Daily Dose - 8/15

Armstrong, Leipheimer win trial medals
Impressive results from Kristin Armstrong with gold and Levi Leipheimer with bronze in the Olympic Time Trial. More impressive is Fabian Cancellera winning the gold in the time trial after taking the bronze in the road race over the weekend.

NBC Olympics - Cycling Coverage
I have to give it to the dot com side of NBC. They are doing a great job at providing content, videos, highlights and live stream online.

NBC Olympics - Cycling Videos
You can actually watch the entire road race and time trial online. There are a lot of videos online waiting for your viewing pleasure. For you all suffering from post-Tour de France coverage depression this should be a good alternative. You may have to install a plug-in to view the videos, but it's quick and easy to do. The only downside is there is no voice commentary to go along with the race coverage.

Michael Barry's Diary - The Olympics: From 1996 to 2008
I have not read his book about the Tour, and unfortunately I haven't read his diaries over the years either. However, after reading this diary I now understand why he wrote a book and why VeloNews has him as a diarist. This is likely the most well written diary I have ever read.

Grease Monkey Wipes
Value of an item increases if it includes a picture of a cartoon monkey. I don't know anything about the wipes, but do I like the white t-shirt. Play dirty!

Volunteers rest at Olympics
Evidently it's pretty tiring work. I think there's something in the UCI code about losing your human rights if you're involved with cycling. Should have stuck with gymnastics instead!

Colleges peddle bikes to car-loving students
I expect those walking around the campus of Emory University in Atlanta to be pretty smart, but this idea is genius! Apparently more and more colleges are offering some type of bike program, but note that Duke University is another school taking this much needed leap. I suppose an ACT average over 30 is a pre-requisite to implement the plan.

Vintage Western Flyer
Looking for a good ladies' townie?

US Olympic cyclists say sorry for smog masks
Not the most opportune time? Come again. Then can someone please explain when it is a good idea to wear one? Ok, so US athletes apologize for this, but Spanish athletes.....

Spanish Olympic basketball team in 'racist' photo row
.....aren't getting raked over the coals over this stupid advertisement photo gesture. What a bunch of idiots. They are actually defending it with illogical spin. Spanish officials have the nerve to say it was a "gesture of affection." Why is it this country's athletes get away with everything? Operation Puerto, tick tock, tick tock.....

The high price of raising an Olympian
Imagine the lifetime investment having to be made for the hope of that one opportunity that only comes along every four years. When I'm watching medal ceremonies I always think about what those on the podium have been through to get to that point. Mere ability didn't get them to the top step. Sacrifice. Commitment. Heart. Determination. Dream.

Steroids changed him from woman to man
One more word, wait, two words. Sex change. Hold up. No, that's not supposed to be part of the Olympic formula.

Rocco's Modern Life
I am not a golf fan, but this guy excites me. It's a great article from Golf World that I recommend taking the time to read. I love how some sports allow older and more mature athletes live in the limelight. Their stories are usually much more interesting and filled with a depth that younger athletes lack due.

A ‘Relaxing’ Ride, but Not for the Faint of Heart
Strolling through Beijing with Jason McCartney of the US Cycling Team, but somebody strongly disagrees he should even be there.....

Horner says he, not McCartney, deserved Olympic slot
Says Horner, "“The decision either comes down to politics, brownnosing, they just don’t like me or they are idiots. It must be politics, because nobody is that stupid.” Gee Chris, how do you really feel? Oh, and you left out brownnosing. Jason's does look a little dirty.

Bernie Mac loved sports … and learned from sports
The other day I wrote about Life lessons at the park, and afterwards I came across this great article from Scoop Jackson of ESPN.com. I've been a huge fan of Bernie Mac for awhile, and I was really taken aback by his death. Bernie knew how to use sports lessons to define him as a man. I like him even more now.

U.S. softball dominating again at Games
In case you weren't aware; softball and baseball are leaving the Olympics. This isn't going to affect baseball much in the long run, but I agree that it's going to significantly set softball back across the globe. For some countries the mere fact they could go compete in the Olympics is a huge motivator for young girls to get involved in the sport. US dominance hasn't helped, but dominance in other sports hasn't stopped other countries from developing talent.

Bicyclist killed in Allen Road collision
Sad news from Murfreesboro. This highlights our BToGS rule #1 - "Everybody returns home safely." Sometimes this is within our control, but others it is not. The main thing is we all pay attention at all times to give ourselves a chance. Keep the Benson family in your thoughts and prayers.

I hate to end on a sad note. The lesson is to always end on a good one, so I'll leave you with this.....

The Evolution of Aero
Rick Crawford goes all the way back to 1983 to talk about his funny bike, and how difficult it was to make the appropriate adaptations to go faster. Rick speaks the truth about equipment becoming funnier, but the body must still make muscular adaptations. If you desire going faster on your funny bike then you have to regularly train on your funny bike. If not, the only ones laughing will be your competition.