So USA cycling is considering a ban on helmet cams and Juniors being able to use carbon wheels in races…

What the Hell is this kid gonna do?!?!?!?!  his dad is gonna be PISSED!!

hey its been awhile…

So I just got back from Korea (the northern most part of the south half).  It was a 3 day race  in late October.  i didnt know too much going in but some stage profile suggested it might be difficult.  turns out it was,  day 1- 10,500ft of climbing in 110 miles, day 2- who cares, day 1 hurt so much.  the racing was really not worth bragging about (at least not my racing), but seeing the DMZ is.

If you dont know the DMZ is the De-Militarized Zone, or a 4km wide stretch of land the separates democratic South Korea and Communist North Korea.  It is the most heavily militarize boarder inthe world.  Guns and tanks are routine, as are landmines.  

other interesting roadside decor were the big block sets they leave all over the place…like everywhere.

The thing here is to blow out the small cinder block holding the giant cube up, where by they all tumble to the road and block the invading army.

It was at this point that my ‘Team America- World Police’ view of Kim Jong- Il was a bit scued.  The people of South have lived under threat of all out war for over 60 years.  while a cease fire has been respected for the most part, small skirmishes and incidents happen routinely.   We were there to commemorate the 60 year anniversary of the start of the Korean War.  It turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, because while the Tour de Seoul will continue the  routes into the DMZ wont be included.  as our interpreter said “our soldiers have to work. They can not be distracted.  If they are they could be open for attack.”

Wow

safety is a liberty I often take for granted. it is also a liberty the South Koreans would like to share.  there message above all else was one of peace.  They wish for nothing more then to be a unified country.  If you ever get the chance to go, do it.  Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

CLEVELAND, Ohio (October 16, 2009) – After its first season as a UCI Continental (Pro) Team, Kenda Pro Cycling continues to grow and expand, welcoming Frankie Andreu on board next season as director sportif, and Gear Grinder, a cyclist-specific casual clothing company as the new presenting sponsor.

After twelve years as a professional cyclist (1989-2000) for America’s top teams – 7-Eleven, Motorola, and USPS – Andreu has worked as a director for top American teams (e.g., Toyota-United and Rock Racing) in addition to commentating for Universal Sports and Versus. He also has an elite coaching program and engages in motivational speaking all across America.

“Frankie’s professionalism and experiences are certain to elevate our team to the next level,” said team GM, Chad Thompson. “After years of working to take our team to new heights, adding the depth of knowledge that Andreu brings will challenge the riders to excel and surpass expectations. It is surreal to know that a long-time cycling idol is now actually a part of our vision and a part of our team!”

“Success through teamWORK” is the basis of Andreu’s cycling management philosophy. His enthusiasm for the sport in addition to principles aimed at creating and sustaining in-depth team dynamics are welcomed assets for Kenda Pro Cycling p/b Gear Grinder, as it prepares to embark on its next successful season.

Another boost to the program is the addition of new presenting sponsor, Gear Grinder. Along with the partnership with Paul Weaver, co-founder of Gear Grinder apparel, came the recruitment of Chad Hartley, James Stemper, and Rob White from Weaver’s Gear Grinder Elite Team, a dominant presence in the Mid-West last season. Hartley, who came back from a successful surgery to repair his iliac endofibrosis to dominate the Tour of America’s Dairyland, and Stemper, who won Superweek’s Best Amateur prize, will be added to the pro roster, while White will join the elite ranks for 2010.

The hiring of Gear Grinder’s top riders initiated conversations that resulted in successful negotiations between Inferno Racing LLC (Kenda Pro Cycling’s management company) and Gear Grinder. “The support Gear Grinder is lending to the team is amazing,” states Thompson. “It ended up being a perfect fit with Paul Weaver’s riders becoming our riders and us choosing his clothing over any other. Gear Grinder shares our passion and beliefs, and we see this partnership lasting for a long while.”

More team 2010 news, roster announcements and sponsors will be released in the coming week(s).

Team updates are available at www.kendaprocycling.com.

four to seven more doping cases possible before tour start

Any bets?  names, nationality, team, whatever, lets just throw a few out there….

I have had a few requests as to how my leg is doing.  Awesome.  Post surgery the blood flow issue was corrected immediately but the main area of work was correcting the imbalances i have caused over the last few years.  after months of riding back into shape, doing efforts I previously couldn’t, i finally feel back to normal.  heck i even managed to win a few races. Two races at memorial day weekend in Iowa (snake alley weekend) and i just won two stages of Tour of America’s Dairyland and the Overall.  

My team did great as well, two teammate’s went 1-2 on the final stage. I couldn’t be happier for them, great job Jim and robbie.

A few People need to to be thanked that help me get back to where I’m at.

Dr. Keven Packman- for fixing my leg. its a new lease on life.

Bill Peterson- for fixing my feet and worlds greatest orthotics.  www.wedofeet.com

Chris Pulleyn-  for fixing my position and an amazing bike fit.  www.bicycleranch.com

Steve Witterman- for working out my kinks.  ART rules!   www.proreleasellc.com

Paul Weaver-  for making the team happen, giving us opportunity, and seeing our desire.

thank you very much!

more races to come!