With few sidewalks, little shoulder, and a car loving community that would make Detroit proud, Atlanta has long been known for not being the most cycling friendly city. If it’s up to Cobb County, that friendliness could be taken down a huge notch. According to a report (free login required), the county is considering setting up a “cruising” ordinance, with fines up to $500, that looks to be aimed specifically at cyclist. Dennis Hoffarth, executive director of the advocacy group called The Atlanta Bicycle Campaign, said he has checked with biking groups across the nation and none have heard of such a law as the one Cobb County is proposing.

I’ve been to Columns Drive many times to run but never bike. I’ve never had a problem with cyclists on that road but have seen instances at other areas where cyclists seem to have lost their cool. As cyclists we have a right to the road just as much as a car does. At the same time though, we need to realize that we must keep our senses keenly aware and defensive riding skills sharp, not only for our own safety but for the betterment of the cycling community. A few bad apples in the cycling community do a lot more damage than a few bad apples on the road. Voice your opinion tonight at the public hearing (no information on the location)!

In light of the recent accidents involving James Kim, Danelle Ballengee, the climbers on Mount Hood, and a pair of missing climbers in China, I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips about going out into the wilderness. It’s easy to think that we will be fine when we go out to play in the woods; I know I’m guilty of that. But the fact remains that sometimes accidents happen and we should be prepared if an accident strikes.

1) Let people know where and when you are going and when you will return. In the event of an accident, the sooner you are noticed missing the better your chances of survival.
2) Choose your equipment/food wisely.
3) If you can carry a communications device, do so.
4) If you deviate from your original plan, let someone know if possible.
5) Notify the local land managers if required to do so. Sometimes you are asked to fill out a log or other notification methods of your trip.

For those that are still missing, lets hope you are found safe.

Please add any more tips you have in the comments.

I just read that Ivan Basso, formerly of Team CSC, has signed a two year contract with the Discovery Channel team. What does this mean for Basso? Provided he can stay healthy, he is without a doubt the favorite for the 2007 Tour de France. He was the favorite of many (including myself) going into this years Tour de France before he was not allowed to start. With the kind of support that Discovery can provide, he is now even closer to winning his first Tour de France. This is HUGE for Team Discovery which struggled in the first year since the retirement of Lance Armstrong.

The following is an email from Mike Kloser of team Nike:

Hi gang, I'm sorry to lump this together as one to all, but I'd like to ask
a favor from you. We've been informed, that if we can get a number of
individuals to take a moment and email this link

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?page=contact/espntv

with a few of positive comments on the programming, ESPN would likely take a
more vested interest in the TV programming and money they invest into the
sport.

Its a fill in the blank form, and only takes a couple of minutes. Maybe
just as simple as, Enjoyed the show, Found the show interesting, Great TV
production, Good racing action, Would love to see more of this on ESPN,
Best stuff since Eco Challenge, etc. You get the picture and if you thought
something should have been shown differently, add you thoughts.

This could really make a big difference in the sport for us.

If you know of anyone else who enjoyed the show, please pass this along.

Thanks for taking a moment,

Mike

I think what Mike suggested is a good idea. No one at ESPN will know how much we enjoyed the show unless we tell them. So start typing!

Also, ESPN2 is airing Primal Quest Utah again on the following dates:

ESPN2, Fri Oct 20 03:00pm EDT
ESPN2, Fri Oct 20 04:00pm EDT
ESPN2, Wed Oct 25 03:00pm EDT
ESPN2, Thu Oct 26 01:00am EDT
ESPN2, Fri Oct 27 02:00pm EDT
ESPN2, Fri Oct 27 03:00pm EDT

The Tour de France was turned on its head yesterday when Floyd Landis completely exploded on the final climb of the day. Landis, in the yellow jersey at the stage start, is now over eight minutes back in the GC classification! I’ve only been watching the Tour for a few years but even the announcers say this is the strangest Tour in many years. I knew that Basso and Ullrich were head and shoulders above the rest of the field. Once they were tossed from the race everyone expected the Tour to be wide open. What I didn’t know is how close the next 5-8 riders really are in terms of ability. Before stage 16 started I thought Landis was almost a sure bet to win. I wonder if Phonak is kicking themselves for letting Oscar Pereiro break away from the peloton? What a crazy Tour indeed.