I’ve been putting off writing something for our blog for a couple of reasons. One, life here at SOAR has been incredibly busy. Our biggest client, Interbike, is having their annual bicycle tradeshow in Las Vegas in 4 days and we have spent the last couple of months ramping up for that. The other reason is, I’m new to blogging, and I wasn’t sure I had anything interesting or significant to post. Now I do.
I’m bummed. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency found Landis guilty of doping (see AP story here). I haven’t ridden regularly in a while, but I’m still an avid fan of cycling and racing. My wife and I cheered loudly at the TV during Stage 17 of the 2006 Tour, only to stare silently again later while learning that Landis was accused of doping.
I’m not even going to pretend to understand the facts surrounding the case and spout my opinion here in this post. I’m just bummed for Landis, racers in general and for recreational cyclists and potential recreational cyclists who might think twice about participating in a tainted activity.
The news about Landis will make for an interesting next few weeks, especially with the industry’s largest trade show, Interbike, and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Championships taking place at the same time. I’m sure everyone will be talking about the verdict and will have an opinion.
If you’re interested in seeing what members of the bicycle industry will be saying about doping and other subjects at Interbike, go to InterbikeTimes.com to see live streaming video from the Media Center on the show’s main floor. From 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. media outlets such as BicycleRadio.com, BicycleWorld.tv, Bicycling Magazine, BMXer, Crooked Cog Network, Cycling.tv, Dirt Rag, Mountain Bike, QuickRelease.tv, Road Bike Action, Swagger, The Spokesman, VeloNews and VitalBMX will be interviewing industry heavy weights, former pro racers, product managers and the like. Besides talking about 2008 product, I’m sure doping will be discussed.
My friends have occasionally goaded me to get back on my bike, and I will. Last summer I literally dusted off the trusty, old 9-speed Dura-Ace equipped Landshark, pumped up the tires, adjusted the shifting with the intent to ride, but got lazy. This year we bought a 1950’s house here in Salt Lake City, but you know what that means – lots of remodeling projects.
I love cycling. Not just for racing, but for the fun and freedom it brings. Those nice cool solitary morning road rides up the canyons or a fun day chairlift mountain biking at Deer Valley with friends and family helps slow down life a little.
Bikes are fun. They will always be about fun. I hope everyone can get past the sadness of doping in the professional ranks, and even in the amateur ranks, and just get on the bike and ride.
I’ll post more soon.
Chip