Race Radio Pros

I am a big supporter of race radios in the pro peloton. The fact that the huge majority of the riders support (Cycle Nation) the continued, unrestricted use of them is telling as well. It is a safety buffer, a tactical key, an unparalleled team middleman, and a trusted helper on the road for every rider in the peloton.

Team BMC and a race radio for rider, Mathias Frank (2010)

I can see why the UCI decided to ban them from competition during the 2010 World Championships. Maybe it was a "Let the strongest man win," mentality. A solo breakaway ending in a magnificent "against all odds" solo win of the world championships can spell the most inspiring moment for years to come in the sport of cycling. The peloton could misjudge their timing of trying to reel back in any kind of break away and the sprint for the finish might be amongst 2-9 riders instead of 100+. Now there are more tactics involved that decide the real sprinters, but yeah the decision for ban radios (that were raced with all year) for the end of the season world championship race was not met with inspiring wonder by the peloton.

Here are two videos from Team BMC and their usage of race radios. In the first video, we hear a rider calling back to the team car for waters and the director then drives up to the peloton knowing his team needs him. He hands off needed water and coke to the rider and calls for another rider back to get more drinks for the team while he is there. It is how the races are done nowadays. I see nothing wrong except for a little extra bottle holding "rest" for his hard working domestique.
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This second video shows the driving necessary during a race taken by a director when he is called upon. I can see why I heard those screeching tires in the first video.
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And just because Fabian Cancellara can have a good day without the help of a well working race radio, doesn't mean they are unnecessary. Maybe... just maybe... his alleged moto-doping bike machine was causing a little too much interference for his radio signal... maybe.

I like Rabobank's to have radio communications broadcast live during races. That would be fun for a lot of people to listen to. I know I would enjoy it at least in the last 20km when things can really heat up in a race. Broadcasting communications would also allow for a lot of support from cycling fans to keep them part of the sport. A further demystification of how pro teams work would mean a lot for many people - like they are closer to their favorite teams and riders.

I don't think broadcasting communications will come immediately, but hopefully the UCI's "glory bans," I'll call them, will cease. Strong riders will still make their breaks, attacks, and wins.

Pro Rides: Bikes for 2011

I don't suppose anyone else should be getting more perks than the pros. It's their job to do their best and ride the best bikes. As I've mentioned in earlier posts, (here and here) the bikes those pros ride are really cool and can be a matter of politics and business.

But I am excited to see the rides for the 2011 circuit. You can find the full listing of the pro team bikes where I did at Bike World News. A few of my favorites here:

Team BMC

Still my favorite looking bike. Team BMC didn't go through any major sponsor change from last year to this and I'm happy for that. They are picking up some intense, young American talent in Taylor Phinney. I hope they do well this season and who knows... maybe this will be Big George's year for Paris-Roubaix. An American can only hope...

Garmin-Cervelo

Garmin-Cervelo's ride may not look as impressive as the BMC Impec, but it is an incredibly light, powerful frame. I have been lucky enough to have held this frame and components that make for a $10,000 complete bike and it is really breathtaking. Although the bicycle needs to meet UCI (international cycling governing body) standards and demands to weigh 15lbs, this incredibly lightweight frame allows for weight to be added to the bike as needed in carefully chosen areas for the most dynamic and productive ride.

HTC-Highroad

HTC-Highroad and Specialized have come up with this bike for the 2011 season. I am not terribly impressed with this bicycle either, but I suppose it is noteworthy since I made a fuss about how political the bike sponsor swap was for this team. I don't think this bike matches too well with their 2011 kits, but I know they've already been winning with their setup this season with Matt Goss taking the overall win for HTC-Highroad at the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic.

Team Quickstep

I'm not a terribly huge fan of Team Quicksetp, but I do enjoy watching them race with the tough Belgian, Tom Boonen. Their Merkx ride seems to have a "louder" paint scheme. I wish them luck in the upcoming season.

Team Pegasus

Though Team Pegasus will most likely not see the Pro Tour Races at the level it has hoped to, I must admit I love their Scott bikes. It's unfortunate that while some big name riders have been able to sign with other teams, the others are living and praying on success as Team Pegasus fights through the UCI's red tape. What's more upsetting, for me anyway, is that Scott bicycles may not be on the world stage this coming season. Then again, before just becoming aware that they were backing Team Pegasus, I didn't think Scott had any  chance after losing HTC-Highroad. Godspeed to Team Pegasus and Scott bikes for 2011.

The other rides are worth a look if you're interested. I am not really jealous of any of these rides, but one must admit that they are all unique and have strengths and weaknesses that riders will favor and excel with. Then again, I wonder... how could a rider not do well with rides like these? Another look into the teams and their sponsors and bikes can be read about here (again if you're interested)... less photos tho.

Revived 305 Means Relief

There is enough drama when it comes to my cycling. Well, not really, but things have to work and work properly in order for my cycling to be without drama. I can't stand things not working well. Disgusting.

Anyway, like I said I would, I wanted to make sure my Garmin Edge 305 was dead before I jumped on a new computer. I am entirely relieved that I do not have to get a new computer. Had my 305 been dead, I would have had been fairly obligated to downgrade in computer abilities. This isn't the first time my 305 has given me problems, but I will stick with this thing as long as I can. My 305 is a good computer. I know it is because on Garmin's website the 305 is listed at an msrp of $350. Yikes. (I got it refurbished on ebay like a smart one for under $200) Although I am happy my 305 is up and running again, I can't help but be annoyed that the cadence and speed sensor is no longer tracking my speed.

