Take Action To increase Opportunities for Bicycling in National Parks

There's still time to make your opinion known. I've included the entire text of the original IMBA media release or you can check out the online petition that they have set up here.

From IMBA.com:
For Immediate Release
12-18-08
Contact: Drew Vankat, Policy Analyst
drew@imba.com
303-545-9011

At long last, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has proposed a rule change which will make it easier for parks to open trails for mountain biking. IMBA urges mountain bikers to register comments in support of the rule change. IMBA has been asking for this change since the 1990s. We now enter a 60-day commentary period to make the change official.

Take Action Now! Customized letters are most effective.

You can read IMBA's white paper analysis of the proposed rule change and view the entire text in the Federal Register online. We know that several groups are working to defeat this proposal -- it will take thousands of comments in favor of the rule change to ensure it stays intact.

As the proposal explicitly states, none of the NPS procedures for environmental review -- or opportunities for public commentary -- will be diminished by this change. What it will achieve is a much more manageable system for adopting mountain biking trails. The proposal states, "As a general matter, the proposed rule provides park superintendents with a more efficient and effective way to determine whether opening existing trails to bicycles would be appropriate in the park unit they manage."

IMBA believes that this measure will enhance national parks and deserves your support -- please file your comments today!

Sample Letter

Thank you for accepting my comments concerning RIN 1024-AD72, the National Park Service rule change for bicycling. I fully support the proposed rule.

1. The special regulations process that restricts bicycling on trails is unduly burdensome and duplicates protections that are already addressed by the NPS General Management Plan and the National Environmental Policy Act.
2. This proposed rule would give park superintendents better tools for opening trails to bicycling. It would also treat bicycles like other non-motorized trail uses, such as horseback riding.
3. Independent scientific studies, including those conducted by the National Park Service, have shown the environmental impacts of mountain biking are similar to those of hiking, and far less than other uses.
4. The best research regarding social interactions on trails reveals those who encounter other user groups report very favorably on their interactions. Claims otherwise are unsupported by scientific data.
5. Shared-use trails are a successful management tool worldwide. NPS staff are skilled at selecting appropriate trails for shared-use by hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
6. This rule will aid visitor enjoyment for both children and adults. Bicycling broadens the recreational offerings and gets Americans out of their cars and into the natural world. It connects people of all ages with the natural environment and is a fun, low-impact activity.
7. Improving opportunities for bicycling and promoting trails tourism could benefit economic conditions for nearby communities.
8. Mountain bikers are prolific volunteers--conducting nearly one million hours of trailwork on public lands annually--and could help build environmentally sound, sustainable trails.

Thank you for considering my comment. Bicycling is a wonderful way to explore our national parks and I hope the proposed rule change will be implemented.

General Mills Recall on LaraBars & JamFrakas Bars

General Mills Press Release: General Mills Issues Coluntary Recall of LÄRABAR and Jam Frakas Peanut Butter Snack Bars

01/19/2009

Recall is Limited to Two Flavors of Snack Bars

No Other General Mills Products are Involved

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. – General Mills announced today a voluntary recall of LÄRABAR Peanut Butter Cookie flavor snack bars and JamFrakas Peanut Butter Blisscrisp flavor snack bars because peanut butter in the products was sourced from Peanut Corporation of America, and may be contaminated with salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with LÄRABAR or JamFrakas products, and no other types, varieties or flavors of LÄRABAR or JamFrakas products are being recalled.

No other General Mills products are involved or impacted.

Peanut butter produced by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) has been implicated in an outbreak of salmonella. As the scope of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation into this outbreak expanded this weekend, Peanut Corporation of America expanded its recall to additional lot codes of peanut butter. PCA supplied peanut butter to one of General Mills’ suppliers, including some lots that were part of the expanded recall, prompting General Mills to issue its own voluntary national Class I recall of the two LÄRABAR and JamFrakas products potentially involved.

LÄRABAR Peanut Butter Cookie flavor snack bars and JamFrakas Peanut Butter Blisscrisp flavor snack bars are distributed nationally under the LÄRABAR and JamFrakas brands, and are sold primarily as individual bars in grocery and specialty retail stores.

