|   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 

Results 1 to 44 of 44

Thread: Lance Armstrong

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Spyglass
    Posts
    11,184
    Rep Power
    34

    Lance Armstrong

    So let's see what has happened to this guy since all his titles were stripped away:

    All his sponsors have dumped him, equating to about $150 million in lost future revenue.

    No longer will he be paid as a keynote or motivational speaker, the one thing he was probably planning on doing until retirement, probably at $100K a pop.

    He is now being asked to pay back the money he received from winning races and the bonuses at the various stages of each race. Wow.

    USPS is considering going after him to recapture the sponsorship money they gave him. I say this is BS. They benefitted from sponsoring him at the time.

    Basically, if Lance has to pay all of this money back and has no source for future revenue, it's not too far fetched to say that he could be broke in 5 years.

    Personally, I have never liked the lynch mob mentality. He's done nothing different than Bonds, A-Rod or that loser pitcher who went from the Red Sox to the Yankees.

    The thing that makes Armstrong different is that it's an individual sport where there is one actual winner. Those other guys I mentioned are on a team so the team's record doesn't really become affected. With those guys, it's only the statistics or records that are in question.

    With Armstrong, he actually won 7 titles all by himself. Yes, there is a cycling team but you know what I mean. He won it all while the other cyclist's didn't win.

    I think we should lay off the guy. There's no need to continue going after him. As for the lying, of course he lied. That's like expecting a guy having an affair to come clean before the evidence is in.

    Personally, I think people get caught up with the lynch mob mentality because it makes them feel good. We need someone to point the finger at so that we can feel better about our own character flaws.

    Any one of us could have done what he did. We can't say we wouldn't because we have never been in his shoes. Maybe everyone was doing it. If you cycle and that's what you do as a profession and everyone is taking this HGH or whatever it is, is it really that big of a deal?

    I'm telling you, there must be some kind of high people get from seeing someone who's famous hit rock bottom. I saw it with Tiger and now I'm seeing it again.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    ojai country club
    Posts
    983
    Rep Power
    20
    If he received his checks by mail, he's guilty of Wire Fraud. Each check accepted while using illegal steroids would be a separate count, so depending on what kind of mood Eric Holder is in, he could be looking at about 50,000 years in prison. In other words, he's even a worse guy than Sandusky.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    The easiest
    Posts
    6,334
    Rep Power
    21
    Lance is still famous and can go a couple of ways. He seems to be in great shape and probably has appeal to both females and male homosexuals so the Porn Industry might welcome him. Even if he lost a 'nad to testicular cancer, there's always prosethics. He could earn enough cash-- the kind without papers-- to go rent a cheap crash-pad in Vegas and start getting into cash games. Once he gets pretty good, he could try to qualify for the WSOP and end up maybe at the Final Table witn Tiger look-alike Phil Ivey, Phil Helmuth, and maybe the other Phamous Phil, the lefty, after Mr. Arthur Itis derails his golf game. Lance could also head way east and ride in the Tour de la Chine where they don't care about the drugs and get the endorsement of the largest Chinese bike factory. I mean they have billions of souls and not all of them get to drive cars or trucks. Must be billions of bikes there, too. Plus he "dated" Sheryl Crow. Maybe he can hit her up for some cash and coke. His future's so bright, he's got to wear Shades.
    Mostly Taylormade clubs now except for two Ping I25 hybrids, Mizuno 54 & Callaway 56 wedges.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by 24putts View Post
    If he received his checks by mail, he's guilty of Wire Fraud. Each check accepted while using illegal steroids would be a separate count, so depending on what kind of mood Eric Holder is in, he could be looking at about 50,000 years in prison. In other words, he's even a worse guy than Sandusky.
    Assuming the evidence against him meets airtight criminal standards as that's effectively the requirement for Justice Department prosecution. Politically it's a can of worms so there's a good chance no amount of evidence would be enough.

    There could, however, be a long line of claimants in civil court. Prize money can't be free and clear, sponsorship money may not be free and clear, depending upon what's in the contracts, and there may be relevant governing bodies that can impose fines.

    All of the civil claims will get attorneys paid which means they'll be pursued. An interesting question is as to unjust enrichment. It's conceivable he breached sponsor contracts but provided equivalent foreseeable value. In any event, he's in a world of hurt. He and his attorneys will want to drag things out as long as possible to provide time to consume assets and allow juries to soften.

