Whup a Links' Ass!: Bike Links Around The Horn

• World Biking gives Taiwan its endorsement as a bicycle travel destination. According to the authors:

Our Verdict

Taiwan is a good choice for a short bicycle touring holiday or as part of a longer Asia tour. Biking Taiwan can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make it. If you want a challenge, hit the mountains and cycle one of the cross island roads. If you want to take it a little easier, stick to biking the quiet roads of Taiwan’s east coast.

All in all, cycling Taiwan poses few difficulties. You rarely have to cycle long distances without services, roads are in good condition and the country is safe enough that you can camp just about anywhere.

• Giant Recall: The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall on Giant's 2012 Defy and Avail road bikes. There appears to be an issue with the carbon forks. Giant does not see this issue impacting its US sales.

• Congratulations to Taiwan's Hsiao Mei-yu. Hsiao finished first in the 500m Track final and sixth place overall in the UCI Track World Cup Womens cycling competion in Beijing. Hsiao has really cemented her stature in the sport on the world stage.

Other Links:

• Outside Online has a great article on tracking bike thieves. I hate thieves the way Indiana Jones hates Nazis and snakes.
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• The Adventure Blog wants your cycling movies! The third annual Ciclismo Bike Travel Film Festival is looking for your best work. Deadline is March 1st.
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• The film Bicycle Dreams about the RAAM (Race/Ride Across AMerica) is being screened. Still not the same without Jure.
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• Bicycle Super Highway? Sweden has the right idea.
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• Royal Tennenbaum injured while riding without a helmet. Gene Hackman suffered minor injuries while teaching the grandkids how to mix it up.
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• Will The Cannibal eat his words? Merckx on the state of cycling.
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• Red Kite Prayer dishes on the top three Gruppos. You asked for it... and you got it. Dura Ace, Super Record and RED in a Texas-style cage match.
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• Mark V. on the Cervelo R3.

Excellent Links and A Fitting Tribute To One Of Taiwan's Great Cyclists

Dwight J. writes a fitting tribute to one of Taiwan's great cyclists and one of my best friends... Michael Turton.

What makes Michael one on Taiwan's great cyclists is not that he puts up particularly great numbers, wins races, or accomplishes inhuman feats on a bike. He is not a lithe rail of athletic prowess. On the contrary.... He has grey in his beard, a bit of roundness in the middle, an old foot injury and sunglasses that are clip ons. In many ways he seems like an ordinary guy.

Michael also embodies the passion for cycling that so many of us share. On each ride he brings the heart and enthusiasm that is missing from so many people's lives and his attitude is infectious. Riding with Michael is always a good time. Moreover, Michael takes the time in his week to run intervals up the hill behind his house and strives to become better. He pushes himself to ride and to discover all the life that is happening simultaneously in the cultural fabric of this shared space we call "Taiwan"... and then takes the time to analyze it on his own blog.

Few people actually find the courage to do what Michael has done-- to try something new and difficult. I know for a fact that he has inspired others to pick up a bike in search of the same type of passion. I can only hope they found even a sliver of it.

This July I was happy to share a few stages of the Tour de France with Michael as we chatted online turing the webcast. I couldn't help smiling as he became engrossed in the rolling battles and the slow games at play. He was hopelessly hooked.

I look forward to many more opportunities to ride with Michael and I would encourage any of my readers out there to hunt him down on his blog to ask for a ride. I am sure he'd oblige as he can rarely pass up the chance to throw a leg over a top tube.

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Taiwan Links:

• Taiwanese granny takes bike tour with youth in tow.

• Cycling Satin Cesena looks at the alloy cocktails of 7000 series aluminum tubing.

• The Merida Tour of Changhua (Huan Hua Sai) will be held 9/25/2011. This is a good entry level race for competition or for just a challenge. The course is mostly flat with a short hill climb and a distance of around 100k. You can find details here.

• The Daily Bubble Tea climbs 1150m of hills between Taichung and Nantou.

• Taiwan born cyclist dies on the streets of Seattle in a hit and run.

• I would also like to wish Dom A. good luck. Dom will be riding around Taiwan for the next two weeks for a little adventure. I can't wait for the ride report.

Other Links:

• Going Dutch: Taiwan claims to want to copy the European model, but can we create this type of culture.

• The bicycle is a mind control device. Or at least that's what I tell my wife when I want to spend money. But now scientists are working on the mind controlled bike.

