-Rick Wren FORC 14
4-Gerry Voelliger Unattached 17
5-Jeff CArr Unattached 18
6-Timothy Clark Unattached 20
7-Steve REitz U of Iowa 21
8-Tom Finnegan Unattached 23
9-Gary Hayles Unattached 25
DNF-Will Cummins
BEGINNER WOMEN
1-Kristin Pavlovich Unattached 19
2-Cindy Southard DICE 22
3-Laurel Darren Unattached 24
4-Kim Sheetz DICE 26
5-Melinda Thompson Unattached 27
6-Kris Rettig Unattached 28
JUNIOR WOMEN
1-Jennifer Plambeck UNattached 29
MENS OPEN/RACE 2
1-Brian Eppen ICCC
2-Nathan Moenck ICCC
3-Sean WAlker Atlas
4-Cully Todd Team Skin
5-Greg Aronson DICE
6-Bruce Grell DICE
WOMENS OPEN/RACE 3
1-Corrie Berrigan Team Kenda 11
2-Tammy Meehan ICCC 15
3-Robin Goforth U of Iowa 16
4-Amanda Miller Atlas 17
5-Debra Wood Team Kenda 20
DNF Margie Millar
MENS CAT 4
1-Bryan Moritz DICE 1
2-Ron Bridal Team Mack 2
3-Andy Lueck ICCC 3
4-Todd Gillihan Team Skin 4
5-Dominic Moraniec Atlas 5
6-Jeremiah Gantzer DICE 6
7-William HUntsberger DICE 7
8-Steve Bullerman Bike Tech 8
9-Norbert Koeningsfeld Bike Tech 9
10-Ty Williams Harpers 10
11-Brent Hauser CICC 12
12-Jeff Abel DICE 13
13-Michael Wakely ABD 14
14-Kyle Williams U of Iowa 18
15-Keith Snoop Unattached 19
16-Scott Swanson DICE 21
I will post the results from the overall when they get turned in!
Please let us know what you thought of the race!
Next up Jingle Cross Rock in Iowa City Nov 25th and 26th. The link for the race is http://www.jinglecrossrock.com
...on behalf of Dave Thompson
Thanks to all who came out and raced at our new venue. Good numbers, crisp
cool sunny weather. ICCS season long series decided and awards handed out.
Thanks to everyone who helped set-up and tear-down as well. Todays results:
RACE 1
30+ MEN
NAME TEAM OVL/POS
1-Tracy Thompson Atlas 1
2-William Huntsberger DICE 2
3-Dominic Moraniec Atlas 3
4-Brent Hauser CICC 8
40+ MEN
1-Patrick Hanrahan DICE 5
2-Phil Curran DICE 6
3-Mike Winter DICE 7
4-Matt Brakeville DICE 12
5-Donnie Miller DICE 16
50+ MEN
1-Landon Beachy Bike Tech 4
2-David Thompson DICE 9
3-Mike Giudici DICE 10
4-Richard Gilmore Bike Tech 15
BEGINNER MEN
1-Jesse Leonard FORC 11
2-Kyle Williams U of Iowa 13
3-Rick Wren FORC 14
4-Gerry Voelliger Unattached 17
5-Jeff CArr Unattached 18
6-Timothy Clark Unattached 20
7-Steve REitz U of Iowa 21
8-Tom Finnegan Unattached 23
9-Gary Hayles Unattached 25
DNF-Will Cummins
BEGINNER WOMEN
1-Kristin Pavlovich Unattached 19
2-Cindy Southard DICE 22
3-Laurel Darren Unattached 24
4-Kim Sheetz DICE 26
5-Melinda Thompson Unattached 27
6-Kris Rettig Unattached 28
JUNIOR WOMEN
1-Jennifer Plambeck UNattached 29
MENS OPEN/RACE 2
1-Brian Eppen ICCC
2-Nathan Moenck ICCC
3-Sean WAlker Atlas
4-Cully Todd Team Skin
5-Greg Aronson DICE
6-Bruce Grell DICE
WOMENS OPEN/RACE 3
1-Corrie Berrigan Team Kenda 11
2-Tammy Meehan ICCC 15
3-Robin Goforth U of Iowa 16
4-Amanda Miller Atlas 17
5-Debra Wood Team Kenda 20
DNF Margie Millar
MENS CAT 4
1-Bryan Moritz DICE 1
2-Ron Bridal Team Mack 2
3-Andy Lueck ICCC 3
4-Todd Gillihan Team Skin 4
5-Dominic Moraniec Atlas 5
6-Jeremiah Gantzer DICE 6
7-William HUntsberger DICE 7
8-Steve Bullerman Bike Tech 8
9-Norbert Koeningsfeld Bike Tech 9
10-Ty Williams Harpers 10
11-Brent Hauser CICC 12
12-Jeff Abel DICE 13
13-Michael Wakely ABD 14
14-Kyle Williams U of Iowa 18
15-Keith Snoop Unattached 19
16-Scott Swanson DICE 21
I will post the results from the overall when they get turned in!
Please let us know what you thought of the race!