    I don't see should and shouldn't here as much as the harsh consequences of doing what Armstrong did. Since those consequences were foreseeable, I feel kind of neutral. He did a deal with the devil to get what he wanted and now it's time to pay up.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Badlands Golf Club Las Vegas
    Posts
    402
    Rep Power
    19
    Wat about the UCI, and cycling in general, quietly on the back page it has come to light that the governing bodies and testing sources were well aware, and worked in partnership with lance... During Lance's climb cycling in general saw the largest growth in it's history.... Lance made more money, for more people in cycling than he took... Now, he was still a tool personally, and I never had any doubts that he was doping, as was everybody else on a bike.... But to me this is a clear example of the system using someone up, then hanging em out to dry... The powers that be used this guy as a money train, I have no doubt that he'll end up broke in a few years, and I also suspect he'll be put up on trial... Imagine how much shady business can be pushed through while the public is fixated on a Lance Armstrong trial.... The US Justice Dept. sending guns to Mexico and trying to frame gun shops and conventions.... nothing to see here... Private citizen and millionaire Lance Armstrong is a cheater... Let's get him... I predict ugliness, for the record I have always thought the guy was a personal asshat, but he has used his success to do some good, and I feel regardless of how much an A-hole he may be he doesn't deserve what's about to come down on him.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    I don't look at it in terms of what's fair, only what's foreseeable. What the hell is fair, anyways? I disagree with you in your defense of him based on group guilt or others' dastardly deeds. I don't find that fair. Other bad acts don't mitigate. But it doesn't matter because fair's irrelevant here.

    More so, whoever reached the top cheating, particularly if they stayed there the better part of a decade, faced the risk they'd end in disgrace. They knew that. They faced the classic dilemma of Faust in legend, popularly captured in Damn Yankees. They chose to cheat for short term rewards. Now the consequences, dream's over. Of course the winner's the one decapitated. Again, foreseeable going in.

    Yes there are opportunists, beneficiaries and greedy bastards, that's the world. There's oxygen and gravity as well. All basic elements of our environment.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    The Masters
    Posts
    2,602
    Rep Power
    19
    Lance wasn't the only one being tested. I would be surprised to find a single clean sample among the riders tested those years. You either doped and made the tour, or you sat at home.

    And all this talk of returning prize and sponsorship money is BS. The governing bodies and sponsors new the deal, and they were making a killing off the Lance story. Are all the sponsors and race organizers going to give back the money they made propping Lance up?
    The views expressed by The Purist do not necessarily represent the views of The Purist. Any posts by the Purist should not be relied upon for truth or accuracy, and should be viewed at your own risk.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Livin' the dream at the SPCC
    Posts
    8,511
    Rep Power
    27
    I am now rooting for cancer to win. I have requested a refund for my $1.00 Livestrong bracelet, plus punitive damages for the revisionist embarassment of having worn it for the past decade. Furthermore, I will be less generous in yielding right of way for cyclists. I may even clip them if I see any USPS jerseys or Trek bikes. For my Trek bike? It's going in the trash.
    I think it's time to bring on the witch hunt on Susan Komen. That ho has got to be up to something.
    The $500M that Lance "raised" via Livestrong should be donated to cigarette companies to proliferate their cancer causing products. All facilities which have benefited from Livestrong donations must be dismantled. I will eat several donuts to counteract the exercise I performed in various Livestrong 5K's I have run over the years.
    Let's make this right.
    fred3 antagonizer
    2010 recipiant of TRG Commendation of Excellence
    Member GR Club 5K
    Member GFF Crew

    *Plus many more accolades that are the cause of jealousy

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by Horseballs View Post
    I am now rooting for cancer to win. I have requested a refund for my $1.00 Livestrong bracelet, plus punitive damages for the revisionist embarassment of having worn it for the past decade. Furthermore, I will be less generous in yielding right of way for cyclists. I may even clip them if I see any USPS jerseys or Trek bikes. For my Trek bike? It's going in the trash.
    I think it's time to bring on the witch hunt on Susan Komen. That ho has got to be up to something.
    The $500M that Lance "raised" via Livestrong should be donated to cigarette companies to proliferate their cancer causing products. All facilities which have benefited from Livestrong donations must be dismantled. I will eat several donuts to counteract the exercise I performed in various Livestrong 5K's I have run over the years.
    Let's make this right.
    Where it should have gone the day you bought it. Trek is the Callaway of bikes made for unknowing chopper riders. Make sure you throw out those handle bar frillies, the mudflaps and the bell, too.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Livin' the dream at the SPCC
    Posts
    8,511
    Rep Power
    27
    Quote Originally Posted by Not a German View Post
    Where it should have gone the day you bought it. Trek is the Callaway of bikes made for unknowing chopper riders.
    Not really. Everyone uses the same Shimano components (in various levels), just the frames are different. I think my bike had the second from the bottom Shimano components, which was fine. Many other pieces are ungradeable like seat posts, wheels, handlebars, seats, etc. Mine was a mid-level entry bike, I believe it was a Trek 1800. I bought it in 2001 and it was a decent bike for the level of riding I was doing. Trek made high end bikes as well with all the bells and whistles.
    It's been 5+ years since I biked with any regularity and probably 8+ since I was up to date on equipment, so I may be talking out of my asss on the subject now.
    Either way, it's going in the trash.
    fred3 antagonizer
    2010 recipiant of TRG Commendation of Excellence
    Member GR Club 5K
    Member GFF Crew

