Archive for July, 2009

July 31, 2009

A funny thing happened on the way to the office

I had a neat little piece planned for interweb publication today. I typed it up, laughed at it, wondered if people would find it too depraved, laughed at it some more and got ready to press play.

But then I read this. You should too.

Stop what you are doing, and read the whole thing. Really. It is what I would write if I possessed the same skills as Mike Magnuson. It is the most accurate and poignant description of the man who put America on the professional cycling map.

July 29, 2009

Getting ready for a kermis race – 30 steps

old kermisKermis racing is Belgian bike racing’s meat and potatoes. I discuss the topic plenty in my book and plan to give you more info from time to time here on the blog. While we’ll get into other details later, you should understand some of the insanity that is bred by this type of racing - European pro racing in general.

For most riders, getting ready for a race is an incredibly ritualistic ordeal that would make Howard Hughes feel right at home.

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July 27, 2009

Aux Champs Elysees

Eddy PlanckaertThe Tour de France is over and I am finding myself just a wee bit out of sorts. My daily routine of checking the early race coverage has come to a grinding hault. But after watching yesterday's final stage on the Champs Elysees, I couldn't help but think about my former short-time teammate and friend Eddy Planckaert and his singing.

Yeah, Eddy used to sing as we rode along in the peloton. Usually, it was one of two songs -- either "Aux Champs Elysees" or "It's a Long Way to Tipperary." 

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July 25, 2009

In your book you talked about your doctor putting you through a series of tests to see if you were a thoroughbred and not a donkey. Would you please share the types of tests or protocols, and how they are interpreted.

Bernie - Allentown, PA

I am far from the most qualified person to answer this even close to perfectly, but I will give you the down and dirty, crusty old bike racer version.

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July 24, 2009

Speeding while Spanish

When I came back to the United States to race bicycles I was all-too-often the guest of the fine folks at the doping control. It seems that since I spent more years than most racing bikes in Europe, I was an easy target, since I clearly must have been a cheater. So for the 3 years that I made my living racing road bikes Stateside, I made an art of peeing in a plastic cup and taunting doping control officials.

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July 22, 2009

Hi Joe – I am planning to drive down from London to Belgium to watch some kermis races and enjoy some fries with mayo. What would be the best kermis race to watch and also enjoy the food/area? PS. Still waiting for your next book.

Gus de Magalhaes - London, England

That is a great idea Gus. While you are there please enjoy a pintje for me.

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