Next up Jingle Cross Rock in Iowa City Nov 25th and 26th. The link for the race is http://www.jinglecrossrock.com
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Posted by Sensible Cyclist from Moline, Illinois at 8:38AM on Monday, 11/13/06
What a wonderful article! I especially liked the references to Winter riding and commuting. Unfortunately, too many may be scared to take up cycling thinking bikes like these are necessary for serious cyclists. They are not; in fact...
Titanium is wickedly stiff, rough riding and brittle.
Aluminum is often too stiff and brittle or soft and spongy.
Carbon Fibre wears and fast. It delaminates, particularly when regularly exposed to the elements.
Suspensions are heavy and absorb a lot of power. Saving rotating weight (wheels, cranks, pedals) is FAR more valuable than static weight, (frame, accessories etc.).
Exotics are great for the avid racer that understands their $7K bike won't last for ever. Most people purchasing anything like this don't understand they aren't the best thing for commuting, weekend or club ride. $400-$800 buys one whale of a bike, good enough to ride across the country.
For 90%+ of serious commuters or distance cyclists, a mild steel frame with alloy wheels and components will work at least as well. There are times when these can be significantly better.
What a wonderful article! I especially liked the references to Winter riding and commuting. Unfortunately, too many may be scared to take up cycling thinking bikes like these are necessary for serious cyclists. They are not; in fact...
Titanium is wickedly stiff, rough riding and brittle.
Aluminum is often too stiff and brittle or soft and spongy.
Carbon Fibre wears and fast. It delaminates, particularly when regularly exposed to the elements.
Suspensions are heavy and absorb a lot of power. Saving rotating weight (wheels, cranks, pedals) is FAR more valuable than static weight, (frame, accessories etc.).
Exotics are great for the avid racer that understands their $7K bike won't last for ever. Most people purchasing anything like this don't understand they aren't the best thing for commuting, weekend or club ride. $400-$800 buys one whale of a bike, good enough to ride across the country.
For 90%+ of serious commuters or distance cyclists, a mild steel frame with alloy wheels and components will work at least as well. There are times when these can be significantly better.
Bicycle Materials...
Will the growing demand for space-age materials put a cramp on rocket-science inspired bicycles?
Bicycle industry publications have pointed out some of the hottest frame materials are getting more expensive and more scarce because demand for specialty materials such as titanium and carbon fiber, is soaring.
Increased demand comes from the aerospace industry, computer makers, and even the medical fields, where titanium is a favored metal for bone screws and joint replacement parts.
The price of titanium, aluminum and carbon fiber has risen as orders increase from airplane makers and defense companies such as Airbus, Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp., who are buying up a greater portion of the supply to keep up with demand.
However, area bicycle sellers believe the industry isn't going to see a material crunch, that supplies will increase to meet the market demand, and it hasn't impacted bicycle maker's plans to continue to offer the exotic materials in their frames.
Bicycle industry publications have pointed out some of the hottest frame materials are getting more expensive and more scarce because demand for specialty materials such as titanium and carbon fiber, is soaring.
Increased demand comes from the aerospace industry, computer makers, and even the medical fields, where titanium is a favored metal for bone screws and joint replacement parts.
The price of titanium, aluminum and carbon fiber has risen as orders increase from airplane makers and defense companies such as Airbus, Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp., who are buying up a greater portion of the supply to keep up with demand.
However, area bicycle sellers believe the industry isn't going to see a material crunch, that supplies will increase to meet the market demand, and it hasn't impacted bicycle maker's plans to continue to offer the exotic materials in their frames.
Riding in the Cold!
It might be the middle of October, but for many serious cyclists the bicycling season isn't over yet. Many riders will be on the road well into November and December and a hearty few manage to ride outdoors all year long.
The biggest enemy is wind chill, and cyclists are vulnerable in exposed areas like the face and extremities like the feet and hands. Cycling gloves can help, as can neoprene shoe coverings or booties. A perennial hot seller at On Two Wheels is a balaclava, a thin mask that covers the head, ears and neck and can be used to cover the mouth and nose.
Winter tights and cycling jackets are a balance between windproof fabric and moisture wicking material and are specially cut to cover a rider's posture on the bike.
When the roads turn sloppy, some riders turn to mountain bikes, with lower pressure, wider tires that can provide better grip. Some tires even sport metal studs for when conditions turn really nasty.
With the sun setting earlier, battery powered LED headlights and tail lights are an important addition that allows a cyclist to see and be seen.
For more information about riding through the winter go to http://www.bicyclinglife.com/Recreation/wintercycling.htm
The biggest enemy is wind chill, and cyclists are vulnerable in exposed areas like the face and extremities like the feet and hands. Cycling gloves can help, as can neoprene shoe coverings or booties. A perennial hot seller at On Two Wheels is a balaclava, a thin mask that covers the head, ears and neck and can be used to cover the mouth and nose.
Winter tights and cycling jackets are a balance between windproof fabric and moisture wicking material and are specially cut to cover a rider's posture on the bike.
When the roads turn sloppy, some riders turn to mountain bikes, with lower pressure, wider tires that can provide better grip. Some tires even sport metal studs for when conditions turn really nasty.
With the sun setting earlier, battery powered LED headlights and tail lights are an important addition that allows a cyclist to see and be seen.
For more information about riding through the winter go to http://www.bicyclinglife.com/Recreation/wintercycling.htm
Here's the article on $7,000 bikes...