The specific products in this recall include:

LÄRABAR Peanut Butter Cookie Individual Bar	UPC code number
Individual Bar	54818-00014-7
Caddy (16-bar sleeve)	54818-00064-2
6-bar pack	93759-00298-8
6-bar, 6-pack case	93759-00299-5
UPC Case Code	54818-00085-7

JamFrakas Peanut Butter Blisscrisp snack bars	UPC code number
Individual bar	93759-00212-4
Caddy (18-bar sleeve)	93759-00213-1
UPC Case Code	93759-00214-8

A combined 15,000 cases of product are involved. This includes all production of these two particular flavors, which were introduced in June.

The FDA has indicated that Peanut Corporation of America is the focus of an investigation into salmonella-related illnesses thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov.

Consumers who have products covered by this recall are urged to dispose of the product, and to contact LÄRABAR or JamFrakas for a full refund. Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall may call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-543-2147.

Q&A on the recall.

Clif Bar Recall

FDA Press Release:
Clif Bar & Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of CLIF and LUNA Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Clif Bar & Company
1-800-254-3227

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- BERKELEY, Calif., Jan 19, 2009 -- Clif Bar & Company today announced a voluntary recall of CLIF(R) and LUNA(R) branded bars that contain peanut butter because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products contain peanut butter manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter.

The following Clif Bar & Company products with "Best By/Sell By" dates ranging as shown below, in all sizes and packages, are included in the recall:

Clif Bar Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch
BEST BY/SELL BY: 21JUN09 to 01OCT09, and 03NOV09 to 28NOV09

Clif Bar Crunchy Peanut Butter
BEST BY/SELL BY: 21JUN09 to 01OCT09, and 03NOV09 to 28NOV09

Clif Bar Peanut Toffee Buzz
BEST BY/SELL BY: only 13SEP09

ZBaR Peanut Butter
BEST BY/SELL BY: 07JUL09 to 05SEP09, and 12NOV09

Clif Builders Peanut Butter
BEST BY/SELL BY: 19JUL09 to 30SEP09, and 05NOV09 to 18NOV09

Luna Nutz over Chocolate
BEST BY/SELL BY: 29JUL09 to 03OCT09, 11NOV09 to 14NOV09

Luna Peanut Butter Cookie
BEST BY/SELL BY: 02OCT09 to 03OCT09, and 11NOV09 to 14NOV09

All Clif Mojo Bars
BEST BY/SELL BY: 30APR09 to 21JUN09

These products were sold in grocery, warehouse and other retail stores throughout the United States.

No other CLIF or LUNA products or flavors are included in this recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to destroy them but retain the "Best By/Sell By" code found on the back of the package. Consumers with questions or who would like a refund may contact Clif Bar & Company at 1-800-CLIFBAR (1-800-254-3227). Details also can be found at www.clifbar.com.

"With an abundance of caution and given the FDA's ongoing investigation of PCA, we're doing all we can to ensure consumer safety and trust," said Gary Erickson, owner and founder of Clif Bar & Company.

Bikes for Goodness Sake

$2 for 2 Wheels campaign from Bikes for Goodness Sake.
Just $2 from 50,000 people like you gets 600 children a bike, a helmet, a safety lesson, and the memory of their first bike!

Start a ripple that turns into a wave of generosity and goodwill from 50,000 people to these children. Just $2 from each of us gives a child a memory that will last a lifetime - that memory of a first bike.

BFGS is working with the Texas Military Forces State Family Program to give 50 bikes and helmets to the children of deploying soldiers in Dallas, Fort Worth, Temple, Austin, Tyler, San Antonio, Houston, Lubbock, El Paso, Laredo, Weslaco, and Corpus Christi for a total of 600 bikes and helmets in the state of Texas.

Please donate. Find the red Donate button and share that feeling of a new bike with a child.

You can also mail a contribution to BFGS, PO Box 201504, Austin, TX 78720-1504.