• Team Radioshack's Chris Horner suffered a blood clot following his crash at the Tour de France. See his incoherent babbling here. I cann't believe team doctors put him on a bike... and even more so, I can't believe he finished the stage.

• Titanium and Carbon heart valve gets Contador hater a steel Waterford.

The Outspoken Cyclist interviews Rob Vandermark of Seven Cycles. Rob was also at the fore of Titanium bike frames in the early days of the technology. Nice podcast!

Tour de France and Some Taiwan Cycling Events

Michael Cannon Astride His Speedone

This weekend kicks off the 98th edition of the Tour de France, the peak of the professional cycling calendar. After last year's bore fest I am not looking forward to it as much as I was the Giro. With Alberto Contador riding with a vengeance following his positive test for clenbuterol and the doping ban he has hanging in legal limbo, I am just hoping the Schlecks from Team Leppard (Yes, I know.) or some brighter dark horses can make Contador and his Saxo Bank comrades work a little harder for le Malliot Jaune.

Honestly, after watching the Spanish rider eat up the competition in the Giro d'Italia, I wish everyone luck.

Tour de France:

Brought to you in part by EPO.

VeloNews has a stage by stage breakdown and Contador to be, what Professional Wrestling might describe as the Foil of this Tour. MSNBC chimes in on why Contador sucks.

Cavendish is going green.

BIG George make his 16th Tour appearance.

Cervelo will use the TdF to unveil their new carbon fiber S5. According to Cervelo's new marketing literature, the "S" stands for Supercalifragalisticexpialadocious.

Official TdF page.

Meat Is Murder! David Zabriskie of Garmin-Cervelo hopes to use Tour results to tout the benefits of the vegan lifestyle.

Despite his retirement and an aggressive doping investigation leveraged against him, Lance Armstrong keeps busy at shoring up his golden image.

Cycling Tips keeps tabs of the incestuous relationship between media and sport.

Tour de France viewing online can be found HERE.

Taiwan Events:

The TUAA Alishan Challenge is this weekend. Good Luck! I wish I could join.

The Iilan Road Bike Race will also take place 7/2/2011.

Bikeman's July Events Calendar (Chinese)

Never Stop Wuling Challenge 8/21/2011 (More events listed in Chinese)

Bikes , Beer and Links: It Must Be Friday

I know someone who bought an electric bicycle so he can continue to drink and drive without getting tickets. You know... to be safe. Besides... as he told us... he doesn't have a drinking problem because he isn't one of those guys who goes out drinking all the time. He usually gets drunk at home by himself. *sigh!*

For those of you who don't know Taiwanese drinking culture first hand, it is unlike its other Asian neighbors to the North, Japan and Korea, in that young Taiwanese are relatively contained with their alcoholic consumption.... Not that they don't drink, but it is not so much the passed out on the sidewalk all hours salaryman or the violent puking youth on a train in Seoul. Sadly, Taiwan's heavy drinkers and binge drinkers are often the "lost generation" of middle aged men who gulp down expensive (and inexpensive) whiskeys because they "have to"or maybe to chase the demons of lost opportunities and lived lives that weren't theirs. That is at least what I have sussed out from the old drinkers I know or what comes out during their slurred ravings. Who really knows? I see lots of 50ish men who are alcoholics.

Fortunately, some Taiwanese researchers have clued in to the growing number of people like this person I know, and have done something about it. (Check out the leather bike beer carrier from the link as well)

A group of engineers from Taiwan believes that drink riding is likely to be such a problem in the future that electric bikes will need a built-in breathalyzer.

The bicycle built at Chienkuo Technology University includes innovations such as an electric motor to drive each wheel and handlebar warmers, but the most notable feature is a handlebar-mounted breathalyzer that prevents the bike from being ridden if the cyclist is over the legal limit.

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Cycling News from the Tour of Taiwan:

Eibegger maintains overall race lead

Driven by the will to provide some solace to earthquake-affected Japan, rider Shinichi Fukushima of the Japan national team put up a splendid display of determination and prowess to take Stage Five of the Tour de Taiwan 2011 – a 111.2km ride round the cultural city of Taichung.

Japan were recently hit by a devastating earthquake with the subsequent tsunami resulting in not only loss of lives and properties but has also affected the stability of several of the country's nuclear plants.

And Fukushima today was very proud of his achievement when he went off very early on the stage to complete the route in 2:53:52 to finish with more than a minute advantage over second-placed Park Sung Baek of Korea and the rest of the peloton.