By Todd Welvaert, toddw@qconline.com
Printed and digital copies of this image are available for purchase. Digital delivery within minutes.
Photo: Todd Welvaert
Jeff Bradley, owner of On Two Wheels bike shop in Davenport, holds one of his shop's high end models, the Trek Madone 5.9. Today, avid cyclists can buy a bicycle that weighs less than 16 pounds, thanks to high tech frame materials and light weight parts. More photos from this shoot Hauberg Civic Center "Quad Cities best kept secret"
It's not your father's 10-speed.
With frames that weigh less than 2½ pounds, made from the same materials as high-tech jet fighters, and boasting 20-speed transmissions, today's crop of top-of-the-line bicycles are technological marvels with price tags to match.
"I've always thought 'OK this is it, this is the end, there's nothing more they can do,'" said Jeff Bradley, owner of On Two Wheels bike shop in Davenport. "Then the new stuff comes in and it just seems to keep going and going. The leaps have gotten a little shorter, but
(improvements) are still coming."
Mr. Bradley, 45, should know.
He won 11 national cycling championships and was on the 1984 Olympic cycling team. In the 1980s, Mr. Bradley was a member of the legendary 7-Eleven professional cycling team, the first U.S. team to race successfully in Europe, and he competed in international cycling's premier event, the Tour de France. He retired from professional cycling in 1987 and returned to his hometown of Davenport.
"When I started, the top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art bikes weighed 21, 22 pounds. They were steel frames, 14 speeds and cost $1,800 to $2,000, and they were custom made." Mr. Bradley said. "Now, an entry level (racing) bike we sell for $699 is way better than the bikes that I rode. The bike Lance Armstrong rode in the Tour De France weighs less than 16 pounds and costs upwards of $7,000. It's a 20-speed, and it's a lot more comfortable."
And available at a bike shop near you.
"You couldn't find the bikes we rode in a shop, it would have to be built for you. Now, you can buy them here. It's absolutely incredible what's out there."
According to the National Bicycle Dealers Association, more than 19 million bicycles were sold last year in North America, up 8.2 percent from 2004. Some bike makers estimate that 30,000 cyclists each year spend $3,000 or more on a new bike, but there are many who are willing to spend even more.
Healthy Habits owner Bruce Grell got involved in the bicycle business in the 1990s, but has been a cyclist all his life.
He said he never would have predicted the $8,000 bicycle when he started, but isn't as surprised now.
"Look at the average income now compared to where it was then, look at cars, there's a lot of similarities there," Mr. Grell said. Although cars are viewed as a necessity, there are many consumers who buy cars with features and functions that go far beyond what the consumer needs, he said. Bikes are no different.
When Jerry Neff's parents started Jerry & Sparky's Bicycle Shop in Davenport, they bought a $2,000 Ford pickup in 1967 to make deliveries, a memory that forced a smile earlier this month when he sold an $8,500 bicycle.
"I never thought I would see that," said Mr. Neff, who's been in the bicycle business 25 years.
A part of Jerry and Sparky's business is custom-made Waterford Precision Cycles. The Wisconsin company makes custom-made frames for buyers. Complete bikes range from $4,500 to $6,500, and are widely regarded as some of the best bicycles made.
"We've had a few people who have had some problems, even back problems, and they were able to go with a Waterford and come up with a design that fits the bill," Mr. Neff said. "We're close enough (to Waterford, Wis., where the bikes are made) that people can go up there to do a fitting."
Trek, one of the world's largest bicycle makers, suggests a retail price of nearly $5,000 for its flagship, the Madone 5.9, but it's not nearly the most expensive out there. Exotic materials and custom builds push prices even higher. The carbon fiber Serotta MeiVici will set a rider back $7,095 -- for the frame alone.
Mr. Grell said many cyclists look at Cervélo as one of the lightest, fastest bicycles around. In 2004, the Canadian company made one of the lightest carbon fiber frame, 870 grams or 1.9 pounds, so light it failed to meet International Cycling Union established weight limit and was not allowed to race that year. As a complete bicycle with race-worthy equipment, the R2.5 Bayonne runs about $8,500.
Carbon fiber is a strong, light composite plastic and epoxy material reinforced with fiber that has similar strength to aluminum and steel, but at less weight. Carbon fiber also has a unique characteristic of dampening the bumps and vibrations a bicycle rider feels.
"Ten or 15 years ago, steel bikes were about all you could find, then aluminum came on, and it has been predominate for quite a while," Mr. Bradley said. "Now carbon fiber is starting to go like gangbusters and you are seeing it in bikes that are less expensive every year."
Mr. Grell said experience has taught him there are few limits to bicycles and the science that is driving them lighter.
"Every time I thought anything like that, they come up with something new," he said. "It wasn't too long ago, six-speeds (gear clusters on the rear wheel) were considered more than enough. Then it went to eight, then nine and now it's 10 (effectively making some bicycles 20 and 30 speeds). Someone will probably come out with 15-speed in the next (few) years."
There is a trickle down of technology that runs through bike lines and benefits consumers of all stripes, Mr. Bradley said.
"What starts on top-of-the-line bikes, within five years that state-of-the-art technology is on the bottom of the line bikes.
