Levi Effect Movie Tonight

October 23rd, 2012

As part of the investigation into Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer testified about the doping in Pro cycling. Last week he was fired from the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team because of his doping. Or maybe because he talked about it not that he doped. Tonight the Levi Effect is showing at theaters nationwide for one night only at 7:30 PM.

Levi has stood atop the podium of cycling’s most celebrated contests: The Tour de France. The Olympics. The Amgen Tour of California. The Vuelta a Espana. The Tour de Suisse and the USA Pro Challenge here in Colorado. But beyond the race coverage lies a man whose impact on those around him is even more notable. From the millions in charity work to the reshaping of his hometown.

I’ve been wondering how the doping would be handled in the movie. Neil Browne got to preview the Levi Effect and has a great review of it. He says there’s a segment that talks about the doping but Neil says, “There’s no gory details or tearful apology.”

The Levi Effect website lists 3 local theaters showing the Levi Effect tonight. They are Tinseltown, Cinemark Carefree Circle and Hollywood Theaters 14. If you’re looking for someone to go with, a group is meeting a Cafe Velo before going over to the movie at Hollywood Theaters. I plan to be there.

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Pikes Peak by Bike

September 29th, 2012

Pikes Peak by Bike

Bikes have long been banned on the Pikes Peak Highway but there have always been people interested in riding it. Until last year though, parts of it were still gravel so it wasn’t road bike friendly.

There have been a few opportunities to ride up the Pikes Peak road over the years. Back in the 90s, there was a mountain bike race up the top 8 miles. The last couple years, Assault from the Peak started in Manitou and went to the Summit. This year it was called Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb and the start was moved up to Crystal Reservoir.

Back around the year 2000 when most of the road above Crystal Reservoir was still dirt, there was a trial of letting cyclists ride bikes on their own during September. Because of the dirt, it meant either riding a mountain bike or cross bike.

The thing that made it tough during that trial was the gate opened at 6:30 AM and bikes had to be off the road by 9 AM. The lowest you could start riding was Crystal Reservoir but even for a fit rider it was tough to ride to the summit and back in that time. I rode it with a friend. We parked a vehicle in Manitou and on the way down took the Elk Park Trail to Barr Trail. Even then I think it was nearly 9 by the time we got off the road.

This month, September 4-30, there’s finally another trial of allowing bikes on the Pikes Peak Highway. This time bikes are allowed during normal highway hours and can start at any point. Riders are required to sign a special waiver form. It’s $12 per person or $8 for groups of 4 or more.

Pikes Peak from Garden of the GodsLast Sunday the weather forecast was great and it fit in my schedule to ride up Pikes Peak. I rode from house and hit a trail through Garden of the Gods on my way to the Pikes Peak Highway gate. It was an absolutely beautiful morning!

It was after 10 when I got to the tollgate and by the time a group of 10 cyclists signed the waivers it was nearly 10:30 by the time I got through the gate. If they do allow bikes on the Pikes Peak road after this trial, I definitely wouldn’t start up that late during the summer and it’s pushing it even this time of the year.

The first few miles climb fairly steep before moderating. There’s even a little bit downhill at Crystal Reservoir. After the halfway picnic area, it’s up, up, up until well above timberline. Around Devil’s playground, there’s a slight downhill that gives a break before the final push to the summit.

Since I was going to ride down Barr Trail, I was riding my Santa Cruz Tallboy. It certainly doesn’t make for a fast ride on pavement and I took advantage of the low gears and plodded along. I was in no hurry and enjoyed the great views and stopped and took plenty of photos along the way.

It was a warm day for late September and it wasn’t until I was above timberline that I put on my arm and knee warmers. I didn’t need my vest until after I reached the summit.

Pikes Peak Summit by BikeAfter hanging out with friends for a bit at the summit, I headed over the edge to start the ride down Barr Trail. I haven’t ridden Barr Trail down from the summit in a long time because it’s so tough. It was even tougher after riding the bike for over 6 hours.

