It's all about You

You — Yes, You — Are TIME's Person of the Year
I remember hearing this in the news thinking, "are they serious? what a joke." Then I saw the cover in a bookstore and just shook my head. Instead of picking one person they chose six billion. Great job at narrowing it down guys.

It's in that spirit that I bring you the following.....

A bicycle built for you
From the LA Times comes an article about the upsurge and benefits of purchasing a custom made bike. Many other consumer goods are made to our specs, so why not your bike too? Considering the amount of time we spend riding each month it's a worthwhile investment. It's actually a good in-depth article with a lot of info from the president of Seven Cycles.

'06: The Year That Wasn't For Consumer Magazines
One barometer on how companies are responding to consumer demands is to see where advertising dollars are being spent. Advertising executives sit around big tables and strategize as to where their ad dollars should be spent and which market they're targeting. Areas seeing growth in 2006 - men's interest, AARP, diabetes, and a few niche magazines. One that should all make us happy, Bicycling Magazine up 32%!

Remember reading about how golf was taking over for leisure activity, well all those were down. In other words, those ads are coming after us pedalcyclists. Personally, I don't subscribe or hardly ever read Bicycling, but I would be interested to see what companies are regularly advertising there. Knowing that will let us know what companies actually think of us in terms of our interests. Not all ads are bike related, so it's those non-bicycling companies I'm wondering about. Who wants our business and why?

Healey quietly vetoes Bike Safety Bill
I like this, a Bicycle Bill of Rights. Too bad the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts didn't do her homework. By the time I typed this up I have already come up with three items on my suggested BBoR. More on that later.....send your suggested amendments HERE.

Cameras will be put in three Metro parks
It's a shame our city government has to do this, but it's necessary due to illicit activity at three popular parks in Nashville. Cedar Hill, Two Rivers and Hamilton creek will get the cameras to help combat behavior that's keeping people from visiting. There are a lot of people who read this blog who have personal experience with being approached or have had to avoid certain parking spots because of the disgusting activity taking place.

So for any of you who would fall into the category of "that's where I go to meet random people and have sex", guess what, now you're on film that's good enough to pick up your license plate number and get a picture of your face. Smile you freak!

DietWriters: Getting healthy now
The Tennessean has started a blog for area residents who are starting new workout and diet plans. I agree with Ramon, for some it's "Suicide by fork and spoon." Ok, so it's well and good that the paper is giving these people a forum to share their experiences, but how about adding some folks who have already proven successful at getting healthy? Also, have you noticed on the Tennessean's website how they are constantly asking for feedback on different subjects? The real question is why have they completely given up on investigative journalism? I won't even get started on their business section.....

What works against the flu?
Alright, I did find this from the Tennessean. We're in the heart of flu season which peaks from now until mid-February. There are a lot of scientifically unproven ways to beat the flu such as zinc, garlic, ginger and the trusted chicken soup. Me, I opted for the shot a few months ago.

Simply Making Better Bodies
I swear I get nothing in return for talking up Simply Pilates, but their motto couldn't be more true. This article is from NashvilleSkyline, which is an arts and culture reviewer. Yesterday I tackled an intermediate reformer class and, uh, well, I have no shame in saying it was difficult. It was an entire body workout, but the core area is where it's felt most.

I'll say it again, if you're a cyclist and the only thing in your bag of tricks is training on the bike then you're sadly missing the boat. Your training regiment should also include proper diet, rest, stretching/yoga, massage therapy, pilates, strength training, and most importantly a certified cycling coach!

I've been thinking more and more about this the last few weeks. Personally, I see it as investing in myself to be the best I can be. To achieve that it means stretching my mental and physical boundaries and making them stronger. If I had kept doing what I had been doing a few years ago then I'd still be getting the same results I was getting, but all the while expecting better results. That is the definition of insanity you know?

I realize not everyone can incorporate all of the tools above, but I do recommend doing all that you can to be all you can be. There's no way any of us can achieve our goals without the help of others. Lance Armstrong could never have won seven Tours de France without guidance from others, so we too must seek help outside ourselves from people who are professionals in their field. If you do that I am not guaranteeing great results, but I do believe you'll be a better person and cyclist.