"It's amazing, you don't have to be a pro cyclist to tell the difference between a carbon fiber bike, or a bike with carbon fiber parts, to tell the difference between it and another frame material," he said. "The price of carbon fiber is coming down, a full carbon fiber bike goes for $1,800. The average person might not be able to tell the difference between an $1,800 carbon fiber bike and a $7,000 carbon fiber bike, but the average person can tell the difference between an $1,800 carbon fiber bike and a $700 aluminum or steel bike. There's a big difference there."
Mr. Grell said disc brakes started on $4,000 mountain bikes just a few years ago, and now can be found on bikes at $450.
Steve DePron has been in the bicycle business for 33 years. The owner of Bike & Hike in Rock Island, said all the technological trickle-down might make this the best time in the history of bicycles to buy one.
"You're getting so much for your money right now, it's just incredible," he said. "The bicycle price point we sell the most at, that $339 bicycle, is equal to a bicycle worth $1,200 just 12 years ago. Bikes have gotten so much better because of the work that's put in on the high end. You get a ton for your money right now."
So where does it end? Mr. DePron said he never thought he would see a $5,000 bike when he started in the business, but today there are 25 on his showroom floor. His flagship model, the Giant Team Mobile bicycle, runs around $5,500.
"I think there always is going to be an exotic market there. Today, you can spend $12,000 on a regular production bicycle," he said. "But at some point, and I tell my customers this, I think you get to a certain point and you are splitting a pretty fine hair."
Mr. DePron also sees a contradiction of sorts in bicycle advancements.
"I saw an article in (an inventors magazine) about the bicycle and how the basic design, two wheels the same size, a frame and pedals, what was then called a 'safety bicycle' hasn't really changed that much since the 1880s. There were pretty ultra light bicycles in the 1920s, with steel frames and wooden rims, they were around 22 pounds.
"Carbon fiber, which is the biggest new thing, isn't really new. There were carbon fiber frames 25 years ago. The technology has gotten much better, the quality's improved, but there's not a lot that's new."
#
Printed and digital copies of this image are available for purchase. Digital delivery within minutes.
Photo: Todd Welvaert
Jeff Bradley, owner of On Two Wheels bike shop in Davenport, holds one of his shop's high end models, the Trek Madone 5.9. Today, avid cyclists can buy a bicycle that weighs less than 16 pounds, thanks to high tech frame materials and light weight parts. More photos from this shoot Hauberg Civic Center "Quad Cities best kept secret"
It's not your father's 10-speed.
With frames that weigh less than 2½ pounds, made from the same materials as high-tech jet fighters, and boasting 20-speed transmissions, today's crop of top-of-the-line bicycles are technological marvels with price tags to match.
"I've always thought 'OK this is it, this is the end, there's nothing more they can do,'" said Jeff Bradley, owner of On Two Wheels bike shop in Davenport. "Then the new stuff comes in and it just seems to keep going and going. The leaps have gotten a little shorter, but
(improvements) are still coming."
Mr. Bradley, 45, should know.
He won 11 national cycling championships and was on the 1984 Olympic cycling team. In the 1980s, Mr. Bradley was a member of the legendary 7-Eleven professional cycling team, the first U.S. team to race successfully in Europe, and he competed in international cycling's premier event, the Tour de France. He retired from professional cycling in 1987 and returned to his hometown of Davenport.
"When I started, the top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art bikes weighed 21, 22 pounds. They were steel frames, 14 speeds and cost $1,800 to $2,000, and they were custom made." Mr. Bradley said. "Now, an entry level (racing) bike we sell for $699 is way better than the bikes that I rode. The bike Lance Armstrong rode in the Tour De France weighs less than 16 pounds and costs upwards of $7,000. It's a 20-speed, and it's a lot more comfortable."
And available at a bike shop near you.
"You couldn't find the bikes we rode in a shop, it would have to be built for you. Now, you can buy them here. It's absolutely incredible what's out there."
According to the National Bicycle Dealers Association, more than 19 million bicycles were sold last year in North America, up 8.2 percent from 2004. Some bike makers estimate that 30,000 cyclists each year spend $3,000 or more on a new bike, but there are many who are willing to spend even more.
Healthy Habits owner Bruce Grell got involved in the bicycle business in the 1990s, but has been a cyclist all his life.
He said he never would have predicted the $8,000 bicycle when he started, but isn't as surprised now.
"Look at the average income now compared to where it was then, look at cars, there's a lot of similarities there," Mr. Grell said. Although cars are viewed as a necessity, there are many consumers who buy cars with features and functions that go far beyond what the consumer needs, he said. Bikes are no different.
When Jerry Neff's parents started Jerry & Sparky's Bicycle Shop in Davenport, they bought a $2,000 Ford pickup in 1967 to make deliveries, a memory that forced a smile earlier this month when he sold an $8,500 bicycle.
"I never thought I would see that," said Mr. Neff, who's been in the bicycle business 25 years.
A part of Jerry and Sparky's business is custom-made Waterford Precision Cycles. The Wisconsin company makes custom-made frames for buyers. Complete bikes range from $4,500 to $6,500, and are widely regarded as some of the best bicycles made.
