Patrick “Grady” Alexander – IE (foothill) gnome

@Bespoke A leader line showing a focus on revolution. Originally this began as an illustration to show mechanics and physics going on “” no bike.

Just riding you! Nice illustration.

Those ear pieces look a bit uncomfortable and not very aero.

@anthony

Interesting influence from automotive design, to my eyes:

@anthony Definitely – Giro Synthe “” aero panels “” eyewear docking port

It looks better in reality than top of Taylor’s head too. The cat I passed had the white one. Not usually  a fan of white helmets, I am tiny and look funny in them, but it looked fantastic from my angle on the gent  that I saw.

What was going on here?  It is obvious to any cyclist that ever turned into a head wind.  The girls either due to fashion (unlikely foresight) wore tight fitting shorts that clinged to their upper legs allowing them to slice through the air with ease.  The boys apparently more concerned with fashion than speed, wore light weight shin length billowing pantaloons of the sort donned by members of the NBA.  Did anyone see this coming?  Are we now at an era where fashion trumps performance?  Apparently so.  Earlier this year at the famed Penn Relays, the grade school girls consistently our ran the boys by seconds in the 4×100 relay.  Why?  … fashion.

I just had to get this one out.  The article hit a nerve.

@Gianni

Wow, those are some white legs. First day for riding without tights on in Minn.

Yeah. That was the first thing I noticed, before the orange pumpkin helmet. But we have to cut them some slack, they had a miserable winter and got pounded this year*. Still, you’d think a Minnesota winter training regimen on a trainer would include a sun lamp.

* It gets worse. That bridge is connected into a system of bike paths and lanes that run along the river at the foot of those cliffs (see Frank’s article on the legacy of Jim Oberstar). That’s the U of M hospital on the cliff behind the guy in the picture. The same cliff that recently collapsed in torrential rains and buried aforementioned road, bike lanes and paths under 10″² of mud.

Ditto on that nasty winter remark. It’;s almost July and I’m just getting some respectable tan lines going here in Wisconsin. The poor buggers in MN had it worse than us!

Nice bike in the picture though, but I have my reservations on the white hoods.

It’s negligible in terms of the awesomeness of having a beard (which is also, incidentally, shit I can get away with now I’m married).

I thought the govt blocked the ACT’s marriage equality laws? If not, my congratulations to you & Marcus.

Wow, those are some white legs. First day for riding without tights on in Minn.

Yeah. That was the first thing I noticed, before the orange pumpkin helmet. But we have to cut them some slack, they had a miserable winter and got pounded this year*. Still, you’d think a Minnesota winter training regimen on a trainer would include a sun lamp.

* It gets worse. That bridge is connected into a system of bike paths and lanes that run along the river at the foot of those cliffs (see Frank’s article on the legacy of Jim Oberstar). That’s the U of M hospital on the cliff behind the guy in the picture. The same cliff that recently collapsed in torrential rains and buried aforementioned road, bike lanes and paths under 10′ of mud.

@wiscot

Maybe it’s Marko’s helmet? Maybe he and LeMan are hanging out up dere in Minnesota? A little POC community?

I think so. A pod of POC wearing cyclists. Here’s a another one. That’s a bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.

Also from Greg LeMond’s Facebook page.

Wow, those are some white legs. First day for riding without tights on in Minn.

Maybe it’s Marko’s helmet? Maybe he and LeMan are hanging out up dere in Minnesota? A little POC community?

I think so. A pod of POC wearing cyclists. Here’s a another one. That’s a bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.

Also from Greg LeMond’s Facebook page.

Look who’s wearing an orange POC helmet;

From Greg LeMond’s Facebook page.

Maybe it’s Marko’s helmet? Maybe he and LeMan are hanging out up dere in Minnesota? A little POC community?

From Greg LeMond’s Facebook page.

@Beers

@Mikael Liddy

@Puffy

@minion

You folically gifted bastards can cram it.

Yeah that makes a LOT of sense. Buy a $1000 skin suit (long armed so you don’t have to shave your arms) with magic wind cheating properties, aero frame, $2000 worth of aero wheels, shave your legs but have a massive beard cartching the wind either side of your face….

At least he doesn’t have an areo helmet but I’m guessing by the vintage of the photo they weren’t around then

See that raised arm? That kinda means that the beard didn’t stop him crushing fools.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Eadie

From said wiki:

“he was asked if it was counter-aerodynamic to shave his legs but not his face. He said he had “won the team sprint and went 10.14 in Manchester, won the world’s – wasn’t too counter productive!” He said he shaved his legs “because it feels great in bed.””

Awesome!

Also http://www.youtube.com/embed/FkmCLOjk2h8

I dislike small S (refuse to consider them big, their tactics are small minded), but results very interesting as in, not as much of an effect as you would think.

Disclaimer: though I can and have harvested some solid chin fodder in the past, I will save it for when I need to hide a chin keel.

Around half a watt is the difference a beard makes. That’s less than not lubing your chain every ride, carrying a bidon, and being as fat as I am. (Its winter and I’m living in one of the coldest parts of Australia). It’s negligible in terms of the awesomeness of having a beard (which is also, incidentally, shit I can get away with now I’m married).

Simple….just lube the beard and all will be well!

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/page/latestnews/?id=129713

@Mikael Liddy

@Puffy

@minion

You folically gifted bastards can cram it.

Yeah that makes a LOT of sense. Buy a $1000 skin suit (long armed so you don’t have to shave your arms) with magic wind cheating properties, aero frame, $2000 worth of aero wheels, shave your legs but have a massive beard cartching the wind either side of your face….

At least he doesn’t have an areo helmet but I’m guessing by the vintage of the photo they weren’t around then

See that raised arm? That kinda means that the beard didn’t stop him crushing fools.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Eadie

From said wiki:

“he was asked if it was counter-aerodynamic to shave his legs but not his face. He said he had “won the team sprint and went 10.14 in Manchester, won the world’s – wasn’t too counter productive!” He said he shaved his legs “because it feels great in bed.””

Awesome!

Also http://www.youtube.com/embed/FkmCLOjk2h8

I dislike small S (refuse to consider them big, their tactics are small minded), but results very interesting as in, not as much of an effect as you would think.

Disclaimer: though I can and have harvested some solid chin fodder in the past, I will save it for when I need to hide a chin keel.

Around half a watt is the difference a beard makes. That’s less than not lubing your chain every ride, carrying a bidon, and being as fat as I am. (Its winter and I’m living in one of the coldest parts of Australia). It’s negligible in terms of the awesomeness of having a beard (which is also, incidentally, shit I can get away with now I’m married).

