NASA Shuttle and Space Station

Here are some mind-blowing pics from the last shuttle mission...Amazing things these folks do... The additional one of me is on the crane above the Space Station Production Facility after a tour...There is also a pic of Hurricane Dean from space in here.

This is one aspect of my job that I enjoy...The gentleman that sends me this pics is Ron Caswell...He works Space Station and gave me the tour of the Space Station Production Facility. I get these right after the mission every time, but these were the best I've seen so far...Please click on the images to enlarge them...

I need a Vacation!

Well, we are 1/2 way through the biennial east coast swing. We left Colorado on the 26th, got to New Hampshire the 29th, left the 7th for Cape Cod and we got to Hershey last night. Today is very humid and muggy...Hopefully the rain stays away enough to enjoy the park. New Hampshire was a good time, although I felt like we were there a day or two too long. We had a good time with family and at the beach. I went twice, as I had to finish a work related financial management course, and the kids and Laurie went 3 times. Laurie's friend Patricia came up from Maryland for a couple days, and they had a good time.

I will update after Hershey with some more stuff and hope to keep the blog updated periodically while Chad is in Georgia (The Republic of...)

Anywho...here are a few pics:

CDT may become off limits to fat tires

Bike Ban Looms Over Iconic Continental Divide Trail

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
08-09-07
Contact: Drew Vankat, Policy Analyst
drew@imba.com
303-545-9011

Mountain bikers may find some of the nation's best singletrack off-limits if the Forest Service pushes through with a new directive. The agency wants to limit or prohibit bike access on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), which runs the length of the country, from Montana to New Mexico.

The CDT includes the famous Monarch Crest, many sections of the Colorado Trail, well-known Steamboat Springs singletrack, important trails around Butte and Helena and much, much more.

Take Action

Your strong voice is essential to saving epic rides along the CDT. The Forest Service's proposal to restrict and prohibit mountain biking has been warmly embraced by some anti-bike groups, who are giving it their full support. All mountain bikers are urged to take action:

File Comments

Formally file your comments with the Forest Service. IMBA's simple form takes seconds and will submit your official comments. The deadline is October 12.

Spread the Word

Rally your friends and ask them to echo your support for bike access on this outstanding trail. We need thousands of comments to hold out hope for continued access, so please forward this to your riding friends across the country.

Help Maintain the CDT

If you live or play near the CDT, consider organizing or attending trailwork days to help build and maintain this magnificent trail. Learn about volunteer opportunities near you.

Donate

Can you imagine losing our longest shared-use trail? The IMBA Legal Fund needs your financial support.

Additional Information

Why is the Forest Service revising its management directive? The CDT is currently managed under guidelines from an outdated p;1985 Comprehensive Plan and the agency believes it's time to update that document by clearing up any ambiguity regarding the purpose of the trail and its allowed uses. As part of this effort, the Forest Service is focusing on a hiking and horse-centric vision.

The CDT is a 3,100-mile shared-use route from Canada to Mexico, traversing some of the most scenic high-elevation terrain in the country. Mountain biking is permitted in most non-Wilderness areas and has occurred on some sections for 25 years. According to the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA), the trail is only 70 percent completed, with many existing miles in desperate need of repair and maintenance. CDTA estimates the cost to complete the CDT at $27 million.

IMBA believes a shared-use philosophy that includes bicycling is compatible with the intent and purpose of the CDT, and that mountain bikers can help overcome these significant hurdles impeding the trail's completion. With 40 million participants, mountain biking is the second most popular trail activity in the country (Outdoor Industry Foundation, 2007). This large constituency helps lobby for public lands funding and donates nearly one million volunteer hours each year to trail construction and maintenance. Mountain bikers can be valuable partners for the CDT.

Among long-distance trails, the CDT is unique in that has generally allowed mountain biking. Unlike the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, mountain bikes are largely welcome on non-Wilderness sections of the CDT. IMBA isn't asking for access to all 3,100 miles, but there are many non-Wilderness sections where non-motorized users can get along and mountain biking should continue.

The Forest Service has said it believes Congress intended the CDT to be for hiking and horse use only. Unfortunately, the agency is basing its proposed directive on a 1976 Study Report - written before modern mountain biking was established--and a similarly out-dated Comprehensive Plan of 1985. Not surprisingly, both documents focus primarily on providing experiences for the "hiker and horseman." But neither suggests the trail should be limited to these two uses, and in many instances encourages non-motorized activities.