"We've had a few people who have had some problems, even back problems, and they were able to go with a Waterford and come up with a design that fits the bill," Mr. Neff said. "We're close enough (to Waterford, Wis., where the bikes are made) that people can go up there to do a fitting."
Trek, one of the world's largest bicycle makers, suggests a retail price of nearly $5,000 for its flagship, the Madone 5.9, but it's not nearly the most expensive out there. Exotic materials and custom builds push prices even higher. The carbon fiber Serotta MeiVici will set a rider back $7,095 -- for the frame alone.
Mr. Grell said many cyclists look at Cervélo as one of the lightest, fastest bicycles around. In 2004, the Canadian company made one of the lightest carbon fiber frame, 870 grams or 1.9 pounds, so light it failed to meet International Cycling Union established weight limit and was not allowed to race that year. As a complete bicycle with race-worthy equipment, the R2.5 Bayonne runs about $8,500.
Carbon fiber is a strong, light composite plastic and epoxy material reinforced with fiber that has similar strength to aluminum and steel, but at less weight. Carbon fiber also has a unique characteristic of dampening the bumps and vibrations a bicycle rider feels.
"Ten or 15 years ago, steel bikes were about all you could find, then aluminum came on, and it has been predominate for quite a while," Mr. Bradley said. "Now carbon fiber is starting to go like gangbusters and you are seeing it in bikes that are less expensive every year."
Mr. Grell said experience has taught him there are few limits to bicycles and the science that is driving them lighter.
"Every time I thought anything like that, they come up with something new," he said. "It wasn't too long ago, six-speeds (gear clusters on the rear wheel) were considered more than enough. Then it went to eight, then nine and now it's 10 (effectively making some bicycles 20 and 30 speeds). Someone will probably come out with 15-speed in the next (few) years."
There is a trickle down of technology that runs through bike lines and benefits consumers of all stripes, Mr. Bradley said.
"What starts on top-of-the-line bikes, within five years that state-of-the-art technology is on the bottom of the line bikes.
"It's amazing, you don't have to be a pro cyclist to tell the difference between a carbon fiber bike, or a bike with carbon fiber parts, to tell the difference between it and another frame material," he said. "The price of carbon fiber is coming down, a full carbon fiber bike goes for $1,800. The average person might not be able to tell the difference between an $1,800 carbon fiber bike and a $7,000 carbon fiber bike, but the average person can tell the difference between an $1,800 carbon fiber bike and a $700 aluminum or steel bike. There's a big difference there."
Mr. Grell said disc brakes started on $4,000 mountain bikes just a few years ago, and now can be found on bikes at $450.
Steve DePron has been in the bicycle business for 33 years. The owner of Bike & Hike in Rock Island, said all the technological trickle-down might make this the best time in the history of bicycles to buy one.
"You're getting so much for your money right now, it's just incredible," he said. "The bicycle price point we sell the most at, that $339 bicycle, is equal to a bicycle worth $1,200 just 12 years ago. Bikes have gotten so much better because of the work that's put in on the high end. You get a ton for your money right now."
So where does it end? Mr. DePron said he never thought he would see a $5,000 bike when he started in the business, but today there are 25 on his showroom floor. His flagship model, the Giant Team Mobile bicycle, runs around $5,500.
"I think there always is going to be an exotic market there. Today, you can spend $12,000 on a regular production bicycle," he said. "But at some point, and I tell my customers this, I think you get to a certain point and you are splitting a pretty fine hair."
Mr. DePron also sees a contradiction of sorts in bicycle advancements.
"I saw an article in (an inventors magazine) about the bicycle and how the basic design, two wheels the same size, a frame and pedals, what was then called a 'safety bicycle' hasn't really changed that much since the 1880s. There were pretty ultra light bicycles in the 1920s, with steel frames and wooden rims, they were around 22 pounds.
"Carbon fiber, which is the biggest new thing, isn't really new. There were carbon fiber frames 25 years ago. The technology has gotten much better, the quality's improved, but there's not a lot that's new."
#
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Green Valley Cyclo Cross 11-12-06
NOTE: Results updated 11:30 11/15/06
Green Valley Cyclo Cross 11-12-06
Green Valley Park, Moline, IL
I want to first thank everyone who made yesterdays race a huge success: Scott Swanson for officiating, Kat Greer and Lisa Wessling for registration, Mike Zugmaier, Bruce Grell, Mike Kurth, Jenn and Jordan, William Huntsberger and other DICE teammates for course set-up and tear-down. AWESOME JOB!! It takes a lot of volunteers to put on events like this…it’s never just a one man show!
Yesterday started off a little chilly…27 degrees at 6am for course set-up and it never really warmed up at all. It was 38 and felt like 29 at race time and the high was 47 and felt like 41. The wind was average around 12 mph…right off of the Rock River…which was in your face on the black top section at least.