The next stage will be a 136km route through Changhua. It will have a couple climbs and should be fun to follow, especially if you frequently ride the routes.

Also:

Be sure to catch up with Taka on the last day of his tour around Taiwan.

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Other Links:

• NYPD takes back cycling speeding tickets, but still can't convince riders that David Caruso is either handsome or talented.
• Estonian cyclists kidnapped in Lebanon.
• Portland Oregon is Top Cycling City... Just give Virginia a little more time in Eugene.
• Cyclist blamed for his own death... because he had *gasp!* alcohol in his system.
• Major League Cycling. Big names consider dumping UCI over draconian rules.

Velo-Hounds: Links and More

Taiwanese Cycling Goes To The... Dogs (sorry!)

Links:

• A reader sends along his link to a site dedicated to the great, and under appreciated German champion at the dawn of modern cycling, Walter Rutt. The site includes a video clip of the great fire that engulfed the stadium of its namesake. A Google translation makes the German site a good read.
• UK cyclist records road rage.
• Netherlands Cycling in the 50's.
• The Professional Cycling season has just commenced, and there is plenty of action from Paris-Nice and other early season races.

Bike Links and News

Taiwanese siblings make their own Journey to the West by bicycle.

Their journey was inspired by the novel "Journey to the West," which both of them had read in their childhood. The novel, a fictional account of the legendary journey by famous Chinese monk Hsuan Tsang, is the tale of a group of pilgrims making a strenuous journey from China to India in search of sacred Buddhist texts; it also described their encounters with various monsters and demons along the way.

Taiwan Biking Links:

• Michael at The View From Taiwan has some wonderful photos of his Lunar New Year full of fabulous rides despite the terrible weather. I was fortunate enough to join him on a couple of these rides.
• Cafe Terry tries to kill off some of Taichung's better cycling talent in a freezing and wet ride up to Gu Guan.
• Satin Cesena has a wonderful report on the award winners from the Annual Innovative Products competition in the lead up to the 2011 Taipei Cycle.
• Don't forget to read Bicycle Sidewalk's report from his holiday on the bike. He may have spent more time in the saddle than visiting family. Excellent pictures too.
• Champion of bike helmets takes the helm at Health Bureau.
• Taiwan's Hsieh Yi-jung takes a bronze in cycling at the Asian Cycling Championships.

World Cycling Links:

• Taylor Phinney, the nominated savior of American cycling, is scheduled to make his long awaited professional debut in the upcoming Tour of Oman.
• Bad Blood? Botched transfusion lands Italian Olympian Riccardo Ricco. Apparently Ricco tried to pump his veins full of blood that was way past its expiration date and landed in the hospital.
• Cycling With Eddie looks at the one cycling partner who is always ready for a ride-- PAIN.
• Dave Horton discusses cycling culture.
• Ukiah Blog wants you to talk cycling to a conservative.... You know those guys who love to cut cycling from the transportation grid.

My New Bike Status:

I haven't heard anything in a while. I hope that's good.

The tube tuning is as follows:

Agility: Race Spec.

Drivetrain Stiffness: 8 of 10 (9 is pure racer)

Vertical Compliance: About the same as oversized aluminum

Weight to Performance: In The Sweet Spot

Lunar New Links!

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau is offering vouchers and other perks for holders of North American passports. U.S. and Canadian passport holders are eligible to receive $100 in travel vouchers and perks that include:

Special discounts and free offers include free companion bus fare on one of four popular sightseeing tours, free airport pick-up and drop-off, free bicycle rentals, authentic local specialty pineapple cake and tea gift sets, and relaxing foot massage.

That is right... free bike rentals and a foot massage. Details here!

Taiwan Bike Links:

• Taiwan Cycle is coming March 16-19. Who will win the Design Competition?
• Nathan spends his Lunar New Year biking Hualien. I would love to be out there.
• Cycling Satin Cesena examines the old beaters and utility bikes that are used and abused around Taiwan.
• Team Neko has a full New Year schedule planned.
• Seeing as most of you will be engaging in the Taiwanese New Year tradition of watching television with family... keep your eyes peeled for Rocky Huang of T-Mosiac. he is starring in another commercial.

