Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Say it ain't so Vino...

Vino caught for doping, and sent home from the tour? Can it get any worse? I hope he didn't dope and is cleared on his "B" sample. Otherwise, I'll probably lose all faith in the cyclists that ride pro...

I just can't believe that they are still doping?!!? Especially Vino, with all of the drug problems in Kazakhstan. I really hope he is innocent, but I can't say I'm hopeful...

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Vinokourov "Vino" Wins Stage 13 at the Tour De France

"Stage 13: Alexandre Vinokourov is back

So, Alexandre Vinokourov is back in the Tour de France but exactly who will win in Paris is still unclear as we enter the final week. Depending on who you speak to, it will either be Michael Rasmussen, Cadel Evans, Alberto Contador , Andreas Kloden OR Alexandre Vinokourov! It looks unlikely to be Levi Leipheimer now but he has kept his hopes alive by moving up into fifth place."

- Versus.com

After the crash early on, I held out hope for Vino, although there were many others who wrote him off. Even if he can't win, his continuance and persistence through injury is a testament to himself, as well as his country of Kazakhstan. I am throughly impressed and motivated by Vinokourov and team Astana. He is truly inspiring. I hope they continue to impress.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

BART EZ Rider Pilot

EZ Rider CardI have been a pilot user of BART's EZ Rider card. I noticed it one day while I was looking at the home page, they said that it was only for the first 1000 people who signed up. I signed up immediately.

For those who don't know what BART is. BART is Bay Area Rapid Transit. Its a two track train system for the San Francisco Bay Area. As an avid bike commuter, I use BART almost exclusively, well now exclusively. To get to work. While BART still has quite a ways to go to be convenient for cyclists. The EZ Rider service saves a tremendous amount of time and money. When you use it, you get $48 worth of BART for something like $42.

The way it works, you swipe the card over a round disc on the top or the side of the gate and it lets you through. It then deducts the amount preloaded on the card from your account. Whenever you get under $10 it loads another $48 onto your card, and charges your credit card directly.

It is so easy and quick that often I will prop my bike up on the other side of the gate, get out my card, and be through and on my bike before people without the service and no bike can get through the gates. Also, it doesn't break because it is wet or anything like that, and I don't have to fumble around trying to buy tickets ever anymore. It makes BART the optimal transit solution.

Most municipal services are way behind on technology, but it seems that BART is trying to stay current. I love this service and recommend that everyone demand that it become an official program very soon. All they have left to do, before I get a BART tattoo, is put on a few cars with rubber hooks, and seats on either side, for bikes and their owners.

Blogged with Flock

Friday, July 6, 2007

ATT 3G and iPhone 3G SIM Card

After reading a blog on the iPhone's 3G SIM Card, and after looking at ATT's plans for their 3G Network, I don't think it will be too long before we have broadband speeds on our iPhones. I guess it's delayed, but I would expect that ATT will be rolling out their 3G network sooner rather than later, and I wouldn't imagine that it will cost only an additional $20 per month. It would be awesome if it did, but I don't think it will.

Transformers the Movie *No Spoiler*

Yesterday I went to see Transformers the Movie here in Colorado. It was everything I was hoping it to be. I though it was a fantastic movie. The special effects were outstanding, and the Decepticons are simply, in a word, RAW.

The movie has incredible special effects, and the characters, while larger than life, were engaging enough. If you are into opera and stuff like that, you might not like this. It is literally 30 ~ 45 minutes of background and 1hr 30 minutes, or 1 hr and 15 minutes of action. I will definately buy this movie as a Transformers afficionado.

I have to admit to being something of a Transformers addict, I have the entire box-set on DVD, as well as the movie twice, once on VHS and another time on DVD. This movie will be a nice addition to them, even though Michael Bay took some liberties that I am not incredibly enthused about.

Monday, July 2, 2007

giro di peninsula

Sunday I rode the 100k in the Giro Di Peninsula. First I'll tall about how my bike did, then I'll talk about how I did.

My Tirreno Razza 900 did pretty well. After about 50 miles the pedals started making some unpleasant noises. The scratching sound from my rear axle didn't get any worse. I noticed a chip in my carbon fork, and it's clear that the Isis platinum bottom bracket won't last too long. I'll need to get the MegaQuad bottom bracket.

I guess it is just dirty. I'll need to clean and lube the pedals, I'm a little worried about the chip in the fork since I have heard that damaged carbon forks are suspect, but maybe that was only the old forks.

As far as me. I am stronger than I thought I was, but not as strong as I'd like to be.