The course ended up getting a lot of rain two days before and made things quite interesting to say the least! The first dirt road had a nice big muddy ditch to go through and a dropped tree to jump over with another larger one to negotiate around and then some more mud. Then going back to the sand pit was another dirt road that was full of nice water and mud…making the trek fun with multiple riders. The first big creek crossing was after the sand…which seemed to be the tamest section on the whole course, was the only dry crossing for the whole day! Then the next fun was a lot tougher section of sand before the second hurdle of the day leading to another ditch crossing onto the black top road. Next was the run through back to the grass…the last ditch crossing that had about a foot of standing water in it! Which I got to find out how deep when I had to run around a guy from Proctor Cycling from Peoria…man that was cold! The easiest section today was the hurdles going into the first dirt road…hard to believe!
Most everyone told me they loved the course and this was true Cyclo Cross racing and they will make sure not to miss it next year…which will be Nov 11th 2007…by the way!
The racing was fun and fast with a lot of unexpected surprises! Now on to the results…We had 63 total racers with 4 of them doing 2 races, 17 masters, 17 one day licenses for beginner cat 4, 5 juniors and 7 children, with 26 category racers.
Thanks again to all of the racers and volunteers for making this a great event! After the race we all went back to my new spinning studio called Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience www.DiceTraining.com for chili, tacos and beverages. A good time had by all and I want to thanks everyone who came by to look at the studio.
Pictures of the race are here.
If there are pictures you would like to have please e-mail off group and I will get you the original.
Green Valley Cyclo Cross 11-12-06
Green Valley Park, Moline, IL
I want to first thank everyone who made yesterdays race a huge success: Scott Swanson for officiating, Kat Greer and Lisa Wessling for registration, Mike Zugmaier, Bruce Grell, Mike Kurth, Jenn and Jordan, William Huntsberger and other DICE teammates for course set-up and tear-down. AWESOME JOB!! It takes a lot of volunteers to put on events like this…it’s never just a one man show!
Yesterday started off a little chilly…27 degrees at 6am for course set-up and it never really warmed up at all. It was 38 and felt like 29 at race time and the high was 47 and felt like 41. The wind was average around 12 mph…right off of the Rock River…which was in your face on the black top section at least.
The course ended up getting a lot of rain two days before and made things quite interesting to say the least! The first dirt road had a nice big muddy ditch to go through and a dropped tree to jump over with another larger one to negotiate around and then some more mud. Then going back to the sand pit was another dirt road that was full of nice water and mud…making the trek fun with multiple riders. The first big creek crossing was after the sand…which seemed to be the tamest section on the whole course, was the only dry crossing for the whole day! Then the next fun was a lot tougher section of sand before the second hurdle of the day leading to another ditch crossing onto the black top road. Next was the run through back to the grass…the last ditch crossing that had about a foot of standing water in it! Which I got to find out how deep when I had to run around a guy from Proctor Cycling from Peoria…man that was cold! The easiest section today was the hurdles going into the first dirt road…hard to believe!
Most everyone told me they loved the course and this was true Cyclo Cross racing and they will make sure not to miss it next year…which will be Nov 11th 2007…by the way!
The racing was fun and fast with a lot of unexpected surprises! Now on to the results…We had 63 total racers with 4 of them doing 2 races, 17 masters, 17 one day licenses for beginner cat 4, 5 juniors and 7 children, with 26 category racers.
Thanks again to all of the racers and volunteers for making this a great event! After the race we all went back to my new spinning studio called Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience www.DiceTraining.com for chili, tacos and beverages. A good time had by all and I want to thanks everyone who came by to look at the studio.
Pictures of the race are here.
If there are pictures you would like to have please e-mail off group and I will get you the original.
Masters 30/40/50, Juniors 10-14/15-18 and Beginners
Cat place, Overall place
30+
1,1 Tracy Thompson (37) Atlas Core West Burlington, IA
2,3 William Huntsberger (37) DICE Davenport, IA
3,5 Ryan Michels (32) Proctor Metamora, IL
40+
1,6 Mike Winter (47) DICE Rock Island, IL
2,7 Pat Hanrahan (48) DICE Bettendorf, IA
3,14 Donnie Miller (41) DICE Moline, IL
50+
1,2 Landon Beachy (54) Bike Tech Kalona, IA
2,9 Mike Giudici (53) DICE Davenport, IA
3,12 Richard Gilmore (55) Bike Tech Washington, IA
4,13 Mike Zugmaier (51) DICE Bettendorf, IA
5,15 Steve Heine (51) Proctor Peoria, IA
6,16 Reid Hansen (55) Proctor Peoria, IA
7,DNF Dave Thompson (51) DICE Moline, IL
(DNF Broken Derailleur Hanger)
Cat 4 Beginners
1,4 Norbert Koenigsfeld (40) Bike Tech Cedar Rapids, IA
2,8 William Cummings (38) Unattached Davenport, IA
3,10 Kyle Williams (26) Univ of Iowa Iowa City, IA
4,11 Jesse Leonard (16) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
5,17 Todd Morhead (35) Unattached Burlington, IA
6,18 Gary Hayles (34) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
7,19 Deb Struck (46) Unattached Parkview, IA