    *Plus many more accolades that are the cause of jealousy

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by Horseballs View Post
    Not really. Everyone uses the same Shimano components (in various levels), just the frames are different. I think my bike had the second from the bottom Shimano components, which was fine. Many other pieces are ungradeable like seat posts, wheels, handlebars, seats, etc. Mine was a mid-level entry bike, I believe it was a Trek 1800. I bought it in 2001 and it was a decent bike for the level of riding I was doing. Trek made high end bikes as well with all the bells and whistles.
    It's been 5+ years since I biked with any regularity and probably 8+ since I was up to date on equipment, so I may be talking out of my asss on the subject now.
    Either way, it's going in the trash.
    No because Trek is not only the Callaway of bikes, it's also the Costco of bikes. Their components are labeled the same as others, but because they're under individual contracts with Shimano, the components are cheaper and of lower quality. Think made for OEM golf shafts. Also, some riders spend thousands$ on frames, they actually do matter, particularly as you're gearing it around the mountains of Cincinnati.

    At least you haven't bought $600 wedges, have you?

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Spyglass
    Posts
    11,184
    Rep Power
    34
    I don't know why I started a thread on Lance Armstrong. I hate cycling and enjoy riding a bike about as much as I do playing tennis, which is never.

    After reading some of the other posts I've changed my tune a bit. Lance knew what he was doing and knew the consequences should he ever be found out. It doesn't matter if other riders did the same thing. If you want the rewards associated with fame and fortune then you have to accept the fact that you'll be the one to take the big fall.

    A lot of people think that Armstrong is an arrogant jerk. Of course he is. You'd have to be self absorbed and incredibly selfish with your time to achieve what he did. Other top athletes are no different.

    I can't think of anyone who had done more for cycling than he has. The cheating accusations certainly haven't taken away anything from the popularity of cycling.

    I do have one final thing to say to the weekend cyclists out there: I understand the biking shorts, they are a necessity. However, quit wearing all the advertisements as if you are on the Tour de France. You look like a 45 year old dweeb. Another thing, for crying out loud quit shaving all of your body hair, making the excuse that it makes you ride faster. Shaving your nads isn't going to cut down on your race time.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Livin' the dream at the SPCC
    Posts
    8,511
    Rep Power
    27
    Quote Originally Posted by Not a German View Post
    No because Trek is not only the Callaway of bikes, it's also the Costco of bikes. Their components are labeled the same as others, but because they're under individual contracts with Shimano, the components are cheaper and of lower quality. Think made for OEM golf shafts. Also, some riders spend thousands$ on frames, they actually do matter, particularly as you're gearing it around the mountains of Cincinnati.

    At least you haven't bought $600 wedges, have you?
    This was my bike when I lived in Lance's backyard, the hill country of Texas. I didn't know about the whole "made for" aspect for components. To be honest, I'm not sure I believe it.
    The frame needs to fit you, but I've never understood the fascination with weight reduction in cycling. You save a few grams here and there with carbon fiber, but if you strap on a couple of water bottles, what's the point? Also, for all the amateurs who obsess over bike weight, have you looked in the mirror? That extra 5 lbs of fat you've got is more important than your carbon fiber wheels. In fact, what you ate for lunch prior to a ride has a bigger effect than that $600 seat post.
    fred3 antagonizer
    2010 recipiant of TRG Commendation of Excellence
    Member GR Club 5K
    Member GFF Crew

    *Plus many more accolades that are the cause of jealousy

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    The Masters
    Posts
    2,602
    Rep Power
    19
    Quote Originally Posted by Horseballs View Post
    This was my bike when I lived in Lance's backyard, the hill country of Texas. I didn't know about the whole "made for" aspect for components. To be honest, I'm not sure I believe it.
    The frame needs to fit you, but I've never understood the fascination with weight reduction in cycling. You save a few grams here and there with carbon fiber, but if you strap on a couple of water bottles, what's the point? Also, for all the amateurs who obsess over bike weight, have you looked in the mirror? That extra 5 lbs of fat you've got is more important than your carbon fiber wheels. In fact, what you ate for lunch prior to a ride has a bigger effect than that $600 seat post.
    You did shave your legs. Admit it. Didn't you?
    The views expressed by The Purist do not necessarily represent the views of The Purist. Any posts by the Purist should not be relied upon for truth or accuracy, and should be viewed at your own risk.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Livin' the dream at the SPCC
    Posts
    8,511
    Rep Power
    27
    Quote Originally Posted by The Purist View Post
    You did shave your legs. Admit it. Didn't you?
    DO shave my legs would be more accurate, though I don't do it for any cycling reasons. Body hair is so 2008.
    fred3 antagonizer
    2010 recipiant of TRG Commendation of Excellence
    Member GR Club 5K
    Member GFF Crew