@Minnesota Expat

The difference between a rider like Merckx and a rider like Wiggins is Merckx didn’t have to give up on all his other ambitions to be good at just one thing. Same for Hinault and to a lesser extend LeMond.

To suggest Wiggins might be the greatest of all time is perhaps the most laughable thing said here, and that include my articles and anything Minion has ever posted in response to Marcus.

Easy folks. I’m just poking the bear, or perhaps the Badger, with a stick. I think the real issue is the extreme specialization of modern elite athletes and I remain unconvinced that even Merckx all-around skills could win 525 races in the 21st Century. Undeniably, Wiggins and a few others (yes, we count Cadel’s MTB career wins) demonstrate those same all-around skills.

Oh, and surely no one thinks Wiggins has given up on his “other” ambitions as a GT rider by riding the cobble stones this spring? Of course not (his TdS performance aside). He still has to be considered one of the top five or ten GC riders in the peloton, even while considering a return to the track for the 2016 Olympics.

@wiscot Surely a day out at Murrayfield can’t be that expensive these days. I don’t think it would be controversial to say that Scotland are so shite that no one will pay Twickenham prices to watch them.

I also went to Murrayfield a lot in the 80″²s with school. Happy days. Except maybe the day a couple of us sold our tickets, brought a half bottle of voddy each and started taking the piss out of all the Irish fans around the Haymarket. Turned out it was a trainload of Celtic fans from Glasgow.

Chris, Good point on actually paying to see Scotland’s rugby team. Same goes for the fitba team too. I’m not sure what 5 briefs for Murrayfield costs these days, but a quick search on the interwebs says briefs for Tonga for next year are around 50 quid, the All Blacks near a hundred. 5 of those will dent the bank balance!

Glad to see you survived your “encounter” with the Hoops fans. Could have been dangerous!

I also went to Murrayfield a lot in the 80’s with school. Happy days. Except maybe the day a couple of us sold our tickets, brought a half  bottle of voddy each and started taking the piss out of all the Irish fans around the Haymarket. Turned out it was a trainload of Celtic fans from Glasgow.

@frank

@ChrisO

Looks like you forgot your “taking the piss” pills this morning.

In all fairness, its a great sport and I’ll watch it any chance I get.

No I wasn’t taking it particularly seriously, I just figured that not many people here would have insight into British or European football culture, as opposed to the game itself experienced on television.

I learnt everything I needed to from Rise of the Foot Soldier??

(JK, lifetime player here, knee issues led to the bike. And for what it is worth, the theatrics suck ass, but the reasoning is obviously a tactical play to retain/regain possession and obtain a set play such as a pen or spot kick. Ruins the game, but also can create the most magic moments with the set play goals. The NBA calls those same types of plays a flop)

Let us now return to extolling the virtues of the Divine Ms. V and discussing how to find a casque that looks fantastic.

So is that encouraging more entries in @Marko and @Frank competition on helmet selfies?  I fear for the consequences of that.

Bloody hell boys! First an article on trying not to drown in a boat  goes up on the site and now an in depth dissertation on the fanatical fans of football.

@sthilzy Thank you for bringing it back on topic.

Let us now return to extolling the virtues of the Divine Ms. V and discussing how to find a casque that looks fantastic.

@ChrisO

Looks like you forgot your “taking the piss” pills this morning.

In all fairness, its a great sport and I’ll watch it any chance I get.

No I wasn’t taking it particularly seriously, I just figured that not many people here would have insight into British or European football culture, as opposed to the game itself experienced on television.

Looks like you forgot your “taking the piss” pills this morning.

In all fairness, its a great sport and I’ll watch it any chance I get.

@Teocalli

Oooh – don’t get me started on the differences between Rugby supporters and Football supporters’ behaviour!

One difference is that they’re called Rugby supporters.

Ahh good point!

Oooh – don’t get me started on the differences between Rugby supporters and Football supporters’ behaviour!

One difference is that they’re called Rugby supporters.

@ChrisO

You’re also missing much of the point of football. It’s not just about the game – in some ways that’s merely coincidental. It’s about the crowds and the atmosphere and the chants and the singing and being part of a mass of people acting and reacting as one. It’s not manufactured by music or wound up by announcers – it’s organic and spontaneous. Unless you’ve been part of it you can’t possibly imagine it.

Oooh – don’t get me started on the differences between Rugby supporters and Football supporters’ behaviour!

I used to go to Murrayfield in the late 70s, early 80s. Totally integrated supporters on the terracing (and we’re talking 80,000+) Scotland vs England, France, I saw them all except S. Africa. No restrictions on booze being brought in – and I’m talking cases of beer, bottles of spirits, wasted folks being admitted having been in the pub until kick-off. No trouble at all. Maybe someone got wasted, but his mates took care of him. Now it’s all seated, no carry-in, and tickets beyond the reach of most. (My Dad could take 5 of us to a game back then. Now that would cost a fortune). Good times.

You’re also missing much of the point of football. It’s not just about the game – in some ways that’s merely coincidental. It’s about the crowds and the atmosphere and the chants and the singing and being part of a mass of people acting and reacting as one. It’s not manufactured by music or wound up by announcers – it’s organic and spontaneous. Unless you’ve been part of it you can’t possibly imagine it.

Oooh – don’t get me started on the differences between Rugby supporters and Football supporters’ behaviour!

kixsand – ouch! Get well soon!

If it makes you feel any better, I’ve had something very similar happen. Rear wheel washed out in the rain, went down so fast I couldn’t brace for anything. Smashed my eye, required stitches, left a scar and, worst of all, broke my favorite pair of eyeglasses. I still miss those. (I had a helmet on, didn’t prevent my eyebrow area from smacking the ground hard._

That’s exactly how it happened with me….rain…too fast…corner…down in the blink of an eye!  Hands didn’t even leave the hoods.

Yes it goes on but mostly it is picked up or has no effect and many many more minutes of football are played by genuine players trying their best within the rules and spirit of the game and doing it pretty successfully.

There are a lot of genuine injuries and a lot of contact and stress on the body. More so than cycling I would suggest. An average football player in a professional European league might play 50-60 competitive games in a year. By the age of 33-34 even the best are pretty much finished physically at the top level and many won’t even last that long. You don’t fake that.

You’re also missing much of the point of football. It’s not just about the game – in some ways that’s merely coincidental. It’s about the crowds and the atmosphere and the chants and the singing and being part of a mass of people acting and reacting as one. It’s not manufactured by music or wound up by announcers – it’s organic and spontaneous. Unless you’ve been part of it you can’t possibly imagine it.

