Three-time Tour de France winner GREG LeMOND and three-time Olympic medalist EDWIN MOSES will be featured speakers at the public unveiling of the Major Taylor memorial from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at the Worcester Public Library.

LeMond, who won a world championship in cycling 90 years after Major Taylor did, and Moses, who dominated the 400-meter hurdles in track and field for a decade, were each named “Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year” at the height of their athletic careers in the 1980s.

The statue of the “Worcester Whirlwind” created by sculptor Antonio Tobias Mendez is Worcester’s first monument to an African-American. The dedication ceremony will be followed by a reception with refreshments in the library’s Banx Room.

Preceding the noontime ceremony, the Seven Hills Wheelmen and the Charles River Wheelmen’s Wednesday Wheelers will lead a 30-mile bicycle ride starting and ending at the library.

At 7 p.m. May 21 at the library, the Clark University History Department and Higgins School of Humanities will present a panel discussion on “Race, Sports, and Major Taylor’s Legacy.” Boston Globe columnist Derrick Z. Jackson will be moderator for these scholars, historians and authors exploring diversity in sports and society, then and now:

Andrew Ritchie, author of the biography “Major Taylor: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer” (1988)

Janette T. Greenwood, associate professor of history at Clark University, author of a case study of Worcester County’s black community in the late 1800s and of “Bittersweet Legacy,” on the emergence and interaction of the black and white middle class

David V. Herlihy, author of “Bicycle: The History” (2004), with research on Major Taylor’s popularity abroad

C. Keith Harrison, associate professor of sports business management at the University of Central Florida, and associate director of the Institute for Diversity & Ethics in Sport
For Major Taylor books, posters and jerseys, go to
www.majortaylorassociation.org/donations.shtml

P.S. to out-of-towners:
The Hilton Garden Inn (www.worcester.stayhgi.com) on Major Taylor Boulevard is offering a special discount for guests attending the Major Taylor dedication May 21. To get the special rate, call the Worcester hotel directly at 508-753-5700, not the chain’s toll-free reservations number, and say you’re coming for the Major Taylor statue dedication. A block of rooms will be held until April 21. For airport shuttle we recommend Knight’s, www.knightslimo.com — tell them you were referred by the Major Taylor Association.

For details:
http://www.majortaylorassociation.org/events/2008may21.shtml
or just start from the Events page at www.majortaylorassociation.org

Event’s new date will provide participants with warmer weather for bicycle giveaway and students more time to enjoy their new bikes

SALT LAKE CITY – Bikes for Kids Utah, a non-profit 501(C)3 organization, today announced its bike giveaway and fundraising bike rides will take place May 31.

Previously, the Bikes for Kids Utah dinner/silent auction, 5K, 50K and 100K fundraising bicycle rides, bike giveaway and the Dave Zabriskie Yield to Life Time Trial were held all in one weekend. The May 31 date was chosen to give the bike recipients time to ride their new bikes during the summer months following the giveaway, as well to guarantee as warmer weather for the fundraising bike rides.

“We have had two extremely successful events and each year we learn something new about making the next event better than the last.” said Debbie Reid, founder and director of Bikes for Kids Utah. “It didn’t seem right to give a child a brand new bike in the fall when he or she may only have a few weeks left to enjoy it. The new dates give these kids at least 3-4 warm months to really get a feel for and enjoy their bikes.”

This event marks the third year Bikes for Kids Utah will give 1,000 new bicycles to pre-qualified, underprivileged students from Salt Lake Valley elementary schools. Along with the 1,000 bicycles, the children of first grade age will also receive helmets, t-shirts and bike locks through proceeds accrued from sponsorships, donations and the 5K, 50K or 100K fundraising bicycle rides.

With the new date, unfortunately Dave Zabriskie, Salt Lake City native and the third American ever to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, won’t be able to attend this year’s event due to his busy race schedule.

or members of the community who are interested in participating in the Bikes for Kids 5K, 50K or 100K fundraising rides, they will take place on the same day as the bike giveaway, May 31.

For those interested in donating time as a volunteer or for more information regarding the events, please visit www.bikesforkidsutah.org or call 801-523-3730.

About Bikes for Kids Utah
Formed in 2006, Bikes for Kids Utah, a non-profit organization, provides bicycles for underprivileged children of first grade school age throughout the Salt Lake Valley by means of its event registration proceeds, auctions, and through private and corporate donations. With the help of Dave Zabriskie, the American ever to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France and the current USA time trial champion, its annual bicycle fundraising events raise money to provide 1,000 underprivileged children with bicycles each year. For more information regarding the events, please visit www.bikesforkidsutah.org or call 801-523-3730.