In fact, the 1976 CDT Study Report states, "The primary purpose of this trail (CDT) is to provide a continuous, appealing trail route, designed for the hiker and horseman, but compatible with other land uses" (italics added).

In 1983, Congress amended the National Trails Act to clarify potentially acceptable uses on the CDT and other National Scenic Trails. Bicycling is listed alongside various forms of hiking, backpacking and horse use (16 USC 1246(j)).

This congressional statute is clear and should supercede internal agency documents. IMBA does not believe bicycling should be discouraged or prohibited on the CDT. More than two decades of bicycling on the CDT has shown that this activity does not substantially interfere with the nature and purposes of the trail and that all users can get along.

Today, the environmental and social science of trail recreation is better developed and many backcountry trails are shared by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. A growing scientific consensus has shown that impacts of mountain biking are similar to hiking and less than horse or OHV use (Marion and Wimpey, 2007).

The IMBA / Forest Service Memorandum of Understanding states mountain bicycling should be managed distinctly from motorized travel. It also says mountain bicycling is appropriate in areas listed as "primitive" on the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum. These areas comprise a significant percentage of the CDNST.

Proposed Forest Service Directive Language on Mountain Biking

The proposed directive contains the following sections that discourage our quiet, low-impact, human-powered activity:

7. Bicycle (mountain bike) use may only be allowed on a trail segment of the CDNST where the following conditions are met (16 U.S.C. 1246(c)):
a. An affirmative determination has been made that bicycle use would not substantially interfere with the nature and purposes of the CDNST, and
b. Bicycles must also be allowed by the overall management direction for the land management plan area.
8. Where bicycle (mountain bike) use is allowed on the CDNST, consider establishing bicycle use prohibitions and restrictions (36 CFR part 261) to mitigate the effects of such use on the nature and purposes of the CDNST. Management practices and actions that would promote or result in increased bicycle use on the CDNST should not occur. (72 FR 32276)

Read the proposed directive in its entirety.

Visit the Forest Service's CDT website with additional policy resources.

If you have any additional questions regarding the directive, please email IMBA's Advocacy Team .

Mailing Your Comments

If you would rather write your own letter of support for continued shared-use management on the CDT, please use the following address: Greg Warren, CDNST Administrator
P.O. Box 25127
Lakewood, CO 80225-0127

Or via email:

cdnst@fs.fed.us

The Importance of Elected Officials

Every comment counts and the support of town councils, county commissioners, tourism and parks boards and other elected officials is extremely important.

Please consider asking your representatives, both local and national, to support equal treatment of mountain biking on the CDT.

The Bomb - I have seen it all

Check out this video!!! Scraper Bike! The Shiznit!!!!

Cyclists peel off clothes to push pedaling, protest pump

Thats Right!!! The best way to make cars and motorists more empathic toward cyclists is to ride in massive groups nude! Today was the 4th annual World Naked Bicycle Ride. At least the pervs get off on it!!!

Update

Wow it's been a while since anyone has updated this blog so I will be the 1st. Congrats for DiLucca (the Killer) he did a good job of course I wasn't there to whoop his ass but we will see next year, now I just need to find a team!!! I may be inking a deal with Kotex but this is just a personal sponsor I still need to find a team. I have the results!! Someone sign me! I will be spending some R&R in Maine the week of June 16 gonna do a little fishin' a little 4 wheelin' a little drinkin' (you see where I'm going with this) yah it's just gonna be me and my dad. I'm going to take Brett to the Coast Guard recruiter just for some Q&A. He's a senior next year DAMN I'm 16 years older than he is! and we both like the same age in women (naughty me) ha ha. Anyway I'm out I'll post the pics of the big fish later!

Yah for Beloki! Yah! yah! he got mail

Well looks like a glimmer of hope for Beloki, after being run off the road by Armstrong and suffering a mental condition preventing him from pulling his head out of his ass. Icelands largest cycling sponsor has anouced that it will sign Beloki to a 2 year deal in hopes of him placing in the Special Olympics. Many team managers tried to protest in anger stating that the special olympics were for you know..........retar......um mentaly challenged. One look of a current photo of Beloki and all protesters changed their tune. Yah B you got mail, tire pump yah!