There’s actually a strong tradition in football, certainly in England, that club comes before country. I care far more about beating our local rivals than I do about England winning against Uruguay. I don’t give a shit about Wayne Rooney or Andrea Pirlo until the day they show up at Loftus Road in the blue and white hoops. (And before anyone laughs, if Krancjar hadn’t been injured QPR would have had two players in the opening match of the World Cup).

The cycling comparison I would make is like the Tour. The occasional fan, the outsider, the corporate sponsor, the casual viewer think that the Tour de France is the be all and end all, just like the World Cup for football. The true fan looks forward to the Paris-Roubaix cobbles or the snow of Milan-San Remo with as much, if not more, excitement. I guarantee you won’t find one in a hundred regular QPR fans who would swap our last-gasp down-to-ten-men winner  in the playoff final against Derby for an England victory at the World Cup and I expect the same at any other club. The World Cup doesn’t equal Football any more than the Tour equals Cycling.

 

Personally, I’d be embarrassed to have people think it was so easy to make my collapse in pain. The Spanish got their only goal against the Dutch through pretending to have been plowed into by a Dutch player inside the box. The guy was rolling around like his ball had been cut off with a cold butter knife.

The replay showed the two players never even made contact.

In all my years playing rugby and administering first aid the one thing that I found is that is the guy who is rolling around ain’t hurt, it’s the ones that hit the deck and don’t move that worry you (and that’s not because they are out cold).  In fact in many first aid assessments I have done there is a setup of the person screaming and yelling who is actually not seriously hurt to see if it distracts you from triage and finding the ones who are seriously hurt.

@Teocalli

Rule V right there!

Personally, I’d be embarrassed to have people think it was so easy to make my collapse in pain. The Spanish got their only goal against the Dutch through pretending to have been plowed into by a Dutch player inside the box. The guy was rolling around like his ball had been cut off with a cold butter knife.

The replay showed the two players never even made contact.

@wiscot

@Beers

@frank

@Minnesota Expat

The difference between a rider like Merckx and a rider like Wiggins is Merckx didn’t have to give up on all his other ambitions to be good at just one thing. Same for Hinault and to a lesser extend LeMond.

To suggest Wiggins might be the greatest of all time is perhaps the most laughable thing said here, and that include my articles and anything Minion has ever posted in response to Marcus.

If we’re going to be serious about the subject of a Complete Rider, I have two words: Marianne Vos.

Yup, Mary V is surely the boss of palmares.

Regarding the ‘classic’ legends and Wiggo needing to quit one discipline to be good at another, it’s gotta be a generational thing.

Back then those blokes were all strong men rather than grimpeur twig legged spiders, but these days it seems you can’t be that heavy to win a GT. But also these days you can’t be a GT twig and win a classic neither.

So you have to adapt your physiology ala Wiggo because everyone else has maximised the science for their chosen speciality, and to win/place well across various types of road race (Mountains V cobbles etc), you have to beat other specialists. Back then it was who had the strongest legs and the best belgian pot, or something like that?

I’m not a fan of his (AT ALL), but there aren’t many modern riders with Wiggins spread of experience and high level results across disciplines. I stand as having called him a glory hunting wheel sucker for his PR ride, but credit where it is due, he put the balls on the chopblock and went to ride it as a GT winner, and rode to a top 10, wheel suck or not. Respect.

It should be noted, any modern male rider that developed a Vos-esque dominance or Merckxist dominance for wins across said disciplines would be subjected to much dopingtalk.

I’m a huge Vos fan. What’s even crazier about this pic is that the other two walls are likely as full of trophies as the two we can see. Seems to be some very tidy organization going on as well. Love that she puts bidons on the shelf with the big trophies

Can’t see her tweeting a pic of her lying around this room “just chillin'” Too modest and too cool.

This pic accompanied an interview with one of the cycling websites, though I can’t be bothered to try and remember which one.

If I recall correctly, this room is actually at her parents’ house, and her dad arranges and rearranges everything whenever she brings home a new trophy!

She lives with her folks, but she owns the house. Her parents, her, and her brother all live together.

And that’s her garage.

If it makes you feel any better, I’ve had something very similar happen. Rear wheel washed out in the rain, went down so fast I couldn’t brace for anything. Smashed my eye, required stitches, left a scar and, worst of all, broke my favorite pair of eyeglasses. I still miss those. (I had a helmet on, didn’t prevent my eyebrow area from smacking the ground hard._

Yes! I COMPLETELY agree. I LOVE professional futbol but hate, FUCK’IN HATE the diving bullshit that goes on. They should immediately review that shit and Red Card the fucker if found to have dove/dived(?). That would clear that shit up immediately.

Take anyone who does not follow futbol and then watches during World Cup-what is their biggest complaint? The diving and I don’t blame them.

Had to repost the photo, though as it had my “favorite” diver in it. Ronaldo. Do NOT like that Fucking guy at ALL!

They should introduce citing as they have it in Rugby post the came a complaint can be lodged by the opposition or the independent ref and it is then reviewed and retrospective suspensions/fines etc imposed post game.  Would sort it in a flash but too much money involved sadly.

@wiscot No shit about the Operation Puerto. Spanish futbol is HUGE money, much bigger than cycling in Spain. Besides Messi, who has a TUE for HGH (smiley face here-although he did use it for years for legit severe HGH deficiency) players in that league, hell probably all leagues, are so fucking juicing and HGH’ing.

Still love the sport, though. Cannot help myself.

Buck, I long for the days when at the end of a game (football, soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis) the final whistle goes and 2/3 players at random are nabbed by drug chaperones and escorted to the drug control tent for a wee sample. Won’t happen of course, as each governing body is shit scared as to what would turn up. AND they’d also have to run the same extensive range of tests cyclists get subjected to. Oh, and while I’m at it, lets have LeBron James, Ryan Braun, Drew Brees and Andy Murray woken up at 7am for an unannounced test too – multiple times a year in and off season. I can hear the squeals of protest right now!

That Wayne Rooney’s hair is totally juiced for starters.

Still love the sport, though.  Cannot help myself.

Teocalli – I love the sport of futbol, but I definitely hate the diving. That has to stop. But I also find it comical that some say soccer dudes are soft. Some are. But, there isn’t a lot of contact in cycling and many cyclists are tough as hell. I don’t understanding the faking of injuries. Yep, I’ve always followed the code that you pretend you aren’t hurt, no matter what, lest let your opponent think they’ve got you.