We are in shock. On Monday, Feb. 25, Jim Taylor struck a tree in while skiing in Squaw Valley. He was airlifted out but was pronounced dead at Renown Medical Center in Reno.

Jim Taylor is a good friend of mine. He has been a supporter/advertiser of mtbr for the last 10 years. We’ve ridden with him in the trails of Santa Cruz and we’ve skied with him Squaw. He rides like a god and skis even better.

He’s 52 years old but he’s got the fitness and agility of a 25 year old. His love for the bike is only surpassed by his love of skiing. He moved from his residence in the Bay Area to Truckee so he can be close to the skiing.

Jim leaves behind a very loving wife, Joyce who often mans his Downieville or Interbike booth while us kids play. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her.

A tragedy.
Francis Cebedo

founder, mtbr.com and roadbikereview.com

——–

Here is a heart-felt message by one of Jim Taylor’s close friends, Pat Trolan.

I was a close friend of Jim Taylor’s. All your comments are extremely touching and mean a lot to those that knew him. Frankly, they have brought tears to my eyes.

Jim was born and raised in Santa Cruz, Ca. He had been skiing and cycling since an early age. After his high school years in Santa Cruz he lived in Squaw Valley for several years. He earned his living doing sheet rock. He’d save his money during the summer months so he could ski all winter.

After several years of that he moved back to the Santa Cruz area and got a job as sales rep in what is now Silicon Valley. He worked in high tech for most of his career. In his last job before starting Jet he developed, marketed and sold products for a company in San Jose, Ca. He was truly a one man show and the company did very well for the owner and Jim.

After doing this for ~10 he decided he wanted to run his own company. He was searching for ideas for a product to build. At this time night riding for mountain bikes was just getting started. Jim purchased a light from one of the companies in the industry for his own personal use. At the time he lived very near the trails at UC Santa Cruz and those trails were essentially his back yard. After using it for several months he felt it was poorly designed. It was simply too heavy and it lacked any flexibility from a feature stand point. Jim though up the concept of having a dual beam light that was modular – meaning you could run one beam two by simply snapping them together.

I remember him showing me the first draft of the engineering drawings in the back of his Ford Explorer before a ride in Nisene Marks. It was also on the trails of Nisene Marks and UCSC/Gray Whale/ Wilder Ranch where the first Jet Lites were tested. Jim would bring out several sets of lights and he’d outfit a few guys’ bikes for a ride/test session. Folks like Tom Moore, Brad Halcomb (who would win a N. Cal Pro down hill title) and I were the first to ride with a Jet Lite products before they were available to the public.

From the first prototypes the lights were brighter and lighter than anything else any of us had used before. However, Jim was always looking to improve it. He wanted to make it more reliable as well as introduce new features (dimming modes, fuel gages, longer lasting batteries, lighter batteries etc.). He test the product constantly often times on solo night rides at 11 pm during the summer months. The innovation never stopped. At times he was overwhelmed because he did the marketing, sales, design work and boxed up the product.

If you have a Jet Lite I’m 100% positive there is a Jim Taylor finger print on it. In the early days we’d sometime gather a friend or two and go to his shop on the weekend before a ride to help him. He’d tell us how many orders he had for each type of light and we’d set up an assembly line put the various components into the right boxes. We made a game out of it and tried to see how many of the various models we could build in a short time. He was always super grateful for the help. None of us would have dreamed of accepting any money.

Heck, sometimes we did it because he told us he couldn’t ride that day because he had to build lights. So, we’d offer to help so he could get the orders filled and we could ride together. It was selfish on our part. We wanted him on the ride. It was more fun with him along because he’d always stir it up out on the trail. I can hear him now says “Let’s go Daws!” “Let’s go Trolan!” “Go! GO!! Catch him!” These were some of the best times I’ve ever had. I have many, many wonderful memories of times with Jim. I know others have them as well. I’m grateful to have known him. I’m thankful to him for all the advice he gave me.

I last saw Jim on Friday February 8th in the late afternoon at Squaw Valley. We sat down at Plump Jacks for a beer (he had a coke). We had skied the two days before in the afternoon. He was headed to British Columbia the next day on a ski trip. I walked with him towards our cars through the village. We stopped at a few booths that were set up by vendors out side due to the skiing competition that coming weekend. He was happy and healthy. He was excited about his forth coming trip.