    *Plus many more accolades that are the cause of jealousy

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    The Masters
    Posts
    2,602
    Rep Power
    19
    Quote Originally Posted by Horseballs View Post
    DO shave my legs would be more accurate, though I don't do it for any cycling reasons. Body hair is so 2008.
    I guess it makes squeezing into those skinny jeans a little bit easier.
    The views expressed by The Purist do not necessarily represent the views of The Purist. Any posts by the Purist should not be relied upon for truth or accuracy, and should be viewed at your own risk.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    FD, I agree as to the bike clothing thing. At least with mountain biking you get grimed up, there's little point, people dressed like that who aren't getting paid for riding aren't as common as on the road. Right around you are some great trails, once it starts raining it may get a little dicey but at some point while in SD you might take advantage of it. When I've moved up to Manhattan Beach or Pacific Palisades in the next year, I'll be close to both Zuma for surfing and the Santa Monica mountains, but it will mostly be fuggedabout the golf.

    HB, I have no idea on the made for components, I was just pimping you back. Though it wouldn't surprise me given the Treks I've tried and the nature of the bus. But if your gears shift reliably and your suspension and brakes work well who cares. I ride a boutiquey hardtail with XT components which are supposed to be good but need constant adjustment. The bike was a gift which I think set back the giver about $1,500. If I went out for a bike today I'd find something used for $4-500. Once you dump it it's used.

    And don't shave those legs, wax em.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Livin' the dream at the SPCC
    Posts
    8,511
    Rep Power
    27
    Quote Originally Posted by The Purist View Post
    I guess it makes squeezing into those skinny jeans a little bit easier.
    True. A good set of needle nose pliers is critical in getting the zipper pulled up all the way.
    fred3 antagonizer
    2010 recipiant of TRG Commendation of Excellence
    Member GR Club 5K
    Member GFF Crew

    *Plus many more accolades that are the cause of jealousy

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Livin' the dream at the SPCC
    Posts
    8,511
    Rep Power
    27
    Quote Originally Posted by Not a German View Post
    FD, I agree as to the bike clothing thing. At least with mountain biking you get grimed up, there's little point, people dressed like that who aren't getting paid for riding aren't as common as on the road. Right around you are some great trails, once it starts raining it may get a little dicey but at some point while in SD you might take advantage of it. When I've moved up to Manhattan Beach or Pacific Palisades in the next year, I'll be close to both Zuma for surfing and the Santa Monica mountains, but it will mostly be fuggedabout the golf.

    HB, I have no idea on the made for components, I was just pimping you back. Though it wouldn't surprise me given the Treks I've tried and the nature of the bus. But if your gears shift reliably and your suspension and brakes work well who cares. I ride a boutiquey hardtail with XT components which are supposed to be good but need constant adjustment. The bike was a gift which I think set back the giver about $1,500. If I went out for a bike today I'd find something used for $4-500. Once you dump it it's used.

    And don't shave those legs, wax em.
    I really don't know much about MTB. I had a relatively cheap one in TX. It was from a bike shop, not Walmart, and it was a Cannondale but entry level. MTB was a blast, but I can't imagine spending a ton of cash on a MTB bike. I just treat them too roughly. I would crash at least once per outing by doing something stupid.
    fred3 antagonizer
    2010 recipiant of TRG Commendation of Excellence
    Member GR Club 5K
    Member GFF Crew

    *Plus many more accolades that are the cause of jealousy

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by Horseballs View Post
    I really don't know much about MTB. I had a relatively cheap one in TX. It was from a bike shop, not Walmart, and it was a Cannondale but entry level. MTB was a blast, but I can't imagine spending a ton of cash on a MTB bike. I just treat them too roughly. I would crash at least once per outing by doing something stupid.
    I seem to be prone to the slow falls where I'm trying to save it but by the time it's a lost cause there's no chance to pull out of the clips. I usually end up on my side in a fetal position but with a bike attached to my feet, hands and butt. Pretty stupid so I've been trying to remember getting the new clips. I don't need a broken collarbone.

    A neighbor of mine sauntered by on a $5,000 Cannondale a couple of weeks ago, looked at my VooDoo which I was cleaning and turned up his nose. His bike had no grime or scratches on it after he'd finished his ride. I'm looking forward to getting out there with him.

    I have some pretty cool trails a half mile from my house which I'll really miss after I've left.