I like a few sports, and there are problems in all of them. Cycling, pretty obvious there. Ice hockey. I hate all the hitting to the head, driving guys into the boards, etc. that goes on in the NHL. And then people say it’s “old time hockey.” Bullshit.

wiscot – I think the NBA and NFL both need to set up developmental leagues. (Yeah, the NBA D league isn’t one.) To me it is absolutely crazy how many top-notch schools are absolutely selling their souls for good sports. As a former collegiate athlete and likely a future college employee (teaching/research), it just makes me sick how corrupt those two sports are and how crazed people are for them. I do not believe big-time college sports have any business being part of a college/uni atmosphere. And, I actually played high school football, but what college and NFL football have become is insane. One is totally corrupted, the other is a huge corporate orgy that I see as a major part of what is wrong with U.S. culture and values.

Anyway, my apologies. Nice stage of the Suisse today and wow, Germany is looking strong in the World Cup. (not that I think cycling or futbol are totally pure, I just think they do have some redeeming values.)

Wait, so there’s a problem with a state school paying its football coach $6.9 million a year? That at a lot of big schools the (insert sport here) team coach is the highest paid person on campus? (Is there an emoticon for disgust, sarcasm?)

Yeah, so, so sad to see Ronaldo’s team getting there arses kicked by Germany. So, so very sad. I agree, watching how easily and quickly some players fall over, you’d think they were auditioning for olympic diving.

I read the Vos interview and then watch football/soccer and think the words sporting, class, and professional only apply to a young lady from Holland.

Funny how no footballer names from Operation Puerto were ever released . . .

@wiscot

@Ron

That photo of Vos with (some of) her haul is awesome. That must be thrilling for her parents to have all those trophies in their place.

Damn, never seen that photo of fat fucking American football coaches vs. futbol coaches. That is truly crazy. Imagine being a huge fucking fat ass and telling your players to show discipline? Then again, many of the players are obese. American football is so fucking bizarre to me at this point. College is insanely corrupt and yet, aligned with some of the best universities in the nation?! How fucked up is that? Pro is a corporate hoax to get people to waste 20 Sundays each year, eat environmentally and physically polluting fast food, and drink Coors fucking Light. Fuck that sport.

So I’m guessing that football, in any shape or form, isn’t your favorite sport? (insert emoticon here) It’s funny, I read something the other day that suggested the NFL need a development league like MLB has with the minor leagues. I thought, NFL development league? Isn’t that what college football is? Maybe the writer had suffered a concussion when he wrote that . . .

as for soccer or football as we properly call it here – I mean how Merican call it football when they hardly ever put a foot to the ball – anyway this and other similar comparisons are doing the round and pretty much reflect the state of soccer………….

@Ron

Yes!  I COMPLETELY agree.  I LOVE professional futbol but hate, FUCK’IN HATE the diving bullshit that goes on.  They should immediately review that shit and Red Card the fucker if found to have dove/dived(?).  That would clear that shit up immediately. 

Take anyone who does not follow futbol and then watches during World Cup–what is their biggest complaint? The diving and I don’t blame them. 

Had to repost the photo, though as it had my “favorite” diver in it.  Ronaldo.  Do NOT like that Fucking guy at ALL!

I like a few sports, and there are problems in all of them. Cycling, pretty obvious there. Ice hockey. I hate all the hitting to the head, driving guys into the boards, etc. that goes on in the NHL. And then people say it’s “old time hockey.” Bullshit.

wiscot – I think the NBA and NFL both need to set up developmental leagues. (Yeah, the NBA D league isn’t one.) To me it is absolutely crazy how many top-notch schools are absolutely selling their souls for good sports. As a former collegiate athlete and likely a future college employee (teaching/research), it just makes me sick how corrupt those two sports are and how crazed people are for them. I do not believe big-time college sports have any business being part of a college/uni atmosphere. And, I actually played high school football, but what college and NFL football have become is insane. One is totally corrupted, the other is a huge corporate orgy that I see as a major part of what is wrong with U.S. culture and values.

Anyway, my apologies. Nice stage of the Suisse today and wow, Germany is looking strong in the World Cup. (not that I think cycling or futbol are totally pure, I just think they do have some redeeming values.)

Our elected leaders can bullshit entire nations into unnecessary wars, but our soccer players can’t even convince referees to hand out little cards.

@Ron

That photo of Vos with (some of) her haul is awesome. That must be thrilling for her parents to have all those trophies in their place.

Damn, never seen that photo of fat fucking American football coaches vs. futbol coaches. That is truly crazy. Imagine being a huge fucking fat ass and telling your players to show discipline? Then again, many of the players are obese. American football is so fucking bizarre to me at this point. College is insanely corrupt and yet, aligned with some of the best universities in the nation?! How fucked up is that? Pro is a corporate hoax to get people to waste 20 Sundays each year, eat environmentally and physically polluting fast food, and drink Coors fucking Light. Fuck that sport.

So I’m guessing that football, in any shape or form, isn’t your favorite sport? (insert emoticon here) It’s funny, I read something the other day that suggested the NFL need a development league like MLB has with the minor leagues. I thought, NFL development league? Isn’t that what college football is? Maybe the writer had suffered a concussion when he wrote that . . .

as for soccer or football as we properly call it here – I mean how Merican call it football when they hardly ever put a foot to the ball – anyway this and other similar comparisons are doing the round and pretty much reflect the state of soccer………….

What’s not to love about MV? No need to apply Rule #5 here – it seems to be in her DNA.

B: How do you talk yourself into continuing when you blow up so badly?
MV: Never give up. I’ve never stepped out of a race, and I want to keep it that way””

B: Really? You’ve never abandoned a race?
MV: I’ve done it after a stage when I got ill. I’ve not stopped during. And I want to keep it like that. If I’m at a point where I really don’t feel good and I got dropped, is there any use to go on? Yes. Because if I stop in this race, the next race it will be easier to stop again. Keep on going, there’s people with way more problems with different things than riding a bike and having to go to the finish.

Link to the interview; I don’t read Bicycling but this is excellent.

http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/i-am-marianne-vos

That photo of Vos with (some of) her haul is awesome. That must be thrilling for her parents to have all those trophies in their place.

Damn, never seen that photo of fat fucking American football coaches vs. futbol coaches. That is truly crazy. Imagine being a huge fucking fat ass and telling your players to show discipline? Then again, many of the players are obese. American football is so fucking bizarre to me at this point. College is insanely corrupt and yet, aligned with some of the best universities in the nation?! How fucked up is that? Pro is a corporate hoax to get people to waste 20 Sundays each year, eat environmentally and physically polluting fast food, and drink Coors fucking Light. Fuck that sport.