I thank you Jim.
Pat Trolan

Truckee skier dies after hitting tree at Squaw

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/SS/20080226/NEWS/221952640

Skiing Accident Claims Life of Truckee Man

http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=38871

Rock Racing To Launch Aggressive Internal Anti-Doping Program

Los Angeles, Calif. – Continuing its commitment to the sport of cycling and clean competition, Rock Racing today announced plans for an aggressive internal team anti-doping program. This internal anti-doping initiative underscores Rock Racing’s, and Team Owner Michael Ball’s, willingness to take every measure to ensure that its members race clean and fair.

Rock Racing has not yet selected a consultant for its internal anti-doping program, but is proud to announce that it will make its formal selection within three days. The selection process will involve discussions with leading internal anti-doping consultants. The program will include testing for performance enhancing substances known to be used in the sport of professional cycling, including EPO, blood doping and steroids.

Although Rock Racing is not disclosing the exact dollar figure of the program’s cost, it is a significant investment and one Ball says is necessary.

“The responsibility to change this sport for the better has to come from within – from the riders and team owners,” Ball said. “For Rock Racing, the investment in such a comprehensive anti-doping program is really an investment in the future of the sport and we hope our example will encourage more teams to adopt similar programs. The selection process will be led by Maurice Suh of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, with assistance from the team and its management.”

The implementation of Rock Racing’s testing program follows the conclusion of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California where three of the team’s riders – American Tyler Hamilton, Colombian Santiago Botero and Spaniard Oscar Sevilla ¬– were barred from competition in a controversial decision by race organizer, AEG, citing open doping investigations as the basis. All three had previously received clearance from their respective national federations confirming they were not the subject of any current investigations and were free and clear to race.

“Hopefully, by announcing this internal anti-doping program, we will continue to show the world that Tyler, Santiago and Oscar should be eligible to race in the future, and have earned that right,” said Michael Ball.

Starting in March, leading sports nutrition and supplement manufacturer Dedicated Athlete will break new ground in the fight against illegal doping, unveiling a first-of-its-kind program that allows customers to make direct donations to the non-profit Cycling Ethics Foundation.

The progressive program will be run through Dedicated Athlete’s revamped online store, www.DedicatedAthlete.com, where customers will be able to contribute to the anti-doping fight simply by clicking on the appropriate button on the checkout page.

“Other companies have explored opportunities, but Dedicated Athlete is the first company we’ve actually done a promotion like this with,” explained Scott Fennel, vice president of marketing for the Agency of Cycling Ethics, which works closely with the Cycling Ethics Foundation. “We are thrilled and excited that a company in the business of sports and sports nutrition is willing to take a stand alongside us in the anti-doping movement, and fight for drug-free sport.”

The amount of the donation is strictly up to the individual, but no matter the size, every penny will be turned over to the Cycling Ethics Foundation.

“It’s the right thing to do, period,” answered Dedicated Athlete founder and CEO John Gamble when asked why he was spearheading the new program. “When I first started this company, I started out with a product, EP-NO, that made an anti-doping statement. Now I want to do more than just say I support clean sport, and that’s why I’m taking action.”

For those unfamiliar, the Cycling Ethics Foundation is a California-based non-profit agency whose mission is to increase public awareness about the importance of fair and ethical play in sports and life. The CEF’s goal is create a level playing field at all levels, and counsel athletes on issues relating to the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs.

“Our long-term vision is to take this model and apply it to every major sport,” said Fennel, a former intellectual property attorney who is well versed in strategic planning, brand management and cross promotions. “We want to share our anti-doping knowledge with high schools, colleges, and professional and amateur athletes of all kinds. Our mission is to restore all sports to a point that holds participants accountable in and out of competition.”

The Cycling Ethics Foundation works independently but closely with the Agency for Sports Ethics, parent company of the Agency for Cycling Ethics. ACE, as it’s better know, protects sponsor investment in professional cycling through an innovative anti-doping program, and an accountability business model that holds all stakeholders responsible to each other.

Boulder, Colorado-based professional cycling team — and Tour de France wild card hopeful — Slipstream-Chipotle is among the organizations that employ ACE’s pioneering program.

“We just want to clean up sport in general and support what these organizations do,” concluded Dedicated Athlete’s Gamble. “That’s all there is to it.”

We stopped in at the Specialized booth located in the Lifestyle festival of the Tour of California to check in with Dave Finsthwait and talk to him about some exciting products coming out of Specialized based in Morgan Hill, CA. From the replica Bettini Tarmac SL2 to shoes, helmets, and optics.