I rode very little of the first 1/2 mile down the 16 Golden Stairs. After that I was on and off the bike a lot. I could see a couple bikes below me as I headed down. I caught up to them after a little while. One of them was another local Leadville 100 racer that I know.

Below Barr Camp, Barr Trail is all rideable and I made better time. As late as it was, there probably wouldn’t have been many Manitou Incline hikers and runners on the trail but I still cut through Experimental Forest and down Long’s Ranch road to US 24.

According to my Garmin Edge 705 download, I rode 55.56 miles and climbed 10,945 feet. The vertical seems a bit high however. My elapsed time was 10:54 with 9:06 of ride time. Riding from my house made a tough ride even tougher but it certainly was a great day on the bike.

Some photos of my ride are below and there are more Pikes Peak Highway/Barr Trail bike ride photos here. You can also check out my ride on Strava.

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USA Pro Challenge Fun Rides in Colorado Springs

August 20th, 2012

USA Pro Challenge 2011

The USA Pro Challenge finishes here in Colorado Springs’ on this Friday, August 24, but cyclists will be celebrating the race with an entire week of events leading up to the big Stage 5 finish. There are nightly bike rides and parties all week and a full day of activities on Friday. This week includes numerous give-aways and contests; the more events you attend, the more prizes you could receive! Don’t miss a moment of the festivities.

Rally Week Rides

Join with cyclists from across Colorado Springs for free, nightly rides starting Monday, August 20 leading up to the Stage 5 Finish.

Ride Details:

All rides start at 6:00 PM at America the Beautiful Park and end at a different downtown destination each night.
Rides are for all ability levels, with different route options available.
Bike valet will be available
$3 New Belgium beers and food specials at the finish

Prizes Include:

New Belgium cruiser bike
2 trips to Las Vegas
1 night at the Mining Exchange
2 Skybox Passes to the Stage 5 Finish

August 20
Rally Week Ride: Fun Ride with Colorado Springs Cycling Club
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Destination:: Old Chicago

August 21
Rally Week Ride: Family Ride with Kids on Bikes -and- Road Ride with Pro Cycling
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Destination: City Rock

August 22
Rally Week Ride: Cruiser Joy Ride with Upadowna
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Destination: McCabe’s Tavern

August 23
Rally Week Ride: Ladies Mountain Ride with Women’s Mountain Biking Association
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Destination: The Mining Exchange Hotel

SRM Ride with Mario Cipollini
Pedal around Garden of the Gods with Mario Cipollini. See flyer for details.

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Bike Events Heat up with Spring

March 21st, 2012

St. Patrick's Day Bike Ride

Spring is now officially here. For me that means bad allergies, wild weather swings and more time on the bike and less cross training.

There’s lots of bike related things happening here in Colorado Springs. Last weekend was a new St. Paddy’s Day 50k bike ride followed by some of the riders riding in the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Tonight the Joy Ride starts up for 2012 and Cafe Velo, a new bike shop, is having an Open House. Tomorrow is the annual VIP Event at Colorado Cyclist.

While I plan on continuing to post bigger local cycling events I participate in on this blog, I plan on posting more local cycling news on the Colorado Springs Cycling site.

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Extreme Bike Balance Skills

December 15th, 2011

A few years ago I posted a video of a girl doing something like figure skating on a bike. Someone recently shared a video with me but with 2 girls. I think you’ll be very impressed with their skills!

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Bike and Outdoor Gear Deals for Black Friday/Cyber Monday

November 25th, 2011

Update: 2012 Black Friday/Cyber Monday Bike and Outdoor Deals

Alli Sports
On Black Friday they are offering 20% off all orders (including sale items) plus free ground shipping with code turkeys. Then on Cyber Monday they’ll have 30% off all regular price items plus free ground shipping with coupon code interweb.

Backcountry.com
Black Friday Sale at Backcountry.com – Up To 50% off plus Free 2-Day Shipping On Orders Over $50.