8,20 Tim Clark (40) Unattached Bloomington, IL
9,21 Thomas Finnegan (36) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
10,22 Deb Wood (28) Team Kenda Davenport, IA
11,23 Zachary Blair (21) Unattached Hampton, IL
12,24 Roger Griswold (36) Unattached Ft. Madison, IA
13,25 Kris Rettig (31) Unattached Geneseo, IL
14,26 Melinda Thompson (42) Unattached Moline, IL
15,31 Jeffrey Carr (43) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
16,DNF Margaret Millar (47) Unattached Moline, IL
Juniors 10-14
1,27 Jeffrey Carr (12) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
2,28 Jordan Zugmaier (10) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
3,29 David Carr (10) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
4,30 R. Alex Sheetz (10) Unattached Knoxville, IA
Juniors 15-18
1,DNF Jenn Plambeck (17) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
Kids 5-10
1 Konner Sommer (6) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
2 Brianna Meehan (10) Unattached Iowa City, IA
3 Ryan Clark (10) Unattached Bloomington, IL
4 Salem Snoop (8) Unattached Marion, IA
5 Karson Sommer (8) Unattached Bettendorf, IA
6 Kaden Snoop (6) Unattached Marion, IA
Cat 4 Annual License
1 Andy Lueck (21) Iowa City Cycling Iowa City, IA
2 Bryan Moritz (20) DICE Davenport, IA
3 Ron Bridal (29) Team Mack Quincy, IL
4 William Huntsberger (37) DICE Davenport, IA
5 Steven Bullerman (35) Bike Tech Waterloo, IA
6 Jeff Abel (36) DICE Bettendorf, IA
7 Kyle Williams (26) Univ of Iowa Iowa City, IA
8 Keith Snoop (29) Unattached Marion, IA
Women's Open
1 Amanda Miller (20) Atlas Core Mt. Union, IA
2 Tammy Meehan (41) Iowa City Cycling Iowa City, IA
3 Robin Goforth (26) Univ of Iowa Iowa City, IA
4 Margaret Millar (47) Unattached Moline, IL
5 Kim Sheetz (46) DICE Knoxville, IL
6 Andrea Meyers (23) Team Kenda Moline, IL
(DNF)
Men's Open CX Cat 1,2,3,4
1 Nathan Moenck (24) Iowa City Cycling Iowa City, IA
2 Brian Eppen (28) Iowa City Cycling Iowa City, IA
3 Cully Todd (42) Team Skin North Liberty, IA
4 John Meehan (41) Iowa City Cycling Iowa City, IA
5 Thaddeus Neil (30) MBWC/Team 14 Webster City, IA
6 Sean Walker (31) Atlas Core Iowa City, IA
7 Greg Aronson (35) DICE Bettendorf, IA
8 Bruce Grell (38) DICE Davenport, IA
9 Jeremiah Gantzer (18) DICE Bettendorf, IA
10 Dennis Grelk (27) MBWC/Team 14 Donnellson, IA
11 Andrea Meyers (23) Team Kenda Moline, IL
12 Nick Martin (35) Atlas Core Iowa City, IA
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
First article from October about Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience
Quad City Business Journal 10-10-2006
Sports Business
Cyclist builds training facility
Veteran competitor wanted place for others to stay fit
By Katie Vaughn
Donnie Miller found a niche in the local fitness industry by focusing on two facts.
First, he learned that about 3,700 people belong to cycling and running clubs in the Quad-Cities.
Second, he knew few of these people can be found running or biking during Midwestern winters. And he couldn’t help but wonder how much better these athletes could compete if they had a place to train during the cold months.
Miller, who has been a competitive cyclist since he was a 14-year-old Hampton, Ill., resident, is in the process of opening Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience at 1554 52nd Ave., Moline. The fitness studio will cater to competitive runners, cyclists and triathletes, as well as those who just want a difficult workout, Miller said.
“What I’m trying to do is create a workout facility for like-minded people — the runner, the cyclist and the multi-sport athlete,” he said.
Miller, now 42 and living in Moline, is leasing the former Harmon Glass building near SouthPark Mall and since August has been working to convert the space into a cycling-based fitness center with a lobby, small office, bathrooms, showers and a 2,000-square-foot exercise room. At first, Miller will run the business on his own, save for his Labrador puppy companion Luke, who will be a constant presence at the center.
The studio, which can accommodate up to 40 exercisers at a time and was slated to open Sept. 25, is equipped with an air conditioning system. But a unique feature is the south wall of the room, outfitted with three garage-style doors that open to offer fresh air and views of a wooded area outside.
In addition to music and televisions, Miller’s studio will take advantage of other technologies. Some of his bikes will track user’s data, which Miller can print out or e-mail to clients who want to track their progress in training journals. Other bikes, Miller said, allow cyclists to conduct virtual races with one another and watch their relative placements on a screen in video-game style.
While he will keep indoor-cycling bikes in his fitness center, Miller will allow customers to bring in their own bikes and set them up on trainers. He said this is a practice few clubs allow, and that he will do it because some people feel more comfortable training on the bike they use in competition.
Miller understands the needs of competitive athletes because he has been part of that community since his youth. He is coach and vice president of the Double I cycling team, which is the competitive daughter arm of the Quad-City Bike Club, he said. Additionally, in June he was named the new race director of the Quad-City Criterium.
However, Miller also hopes non-competitors will check out his studio. He said the stress that additional weight places on hips, knees and ankles can make running or walking uncomfortable for some people. Cycling is a great alternative, he said, because a bike supports a person’s arms, seat and legs.
