Fears & Feats

Lance Armstrong worried about attacks by French fans
Why is his level of paranoia rising continuing to be reported, and what is his basis for believing it could happen? Yeah well, that and al Qaeda could launch an attack too. Believe it? I don't. You know who should be worried about their safety? A President or Prime Minister, not a bicycle racer. So, you won seven Tours de France and climbed countless mountains with fans running alongside. How many attacked you?

The only instance I can think of where violence took place was against Eddy Merckx in 1975 at the Tour de France as he attempted to win his sixth. Merckx was punched by a fan up a mountain, later suffered a broken jaw in a crash, and subsequently finished in second place that Tour. The punch to Merckx was because he was about to break the Frenchman Jacques Anquetil's record of five Tour victories. Lance meanwhile broke the record without incident and went back to win another.

You know Lance, you've had less success with vehicle drivers in Texas. Maybe that's where you should pour your concern. I'm not naive enough to think or say violence is not a possibility, but I'm a little tired already reading about his diversionary discussions on safety and his indecision on races he's going to do. I'd think differently if we had a history to draw upon filled with fan violence, or maybe, Lance is foretelling the future filled with violence? If you believe it and will it to happen then it just might happen. It used to be we'd hear a man focused on his goals, but now we've got someone throwing darts at a board. This is not a recipe for success.

Armstrong says 'emotions' could put his safety in jeopardy
It seems the Associated Press is wondering the same thing I am.

Armstrong to meet with Tour officials
Even Johan Bruyneel has succumbed to the paranoia about anger and grudges. Geesh guys, it's almost as if you've never won and are fabricating these thoughts to have "something" to prove. This Lance comeback situation is prime material for one of those "they said we couldn't do it" moments. Get ready because that's coming within the next year. As if "they" care what "they" think anyway.

Michael Barry's diary: The story of a cyclist
Again, this guy is good. In this diary Barry talks about his friend Craig Lewis' comeback and success of late. Lewis is one tough guy to have overcome the horrific accident he sustained at the 2004 Tour de Georgia. Physical pain and suffering has a unique way of making us stronger and better. You can read about Lewis in this article from Outside Magazine.

Twelve wins away: Don Meyer's hard road back from the brink
Speaking of becoming stronger and better after a major accident, it is hard to believe that Coach Meyer could become better than he was before. However, I'm certain this man can make it happen. Those of us who have been in Nashville long enough to remember him pacing the sidelines as men's basketball coach at David Lipscomb University know he's as tough and demanding as they come.

Just when you think God has run out of ways to use you to influence others for His glory.....along comes the unexpected. We can only hope to get that opportunity and rise to the occasion when it does.

Annual cyclocross competition draws young and old 'off the beaten path
A little publicity down in Memphis for the Tennessee State Cyclocross Championship.

Developing a U.S. Bicycle Route System
This is pretty cool, especially if you're into touring.

U.S. Bicycle Route System Approved by National Transportation Authority
We have Greenways growing and connecting us here in Nashville, and now we can look forward to great connectedness at the state level. Sweet!

Underground Railroad Bicycle Route
Another great route that goes through Tennessee.

Bread Delivery Bikes / Only In Egypt
This takes mad bicycling and balancing skills. Oh, and maybe a flat head.

The Bobby Julich Chronicles
It looks like Cyclingnews is the new home for Julich's diary journals. In his first installment he talks about how a neo-pro gets his start in contract dealings, and finishes it off with his rest period and when he knew it was time to start training again. I agree with him, our bodies and minds will let us know when we're ready.