Bike Nashbar
Take 20% extra off orders over $50 including bikes and frames on Black Friday only. Use coupon code 48572. Some exclusions apply.

CampSaver
At CampSaver.com’s Black Friday Sale you can save up to 70% OFF with some great Door Buster Deals! Awesome savings on climbing gear, footwear, gloves, tents, packs, clothing and much more! Plus 15-20% OFF 20,000 items sitewide! And to top it off, these sale prices will be good through Monday.

Department of Goods
Black Friday they will have 100’s of items at least 60% off. For Cyber Monday they will have 72 items 72% off for 72 hours.

DogFunk
DogFunk’s Black Friday sale includes deep discounts of Up to 50% across 1,000’s of products. Plus they have FREE 2-DAY SHIPPING on $50 orders.

Eastern Mountain Sports
Take 20% Off (Almost) Everything at EMS.com through Monday.

GiantNerd
Get An Additional 15% Off Complete Bikes At Giantnerd.com. Use Coupon Code 15BM At Checkout. Expires 11/28/2011 At 11:59PM MST.

Half Moon Outfitters
Half Moon Outfitters is having a large sale on such brands as Patagonia, Smartwool, Marmot, Arc’Teryx, Horny Toad, Columbia Sportswear, and Mountain Hardwear. Hurry Sale ends on 11/29/11! Free shipping on items over $49! Also get 20% off on Smartwool Hats, Scarves, and Gloves when you enter the promo code wooliscool through 12/6/11.

Icebreaker
30% off all black product and 15% off everything else plus free shipping. Black Friday Only. Cyber Monday Special – Save 20% on all items in the Icebreaker Gift Guide. Plus FREE SHIPPING on all orders! Valid from 12:01 am EST 11/28 until 11:59pm PST 11/28. This offer cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts or promotions.

Jenson USA
Killer deals on bikes and accessories at Jenson USA through Monday.

KonaSports
KonaSports has 16% off bmx bikes with code XMASBMX16, 40% off apparel, sunglasses and watches that aren’t on sale with code BF40SALE and 30% off all sale items with code BF30SALE (excludes over sized).

LeftLane Sports
50% Off Ahnu Hiking Footwear And Trail Running Shoes. Ends 11/30.

MooseJaw
Take 30% Off All Vibram FiveFingers Running Shoes at Moosejaw.com through 11/27. No code needed. Get free Moosejaw e-Gift Card with any item over $99 with coupon code FREEGC. Some brands excluded. Ends 12/4.

Mountains Plus
Thanks-Gearing Sale UP TO 40% OFF at Mountains Plus. Expires 11/30!

Nantahala Outdoor Center
Monday get 30% Off All Patagonia At Nantahala Outdoor Center. Add Items To Cart To See The Discount Applied. Expires 11/28/2011 At 11:59PM EST.

Outdoor DIVAS
Receive 20% off ALL PrAna.

Performance Bike
20% off almost everything until 2 PM on Black Friday. Excludes Black Friday deals and outlet bikes.

Monday get $20 off purchases of $100 or more. No code needed.

Pro Board Shop
Take an Additional 10% Off All Skullcandy Heaphones & Earbuds at Proboardshop.com with coupon code skullcandy10 on Monday. Shop Proboardshop.com for Up to 70% Off.

River Sports Outfitters
20% off Cascade Designs-Therm-A-Rest, MSR, Seal-Line, Platypus and Tracks and 30% off Mountain Hardwear Kelvinator Jackets. Good through Monday.

Rock/Creek Outfitters
15-50% off at Rock/Creek’s Hiking & Camping Sale plus FREE Shipping over $49.

Snowboards.net
20% off skiing and snowboarding accessories through Monday. Some exclusions.

Summit Online
20% off skiing and snowboarding accessories through Monday. Some exclusions.

Tahoe Mountain Sports
Get 10-30% off all the new Patagonia Jackets, Pants and Fleece. Sale ends Monday 11/28 at midnight.