Alternative Teacher Options in Castle Rock

Schools Succeed With Nontraditional Teachers
Written By: Ben DeGrow
Published In: School Reform News
Publication Date: March 1, 2007
Publisher: The Heartland Institute

Douglas County, Colorado's nontraditional teacher preparation program has blossomed with the new Castle View High School in Castle Rock. Opened in late 2006, the school consists of four themed academies: visual and performing arts; electronic and business media; world languages; and math, science, and engineering.
"I'd be surprised if you can find any one school in America like Castle View," said principal Dr. Lisle Gates. "It includes the meshing of many good thoughts."

Community Interest
Gates got the idea to license outside specialists from an aeronautical engineer who works at nearby Lockheed-Martin. The engineer, who served as a consultant to develop Castle View's program, expressed a strong desire to teach a nine-week course at the school. Yet when he learned of the commitment needed to meet the state's licensure requirements, he was frustrated that he wouldn't be able to get into the classroom, Gates said.
Gates since has received calls from certified public accountants, a bank manager, a manufacturing engineer, and others who have said they would like to teach at Castle View part-time.
The high school plans to expand its world language offerings to eight next year, including Arabic and Russian. The Colorado Department of Education does not rate a Beijing-born holder of an accredited master's degree as a "qualified" Chinese language instructor, but Castle View does.
"Our intent for this program is that we ferret out good, quality people, mentor them, nurture them, and make them effective teachers in the classroom," Gates said.
The Professionals in Residence (PIR) enrollees will not work toward achieving a state-recognized license. However, they will receive intensive "boot camp" training in classroom management and other instructional basics, along with ongoing support.

County Partnerships
A key to getting the alternative licensure program afloat has been Douglas County's close working relationships with other players.
"It's an effort that involves every stakeholder in the district," said Gates, who found nearly universal enthusiastic support from parents and students in 40 neighborhood meetings. In addition, the district is cooperating with local colleges and universities, which are helping to develop the program and have offered to share the services of adjunct instructors.
Pat McGraw, chief of staff for Douglas County School District, identified the connection between the district and the Douglas County Federation of Teachers (DCFT) as vital to the process.
"The union is involved. They're partnering with us," McGraw said.

Union Support
Through its affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the local union "can provide staff development course[s] to teachers" in many different areas, said DCFT President Brenda Smith.
"A big positive piece is teachers training teachers," Smith said.
In 2004, AFT approved support for alternative licensure programs that have rigorous screening processes and high performance standards, are field-based, and include relevant coursework and an emphasis on mentorship.
Smith said AFT's counterpart--the National Education Association, which has staunchly opposed alternative licensing--would be well-advised to follow AFT's lead in this area.
"By saying they can't support alternative licensure for teachers, it's just a way of avoiding the problem," Smith said. "If they don't step forward and help [solve] the problem, then they're blocking something that could have a lot of potential."
-- Ben DeGrow

Ullrich hangs up his tar-speckled jersey

Thanks to Patrick O'Grady for a special Monday Rant...Ullrich has finally decided to enjoy the beer & frites w/out guilt.

Bank Robbers by Bike

Joplin — Neighbors and bank customers helped police nab one of two men suspected of robbing a bank and making their getaway, such as it was, on bicycles.

Goes to show you that even criminals are interested in staying fit...

What Mary, Hunter and I have been upto.

Still just as handsome as he was when just a pup..........but



getting that gray beard look, He's late 30's according to the realationship of dog age and human age.





He helped me build this with moral support.

and he made sure the ice was safe for us to skate on. It took him about 45 min to even get 5 feet off shore but once he did him and I walked around way out in the middle and it became a daily ritual to pee, poop and go out on the ice for a short walk. (Ice is bad now 2-21-07).


Our part of the lake.

Hunter as a pup

OK...Here are the pics I promised of Hunter as a pup...The 1st one is w/ the boys on the front porch in VA before we moved. The 2nd one is of him in the back yard by the walkway. The 3rd is with Ben the Cat. Notice how small he was next to Ben. I think all of these are from when he was less than 10 weeks old... Chad, he looks alot different now doesn't he?

Tour of California 2007!

From San Fran to Long Beach the route looks pretty good this year. Too bad I am going to miss it this year. Weather in Denver has been tough this year for riding, so I will be viewing from the trainer in the basement...Thomas probably already has 1K in his legs so far...