That is a piece not working properly, and in the interest of my willingness to get a new computer if need be, and my want for things to work properly I think I may have to buy a new sensor. I want to know my speed, distance, and ride data as accurately as I can. This sensor will cost $35-$40 depending where I get it.

I was able to count all of my change today and I have about $125. Very nice. That will be more than enough to replace this sensor and I hope will prove to be a nice buffer for things I need to get for my training, and upcoming racing season.

20 Years Fast: Michael Matthews

I thinks it's a pretty cool thing for this reigning U23 World Champion sprinter, Michael Matthews (Rabobank) to be winning against the pros and taking the overall lead of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic. Stage 2 was taken by Matthews over multiple Grand Tour stage winner, Simon Gerrans (Team Sky) in impressive fashion.

Rather than just be jealous of this amazing young talent, I figure I would give him his due recognition. The guy is 20 years old. What a punk. I would like to see him mixing it up with the best in the Grand Tours of Europe in a year or two. Any sooner might make me sick. 

Reading about how the race was won on Cycling News, this kid shows a lot of promise. Riding with Simon Gerrans in a significant duo breakaway and being able to out sprint the strong Sky rider with a powerful effort and sprint (yes more than just a sprint) is pretty cool. Matthews took the overall lead and Gerrans took the points leader's jersey. I wouldn't say Gerrans is in his best form, but one can't count out the talent Matthews showed. Both riders have a lot to look forward to this season. 

New Cycle Computer Options

My Garmin Edge 305 is unresponsive. It died after I had just plugged it into my computer to transfer data and recharge the battery. When I unplugged the usb from the garmin, it would not turn back on and I've tried various ways of troubleshooting and bringing the garmin back to life. I will still try more before I pull the trigger on a new cycle computer, but the task of finding the right new cycle computer is tough on its own.

There are so many options out there when it comes to the cycle computers best for everyone. My perfect one would probably be the Garmin Edge 500, but I do not want to spend that much money on a new computer. I really don't need all of the flare and flash that thing packs. Sure it would be nice, but I'm a college student. I cannot spend all willy-nilly no matter how much I might want all the bells and whistles.

I would want to have a lot of what the high end computers offer. If I didn't worry about money my computer would have:

• Computer program and data upload (mac)
• Heart rate, cadence,  and speed
• Rechargeable battery
• Accurate calorie count of workouts

There are other really cool functions that I wouldn't mind having like power recording, altimeter functions, and more cool stuff, but I just can't justify spending more than I have to. Let's also keep in mind that no one needs a compute to ride, train, or race. I don't think I'm ready to go that old-school for my riding, training, and racing, but it is all true.

I have reduced my search to the Cateye V3 and the Vetta V100R WL2X. I would definitely consider these  computers a downgrade from my Garmin Edge 305, but the capture all that I really need. The biggest sacrifice I would have to let go of the ability to upload ride data to my laptop computer. It's fun to see things on a graph and maybe I'm just a dork about it, but I know I can live without it. 

The Cateye V3 is probably going to win out. It doesn't have everything I would want, but I know I can get a discounted team price at Big Bang Bicycles!

However, for a bit more, but still within my price range, I can get a customized Vetta computer just like this one!

"IUP" on the side there.

Oh baby! That would be sweet! Soooooo tempting, but ah... I must stay strong. I do not need a customized cycle computer. I may be heading to Big Bang Bicycles tomorrow for get the V3. I do know he (Glenn) has that computer, but I'm not entirely sure what other options he might have. If I do go to the shop, I will be sure to have my bike with me so they can set it up the right way for me. I know I could do it, but I know they can do it better.

(This is my 100th post! Thanks again for reading)

IUP Criterium (part of a) Series and my Racing for 2011

Lengthy title there I know, but I've been thinking.

I am thinking I will be racing the Appalachian Bicycle Association (ABRA) Road Racing Series in its entirety. These races will challenge me and I hope reinvent the kind of racing I am capable of competing and excelling in. There will be a lot of climbing and great competition throughout these in both road racing and criterium series races. I'm really excited about climbing!

The ABRA Criterium Series is what I think IUP can aim for. The May 21st and July 16th "TBD" criterium races in the series has me thinking. IUP could put together a race in Indiana, PA to be a part of this. I still have to talk to the high-ups and people who make decisions about such things, but I really believe we can pull it off.

Garmin-Cervelo: NAFTA

I couldn't think of a smoother, more politically correct merger in pro cycling than that of Garmin-Transitions and Cervelo test team for the 2011 year. I would harken this merger to that of a perfect case of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) gone right. Garmin from the United States, Cervelo from Canada, and let's be honest, there is a definite possibility that their stylish kits were manufactured in Mexico. NAFTA for the win!

I think they will make for a great team to watch in the 2011 season. Thor Husovd in the rainbow jersey will be a great thing to watch. I hope he does it as much justice as Cadel Evans did this past year. 

I have 3 hours today. I might stretch it to 3.5 because I cut out a ".5" from yesterday's ride, but I don't know how I'll feel... probably in a lot of pain either way.

I'd like to make another big thanks to all those who read this blog. I'll keep in mind it is a way that some people do keep up with me. Happy New Year's to all!