I think there's a Major Taylor velodrome in Indy. Reminded me a bit of him. Anyway, Dhani did the 80 mile course, which included a 17 mile long climb to the top of Monte Grappa, in 6 hours. Impressive but I had the impression he finished DFL.

Really? Explain

It just seems like many groups are underrepresented in pro cycling, that particular community is a good example. Look at all major sports and that isn't the case, I think the sport would benefit as well as the participants. Diversity is always a good thing for all.

What prevents them from participating?

I think athletes selecting sports has to do with opportunity, perception and competitive advantage. An athlete with great explosive power and strength could choose track cycling or pro football. Pro football is going to pay infinitely better than pro track cycling with a much better professional path through the university / college sports system. And there are few track facilities world wide to provide an opportunity for youth participation which is key for pro results. How many college / university cycling track scholarships do you see? Contrast road and track cycling with opportunities for soccer, football, basketball, baseball and running. Those sports are relatively cheap and get youth participation and coaching from grade school and inner city sports teams. Contrast again cycling perception between Europe and the USA. Most people in the USA do not consider cycling a sport which is totally different in Europe.

Nothing that I know of. Hermes points are all reasons for this, and over all cycling is a very, very minor sport in the US, so low participation is a fact by all groups.

If only

Well, I haven't read this thread to the end - maybe it turned cycle, exercise, outdoors at least related, but the first two pages were all I could skim

But I just came back from a week in Oman riding MTBs up wadis, super fun, beautiful and tough

And all my BF 50+ virtual friends are now onto the 4th page of a thread about - well, I'm not sure about what, something about popular tv votes about who's best about who cares what.

Was there an extra-terra attack? An Orwellian mind-wipe?

If so, I'm glad to say, even though I'm now alone unzapped on 50+, I missed it. I have the tinfoil liner in my helmet to thank (once again)

Weirdness in a thread isn't a problem. If it were, the 41 would have been shut down long ago.

There's not a lot of money in American cycling, so it's not going to attract the top tier athletes.

There are quite a few black members of the LBC. They all can smoke me, but so can everyone else so it's not much of a distinction.

Smart person. I waste hours in front of the tube, computer, and in bed.

All good time I could be spent exercising the rides in the stable.

If you own an IPhone, I don't suggest you install Angry Birds. Talk about time waster.

Since this thread is teetering on the brink, I might as well get this out of my system. If I join a government employee union, maybe I could get a job with the TSA as a cavity inspector and retire on a sweet fat government pension paid for by your sons and daughters. It would pay a lot better than what I'm doing now, with no malpractice risk, fixed hours, and tons of people who really appreciate your services.

You may be slightly overqualified but certainly know your way around a cavity. I am not so sure about the appreciation part but if they do.......

Louis, you are a consummate politician!

Does this event have a drug test?

Dancing With the Stars from the outset has been a popularity driven show with viewers "votes" being deciding. Think abou it. Lots of votes means lots of viewers. Not only lots of viewers but demographically sorted viewers. That is a valuable commodity to be sold.

If this were an actual dancing skill competition the public wouldn't have any input. The public doesn't have input to the judging of things like the Olympics, for example. Can't remember for sure but I think other popular participants have been on the show a long time too.

As for keeping Bristol on the show being a "Tea Party Conspiracy"; from the adherents I know that would be tougher than herding cats.

My belief is that there is very little on TV that isn't entertainment or marketing, or both; regardless of what it is labeled. As the saying goes: Follow the Money. The money comes from selling a large viewership to the sponsors. As long as they can do that the show will continue, ad nauseum.

I dunno, these dudes make it look pretty easy.

Bristol would definitely test positive for pizza.

I love that commercial. I am trying to remember where it first aired.....

If I remember right, it was the Super Bowl of 2000, but, my memory's fading fast. ;)

I got all the through angry Birds but now I have to double back and see if I can three stars and a the Golden Eggs.

I would like to see a reality show like Cycling with the Stars. Just wondering about the format of the show. What professional cyclist to use, what locations, or even should it be like a triathlon with the stars, for more variety.

Imagine having Robin Williams, John McEnroe, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Palin braving the great outdoors.

This thread lasted too long and is out of gas. We need one of your polls. I have no idea what to poll but if you post one, I will respond.

How 'bout Ice Road Bikers?

Some diversity and tolerance merchant mailed Bristol white powder, probably not realizing it's a felony offense.

As I mentioned, some people take this stuff pretty seriously.

actually I believe Robin Williams not only qualifies to post on here but he has more bicycles than any three of us put together. Apparently has over fifty bikes in his stable.