Chad seems to be shrinking...down to 150. Lets hope he has kept his strength up for this summer's tour back east in Hershey...We will be there in August & hopefully in fighting shape ourselves!!!

20 year reunion this summer...I don't feel that old???

More to come on that one...

The greatest way I can imagine to Advertise a New Cross Team

It is not the actual Add I saw on VeloNews; it was rather the person modelling the team kit. It was painted onto her. Excellent choice of Art, Sex and Promo!!!

New cyclo-cross team Sunweb-Projob presented
Sven Vanthourenhout is the team's best rider
By Brecht Decaluwé
World champions on stage Photo ©: Luc Claessen

From January 1, 2007 the dominance of Fidea and Rabobank in cyclo-cross might be over. A new Belgian team was presented on Monday by team manager Jurgen Mettepenningen; the Belgian is combining this position with an organizing role in the cyclo-cross races of Hamme-Zogge and Wachtebeke. Around two hundred invitees were introduced to the team's future riders, who were all present except for Tom Vannoppen who's silently working on his comeback at the highest level. The new team is named Sunweb-Projob, with the first company being a travel agency and the latter mainly selling sector specific working clothes.
The two biggest names Sven Vanthourenhout and Jan Jakke Verstraeten weren't presented on the podium, Mettepenningen explained this wouldn't have been appropriate towards the sponsors of their respective current teams, Rabobank and SD Worx. "We will receive enough media attention after New Year," Mettepenningen said. He expressed his desire to compete with Rabobank and Fidea at the highest level in cyclo-cross, with the Belgian championship in Hamme being the first big appointment for the team.
Another big name in the new team is the Belgian amateur champion David Willemsens, who finished eleventh in the latest world cup race in Koksijde. "With his current form he should be able to prolong that Belgian title, and with Sven Vanthourenhout we've got a serious candidate for gold in the pro race," Mettepenningen explained to cyclo-cross.info.
A nice representation of the team kit Photo ©: Luc Claessen

Steven Decaluwé and Jehudi Schoonacker will join David Willemenses as non-professional riders in the Sunweb-Projob team. With 20 year-old Maxim Debusschere, Kenneth Van Compernolle, Jan Van Dael and Kenny Geluykens there is much quality in the U23 team said Mario De Clercq, the three-time cyclo-cross world champion will be a coach in the new team. Sunweb-Projob has another known De Clercq in their ranks with coach Hans. The latter might be best known for finishing last in the Tour de France 2003, but he is also known for his work as a domestique during his time in Lotto team.
Team manager Jurgen Mettepenningen predicted that Tom Vannoppen, recently taken into hospital with depression, will race again on December 10. "Tom has left the hospital, but he's still supported by a psychologist, something which won't change quickly," Mettepenningen said. "He's mentally recovered but we will not allow him to slip away again. Currently he's only doing training sessions but in my race, Hamme-Zogge, he'll make his comeback," Vannoppen's future team manager said.

OUTSTANDING REPORTING

Latest Cycling News for November 27, 2006
Edited by Gregor Brown
Lance Armstrong: cybercriminal?
By Tim Maloney, European Editor