In its third year, AfricaBike program sees more projects and more bikes

KONAWORLD (February 25, 2008) – From its inception in 2005, the Kona AfricaBike program has had a simple, primary focus: provide durable, easy-to-maintain AfricaBikes to healthcare workers to assist in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.

To date, Kona has donated roughly 500 bikes and will double their output this year by generating 1,000 AfricaBikes for the project.

One of the main reasons that has enabled Kona to produce such a great allotment is the 2-for-1 AfricaBike sales program where Kona donates one bike for every two purchased by consumers. The AfricaBikes are delivered to Bicycling magazine and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Secure the Future Foundation BikeTown project and other non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) whose missions include helping to improve the quality of life in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, for 2008 Kona has broadened its scope and is developing projects with the World Wildlife Foundation and other organizations. Details will be forthcoming.

With roughly 2,000 AfricaBikes being sold around the world in the last year, Kona will donate 1,000 to the project with all proceeds from sales going into the production and delivery of AfricaBikes to Africa.

“There is a sense at Kona that cyclists are becoming more aware of their role in the world and how bicycles can contribute to the well-being of people everywhere,” says Kona Chief Jake Heilbron. “The idea that we can help in Africa has clearly hit a nerve in the minds of cyclists everywhere.”

Last year, Kona’s adopt-an-AfricaBike program raised more than $10,000. A couple of examples of individuals going the extra mile for the program are 10-year-old Quinn Freedman who raised $1,500 by completing a solo 25-mile “Bike-a-thon” in the San Juan Islands last November and Virginia Tech senior Christine George who is currently spearheading a fundraiser with the goal of raising $10,000 for the project.

In partnership with Bicycling Magazine and Bristol-Myers Squibb, Kona will be making at least three trips to Africa in June and August. BikeTown representatives, volunteers and bike mechanics will be stopping in Mozambique, Swaziland and twice in South Africa to deliver AfricaBikes, educate Africans about the bikes and lend support in their healthcare mission.

For more information about the project and how to adopt an AfricaBike check Konabiketown.com and konaworld.com.

NEW YORK, NY–Bike New York, in association with the City of New York and the New York City Department of Transportation, announced today that the COMMERCE BANK FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR will return to the city streets on Sunday, May 4, 2008. The Tour, which is presented by Con Edison, travels 42 miles through New York City using car-free streets, highways, and bridges. Prospective riders and volunteers should visit http://www.BikeNewYork.org for more information.

Founded in 1977 with just 250 participants, this non-competitive ride has grown to involve some 30,000 cyclists and 1,500 volunteers, including fitness enthusiasts, families, and friends from around the globe. Because registration is limited to the first 30,000 applicants, riders are encouraged to sign up now, as the event is expected to close out well before May 4.

“The COMMERCE BANK FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for participants to experience all five boroughs of New York,” stated Bike New York Executive Director Pam Tice. “We hope that a ride through the city on May 4th will encourage cyclists to ride their bikes for errands and exercise throughout the year.”

The Tour starts in Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Taking advantage of car-free roads, it travels north through the heart of Manhattan to Central Park and continues on to historic Harlem and the Bronx, returning south along the East River on the FDR Drive. From there it crosses into Queens and then Brooklyn, where cyclists take over the highway before making the thrilling climb up–and down–the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The Tour ends with a celebratory Festival on Staten Island. After enjoying the live entertainment, exhibits, and food concessions, riders take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry back to Manhattan, completing the ultimate of New York experiences. The route map and an interactive photo tour are available at http://www.BikeNewYork.org/rides/fbbt/route_map.html.

The COMMERCE BANK FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR receives valuable support from its partnerships with sponsors. A multiyear title sponsorship agreement with Commerce Bank, “America’s Most Convenient Bank,” began with the 30th anniversary Tour in 2007. Long-time presenting sponsor Con Edison returns for its 12th year, and the Tour also welcomes back The CW11, Fresh 102.7 FM, Snapple, Lärabar, Bonita Bananas, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, and New York Sports Clubs. First-time sponsor The New York Post joins the Tour for 2008.

Bike New York’s Bicycle Education Program is a primary beneficiary of Tour proceeds. Its offerings this year include a full schedule of Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike sessions for families, Savvy Cyclist classes for adults, bike commuting seminars, and trainings for educators and community leaders. All programs are free and focus on cycling skills and safety. Bike New York also produces smaller rides outside New York City, and cyclists may register for those events now as well.