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Spyglass
    Posts
    11,184
    Rep Power
    34
    Quote Originally Posted by Not a German View Post
    I seem to be prone to the slow falls where I'm trying to save it but by the time it's a lost cause there's no chance to pull out of the clips. I usually end up on my side in a fetal position but with a bike attached to my feet, hands and butt. Pretty stupid so I've been trying to remember getting the new clips. I don't need a broken collarbone.

    A neighbor of mine sauntered by on a $5,000 Cannondale a couple of weeks ago, looked at my VooDoo which I was cleaning and turned up his nose. His bike had no grime or scratches on it after he'd finished his ride. I'm looking forward to getting out there with him.

    I have some pretty cool trails a half mile from my house which I'll really miss after I've left.
    Probably the worst purchase I ever made was a Trek bike for $750 back in 1995. I was moving up to Chico and heard all about the great mountain biking up there.

    For one thing, the bike was a pain to ride. I clearly didn't test drive it enough because I had to lean too far forward to grip the handle bars. In other words, I couldn't ride it in an upright position.

    Second, I think I used it a total of four times. Many years later I simply gave it away to a guy who put a fence up for us. I was tired of it sitting around and having to move it all the time.

    I prefer running and weightlifting. I can't stand exercising by cycling or swimming for that matter.

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    The easiest
    Posts
    6,334
    Rep Power
    21
    Quote Originally Posted by famousdavis View Post
    I don't know why I started a thread on Lance Armstrong. I hate cycling and enjoy riding a bike about as much as I do playing tennis, which is never.

    After reading some of the other posts I've changed my tune a bit. Lance knew what he was doing and knew the consequences should he ever be found out. It doesn't matter if other riders did the same thing. If you want the rewards associated with fame and fortune then you have to accept the fact that you'll be the one to take the big fall.

    A lot of people think that Armstrong is an arrogant jerk. Of course he is. You'd have to be self absorbed and incredibly selfish with your time to achieve what he did. Other top athletes are no different.

    I can't think of anyone who had done more for cycling than he has. The cheating accusations certainly haven't taken away anything from the popularity of cycling.

    I do have one final thing to say to the weekend cyclists out there: I understand the biking shorts, they are a necessity. However, quit wearing all the advertisements as if you are on the Tour de France. You look like a 45 year old dweeb. Another thing, for crying out loud quit shaving all of your body hair, making the excuse that it makes you ride faster. Shaving your nads isn't going to cut down on your race time.
    My favorite mountain bike ever was a Yamaha 250DT from aruond 1972. It was a two stroke motor which meant making sure you had enough two stroke oil in the reservoir to mix with the gasoline. Dead reliable, plenty of power for those steep slopes, and great handling. Why any grown person would opt for pedal power after attaining the driving license when motorised two-wheelers are available is beyond me. I guess its the exercise thing. Now I will agree that biking around the streets and boardwalks at the beach can be pleasant but that's because there are no hills. As for bikes and exercise, you can get something you can ride in your house with an odometer to record your distance. And they have friction wheels so that you can pretend you are riding an upslope for 45 minutes or however long you can stand it. For the record, I have been in thousands of residential dwellings for purposes of appraisal and brokerage and have seen hundreds of these stationery exercise bikes. I always checked the odometers and the average was about 65 miles with the high no more than 300 miles and a fair number had fewer than 10 miles on them.

    Now today it is even more baffling to me that people spend thousands of dollars on pedal powered two wheelers when they could find a serviceable Jap crotch rocket for the same money and, if its a Hyabusa, crank that bad boy up to at least 170-180 ionstead of trying to keep up with the 35 mph road traffic and mostly impeding its flow on upgrades. And don't get me started on those effeminate tights and those Retard-Ward hats.
    Mostly Taylormade clubs now except for two Ping I25 hybrids, Mizuno 54 & Callaway 56 wedges.

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by famousdavis View Post
    Probably the worst purchase I ever made was a Trek bike for $750 back in 1995. I was moving up to Chico and heard all about the great mountain biking up there.

    For one thing, the bike was a pain to ride. I clearly didn't test drive it enough because I had to lean too far forward to grip the handle bars. In other words, I couldn't ride it in an upright position.

    Second, I think I used it a total of four times. Many years later I simply gave it away to a guy who put a fence up for us. I was tired of it sitting around and having to move it all the time.

    I prefer running and weightlifting. I can't stand exercising by cycling or swimming for that matter.
    Sitting position sucks in mountain biking, no question. I have rails on the handlebars to give me a break on the straights but they only help so much.

    The alarm just went off at San Onofre, that may give Nifty a ray of hope as I'm pretty close to it. Probably just a test. Just in case, got my iodine pills right here.