Lance Armstrong at Milan-San RemoPhoto: © Tim Maloney
Although French investigators from the cybercrime unit of the Gendarmerie have yet to find the culprits who hacked the computer system of the anti-doping laboratory (LNDD) in Châtenay-Malabry, sending fake e-mails that were allegedly sent by a "close associate" of 2006 Tour De France winner Floyd Landis, according to French newspaper Le Monde, another American cyclist may be a suspect in the cyberspace tomfoolery: Lance Armstrong.
An article published last week in Le Monde by French journalist Stéphane Mandard contained a claim that Lance Armstrong might be the mystery hacker of the LNDD lab, according to allegations by Betsy Andreu in her deposition of January 17, 2006 in the Armstrong/SCA Promotions arbitration case. When Armstrong's attorney Timothy Herman deposed Mrs. Andreu, asking "did you already tell anyone that Lance Armstrong has hacked your computer", Betsy Andreu, the wife of former professional cyclist Frankie Andreu said "I think [Armstrong] has hacked my computer and we are currently suing America On Line to find the IP address of who hacked my computer."
Betsy Andreu had already filed a complaint with the Dearborn, Michigan police department on March 31, 2005 when she tried to sign on to her AOL account and found that someone else had already signed on to her account and that the same thing happened to Frankie Andreu's computer the next day.
Betsy Andreu told Le Monde's Mandard that "Lance wanted to control everything; anything anyone might say about him and he was ready to do anything to do it." According to Mrs. Andreu, her computer wasn't the only one Armstrong had hacked. She claimed in her SCA deposition in January 2006 that former Oakley sports marketing manager Stephanie McIlvain thought that Armstrong had hacked her computer and had placed a bug in the computer of his ex-wife Kristin as the couple was going through their divorce.
"Stephanie told me that [Armstrong] told her he put a bug in Kristin's computer and every word she typed was sent directly to him. Stephanie was scared that Lance had also hacked her computer." Although AOL refused to cooperate with Ms. Andreu, she told Mandard the she next intended to take the matter up with the Justice Department.
When Cyclingnews reached Lance Armstrong at his home in Austin, Texas to ask him about the accusations in the Le Monde article, the seven time Tour De France winner was incredulous. "Oh boy... Just when I thought I had heard it all", exclaimed a surprised Armstrong. "What's next? Saddam Hussein's WMD's are out at my ranch in Texas? 'Ridiculous' does not even begin to describe this latest insinuation. These accusations are not credible in any sense of the word. Are we supposed to believe anything Betsy Andreu says? However, I do wish her all the luck in the world with her lawsuit against AOL, one of the largest ISP's in the world today."

Thanksgiving Ride

Happy Thanksgiving all. We had an excellent ride with The Bike Shop annual turkey ride.

Leadville

It was one hell of a ride. The rain pretty much cut my speed in half. Dan had a flat. 300 people DNF'ed. I was 472nd I think Dan was 538th. Here are some photos. I am looking forward to next year. I don't think I will ever be stong enough for a sub 9 hour time, but who knows.

TJ

Commando Run Trip (Thomas & Dan)

Here are a couple of the profiles w/ various information about our ride from Minturn to Minturn via Vail & Shrine Passes & Commando Run.

Notice the distance from the beginning to the highest point. Lots of climbing from the beginning. Also notice the % Grade max. Pretty steep in some sections of the single track through the switchbacks.

Excellent Ride!!! I have a few pics from the back bowls of Vail, but not yet have them downloaded. When I do, I will post!

DISCOVERY CHANNEL ATTEMPTS TO MAKE HISTORY

Discovery Channel cycling team Director of Sport Johan Brunyeel has come up with a new strategy for his Disco boy's. In an interview with Finlands cycling journalist Tom Pgwen, Johan Brunyeel admitted to being "Lost at this years Tour" and having "No real tactical sense". Johan Then went on to explain is brilliant plan for the rest of the tour.
"We have set up a 900 number were you can call or text your race plan to myself or Sean Yates" Brunyeel explains. "We may even have calls direct to the riders on the road, so you at home can watch the race live and tell the riders when to attack. This has never been done before and we will make history with this plan"
Sean Yates said that the proceeds of the calls and texts will go to buy a new team leader
"One with some good tactical sense and who is strong" Yates said.
Pgwen suggested that the availability of Tyler Hamilton might be a good idea. Brunyeel and Yates eye just lit up with joy. They then asked if Pgwen would like to be a DS for the team as it seems that he has a good head for cycling. It is also rumored that Lance Armstrong is going to start training for Le' Tour 07. Disgusted with the circus that Johan has turned Disco into he has threatened to shove a Bontrager fork so far up Bruyneels ass that he'll be able to mount a quick release to his head! All good things come to an end just like ABBA and the BEEGEE's..........DISCO is dead! This journalist is just waiting for the next conqueror of the tour to arrive with a platinum frame sittin' on 24's and a 14kg hydraulic kick stand. No more lycra it's Sean Jean baggy bibs!!!!


ED NOTE: To contact Discovery Riders text 1-900-get-off-your-asses followed by your race command. Please allow 2 to 3 minutes before seeing and rider move to the front to carry out his orders.
All request for Hincape to "Roll with your cockout" will be directed to Tom 'No that's not a banana in my shorts' Boonen of the Quickstep team who is also using this aggresive style race tactic.

Poor Floyd - Tragedy imminent!!! - which means he will probably win the tour!!!

Floyd riding on a bumb hip. American tragedy ala LeMond & Armstrong!!!