So I’m guessing that football, in any shape or form, isn’t your favorite sport? (insert emoticon here)  It’s funny, I read something the other day that suggested the NFL need a development league like MLB has with the minor leagues. I thought, NFL development league? Isn’t that what college football is? Maybe the writer had suffered a concussion when he wrote that . . .

Damn, never seen that photo of fat fucking American football coaches vs. futbol coaches. That is truly crazy. Imagine being a huge fucking fat ass and telling your players to show discipline? Then again, many of the players are obese. American football is so fucking bizarre to me at this point. College is insanely corrupt and yet, aligned with some of the best universities in the nation?! How fucked up is that? Pro is a corporate hoax to get people to waste 20 Sundays each year, eat environmentally and physically polluting fast food, and drink Coors fucking Light. Fuck that sport.

B: How do you talk yourself into continuing when you blow up so badly?
MV: Never give up. I’ve never stepped out of a race, and I want to keep it that way””

B: Really? You’ve never abandoned a race?
MV: I’ve done it after a stage when I got ill. I’ve not stopped during. And I want to keep it like that. If I’m at a point where I really don’t feel good and I got dropped, is there any use to go on? Yes. Because if I stop in this race, the next race it will be easier to stop again. Keep on going, there’s people with way more problems with different things than riding a bike and having to go to the finish.

@wiscot

@Beers

@frank

@Minnesota Expat

The difference between a rider like Merckx and a rider like Wiggins is Merckx didn’t have to give up on all his other ambitions to be good at just one thing. Same for Hinault and to a lesser extend LeMond.

To suggest Wiggins might be the greatest of all time is perhaps the most laughable thing said here, and that include my articles and anything Minion has ever posted in response to Marcus.

If we’re going to be serious about the subject of a Complete Rider, I have two words: Marianne Vos.

Yup, Mary V is surely the boss of palmares.

Regarding the ‘classic’ legends and Wiggo needing to quit one discipline to be good at another, it’s gotta be a generational thing.

Back then those blokes were all strong men rather than grimpeur twig legged spiders, but these days it seems you can’t be that heavy to win a GT. But also these days you can’t be a GT twig and win a classic neither.

So you have to adapt your physiology ala Wiggo because everyone else has maximised the science for their chosen speciality, and to win/place well across various types of road race (Mountains V cobbles etc), you have to beat other specialists. Back then it was who had the strongest legs and the best belgian pot, or something like that?

I’m not a fan of his (AT ALL), but there aren’t many modern riders with Wiggins spread of experience and high level results across disciplines. I stand as having called him a glory hunting wheel sucker for his PR ride, but credit where it is due, he put the balls on the chopblock and went to ride it as a GT winner, and rode to a top 10, wheel suck or not. Respect.

It should be noted, any modern male rider that developed a Vos-esque dominance or Merckxist dominance for wins across said disciplines would be subjected to much dopingtalk.

I’m a huge Vos fan. What’s even crazier about this pic is that the other two walls are likely as full of trophies as the two we can see. Seems to be some very tidy organization going on as well. Love that she puts bidons on the shelf with the big trophies

Can’t see her tweeting a pic of her lying around this room “just chillin'” Too modest and too cool.

This pic accompanied an interview with one of the cycling websites, though I can’t be bothered to try and remember which one.

If I recall correctly, this room is actually at her parents’ house, and her dad arranges and rearranges everything whenever she brings home a new trophy!

Usually Bicycling is a load of pish aimed at newbies. However, there was a very nice article on Ms Vos in the latest issue. Seems very level-headed and normal. Love that she keeps all her “stuff” at her parent’s house. (Actually, if I remember rightly, she still lives with her parents and brother.) Reminds me that F1 champ Niki Lauda used to allow a local gas station to display his trophies! I saw a pic of Kelly’s trophy room once too – seemed to be all crammed in there!

@Beers

@frank

@Minnesota Expat

The difference between a rider like Merckx and a rider like Wiggins is Merckx didn’t have to give up on all his other ambitions to be good at just one thing. Same for Hinault and to a lesser extend LeMond.

To suggest Wiggins might be the greatest of all time is perhaps the most laughable thing said here, and that include my articles and anything Minion has ever posted in response to Marcus.

If we’re going to be serious about the subject of a Complete Rider, I have two words: Marianne Vos.

Yup, Mary V is surely the boss of palmares.

Regarding the ‘classic’ legends and Wiggo needing to quit one discipline to be good at another, it’s gotta be a generational thing.

Back then those blokes were all strong men rather than grimpeur twig legged spiders, but these days it seems you can’t be that heavy to win a GT. But also these days you can’t be a GT twig and win a classic neither.

So you have to adapt your physiology ala Wiggo because everyone else has maximised the science for their chosen speciality, and to win/place well across various types of road race (Mountains V cobbles etc), you have to beat other specialists. Back then it was who had the strongest legs and the best belgian pot, or something like that?

I’m not a fan of his (AT ALL), but there aren’t many modern riders with Wiggins spread of experience and high level results across disciplines. I stand as having called him a glory hunting wheel sucker for his PR ride, but credit where it is due, he put the balls on the chopblock and went to ride it as a GT winner, and rode to a top 10, wheel suck or not. Respect.

It should be noted, any modern male rider that developed a Vos-esque dominance or Merckxist dominance for wins across said disciplines would be subjected to much dopingtalk.

I’m a huge Vos fan. What’s even crazier about this pic is that the other two walls are likely as full of trophies as the two we can see. Seems to be some very tidy organization going on as well. Love that she puts bidons on the shelf with the big trophies

Can’t see her tweeting a pic of her lying around this room “just chillin'” Too modest and too cool.

This pic accompanied an interview with one of the cycling websites, though I can’t be bothered to try and remember which one.

If I recall correctly, this room is actually at her parents’ house, and her dad arranges and rearranges everything whenever she brings home a new trophy!

@frank

@Minnesota Expat

The difference between a rider like Merckx and a rider like Wiggins is Merckx didn’t have to give up on all his other ambitions to be good at just one thing. Same for Hinault and to a lesser extend LeMond.

To suggest Wiggins might be the greatest of all time is perhaps the most laughable thing said here, and that include my articles and anything Minion has ever posted in response to Marcus.

If we’re going to be serious about the subject of a Complete Rider, I have two words: Marianne Vos.

Yup, Mary V is surely the boss of palmares.

Regarding the ‘classic’ legends and Wiggo needing to quit one discipline to be good at another, it’s gotta be a generational thing.

Back then those blokes were all strong men rather than grimpeur twig legged spiders, but these days it seems you can’t be that heavy to win a GT. But also these days you can’t be a GT twig and win a classic neither.