As his business grows, Miller said he will add strength training and cardio components to the cycling base. He is planning to use medicine balls, sand bags and other props for core conditioning, as well as callisthenic-style exercises and aerobics, yoga, and Pilates classes, he said.
To make his cycling classes convenient for time-crunched customers, Miller will keep his studio open from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Prices will run upward from $10 a day, depending on the package one chooses, he said.
Katie Vaughn can be contacted at (563) 383-2282 or kvaughn@qctimes.com.
Sports Business
Cyclist builds training facility
Veteran competitor wanted place for others to stay fit
By Katie Vaughn
Donnie Miller found a niche in the local fitness industry by focusing on two facts.
First, he learned that about 3,700 people belong to cycling and running clubs in the Quad-Cities.
Second, he knew few of these people can be found running or biking during Midwestern winters. And he couldn’t help but wonder how much better these athletes could compete if they had a place to train during the cold months.
Miller, who has been a competitive cyclist since he was a 14-year-old Hampton, Ill., resident, is in the process of opening Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience at 1554 52nd Ave., Moline. The fitness studio will cater to competitive runners, cyclists and triathletes, as well as those who just want a difficult workout, Miller said.
“What I’m trying to do is create a workout facility for like-minded people — the runner, the cyclist and the multi-sport athlete,” he said.
Miller, now 42 and living in Moline, is leasing the former Harmon Glass building near SouthPark Mall and since August has been working to convert the space into a cycling-based fitness center with a lobby, small office, bathrooms, showers and a 2,000-square-foot exercise room. At first, Miller will run the business on his own, save for his Labrador puppy companion Luke, who will be a constant presence at the center.
The studio, which can accommodate up to 40 exercisers at a time and was slated to open Sept. 25, is equipped with an air conditioning system. But a unique feature is the south wall of the room, outfitted with three garage-style doors that open to offer fresh air and views of a wooded area outside.
In addition to music and televisions, Miller’s studio will take advantage of other technologies. Some of his bikes will track user’s data, which Miller can print out or e-mail to clients who want to track their progress in training journals. Other bikes, Miller said, allow cyclists to conduct virtual races with one another and watch their relative placements on a screen in video-game style.
While he will keep indoor-cycling bikes in his fitness center, Miller will allow customers to bring in their own bikes and set them up on trainers. He said this is a practice few clubs allow, and that he will do it because some people feel more comfortable training on the bike they use in competition.
Miller understands the needs of competitive athletes because he has been part of that community since his youth. He is coach and vice president of the Double I cycling team, which is the competitive daughter arm of the Quad-City Bike Club, he said. Additionally, in June he was named the new race director of the Quad-City Criterium.
However, Miller also hopes non-competitors will check out his studio. He said the stress that additional weight places on hips, knees and ankles can make running or walking uncomfortable for some people. Cycling is a great alternative, he said, because a bike supports a person’s arms, seat and legs.
As his business grows, Miller said he will add strength training and cardio components to the cycling base. He is planning to use medicine balls, sand bags and other props for core conditioning, as well as callisthenic-style exercises and aerobics, yoga, and Pilates classes, he said.
To make his cycling classes convenient for time-crunched customers, Miller will keep his studio open from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Prices will run upward from $10 a day, depending on the package one chooses, he said.
Katie Vaughn can be contacted at (563) 383-2282 or kvaughn@qctimes.com.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Beware of bikes: Study shows cars get 3 inches closer when riders wear helmets
By Amy Thon, athon@qconline.com
Signs around the Quad-Cities remind drivers and cyclists to share the roads, but cyclists sometimes feel as though they are getting squeezed out.
Years before his retirement, Kentley Loewenstein rode his bike seven miles to work to save money and simply because he enjoys riding. Except for a few snowy, icy months, Mr. Loewenstein relied on his bike to get him from his Bettendorf home to his job on Arsenal Island.
A recent study conducted in England found drivers tend to pass closer to cyclists wearing helmets than those who are not. Dr. Ian Walker conducted the study using a bike fitted with a computer and an ultrasonic distance sensor, and found that drivers were twice as likely to get about 3 inches closer to the bicycle when he wore a helmet.
Dr. Walker thinks drivers give less room to cyclists wearing helmets because they see them as more predictable than those without. He suggests different types of road users need to understand each other.
"I would recommend everybody wear a helmet," Mr. Loewenstein said. "It's too easy to fall and smash your head."
Although Mr. Loewenstein said the 3 inches is a "statistical anomaly" and not representative of his experiences on a bike, "there's always a few cars that will see how close they can come."
"It doesn't bother me to ride on the road with cars," said Mr. Loewenstein, who is a member of the Quad City Bicycle Club. "I try to ride in a safe manner, a predictable manner."
Errol McCollum, president of the Quad City Bike Club, said European drivers generally are much more tolerant of cyclists because so many more people there ride bicycles.
Mr. McCollum agrees with Mr. Loewenstein and said that despite the study it's important for riders to wear a helmet and to wear it properly.
"I see a lot of people wearing helmets who really don't know much about bicycling," he said.
Mr. McCollum said he often sees people wearing helmets too far back and has even seen cyclists with helmets on backwards. The front of the helmet should be about one finger's width above the brow lin