Around The Horn:

• The Flaming Scotsman? Graeme Obree, the cycling legend who famously broke world records with a homemade bicycle made of washing machine parts, has finally come out as gay. I hope this will bring him some peace. After two failed suicide attempts this should make his struggles less complicated and I hope he finds a world of support. The only problem with being gay... is having to live in a world filled with so many sad, bigoted and hateful people. Go Graeme!
• Emma Pooley wants you to look at women... on television. Women cycling is poised to take off and Pooley contends the market is ripe for broadcasters to give women some exposure.
• Pedal Powered Porsche. WOW!
• Vos beats Compton in Women's cyclocross World Championship. Stybar gets another championship before joining Quickstep on the road. He may end up looking like a young Roger De Vlaeminck, who made his name on the cyclocross circuit before challenging Eddy Merckx in the classics.
• Huffington Post on Fighting Bicycle Backlash.

Cycling Links with Video

Enjoy this funny video from the Netherlands where cars have been replaced with bikes.

Taiwan Links:

• Primavera Hits Sun Moon Lake. Great ride report.
• Terry serves up a beautiful dish. A gorgeous wheel with White Industries hub.
• Shots from 2 Peak Challenge.

Tour Down Under:

The cycling season is starting up again marked by the Tour Down Under. So far the big sprinters are suffering with Mark Cavendish destroying more bikes in a spectacular crash.

World Links:

• Is God too big to dope? With growing evidence against him, CBS Sports seems to think so.
• Astronaut makes space flight look as easy as riding a bike... until he falls off his bike and misses his shuttle launch.
• Teen phenom killed during training. Olympic dreams cut short in crash with vehicle.
• Carla Stewart killed in South Africa. Female cycling sensation hit by truck while turning to pick up her cycling computer.
• Copenhagenize says BAN CYCLING... in winter.
• LA looks at immigrants as part of the cycling community. Much like Taiwan's own Foreign Workers.
• Floyd Landis retires from cycling to become a professional skeptic.
• After calling out professional cycling for its excessive culture of doping, and leveling charges against his former teammates that have resulted in a federal investigation into the former members of the United States Postal Service teams... Floyd Landis would like to legalize doping.

Bike Links and More

Just because my bike is broken doesn't mean I am idle. I had a great weekend shopping and researching bikes. I will add more info in a report to come. I have had all kinds of wonderful offers from friends. And I have been forced out of excuses to getting things done.

I hope I can use some of this time to write a few more less superficial articles that I have been putting off. I also hope to be riding... something... soon.

In the meantime here are some links:

Sabinna has an excellent article on composite frames, efficiency and future:

But, sure, the emotions and processes behind a consumer's decision to purchase a cheaper and slightly heaver alloy-framed bike vs a (assumed high-modulus) carbon alternative assure carbon fiber's position as the pre-eminent high-end material of choice. As the authors of the "Composites" article finish off: the future of carbon fiber will involve greater use of nano-materials, an emphasis on damping and making composites more environmentally friendly ie. bio-based polymers.

I am really not convinced carbon fiber is for everyone... but hey... with a profit margin which is something like 60% on a CF frame... I have an idea who really likes it.

Also:

Don't forget to stop by Cafe Terry for some Genmaicha Cake.

Links:

British boxing champion killed by a car while cycling.

Motorcyclist claims cyclists need training and licensing for their own safety. After all... look how safe motorcycling is in Taiwan.

The Inner Ring gets into Grand Fondo... no not dipping bread or other foods into a pot of molten cheese or chocolate.

The Independent says cyclists left unprotected by the courts. In Taiwan you almost never hear of cycling accidents in newspapers or on television.

USA announces Cyclocross Worlds Team. The women are the ones to watch.

Trek has unveiled new bikes and colors for Team Schleck...er Leopard. I really like those Schlecks.

Cycling for smokers? It is amazing how many guys I see resting at a 7-11 for a smoke break after a day of riding.

New film profiles The Gentleman Cyclist.

What a world cycling center should look like. Where's the roast corn?

Could This Be My Next Bike?

Catching Up!

I am still in Seattle and a bit busy. We had a beautiful service yesterday for my sister-in-law and I am happy to be here to lend a hand. The weather is cold, but the sun is out, so there is a chance I can get a little riding in. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Here are some links to what has been going on in cycles:

• Institue of Transportation Incorporates Route Planning into Web Database. Well... it is a start.
• One-Armed Man invents a new braking system for... one armed men.
• Taichung Bike Week enjoys higher than anticipated attendance.
• Follow The Blacknell Expedition to Taiwan.
• Cycling Taiwan For Sight. Action Blue seeks to raise money for the vision impaired.