Trek Announces Title Sponsorship of Women's Triathalon Series

Trek Announces Title Sponsorship of Women's Triathlon Series

(Waterloo, WI) – Trek Bicycle announced today its title sponsorship of the new Trek Women’s Triathlon Series. Aimed at breaking down barriers for women athletes, the Trek Women’s Triathlon Series is a collection of "race" events around the country designed to provide a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere for both aspiring and experienced triathletes. With events planned in a dozen markets across the country in 2009, the Trek Women's Triathlon Series anticipates nearly 25,000 participants in its first year, making it one of the largest multi-sport events in the world.

"When Maggie [Sullivan, Director of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon series for the last 17 years] asked me if Trek WSD would be interested in being title sponsor of a new women’s series, I was thrilled," said Krista Rettig, Trek's Women's Specific Design (WSD) Brand Manager. "Knowing the amount of experience behind Maggie and her team, and the quality of race she puts on, there was never a doubt we wanted to make it happen. And having an incredible asset like Sally Edwards on board as the spokeswoman for the new series aligns perfectly with our WSDmission."

"I’ve dedicated my life to encouraging women to become more physically active; to use triathlons as a means of achieving their life goals," noted Edwards, a Hall of Frame triathlete, CEO of Heart Zones USA, and best selling author of 22 books on triathlon and fitness training. "I am so proud to be joining this series with Trek and to take our efforts to a whole new level."

In addition to its title sponsorship role, Trek WSD plans to support the Women's Triathlon Series with its "Fit For Women" Demo team, who’ll be on hand during each event to offer test rides of the latest Trek women's bikes, provide product advice, and discuss proper bike fit. Trek WSD will also develop special promotions in conjunction with the events for its Ride Club members, giving them VIP access and special product opportunities. Finally, members of Trek's "Women Who Ride" crew will be on hand at the events to blog their experiences with the rest of the on-line community.

Owned and operated by The Xxtra Mile, a New York-based company focused on promoting active lifestyles for women and girls, the Trek Women’s Triathlon Series is built around the sprint distance format (a 1/2-mile swim, 12-mile bike, and 3-mile run) and includes events scheduled for California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New York Metro, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Selected cities within the Series will also include "youth focused" triathlons. The first Trek Women’s Triathlon will debut in Florida 2009.

A final 2009 schedule is expected to be announced by December 31, 2008.

http://www.trektriathlon.com

Shimano Releases Dura-Ace Di2

From the Shimano website: Dura-Ace Di2 for Time Trial and Triathlon

Recently we have announced the electronic road racing components DURA-ACE with Di2
technology. Now an important addition: electronic shifters especially for time trial and triathlon usage. These products eliminate the need to change hand position for shifting. The rider can change gears at the base-bar as well as at the bar extensions from now on. The direct result is saving time and a better concentration on the ride.
ST-7971 is the model number of the Dual Control Levers for time trial and triahlon. They feature a carbon lever blade that reduces the weight to 127 grams per pair. Compatible with the new FLIGHTDECK cycling computer with integrated buttons in the hoods.
SW-7971 is the model number of the electronic satellite switch that can be integrated easily into time trial bar extensions. The shift wires are guided through the bars for optimal aerodynamics.
Weight is 103 grams per pair.
These shifters are compatible with the new DURA-ACE Di2 derailleurs FD-7970 (front derailleur) and RD-7970 (rear derailleur). They will be available in the market around three months after the availability of the regular 7970 series.

Do you want increased access for bikes on Bart?

There's a petition here.
The text of the petition:

We believe that bicycles are becoming a greater portion of public transportation participants, and as such, deserve increased access to public transportation. As the price of gasoline raises, businessmen and soccer moms alike are leaving their automobiles in the garage in favor of a more cost-efficient, smog-reducing, and healthy mode of transportation. Part of this transition includes bicycles and part of it includes public transportation - and we believe they can co-exist.