So you have to adapt your physiology ala Wiggo because everyone else has maximised the science for their chosen speciality, and to win/place well across various types of road race (Mountains V cobbles etc), you have to beat other specialists. Back then it was who had the strongest legs and the best belgian pot, or something like that?

I’m not a fan of his (AT ALL), but there aren’t many modern riders with Wiggins spread of experience and high level results across disciplines. I stand as having called him a glory hunting wheel sucker for his PR ride, but credit where it is due, he put the balls on the chopblock and went to ride it as a GT winner, and rode to a top 10, wheel suck or not. Respect.

It should be noted, any modern male rider that developed a Vos-esque dominance or Merckxist dominance for wins across said disciplines would be subjected to much dopingtalk.

I’m a huge Vos fan. What’s even crazier about this pic is that the other two walls are likely as full of trophies as the two we can see. Seems to be some very tidy organization going on as well. Love that she puts bidons on the shelf with the big trophies

Can’t see her tweeting a pic of her lying around this room “just chillin'” Too modest and too cool.

@wiscot

@VeloSix

@wiscot

@Teocalli

@Mikael Liddy On the rare occasions I do watch soccer I often wonder what a manager is trying to prove by wearing a tracksuit on the touchline.

Another thing: the NFL would certainly disapprove of how Saint Vince Lombardi comported himself sartorially. When Bill Belicheck’s dress code is deemed acceptable, you know the standards have slipped beyond redemption.

Wait, what? Bill Belicheck follows rules?

Well, theoretically. I think the NFL rules for coaches’ clothing reads thus: “Any coach may wear whatever they want, no matter how shit it looks, no matter how poorly it fits or has been tailored, so long as it is approved NFL merchandise.”

That rule Belicheck does follow. The rest? Not so much.

loved this pic that did the rounds of twitter this morning…

Thank you! They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The top four pictures are worth about about 350 lbs each.

@The Grande Fondue You and Frank should read more carefully. I said Wiggo is the only rider who’s approaching anything close to Lemond or Hinault. There’s some pretty clear qualifiers there.

Yeah, I read what you said. Apparently you meant something else. ;)

I like Wiggins, but one TdF and 10th in PR is further away from LeMond and Hinault than the riders I named.

If it’s adapatabily that counts then do Cadel’s MTB World Cup wins count?

If it is PR plus stage race results then Cancellara’s Tour de Suisse and  Tirreno Adriatico gets him in the conversation (don’t forget for a while people thought he’d turn into a stage racer)

Like I said, I like Wiggins too. But people underestimate how well rounded a lot of the top riders are these days.

@Nate Was it the sir bit that made him into a funny bastard?

The time when he called the journos “wanker cunts” comes to mind.

@VeloSix

@wiscot

@Teocalli

@Mikael Liddy On the rare occasions I do watch soccer I often wonder what a manager is trying to prove by wearing a tracksuit on the touchline.

Another thing: the NFL would certainly disapprove of how Saint Vince Lombardi comported himself sartorially. When Bill Belicheck’s dress code is deemed acceptable, you know the standards have slipped beyond redemption.

Wait, what? Bill Belicheck follows rules?

Well, theoretically. I think the NFL rules for coaches’ clothing reads thus: “Any coach may wear whatever they want, no matter how shit it looks, no matter how poorly it fits or has been tailored, so long as it is approved NFL merchandise.”

That rule Belicheck does follow. The rest? Not so much.

loved this pic that did the rounds of twitter this morning…

Now all you have to do is either improve your selfie skills or grow your head a bit for it not to look like a Mario hat on you.

@Puffy

@minion

You folically gifted bastards can cram it.

Yeah that makes a LOT of sense. Buy a $1000 skin suit (long armed so you don’t have to shave your arms) with magic wind cheating properties, aero frame, $2000 worth of aero wheels, shave your legs but have a massive beard cartching the wind either side of your face….

At least he doesn’t have an areo helmet but I’m guessing by the vintage of the photo they weren’t around then

See that raised arm? That kinda means that the beard didn’t stop him crushing fools.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Eadie

From said wiki:

“he was asked if it was counter-aerodynamic to shave his legs but not his face. He said he had “won the team sprint and went 10.14 in Manchester, won the world’s – wasn’t too counter productive!” He said he shaved his legs “because it feels great in bed.””

Awesome!

Also http://www.youtube.com/embed/FkmCLOjk2h8

I dislike small S (refuse to consider them big, their tactics are small minded), but results very interesting as in, not as much of an effect as you would think.

Disclaimer: though I can and have harvested some solid chin fodder in the past, I will save it for when I need to hide a chin keel.

@Minnesota Expat

The difference between a rider like Merckx and a rider like Wiggins is Merckx didn’t have to give up on all his other ambitions to be good at just one thing. Same for Hinault and to a lesser extend LeMond.

To suggest Wiggins might be the greatest of all time is perhaps the most laughable thing said here, and that include my articles and anything Minion has ever posted in response to Marcus.

If we’re going to be serious about the subject of a Complete Rider, I have two words: Marianne Vos.

Yup, Mary V is surely the boss of palmares.

Regarding the ‘classic’ legends and Wiggo needing to quit one discipline to be good at another, it’s gotta be a generational thing.

Back then those blokes were all strong men rather than grimpeur twig legged spiders, but these days it seems you can’t be that heavy to win a GT. But also these days you can’t be a GT twig and win a classic neither.

So you have to adapt your physiology ala Wiggo because everyone else has maximised the science for their chosen speciality, and to win/place well across various types of road race (Mountains v cobbles etc), you have to beat other specialists. Back then it was who had the strongest legs and the best belgian pot, or something like that?

I’m not a fan of his (AT ALL), but there aren’t many modern riders with Wiggins spread of experience and high level results across disciplines. I stand as having called him a glory hunting wheel sucker for his PR ride, but credit where it is due, he put the balls on the chopblock and went to ride it as a GT winner, and rode to a top 10, wheel suck or not. Respect.

It should be noted, any modern male rider that developed a Vos-esque dominance or Merckxist dominance for wins across said disciplines would be subjected to much dopingtalk.

@Minnesota Expat Merckx’s successes on the track were not insignificant, and spanned his entire career. 17 six days, 3 European championships, 7 Belgian championships. Oh, and that hour record thing. The number 525 gets bandied about, but that was just road. It’s 625 with the 98 track wins and 2 cyclocross.

Nicely put , the results speak for themselves.

@Minnesota Expat

The difference between a rider like Merckx and a rider like Wiggins is Merckx didn’t have to give up on all his other ambitions to be good at just one thing. Same for Hinault and to a lesser extend LeMond.