TriVillage
TriVillage is kicking off the Holiday Season with a 20% Sale from today through Monday, November 28th at midnight. Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY to save 20% on hundreds of popular gift items for swimmers, cyclists, runners and triathletes.

If you need some gift ideas, I have gift guides from last couple years and most of the items will still make great gifts. I plan on posting updated gift ideas soon.

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3rd Annual WMBA Costume Bike Crit

October 27th, 2011

WMBA Costume Criterium

Halloween is almost here and that means it’s time for the 3rd Annual WMBA Costume Criterium. It will be held this Saturday, October 29 at the SRM Powermeter Service Center. Registration begins at 3:30 and the race starts at 4:00pm. Every year WMBA throws a great Halloween criterium that’s more party than race with food, drinks, and fun.

There will be an adult Costume Criterium full of stunts and silly obstacles. The kiddie race will take place immediately after the adult race. Costumes are mandatory and helmets must be worn by all racers. Spectators are welcome!

Bring your friends and family. This event is open to the public and a definite not-to-be-missed event!

$10 suggested donation will get you into the ride, a prize ticket, and a drink cup. There will be lots of great prizes and prize drawings.

There will be many amazing giveaways with items from:

RockShox
SRAM
Truvativ
Corepower Yoga
Criterium Bike Shop
Bicycle Village
Old Town Bike Shop
Carmichael Training
City Rock
Sound Mind – Sound Body Salon and Day Spa
Local’s Barbershop
…and more!!

You might be one of the lucky ghosts or goblins who will walk away with a RockShox Sid XXWC fork, a SRAM X-9 2×10 drivetrain, a month of unlimited yoga, or one of the many other sweet giveaways!!

Related Link

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USA Pro Cycling Challenge Bib Numbers

August 26th, 2011

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Prologue Start

It’s great that the USA Pro Cycling Challenge has been showing live streaming of the races with the ShackTracker. They don’t always show the start of the stage but they’ve been showing a good amount live. The ads can be annoying when they cover up the racing at key times but if you use full screen mode, the ads are hidden and you just hear the ad audio.

Sometimes I can’t tell who a rider is but can see their number. Here’s a list of USA Pro Cycling Challenge rider numbers sorted by number so it’s easy to find a rider.
Read the rest of this entry »

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Prologue Photos

August 25th, 2011

Monday was a fun day in Garden of the Gods watching the top men in cycling race in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Prologue. It was great to see so many spectators out on the course.

Below are a few of the photos I took. I have more USA Pro Cycling Challenge Photos here.

Prologue Top 10

1. Christian Vande Velde, Garmin-Cervélo in 8:29
2. Jens Voigt, Leopard-Trek at :05
3. George Hincapie, BMC Racing at :05
4. Levi Leipheimer, RadioShack at :06
5. Tejay Van Garderen, HTC-Highroad at :06
6. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing at :06
7. Rory Sutherland, UnitedHealthcare at :13
8. Stef Clement, Rabobank at :14
9. Tom Danielson, Garmin-Cervélo at :15
10. Robert Gesink, Rabobank at :16

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USA Pro Cycling Challenge Prologue

August 22nd, 2011

Ridge Road in Garden of the Gods

This week is big for cycling in the US and especially as the USA Pro Cycling Challenge kicks off today at 1:15 PM MDT with the prologue. The prologue course passes a few blocks from where I grew up.

Since this is a time trial, most of the riders start 1 minute a part but the last few will be 2 minutes apart. If a rider does manager to catch the rider in front of him, he’s not allowed to draft and must move to the other side of the road and make a fairly quick pass. The start times of the racers is here.

The course is 5.18 miles and overall is slightly downhill so it should be very fast. There is a slight climb in the Garden of the Gods before the screaming descent down Ridge Road.

At the bottom of Ridge Road is a 90 degree left hand turn followed by the road continue to curve to the left. Take the turn too slow and riders will lose valuable time. Take it too fast and they’ll lose skin.

Here are a few more photos of Ridge Road and the turn at the bottom.

Below is a video of the entire prologue course at fast forward speed.

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