Increased overall community health and wellness, reduced pollution, and money savings could go a long way towards BART's own public image. BART could follow, by example, international cities like Paris and Amsterdam, that leverage the bike commuting population's support to expand its system. Even national cities like Portland and Pittsburgh are already following suit, with the idea of stimulating public support during environmental campaigns. Children and adults alike would benefit from greater independence and access to new destinations within the Bay Area, benefiting the smaller businesses that make up the cultural communities that the Bay Area is known for. BART stations would become strong hubs of these communities.

We ask BART to mark one car on every train as "bike-friendly":

• accessible to all bikes (not simply folding ones),
• accessible during all operating hours,
• permitted in all stations.

Such a car could be modified to fit more bicycles, without obstructing paths of travel, and have standing sections for cyclists dismounting the train at their departure.

We believe BART can be part of the solution by increasing access for Bikes on BART.

Schumacher Positive for CERA

From L'Equipe.Fr:

Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner), vainqueur des deux contre-la-montre lors du dernier Tour de France, dont il porta le Maillot Jaune durant deux jours, a été contrôlé positif à la CERA, une EPO à effet retard.

Campagnolo 2009 Product Range

We've got the technical information of the 2009 Campagnolo groups here (it's a large PDF file).

There's some nice photos and diagrams of the ErgoPower levers and some great descriptions about the design objectives.

They also have a detailed analysis of the Veloce, Centaur, Super Record, Record, and Chorus groups and their new 2-Way Fit wheelsets.

Cyclocross Goods from Rapha

For Rapha's Autumn/Winter winter collection will include two 'cross specific items, the Cross Jersey and the 3/4 Cross Bib Shorts, were designed with input from the well-regarded American frame-builder Independent Fabrication.



Their Cross Jersey was "inspired by the hardy cyclocross racers of Europe and North America, the Rapha Cross Jersey has been constructed for the unique demands of the sport" and is "versatile enough for everyday use". Their Cross Jersey, like all of the other Rapha garments, has a couple of well thought out features; e.g. a small amount of padding stitched into the right shoulder and one well-designed rear pocket. The rear pocket should be easy to open and get to, even with full fingered gloves, as the zipper has a large ring pull and is set in at an ergonomic angle.


Their Cross ¾ Bib Shorts have a full back and are constructed from Italian Thermoroubaix, a polyamide/polyester/elastane fabric, and Rapha's Cytech chamois. The Cross ¾ Bib Shorts sport a small, neoprene-lined, zippered key pocket placed on the back of the shorts & slightly above the waist line. I'm tempted to describe it as a Rapha tramp stamp, but it's placed a little further up the back than most tramp stamps are and Rapha could never be considered trampy.

Several Tour de France Riders Retested for EPO

From the AP:

Several Tour de France riders are having their blood samples retested for traces of the banned blood-booster EPO.
The head of the French Anti-Doping Agency told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the testing involved riders who were already under scrutiny for suspicious urine samples. Pierre Bordry declined to name the cyclists.
The new blood tests will look for CERA, a third-generation variation of EPO. Italian rider Riccardo Ricco tested positive for the substance during the Tour.

Shimano Initiates Rowing (Boat Race) Equipment Business

From the Shimano Corporate website:

In 2009 Shimano Inc. (President: Yozo Shimano) will initiate a rowing (regatta) equipment business, taking advantage of the Corporation’s exceptional manufacturing technologies, developed in the production of bicycle components and fishing tackle.

To begin with, Shimano plans to develop and launch rowing shoes and foot stretchers* during 2009, through effective use of its original technologies for producing cycling shoes and bicycle pedals. In five years, the Corporation plans to grow its annual sales of rowing equipment to approximately 3 billion yen.

Momentum Magazine at Interbike

Momentum will be presenting an urban cycling fashion show at Interbike.

The "Urban Legend" Art + Fashion show, which is presented by Interbike and Momentum Magazine, will take place at 5pm on Thursday, September 25th in the Venetian Ballroom G of the Sands Convention Center.

This promises to be an interesting event as the fashion component of the show will focus mainly on urban and relaxed cycling clothing. Furthermore, as an urban themed art and fashion show, it is only fitting that the models will be riding bikes: urban bikes, townies, city bikes, commuters, basket bikes, beater bikes, grocery getters, cafe cruisers, etc.