To suggest Wiggins might be the greatest of all time is perhaps the most laughable thing said here, and that include my articles and anything Minion has ever posted in response to Marcus.

If we’re going to be serious about the subject of a Complete Rider, I have two words: Marianne Vos.

Well that settles that one I guess

@frank

Something like 80% of the Pro peloton claims to have asthma. Its a fucking disgrace; the medication dilates your trachea and as a (genuine) asthmatic I can tell you how much of a difference it makes.

I could be wrong but as I understand it the inhaler will not dilate a normal trachea and so does not benefit someone who does not suffer from Asthma. Pretty sure I read that somewhere a while back that was about the number of Pro riders using inhalers that actually do nothing for them.

Being one also with athsma, which mainly impacted by cold weather riding and harder efforts, your above statement was somewhat profound for me.

Taking athsma meds on an already dilated trachea would do nothing, because the fucker is as dilated as can be already.

So a ‘normal’ person taking the meds would see no benefit at all. In laymans theory.

Maybe the Skybots know something we don’t, perhaps the trachea in an unaffected individual actually contract under duress. Lot of stress in the body and changes in blood flow in the various organs while climbing cols at 5W/kg…

The other I can’t help thinking is now every GC competitor and team will watch that little blue piece of plastic like a fucking hawk and attack if Doggy dog pulls it from his jersey…

The difference between a rider like Merckx and a rider like Wiggins is Merckx didn’t have to give up on all his other ambitions to be good at just one thing. Same for Hinault and to a lesser extend LeMond.

To suggest Wiggins might be the greatest of all time is perhaps the most laughable thing said here, and that include my articles and anything Minion has ever posted in response to Marcus.

If we’re going to be serious about the subject of a Complete Rider, I have two words: Marianne Vos.

@Minnesota Expat

@frank

@Marko

@Frank – Wiggo is cool. Let’s face it. We all know the story. He’s one of the few guys in the peloton right now who’s approaching anything close to a LeMond or Hinault as far as being a complete rider is concerned. Nobody else right now is even trying. That’s class. Take or leave is style, that’s subjective..

Wiggo is still a far fucking cry from being a complete rider. First, has has to stop being a little bitch. Second, he has to have a GT target the same year as a PR target like Everyone up until and including LeMond had. Then he has to continue to stop being a little bitch.
I love his style off the bike though. Skinny people look great in clothes.

Yes, Wiggins has style and I like his clothes (and Style Council). And yes, he is whiny and fickle. I was heartbroken when he completely folded on that descent in the rain in Italy in 2013. But aren’t we missing something when comparing him to Merckx, Hinault and LeMond?

Wiggins was a dominating force in track racing for almost 10-years (1998-2008), winning world championships in multiple disciplines, multiple gold medals in two Olympics, while only dabbling in road racing, and takes a place on the podium in the 2009 TdF.

Track racing (and I remain woefully ignorant of track racing) might be under represented on this site, but nonetheless, it is a serious cycling discipline and I can’t find Wiggins track credentials and successes anywhere in Merckx, Hinault and LeMond’s palmarès.

In conclusion, Wiggins has spent 10 years at the top of track racing, has been a top 5 (top 3?) GC grand tour rider for at least the last 5 years, and is now participating (successfully as a contender, so far) in the Spring Classics.

With that kind of career, looks to me like Wiggins is on track (pun intended) to be greatest cyclist of all time (If I didn’t care about the suspension of my posting privileges, this is where I would insert a smiley face emoticon)!

Did you just throw out a Style Council reference, Wow! I am quite fond of the Jam but would prefere to forget about that particular part of Mr Weller’s career.

Okay. Get the idea. But he wins races.

Wiggo and Froome are both assholes.  But Wiggo is a funny asshole.  Rule 43.

@Fausto Crapiz

Okay. Get the idea. But he wins races.

No deneying that, still don’t like him

And what is with his girlfriend’s snarky Twitter feed during the 2012 TdF and lately? Oh Honey. I understand your modeling career is stalling out, you might be Chris Froome’s girlfriend, but no one cares what you think and your opinions have no relevance.

@Marko

@Frank – Wiggo is cool. Let’s face it. We all know the story. He’s one of the few guys in the peloton right now who’s approaching anything close to a LeMond or Hinault as far as being a complete rider is concerned. Nobody else right now is even trying. That’s class. Take or leave is style, that’s subjective..

Wiggo is still a far fucking cry from being a complete rider. First, has has to stop being a little bitch. Second, he has to have a GT target the same year as a PR target like Everyone up until and including LeMond had. Then he has to continue to stop being a little bitch.
I love his style off the bike though. Skinny people look great in clothes.

Yes, Wiggins has style and I like his clothes (and Style Council). And yes, he is whiny and fickle. I was heartbroken when he completely folded on that descent in the rain in Italy in 2013. But aren’t we missing something when comparing him to Merckx, Hinault and LeMond?

Wiggins was a dominating force in track racing for almost 10-years (1998-2008), winning world championships in multiple disciplines, multiple gold medals in two Olympics, while only dabbling in road racing, and takes a place on the podium in the 2009 TdF.

Track racing (and I remain woefully ignorant of track racing) might be under represented on this site, but nonetheless, it is a serious cycling discipline and I can’t find Wiggins track credentials and successes anywhere in Merckx, Hinault and LeMond’s palmarès.

In conclusion, Wiggins has spent 10 years at the top of track racing, has been a top 5 (top 3?) GC grand tour rider for at least the last 5 years, and is now participating (successfully as a contender, so far) in the Spring Classics.

With that kind of career, looks to me like Wiggins is on track (pun intended) to be greatest cyclist of all time (If I didn’t care about the suspension of my posting privileges, this is where I would insert a smiley face emoticon)!

Okay. Get the idea. But he wins races.

No deneying that, still don’t like him

@Fausto Crapiz

Just gotta ask? Why the sudden Froome hate. Personally, I like his attitude.

Froome hate long time!

I almost lost my recovery lager on this one, niceley done. God damn Chris rides ugly, I knew this already  but holly shit the contrast is crazy and it’s not like Ryder is’t a tall gangly M.F. too, and maybe the only member of  Garmin that can pull of that helmet by thee way, aside from that Froome is utterly charmless, regardless of fucking fast he pedal’s, Wiggo might be an arrogent snotty punk, but I like that plus I am kinda of a well mod I guess, and a bike rider so I like him more, and the Froome is lame, thats fandom for you. pretty silly stuff

Just gotta ask? Why the sudden Froome hate. Personally, I like his attitude.