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Jacks Point
    Posts
    10,195
    Rep Power
    29
    Quote Originally Posted by Not a German View Post
    I seem to be prone to the slow falls where I'm trying to save it but by the time it's a lost cause there's no chance to pull out of the clips. I usually end up on my side in a fetal position but with a bike attached to my feet, hands and butt. Pretty stupid so I've been trying to remember getting the new clips. I don't need a broken collarbone.

    A neighbor of mine sauntered by on a $5,000 Cannondale a couple of weeks ago, looked at my VooDoo which I was cleaning and turned up his nose. His bike had no grime or scratches on it after he'd finished his ride. I'm looking forward to getting out there with him.

    I have some pretty cool trails a half mile from my house which I'll really miss after I've left.
    My brother in law used to make bike frames and assemble and sell very high spec road racing bikes costing up to $7,000. He sold them to two types of people. Serious riders who trained and raced all the time and posers who needed the best of everything even though a $500 off the shelf model would be perfectly adequate for the amount of riding they were doing. He told me that it is standard to bring the bike back for a service after 3 months. With many of these posers he could tell the bike had hardly been ridden. All he did was polish the gears with a cloth and charge them for a full service.

    It seems posers and noters are common in the sport of cycling.
    I chose the road less traveled.

    Now where the f#ck am I?

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Livin' the dream at the SPCC
    Posts
    8,511
    Rep Power
    27
    Quote Originally Posted by Not a German View Post
    I seem to be prone to the slow falls where I'm trying to save it but by the time it's a lost cause there's no chance to pull out of the clips. I usually end up on my side in a fetal position but with a bike attached to my feet, hands and butt. Pretty stupid so I've been trying to remember getting the new clips. I don't need a broken collarbone.

    A neighbor of mine sauntered by on a $5,000 Cannondale a couple of weeks ago, looked at my VooDoo which I was cleaning and turned up his nose. His bike had no grime or scratches on it after he'd finished his ride. I'm looking forward to getting out there with him.

    I have some pretty cool trails a half mile from my house which I'll really miss after I've left.
    I had the fake "over the toe" clips on the mountain bike. I would flip the pedals upside down and be unclipped whenever I was about to do something crazy.
    I do know the slowmo fall you are talking about. I've done it many times on my rode bike at a stop light.
    fred3 antagonizer
    2010 recipiant of TRG Commendation of Excellence
    Member GR Club 5K
    Member GFF Crew

    *Plus many more accolades that are the cause of jealousy

  26. #26
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi Player View Post
    My brother in law used to make bike frames and assemble and sell very high spec road racing bikes costing up to $7,000. He sold them to two types of people. Serious riders who trained and raced all the time and posers who needed the best of everything even though a $500 off the shelf model would be perfectly adequate for the amount of riding they were doing. He told me that it is standard to bring the bike back for a service after 3 months. With many of these posers he could tell the bike had hardly been ridden. All he did was polish the gears with a cloth and charge them for a full service.

    It seems posers and noters are common in the sport of cycling.
    On weekends here there's a road bike club or something that gathers maybe 50 riders all decked out in the gaudiest, fanciest gear and way expensive bikes and helmets. They all look like they never played any sports at all. These are the people who have BMW-s but no idea how to drive them.

  27. #27
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Livin' the dream at the SPCC
    Posts
    8,511
    Rep Power
    27
    Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi Player View Post
    My brother in law used to make bike frames and assemble and sell very high spec road racing bikes costing up to $7,000. He sold them to two types of people. Serious riders who trained and raced all the time and posers who needed the best of everything even though a $500 off the shelf model would be perfectly adequate for the amount of riding they were doing. He told me that it is standard to bring the bike back for a service after 3 months. With many of these posers he could tell the bike had hardly been ridden. All he did was polish the gears with a cloth and charge them for a full service.

    It seems posers and noters are common in the sport of cycling.
    I agree. The only worthwhile sporting activities are rowing, sailing, or anything else which allows you to escape an unbearably backward island.
    fred3 antagonizer
    2010 recipiant of TRG Commendation of Excellence
    Member GR Club 5K
    Member GFF Crew

    *Plus many more accolades that are the cause of jealousy

  28. #28
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by Horseballs View Post
    I had the fake "over the toe" clips on the mountain bike. I would flip the pedals upside down and be unclipped whenever I was about to do something crazy.
    I do know the slowmo fall you are talking about. I've done it many times on my rode bike at a stop light.
    Unfortunately the geniuses who invented the snap ins put them on both sides of the pedal. I understand the new designs work better and cost less than shoulder surgery.

  29. #29
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    The Masters
    Posts
    2,602
    Rep Power
    19
    Quote Originally Posted by Not a German View Post
    Sitting position sucks in mountain biking, no question. I have rails on the handlebars to give me a break on the straights but they only help so much.