And like any proper Interbike function, there will be beer and other assorted tasty, cold beverages available for consumption.

Vanity Fair: Lance Armstrong Rides Again

So the rumors are true.
From Vanity Fair: "Lance Armstrong Rides Again"

With respect to the rumors that he might run for Governor: “Down the road, something like that might be possible. Probably in 2014.”

His intentions: “I’m going back to professional cycling. I’m going to try and win an eighth Tour de France.”

With respect to his age [38]: “Ultimately, I’m the guy that gets up. I mean, I get up out of bed a little slow. I mean, I’m not going to lie. I mean, my back gets tired quicker than it used to and I get out of bed a little slower than I used to. But when I’m going, when I’m on the bike—I feel just as good as I did before.”

The revenge factor: “There’s this perception in cycling that this generation is now the cleanest generation we’ve had in decades, if not forever. And the generation that I raced with was the dirty generation. And, granted, I’ll be totally honest with you, the year that I won the Tour, many of the guys that got 2nd through 10th, a lot of them are gone. Out. Caught. Positive Tests. Suspended. Whatever.… And so I can understand why people look at that and go, Well, [they] were caught—and you weren’t? So there is a nice element here where I can come with really a completely comprehensive program and there will be no way to cheat.”

Jay Sycip Joins Chris King

From BikeRadar:

Jay SyCip has joined King Cycle Group and will work as a Product Manager for Chris King Precision Components and Cielo Cycles in Portland, Oregon. Jay comes to King after 17 years at SyCip Designs in Santa Rosa, California where, along with his brother and business partner Jeremy, he became a fixture in the modern frame-building community. Noted for his creative design style and elegant fabrications, Jay is a graduate of the Art Center of Pasadena.

Deda Elementi Stem Recall

From Deda Elementi:

Deda Elementi and Bianchi Recalling 2008 High-Gloss Finish Deda Forza Handlebar Stems
As a result of four reports of cracking, none of which resulted in injuries, Deda Elementi, in
cooperation with FIV Edoardo Bianchi, have undertaken a Voluntary Recall of all Bianchi highend
bicycles with 2008 Deda Forza high-gloss finish carbon fiber handlebar stems, and will
replace the stems with Deda Zero 100 forged aluminum stems. The recall is being handled
through Bianchi dealers world-wide.

In addition, about 100 of these Forza stems were sold after-market, primarily in the U.S.A. These are being recalled and replaced through the retailers who sold them. Earlier production, matte-finished Deda Forza stems are not affected by this recall.

Do not ride a bicycle with a handlebar stem that is subject to this recall.

Instead:
If you are an individual who bought the stem either as part of a new bicycle or as an
upgrade for your bicycle, please return the stem to the retailer from whom you bought it. If you are a bicycle retailer and the stem is on a Bianchi bicycle, please get in touch with your Bianchi representative.
If you are a retailer who sold a Deda Forza high gloss finish stem after-market, please get in touch with the Deda distributor from whom you bought the stem.

Camelbak Water Jersey

Camelbak is now testing a compression-fit baselayer jersey with an integrated 72-ounce hydration sleeve called the RaceBak. The RaceBak is still in the research & testing phase but if all goes well in testing, it is expected that the RaceBak should reach stores for 2009.

More at Outside Magazine's Blog.

From Pro Cyclist to Spin Instructor?

It's nice to know that even though Riccò has made some serious mistakes, there are still people willing to give young Riccò a job.

Ricardo Riccò istruttore di spinning.

Katusha & Ridley

The new Russian cycling team, Katusha, will be riding Ridley bikes next year. I'd expect to see Katusha have a great 2009 season given that Katusha has been snapping up all kinds of talented riders & that they now have a top-end bike underneath them.

Read more at TuttoBiciWeb.

Yumeya

Shimano is introducing aftermarket titanium & carbon fiber bits to upgrade XTR groups. They'll be releasing more information about the Yumeya parts at EuroBike and at Shimano.com September 1st. I'd also expect to see the same information at InterBike. Originally found at Singletrack Magazine.