Registration for the Tour is available for the discounted price of $43 until Friday, March 28, after which the fee increases. After Friday, April 4, only online registrations will be accepted if space permits. Early registration is encouraged; once the cap of 30,000 is reached, no new registrations will be accepted, and there is no Tour day registration. Riders will receive their 2008 Tour vest, rider and helmet number, and a 40-page Tour Program and Ride Guide in the mail. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.BikeNewYork.org or call Bike New York at 212 932 BIKE (2453).

Bike New York is a non-profit that promotes and encourages bicycling and bicycle safety through education, public events, and collaboration with community and government organizations. Best known as producer of the nation’s largest recreational cycling event, the Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour, Bike New York also organizes smaller rides and runs a Bicycle Education Program offering free classes and workshops for adults and children. For more information on Bike New York’s rides and programs, visit http://www.BikeNewYork.org.

By Stephanie Gutowski

Chechu Rubiera has had quite an amazing career beginning in 1995 with Artiach. He had his first major win at the Giro d’Italia as a young Kelme rider in 1997. He turned down a Cofidis offer to ride for US Postal Services and Lance Armstrong in 2001. He rode with Armstrong in US Postal Services and Discovery Channel. Rubiera will now ride his final year with Astana. Rubiera has decided to retire at the end of this season. RoadBikeReview caught up with this incredible climber in Palo Alto.

I last saw you race, here in the States, at the San Francisco Grand Prix….
I love that race!! It’s a pity they do not do that race anymore. For me that race was the nicest race of the season. It was so wonderful. The course was fun, the nice weather, the beautiful city and the atmosphere was great. It was at the end of the season so there was no pressure. We all enjoyed that race.

How did the decision to go to Astana work out? Did you wait for Astana?
I did not wait. The fact is I did not have an offer. I had been in touch with Rock Racing and a few weeks later Johan called me. What I wanted to do was to race one more year and then stop. It’s good to stop when you want to stop.
Read the rest of this entry »

Live-Streamed Video Allows Cyclists to Participate from Home in Daily High-Performance Workouts

Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers, the world’s premier and authoritative center for cycling and multisport fitness, announced today the launch of CadenceTV, an interactive video platform that allows cyclists to train and participate in live group workouts from a remote location. CadenceTV will stream live video of Cadence’s two-time daily indoor workouts conducted at Cadence Centers in NYC and Philadelphia. Viewers will also be able to access a library of archived cycling training sessions.

Cadence’s training philosophy is based on two fundamental principles:

* 100% scientifically-based personalized training programs; and,
* Consistent, interactive communication between coach and athlete.

CadenceTV allows for live-streamed, customized, cycle training for clients who are not able to access classes at the New York and Philadelphia centers. It enables clients to have real-time access to a scientifically developed training program with professional cycling coaches and virtual classmates of varying cycling abilities.

“We train people all over the world, from amateurs throughout the fifty states to pros racing in Europe,” said Brian Walton, Vice President in charge of coaching and Olympic medalist. “We knew we needed a way to connect personally with our Cadence athletes who couldn’t train regularly at one of our centers. CadenceTV solves that problem and keeps members on track. Because the sessions are dynamic and accessible in real time, athletes stay engaged and challenged by their training programs.”

Moving forward, CadenceTV will expand beyond training services into areas such as:

* Coaching programs
* Race tactics
* Nutrition
* Exclusive race footage
* Bike maintenance and repair seminars

CadenceTV will be available to Cadence athletes at $20/month (no cost for Gold and Platinum Athletes) and to non-coached Cadence athletes at $35/month. Subscribers to CadenceTV will receive a login and password and unlimited access. CadenceTV is a browser-based program so no special software or downloads are required.

About Cadence Cycling And Multisport Centers
Cadence Cycling & Multisport Centers, founded in 2004, provides on-site physiological testing, biomechanical services, health and weight loss consultations, indoor training for athletes of all levels, and the world’s finest selection of retail cycling and multisport products. Cadence’s state-of-the-art facilities feature the world class coaches and Olympic quality physiological testing equipment. Cadence’s coaching staff is certified by USA Triathlon (USAT), USA Cycling (USAC) and Canadian Cycling Association, and Cadence’s own rigorous internal testing protocols. In 2004, 2005, and 2006, Bicycling Magazine recognized Cadence as one of America’s best bike shops. In 2005, Cadence was chosen as the Official Coaching Organization for Cycling for America’s National U23 Triathlon Team and Program. Cadence is the exclusive trainer for the United States Marine Corps’ running and triathlon teams and the Official Sponsor and Performance Center of the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon in Fairmount Park.