    The alarm just went off at San Onofre, that may give Nifty a ray of hope as I'm pretty close to it. Probably just a test. Just in case, got my iodine pills right here.
    No bunker?
    The views expressed by The Purist do not necessarily represent the views of The Purist. Any posts by the Purist should not be relied upon for truth or accuracy, and should be viewed at your own risk.

  30. #30
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by The Purist View Post
    No bunker?
    I'm furiously digging one right now.

  31. #31
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    ojai country club
    Posts
    983
    Rep Power
    20
    Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi Player View Post
    $500 off the shelf model

    That's what I paid for an original LeMond in 1987. But I had an insane basketball jones for many years, and never used it after riding it once around the block. Last year I left it outside in the rain for a few weeks, and now the derailleur is all rusted, so I don't know if I should give it to Goodwill or what. In mitigation, I take good care of my VIP Limited's.

  32. #32
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    The Masters
    Posts
    2,602
    Rep Power
    19
    Quote Originally Posted by Not a German View Post
    I'm furiously digging one right now.
    That is scary. Does FEMA send you text message warnings, or can you actually hear the alarms outside?
    The views expressed by The Purist do not necessarily represent the views of The Purist. Any posts by the Purist should not be relied upon for truth or accuracy, and should be viewed at your own risk.

  33. #33
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Jacks Point
    Posts
    10,195
    Rep Power
    29
    Quote Originally Posted by Horseballs View Post
    I agree. The only worthwhile sporting activities are rowing, sailing, or anything else which allows you to escape an unbearably backward island.
    Alternatively you can buy a plane ticket. $7,000 will get you around the world a couple of times.
    I chose the road less traveled.

    Now where the f#ck am I?

  34. #34
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by The Purist View Post
    That is scary. Does FEMA send you text message warnings, or can you actually hear the alarms outside?
    I can hear it from 10 miles away inside my house with all the windows closed. I don't know if there are satellite alarms. They test the alarm system from time to time but I don't stay plugged in. I ought to bookmark something, sign up for messages, etc.

    The plant is right on the coast in an earthquake and tsunami hazard zone but I'm sure SDG&E will keep us safe. We just hope we don't open our front door one day and find Erin Brockovich standing there.

  35. #35
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Spyglass
    Posts
    11,184
    Rep Power
    34
    My first bike was a Huffy BMX-style. I'd go over jumps and do tricks with it. I was kind of the cool kid on the block. My next bike was a Schwinn 10-speed with a playing card in the spokes to make it sound like a chopper. Then I moved up to a Raleigh 10 speed in 8th grade and parked it with pride. Somebody stole it.

    After graduating college my next bike was a unicycle. I figured I could pick up on the babes by showing them my tricks on the bike using no hands. This, of course, didn't work very well because there was no place for them to sit if in fact I got a date.

    Now, I've got the bike I've always wanted. It's sport, a little retro but always gets a double take from the babeys.
    Attached Images Attached Images  

  36. #36
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    St. Andrews
    Posts
    1,019
    Rep Power
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by famousdavis View Post
    My first bike was a Huffy BMX-style. I'd go over jumps and do tricks with it. I was kind of the cool kid on the block. My next bike was a Schwinn 10-speed with a playing card in the spokes to make it sound like a chopper. Then I moved up to a Raleigh 10 speed in 8th grade and parked it with pride. Somebody stole it.

    After graduating college my next bike was a unicycle. I figured I could pick up on the babes by showing them my tricks on the bike using no hands. This, of course, didn't work very well because there was no place for them to sit if in fact I got a date.

    Now, I've got the bike I've always wanted. It's sport, a little retro but always gets a double take from the babeys.
    How did you manage to find a picture of my mountain bike?

    I had a Raliegh ten speed too. I loved that bike, every time I rode it I felt lucky to have it. Then I got to college and rich kids would make fun of it as they were getting into their BMW-s. Why would a soft, rich skinny kid with a vulnerable car make fun of a bigger more muscular kid who's in shape from riding a bike and knows where they keep their car? I would ask them this but never got an intelligent answer.

  37. #37
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Jacks Point
    Posts
    10,195
    Rep Power
    29
    Quote Originally Posted by Not a German View Post
    How did you manage to find a picture of my mountain bike?

    I had a Raliegh ten speed too. I loved that bike, every time I rode it I felt lucky to have it. Then I got to college and rich kids would make fun of it as they were getting into their BMW-s. Why would a soft, rich skinny kid with a vulnerable car make fun of a bigger more muscular kid who's in shape from riding a bike and knows where they keep their car? I would ask them this but never got an intelligent answer.
    I had a ten speed too. Having a bike represented independence when I was a kid. A bit like having your first car later in life. My buddies and I went everywhere on our bikes. One of them (who lived a long way from my house) didn't have a bike so I would ride to his house with my skateboard and then one of us would ride the bike and tow the other guy on the skateboard. We'd go all over town like that. Good times!