Froome hate long time!

…compared to other aero lids.

Compare the KASK Infinity

@Marko

As for me – best helmet/shades combo I’ve had. Super light, full coverage on the melon and the field of vision. And I think it looks good and have fun wearing it. So yeah, say what you will. Then fuck right the fuck off.

I actually like the Octal (and considered buying one, but they’re so fucking expensive), but I fear yours is just a tad too large.

Certain helmets don’t work on certain melons – I can’t wear the Specialized Prevail since it makes me look like a mushroom, and Louis Garneau lids don’t fit my oval head. Shame, because the LG Course looks like a very good racing helmet compared to other aero lids.

Glad to see that POC makes an actual size Medium — not Med/Large.

Just gotta ask? Why the sudden Froome hate. Personally, I like his attitude.

Not sure exactly, but he does look pretty fucking awkward on the bike, his spin is for shit (especially when he’s climbing) and he stares at his stem instead of riding with guts. Outside of that, the dude wins races.

Oh, and he looks like a shaved spider monkey… So shaved spider monkeys with bad spins and no guts will not be forgiven even when they win. (I guess).

As for me – best helmet/shades combo I’ve had. Super light, full coverage on the melon and the field of vision. And I think it looks good and have fun wearing it. So yeah, say what you will. Then fuck right the fuck off.

I actually like the Octal (and considered buying one, but they’re so fucking expensive), but I fear yours is just a tad too large.

Certain helmets don’t work on certain melons – I can’t wear the Specialized Prevail since it makes me look like a mushroom, and Louis Garneau lids don’t fit my oval head. Shame, because the LG Course looks like a very good racing helmet compared to other aero lids.

@Marko

@Wah-Balls

@Marko I wish my balls were big enough to rock this look! Cool as fuck. Good work fella!

FWIW, my balls are average as near as I can tell. I just know good gear when I see it and prefer to define my own happiness rather than letting others do it for me.

But fer FUCK’S SAKE, man, do you have to post a fuck’in photo of it! Masturbation Principle and all that.

I understand that you might be trying to not have to worry about the Three Point System by wearing the largest (and most fuckin ugly) helmet EVER invented that looks like a bloated boa constrictor trying to swallow an elephant but you are a KEEPER for FUCK’s SAKE!

“Good Gear” over looking good, what the hell is the world coming to.

Jesus, I think that I will actually have to check to see if the sun actual is rising in the East tomorrow morning.

Alright, proceeding to go fuck myself per Marko’s first post upon coming out of the ugly closet, but man, sometimes you just have to take a stand for what is right, no???

You have a way with words that I simply cannot emulate.

Give it a few years and all of us will look like we belong on team umizoomi cept for the retro-grouches still wearing lunch lady hair nets.  @marko cheers dude for leading the revolution.

@Pedale.Forchetta

This one’s for you, brother.

Granted, the Italians have arrived in Brazil with much more style the English but compared to the Dutch? I think we’re holding our own…

@Chris

Never question a Dutchman, especially not a Dutch Monkey. You *think* your pasting worked because you are logged into your email, so the photo shows up. If you’d like to share your credentials with everyone, I’m sure we’d all be happy to take a look.

Have a look.

Are you saying that if I right click on an image on a web page and click save image the outcome would be different to right clicking on an image etc on a email displayed on a web page?

Right-clicking and saving the image would have the same outcome, right-clicking and copying to your clipboard would have a slightly different outcome because of various bits of meta data that would be attached to a secured URL.

You know you’re in the shit when a Dutch (Code) Monkey start using words like “meta”.

It would never occurred to me that when I chose the option of “Copy Image” it actually meant “Copy Image along with email passwords, bank details and browsing history”, never.

Speaking of the Dutch, is the Dutch football team coming on KT15?

@wiscot

@Teocalli

@Mikael Liddy On the rare occasions I do watch soccer I often wonder what a manager is trying to prove by wearing a tracksuit on the touchline.

Another thing: the NFL would certainly disapprove of how Saint Vince Lombardi comported himself sartorially. When Bill Belicheck’s dress code is deemed acceptable, you know the standards have slipped beyond redemption.

Wait, what? Bill Belicheck follows rules?

Well, theoretically. I think the NFL rules for coaches’ clothing reads thus: “Any coach may wear whatever they want, no matter how shit it looks, no matter how poorly it fits or has been tailored, so long as it is approved  NFL merchandise.”

That rule Belicheck does follow. The rest? Not so much.

@Teocalli

@Mikael Liddy On the rare occasions I do watch soccer I often wonder what a manager is trying to prove by wearing a tracksuit on the touchline.

Another thing: the NFL would certainly disapprove of how Saint Vince Lombardi comported himself sartorially. When Bill Belicheck’s dress code is deemed acceptable, you know the standards have slipped beyond redemption.

Wait, what?  Bill Belicheck follows rules?

@Teocalli

@Mikael Liddy On the rare occasions I do watch soccer I often wonder what a manager is trying to prove by wearing a tracksuit on the touchline.

Oh don’t get me started. It’s like baseball managers wearing full player gear. Really? I hear tell it’s because in the dark ages the manager might be called upon to actually play if so required. As we now live in an age when an all-star game was declared a tie because both teams had “exhausted” their rosters, yet the managers didn’t take the field to break said tie, I think we can declare the practice obsolete. That being said, would you want to wear a nice suit in a dugout where copious amounts of baccy juice are being expectorated and gallons of gatorade are sloshing around?

Another thing: the NFL would certainly disapprove of how Saint Vince Lombardi comported himself sartorially. When Bill Belicheck’s dress code is deemed acceptable, you know the standards have slipped beyond redemption.

What was that quote in Men in Black – “Rodman, not much of a disguise”

@VeloSix

@frank

@VeloSix

The point I take as odd is where he claims he doesn’t use it all the time. But only before a big effort. Well what the fuck is that? You either have exercise induced asthma or you don’t, right?

This topic is for an article of its own, but I feel strongly that taking a bronchial dilator prophylactically is, quite simply, doping – with or without a TUE.

This is an interesting perspective. I can’t say I think the same thought, or even that I disagree either. Inconclusive data…. I do know, that I’m happy to not spontaneously have to pull off to the side and watch my ride mates ride away while I try feverishly to breathe (and be pretty much completely wrecked after such an episode). I also know that I’ve not suddenly showed up to ride, and be faster than anyone else I wasn’t already faster than previously.

It has much less to do with whether it helps than it does with the mindset of the person using it; a philosophical thing, if you will. Its a blurred line, like everything else that’s interesting.

That I get.