Do you think the TDF crap will hurt the car-free movement?

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JeffS

No. It might have some insignificant effect on the number of Madone's that are sold this month, but that's the extent of it.

pluc

Beg pardon, but what's TDF?

vulpes

Beg pardon, but what's TDF?

I was scratching my head over that too. Then it hit me... Tour De France.

Brian

I'm more concerned with how it will affect my portfolio. I'm not weighted very heavily in biotech, but I have put a not-inconsequential amount of money into Amgen stock.

Raiyn

No, because those of us who choose to go car-free / car-lite / utility cycle will do so regardless of what happens in the TdF. Pro cycling is currently cleaning out the cheats through better testing and the sport will ultimately get back to what it's supposed to be - a true test of stamina, training, and equipment. We might have significantly slower Tours for a while, but things will improve. As far as the rest of us schlubs on our converted mountain bikes and aged touring rigs towing modded kiddie trailers and the like we will continue as we have. Those who choose to follow that lead will do so despite what Vino and the boys do.

vulpes

I'm more concerned with how it will affect my portfolio. I'm not weighted very heavily in biotech, but I have put a not-inconsequential amount of money into Amgen stock.

:):roflmao::):roflmao::) What a hoot. Brian you de bomb.

bragi

I think the Tour fiasco will hurt professional road racing for a while -it'll be harder to get sponsors, for one thing- but it won't affect car-free/utility cycling at all. Bicycling has obvious advantages, even without extra doses of testosterone, and that's something that more and more people are discovering as time goes on. (I'm a bit of a fan, though, and the last couple of days have been a shameful and pathetic spectacle to behold.)

Brian

:):roflmao::):roflmao::) What a hoot. Brian you de bomb.

Amgen is located in Newbury Park, CA. It's less than 2 miles from Giant's (Team T-Mobile (http://www.industryoutsider.com/?p=77)) headquarters.

I'm just saying...

[edit] Click the link ;)

gwd

What car free movement? Did I miss something? This thread is over my head, what are "Madones"?

Brian

What car free movement? Did I miss something? This thread is over my head, what are "Madones"?

One that are mad. There's a great link in my last post, and tomorrow will be an even better follow up.

Domromer

Just a little off the topic...

Do women race in the tour? if no, why not? Is there a womens race that is similar?

pluc

Ah, the Tour de France!

Well, just to tell you how much I'm following bike racing; someone was talking to me about the TDF the other day and I was asking if Lance was leading again... just to find out that he doesn't race anymore?

Well anyways, I just looked for the news to get what you are talking about.

I don't think there is any link between both. Plus nobody cares about the Tour de France. :D

Krink

The scandal has already made a difference in my life. I for one have decided: I will not be racing in the Tour de France.

Jamais.

Brian

The scandal has already made a difference in my life. I for one have decided: I will not be racing in the Tour de France.

Jamais.

Can't give up the bong? ;)

Krink

Can't give up the bong? ;)

Ni le bong, ni l'EPO.

nasiralpharia

Just a little off the topic...

Do women race in the tour? if no, why not? Is there a womens race that is similar?

They don't, check out this article. http://ask.yahoo.com/20041208.html

Blue Order

They don't, check out this article. http://ask.yahoo.com/20041208.htmlSeems more than a little weird to me. If they can qualify, they should be able to ride.

donnamb

Meh, all those boys have cooties anyway. :p

I-Like-To-Bike

Meh, all those boys have cooties anyway. :p

Bart Simpson revealed where cooties really come from.
http://www.the-earchives.com/scripts/download.asp?id=1496

turkdc

Totally off topic, but who the heck cares if TDF riders use epo or crack or anything else. If I were going to ride the TdF route I am sure i would need some epo... Or maybe a motorcycle.

scattered73

No. It might have some insignificant effect on the number of Madone's that are sold this month, but that's the extent of it.

Funny, Trek was out at our local park about a week ago letting people test ride "Their best". Personally wasn't intrested as their best is probably way out of my budget.
As far as the TDF is concerend I was personally thinking about dopping on my trips to the grocery store I really could improve my times here. Wait a car-free lifestyle race, I might be on to something.

gharding

For me, it'd be like Barry Bonds affecting little league :)

bac

Will it make a diff?

IF cycling loses popularity, then perhaps our choices in terms of new components/bikes will suffer. I'm also considering blood doping for my morning communte, but that's just me. :D

... Brad

rhm

IF cycling loses popularity, then perhaps our choices in terms of new components/bikes will suffer.

Yeah, but only at the top end. Our choices in lurid lycra team jerseys will also suffer... but I can live with that.

My prediction is that fluctuations in the popularity of cycling as a hobby will have no effect on the popularity of cycling as a lifestyle.

donnamb

IF cycling loses popularity, then perhaps our choices in terms of new components/bikes will suffer.
Maybe if athletic cycling loses popularity, perhaps Cannondale would take a second look at selling their lovely European city bike line in the US (where they are made). I gather their general argument involves the strange belief that all American cyclists want to look like they're riding in the TdF. Some of us would welcome more diversity in available practical bikes. :) When I walk into the average LBS, about 75% of what they sell has no interest to me whatsoever.

Artkansas

Beg pardon, but what's TDF?

The Doping Follies :p

gwd

When I walk into the average LBS, about 75% of what they sell has no interest to me whatsoever.

Around here it is better than it was 15 years ago. At least now they have a few of those Breezers. When I first went shopping for a transportation bike at my local shop they tried to tell me I needed a mountain bike with no fenders and big knobby tires. They didn't even carry fenders and the cargo racks sucked. 25% is a huge increase from 0%. Now they have a whole section with wire baskets and fenders and sturdy racks in addition to the Breezers out front. Maybe if regular people stop trying to look like racers the trend will continue to 50% useful stuff.

Cosmoline

I suspect many car free cyclists are shooting up with 'roids. It enhances performance while riding old ten speeds and beat up cruisers.

overed

With the cost of those drugs, I would loose my cost advantage over gas, insurance, ....
I'm scared I might become a speed (as in fast) addict.

donrhummy

Really the only drug car-free people need is an anti-sweating drug. What a performance enhancer THAT would be! :D

scattered73

Really the only drug car-free people need is an anti-sweating drug. What a performance enhancer THAT would be! :D

:roflmao::roflmao:

When I used to do drugs they did the exact opposite made you sweat bad even in cold temps.

makeinu

I'm also considering blood doping for my morning communte, but that's just me. :D

:roflmao:

Brian

IF cycling loses popularity, then perhaps our choices in terms of new components/bikes will suffer. I'm also considering blood doping for my morning communte, but that's just me. :D

... Brad

I suppose this year's Tour will inspire plenty of new shirt designs that non-cyclists would not understand.