Here we are just a few weeks from the official start of racing in Tennessee.  There have been a few races in the region, but we kick off with the Hell of the South Road Race and NashvilleCyclist.com Spring Training Criterium on March 20-21. 

You will notice that my training criterium is not listed on the TBRA race schedule, but it is definitely taking place.  Please email me your registration information listed within the race flyer listed here.

Speaking of TBRA and the racing calendar about to begin, tell me what you think about this TBRA forum discussion between local racers, promoters and current board members.....

Double Booking
I highly encourage you to read this forum post from beginning to end and form your own opinions.  Evidently there are a couple of TBRA board members who believe I have been a cracker jack race promoter, and do their best to not only denigrate my races but also go after me personally.  I am quite puzzled by this strategy from board members toward an active club within TBRA's current membership.  I am dumbfounded really, because nothing bad has happened personally between myself and those posting on the forum.

What do you think about all that?  I would like to devote and entire blog post about this topic alone, but what good would that serve?  I believe my energy would be better spent doing what I do and not trying to defend myself against crazy talk, cause it is crazy talk.  You can leave your comments on the TBRA forum post itself or leave them here on my blog comment section.  I'd love to hear what you think about it.

Now, on to more interesting things in the world.....

2010 ProTour bikes and kit - who's riding what this season
Wow, some serious eye candy.  I am super happy with my Blue Competition Cycles RC8, but it's still fun to look at what the Pro Tour guys are riding.  Pinarello Dogma, mmm mmm!

National Bike Summit 2010
I wish I were at this summit right now.  Bicycling has made tremendous headway into the consciousness of America, but we still have a long way to go.  Family recreation habits and tourism are having great positive effect.  As more cities and states attach the economic impact of promoting bicycling within their communities we will see greater respect given to the activity in the form of greenways, bike paths and bike lanes.  We must continue to dream and push our legislators to take action!

Mavic expands into tyre market
Mavic is taking a pulled back long-term view of this, but that's a lot of R&D going into a market of solidly established players.  I wonder if Continental or Michelin is thinking of a wheel line?

Jimmy Wayne Nearing Oklahoma Border
I am thinking Jimmy should consider doing this on a bicycle next time.  I'd go with him and not get too upset if he sucked my wheel most of the way.  I was thinking about Jimmy and his walk to raise homelessness awareness while in downtown the other day.  I spoke to a homeless guy for over an hour, mostly just listening, and it hit me that many of us are just a few steps away from being in the same position.  It could happen, so thank your lucky stars you are not in that position and never take your good fortune for granted. 

Cyclist vs Deer
This is just plain nuts!  Check out the hops on the one deer.  Word has it Rudolph clipped the helmet of the cyclist.

Who made the most in Hollywood last year?
With all the talk about insurance and banking executives making too much money, how about this list of well-to-do?  Hey, I am a capitalistic minded kind of guy so more power to them, but why is it ok for one industry to profit while another should not?  In the end who decides who has a right to earn an extraordinary income?  I remember when people looked at professional athletes as greedy and socking it to the fan, but now everybody appears to be on the chopping block (other than Hollywood of course). 

What's your RealAge?
How old are you, really?  I am 28.1 !! 

Merco Cycling Classic
Speaking of youthful, this looks to be NashvilleCyclist.com diarist Katharine Carroll on the front driving the pace at this criterium in California this past weekend.

Pro Criterium National Champ moves to Glencoe
This race should be on your calendar.  I raced it last year at Downers Grove, and the competition and atmosphere make it a great event.  I assume they will continue to have all of the other amateur and elite categories. 

Yoga in the Olympics 2012? It can happen.....
Here's my shot to earn a medal.  Watch the video and let me know if your jaw doesn't drop.  If this can get into the Olympics then I don't see why cornhole isn't next, right?

Michael Pollan Offers 64 Ways to Eat Food
In the years to come I believe what we eat, how eat, how we shop for food and what is available to us will become a truly hot button issue in America.  Most, if not all our daily health issues can be traced back to our diet and what we feed/fuel ourselves with.  A food revolution is going to happen, mark my words.

All About Birds
Are you bored with no hobby other than bicycling?  While I no doubt have plenty of things to keep me busy and occupied I woke up one day and decided to buy some bird feeders and seed.  I have a great backyard filled with a lot trees, brush and pretty close to two different rivers (hint, live near the Two Rivers Mansion).  I have always enjoyed people watching, so why not birds too?  I have an incredible variety of birds in my area, lots of squirrels too, and I have enjoyed watching how they all interact.

Speaking of birds, have you ever ridden along the Shelby Bottoms Greenway late in the evening near the pedestrian bridge across the Cumberland River?  I call the area just before the bridge coming from the ball fields the "Ride with the Robins" section.  For about a half-mile stretch you will have Robins, hundreds of them literally, coming out of the brush along both sides and flying just ahead of you as you ride along the Greenway before they dart back into the brush.  Robins feed on berries, and the brush in that area is loaded with them.  I have yet to have anyone riding with me when I experience this, but I have to tell you it's a very cool thing to see.