    Getting the bike stolen was an issue at my school. I remember my sister coming home in tears after her bike was stolen. I was lucky enough that a friends grandmother lived near the school so we would park the bikes in her shed and walk to school from there.
    I chose the road less traveled.

    Now where the f#ck am I?

  38. #38
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Spyglass
    Posts
    11,184
    Rep Power
    34
    Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi Player View Post
    I had a ten speed too. Having a bike represented independence when I was a kid. A bit like having your first car later in life. My buddies and I went everywhere on our bikes. One of them (who lived a long way from my house) didn't have a bike so I would ride to his house with my skateboard and then one of us would ride the bike and tow the other guy on the skateboard. We'd go all over town like that. Good times!

    Getting the bike stolen was an issue at my school. I remember my sister coming home in tears after her bike was stolen. I was lucky enough that a friends grandmother lived near the school so we would park the bikes in her shed and walk to school from there.
    So in other words you were like Napoleon Dynamite and his brother.

  39. #39
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Jacks Point
    Posts
    10,195
    Rep Power
    29
    Quote Originally Posted by famousdavis View Post
    My first bike was a Huffy BMX-style. I'd go over jumps and do tricks with it. I was kind of the cool kid on the block. My next bike was a Schwinn 10-speed with a playing card in the spokes to make it sound like a chopper. Then I moved up to a Raleigh 10 speed in 8th grade and parked it with pride. Somebody stole it.

    After graduating college my next bike was a unicycle. I figured I could pick up on the babes by showing them my tricks on the bike using no hands. This, of course, didn't work very well because there was no place for them to sit if in fact I got a date.

    Now, I've got the bike I've always wanted. It's sport, a little retro but always gets a double take from the babeys.
    That bike is very cool FD. Before I got a ten speed my bike was the Raleigh Chopper. That bike was 'The Business' and was the ultimate babe magnet. I'm betting with my Sturmey Archer 3 speed gearing I would not only win the chicks but I'd also beat you dead in a drag race.

    I chose the road less traveled.

    Now where the f#ck am I?

  40. #40
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Spyglass
    Posts
    11,184
    Rep Power
    34
    Another achievement by Armstrong was making the name "Lance" sound cool. When I was a kid, anyone named Lance was destined for the Chess or Dungeons and Dragons club. It was one step above the name Poindexter or Wally. Now, Lance is a cool name. All the Lances in the world should stand behind their boy.

  41. #41
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Wentworth-by-the-Sea
    Posts
    3,228
    Rep Power
    19
    For me, it's either four wheels or the new recliner.

    I just got one of those big, leather electric ones that stands you up when you want to leave, usually to go to the refrigerator or bathroom. An elderly uncle for whom I've been recently caring got one from necessity. It's so cool that I got one for myself at the same time.

    I'm almost old enough to need it anyway...and I'm definitely fat enough. I'm Italian, so since I can't sing, I can cook a little bit. It's usually one or the other.

    Except maybe for Lorenzo. I don't really know him, but I honestly can't imagine him doing anything of value.

  42. #42
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    New England... yeah whatever.
    Posts
    649
    Rep Power
    18
    If you are not a distance cyclist or a marathon runner... you wouldn't understand. There is a code. You don't lie about your miles... you don't lie about your time. There is a very real chance Ryan may have lost the election for his boss by lying about his marathon time. You don't do that shiit. Never.

    Screw Lance... His punishment has already been administered when he was pretending to stand on the podium, knowing deep down there was more oxygen in his blood then blows through Ann Coulter's twaat.
    Titleist 909D2 9.5, Motore F1 (s)
    Callaway Diablo Edge 3W, E370 (s)
    Ping i5 2-PW, CS Lite (s)
    Callaway X-Tour 54,60
    Ping G5i B60

  43. #43
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Spyglass
    Posts
    11,184
    Rep Power
    34
    Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi Player View Post
    That bike is very cool FD. Before I got a ten speed my bike was the Raleigh Chopper. That bike was 'The Business' and was the ultimate babe magnet. I'm betting with my Sturmey Archer 3 speed gearing I would not only win the chicks but I'd also beat you dead in a drag race.

    Look at where the gear shift is located on that bike. I sure wouldn't want to hit a pothole without warning.

  44. #44
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Jacks Point
    Posts
    10,195
    Rep Power
    29
    Quote Originally Posted by famousdavis View Post
    Look at where the gear shift is located on that bike. I sure wouldn't want to hit a pothole without warning.
    It takes a skilled rider, I'll grant you that, but all it's all just a part of the thrillseeking for those of us who like to live life on the edge.

    The Raleigh Chopper was the GFF blades of kids bikes back in the day. For Ping Eye 2 players I suggest the Raleigh Twenty.

    I chose the road less traveled.

    Now where the f#ck am I?

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •