Letters for Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Sep 16, 2008
It just goes to show that you never know who s behind the handlebars. Ann Leighton, Kauai bicyclist Lihue. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
George Hale, 86, garden businessman Sep 15, 2008
He even mounted a horse s head on the handlebars ... A top seller at Hialeah Cycle and Garden Center was the Schwinn Stingray, with its chopper handlebars and banana seat. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
At 25, the ubiquitous cellphone is still evolving Sep 14, 2008
It's ideal for bike handlebars. For more information go to: www. (Canada.com)
Keeping up with the First Dude Sep 14, 2008
" About three weeks ago -- before McCain picked Sarah as his running mate -- Palin and Davis paid the $2,630 early entry fee for the 2009 race. They are two of the top drivers in race history. No one has more victories than Davis' seven, while Palin owns four championships with three different partners. The duo has ridden together since 2004, a long tenure in a race that requires riders to ride in two-man teams for safety but frequently sees top contenders change partners. Since 2001, Palin has... (Anchorage Daily News)
Teacher OK after crashing into bear on a bicycle Sep 11, 2008
He tumbled over the handlebars, his helmet hit the bear's back and the two went cartwheeling down the road. The bear rolled over Litz's head, cracking his helmet, and scratched his back before scampering up a hill above the road. (North County Times)
Bear vs. bike: Teacher riding to school runs into bruin above Miller Creek Sep 10, 2008
He tumbled over his handlebars, planting his helmeted head on the bruin's back, and man and beast went cartwheeling down the road. The bear rolled over Litz's head, and its mass cracked his helmet. (Missoulian, MT)
Snowmobiling Sep 3, 2008
Cherry-red helmets prevent injury to the cranium, and the machine's handlebars have warmers to prevent chapped hands. (Katie Holmes, pregnant with Tom Cruise's child, was spotted riding a snowmobile this winter, and one can only imagine the amenities provided to her. (Slate)
Cyclocross bridges summer biking and nordic skiing seasons Aug 30, 2008
Riders can push their bikes uphill by the handlebars if that's what they prefer. And some riders show up with bikes that aren't even equipped with clipless pedals, so mastering a dismount is not necessary, either. (Anchorage Daily News)
Portland realtors peddle real estate to bike-happy clients Aug 30, 2008
Clad in a purple helmet with plastic flowers dangling from her handlebars, Portland's Kirsten Kaufman is part of a new generation of agents eager to replace the stereotypes of hauling clients around in fancy sedans or SUVs. The mother of three starting hosting bike tours earlier this summer, doling out energy bars and apricots to a growing tail of clients whose passion for pedaling weighs heavily in their choice of homes. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Tandems Open Road to Blind Cycling Aug 29, 2008
An effective method is for the pilot to steady the bike by standing over the crossbar, feet on the ground, a tight grip on the handlebars, while the stoker positions their feet on the pedals. When the stoker is set, the pilot pushes off and pedals as on single bike. (Suite101.com)
Games survived haze Aug 26, 2008
You'd see them in the middle of the night asleep at their desks, on bus benches, even leaning on their bike handlebars. Turns out many of the volunteers were told, "Help or else; give up your vacation time or get a black mark in your work unit file."Women's gymnastics was a perfect example of China's ultra control. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Shiny, happy people Aug 23, 2008
" It's hard to imagine Hodgson in a regular job. And not just because she's quickly becoming famous for her fondness for dancing about the stage with a long ribbon, like a cross between an Olympic rhythmic gymnast and an eight-year-old missing the Ritalin. She's the kind of office worker who would be shot by morning tea for singing happily at her desk, the postie who would zigzag across streets with her feet dangling over the handlebars of her motorbike, the meteorologist who would declare even... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Dr. ZNFL MAILBAG Aug 16, 2008
Well, there was this one game I saw in Kezar Stadium, when six Hell's Angels came roaring in with this wideout tied to the handlebars of the bike, then they shot him across the. "OH FOR GOD'S SAKE!" hollers F------Red----, still annoyed that I soured her act, 'ANSWER THE GUY'S QUESTION. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Down and dirty in revved-up races Aug 15, 2008
Dirt-bike riders grip their handlebars and leave a dust cloud in their wake. It could be a showdown of petrol-heads at Parramatta City Raceway, except the men on the bikes are self-confessed "arty dudes," riding in circles inside an exhibition space. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
2008 Buell 1125R Aug 10, 2008
The handlebars are positioned at a more practical angle and don't tilt downward excessively as with most hardcore sport bikes. The ride quality is pleasingly compliant for a bike in this category thanks in no small part to the adjustable damping settings available both up front and in the rear. (San Francisco Chronicle)
For cyclists, a Dutch treat Aug 9, 2008
The Dutch bike design strives for function over style: the handlebars are higher and closer to the chest, allowing the body to be upright and relaxed, not hunched over. Standard equipment includes a bell on the handlebars, which lets cyclists announce their presence with a warning blast. (Boston Globe)
Public safety log (Aug. 8) (33) Aug 9, 2008
It was found next to a nearby Dumpster with significant damage to the handlebars and ignition. Jewelry, pills stolen A caller reported a diamond wedding ring set along with other jewelry, 60 prescription Vicoden pills, 200 in cash and other items stolen from a vehicle parked in the 400 block of S.E. 27th Avenue between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 6:30 a.m. Thursday. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Recovering Fleishman loses to Gicquel 6-3, 6-0 Aug 5, 2008
"I actually walked the bike about three-quarters of the way down. Then I jumped on the bike and hit a rock,'' he said. "The tire popped and I went over the handlebars and absolutely shredded my shoulder. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Athletes to sport redesigned gear Aug 4, 2008
SRM's Leslie Klein, a 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympian in women's kayak, says that "in addition to power, speed, heart rate, cadence, time, temperature and kilojoules of energy, the PCVI will also show altitude and feet or meters gained over a ride."American cyclists, including triathletes, will have the SRM equipment mounted on handlebars. 4- Equestrian bootsNike "Zoom Air"Riding boots have a whole new look in Nike's Ippeas (the name is Greek for "rider"). (News & Observer -- Sports)
Don't call me disabled! How Kelly Knox became a top model despite ... Jul 31, 2008
At the age of five, I was determined to ride a bike, and I forced myself to learn, resting my left arm on the handlebars. When I went to swimming lessons at school, it didn't occur to me that I might find it harder than the other children, I just leapt into the water. (Daily Mail)
Cycling doctor spreads word about early cancer detection Jul 29, 2008
"It stopped the bike and I kept going (over the handlebars)," John said. He separated his shoulder, bloodied his hands and landed at the ER.. (Juneau Empire)
FRENCH DIP: Thrills and spills from a transformative Tour Jul 29, 2008
Serious cycling fans recall how, two years ago, Schumacher won the Tour of Benelux after hooking George Hincapie's handlebars in the closing meters of the final stage. Hincapie, who'd been in the lead, crashed, and Schumacher was given the overall win. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
India on wheels Jul 28, 2008
I twisted my handlebars, crashed across ruts and went over, the heavy motorbike falling on my legs. The car flashed past, on its driver's face an expression of insanity. (BBC News -- South Asia)
2 wheels, countless choices Jul 27, 2008
For many, the debate is between a road bike and a hybrid or mountain bike - and it often comes down to handlebars. "Usually [clients] have in mind drop handlebars, or they want to be upright," Simon said ... For rides or commutes of 1 1/2 hours or less, Simon suggested a bike with flat handlebars. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Evans all set for the time that will define his life Jul 26, 2008
"For the position that I can ride. I have quite long upper arms which means I have to have really low handlebars. If you look at my stem, it drops a long way down," Evans said. "There aren't many bikes in the world that I can sit on and be aerodynamic because of [my] long upper arms. I have to have extremely low handlebars which don't always fit. That is the main thing, but also [we have worked on] the frame, the rigidity five or six years of work for all the aspects of the bike and so on.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
More of this story Jul 26, 2008
At one point, Nicholson saw the head of his team leader sinking slowly down toward the handlebars of his bike, requiring a 15-minute sleep stop. My biggest struggle was getting enough to eat, Nicholson said. (Searcy Daily Citizen, AR)
Sastre braces for time trial Jul 25, 2008
The German raised his fists in the air and clapped after he won a sprint against Barredo, who banged his handlebars in frustration. They finished in 4 hours, 30 minutes, 21 seconds for the ride through minor mountains. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Leaders hold their positions Jul 25, 2008
"Sastre leads his CSC teammate Frank Schleck of Luxembourg by 1 minute, 24 seconds, and Austria's Bernhard Kohl is third, 1:33 behind. Evans is fourth, 1:34 back, and Menchov trails by 2:39 in fifth.Of those, Evans, the 31-year-old Silence Lotto leader and Tour runner-up last year, appears to be the best-placed to take the yellow jersey off Sastre in time for Sunday's finale of the three-week race.The title hopefuls were content to let Burghardt, a 25-year-old Team Columbia rider, and Carlos... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Tour de Clovis a boost for Valley Jul 24, 2008
In France, the American riders get to experience the local flavor, the drunken fans, the crowds 20-deep on remote country roads, the narrow human passes, occasionally catching their handlebars on a protruding purse. This is different. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Police recover stolen bikes by the hundreds Jul 23, 2008
As aggrieved theft victims filed into the Hanna Avenue police garage to peer hopefully into the massive jumble of frames and handlebars just after 2 p.m. yesterday, a cube van full of bikes arrived, fresh from the latest search. "You haven't seen around the corner yet," Superintendent Ruth White of 14 division said as she waded deeper into the warehouse, "and there's more coming.". (Globe and Mail -- National)
Dope tests for Tour leader Schleck and team Jul 22, 2008
The 31-year-old Australian slumped over his handlebars on the final climb, his body language showing he was in great difficulty while Schleck, Sastre, Menchov and Kohl looked strong. "He looked as though he was suffering a bit," Schleck said of Evans. (CNN -- International)
Tour de France leader vows to attack Jul 22, 2008
The 31-year-old Australian slumped over his handlebars on the final climb, his body language showing he was in great difficulty while Schleck, Sastre, Menchov and Kohl looked strong. He looked as though he was suffering a bit, Schleck said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Rookie and rusty cyclists hit streets ... and hospitals Jul 22, 2008
Schatz flew over his handlebars ... Schatz's bike, its handlebars now twisted backward, sits in his office, where he stashed it that morning of June 25. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Rossi ends Stoner's MotoGP win streak Jul 21, 2008
" Rossi and Stoner fought for the lead from the first lap, when Rossi's Spanish teammate, Jorge Lorenzo, crashed exiting turn five where the new track joins the old. His rear tire slipped, gripped and then tossed him over the handlebars, leaving his Yamaha with severe damage and his ankles injured. Stoner, who had the lead off the line, and Rossi traded the lead throughout, at times leaving the track and then nearly colliding on the fourth lap. With eight laps to go, the pair traded the lead in... (CNN -- International)
7/26: National Day of the Cowboy Jul 20, 2008
" Words that may have rung out in Apache Junction in days gone by might repeat during the FastDraw Shootout, where participants match their "draw" against a mechanized iron target. Cowboys and cowgirls dressed in finery strap on cowboy six-shooters and shoot wax bullets at metal targets in shape of the bad guy. The game is called "ShowDown" and simulates the shoot-out in the movie High Noon. "It's very safe and a lot of fun," said Bob Crismon who plans to invite adults from the audience to play... (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Keirin is Alpenrose Challenge's contact sport Jul 18, 2008
When that rider fell, Smith, ranked fifth in the world at the time, rammed into him and flew over his handlebars onto the track. Smith broke his pelvis. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
Drugs Scandal Hits Tour de France Jul 18, 2008
As he crossed the finish line atop the Pyrenees on Sunday, Ricc; lifted his hands up from the handlebars, kissed his two index fingers and pointed three times to his own chest, as if to say, "It's me, I'm the one." Yes, you're the one who was about to break our hearts again. More from. (Time.com)
Wheel of future: SpectrUM camp kids fix tires, rebuild bikes Jul 17, 2008
It took an 8-year-old Jon Thomas a year and a half to rebuild the bicycle he took apart at age 7, but the process kindled in him a passion for hangers, handlebars and hubs that fuels his career today ... A skeleton so far, with just a frame and handlebars, the bike needs wheels, brakes, brake cables, a chain and seat. (Missoulian, MT)
Cut up by the Executioner: it could have been worse Jul 15, 2008
" Redant did not see the crash as he was in the team car 800 metres behind when it happened. But he was briefed by his riders about the crash as the stage was being led by a three-man break. "One of the guys of Euskadi was leading out to close the gap on the leading riders, missed a turn, had a slip and Cadel was just after him and couldn't avoid him," Redant said. Evans was sent flying over his handlebars and on to his head and left side of his body. He was able to get back up and into the race... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Skid lid worth weight in gold as Evans survives crash scare Jul 15, 2008
He couldn't recall flying over the handlebars, as he must have judging by his wounds. He does recall seeing a small bag caught that had blown between his front wheel and the forks of his bike, although he does not believe this caused the crash. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Popp wins the Fireweed 400 Jul 14, 2008
"I've never really pulled out of a race. I've got people counting on me, sponsors counting on me. "It's the participation part of it, not necessarily winning," he added. But for more than 300 miles, Reifenstuhl was in line to win. He took the lead Friday, when the race started in an enveloping mist. He held it to Glennallen, where racers turned onto the Richardson Highway for the arduous climb up and over Thompson Pass. He led Popp, a former collegiate cycling coach who owns an endurance... (Anchorage Daily News)
Battered Evans tries to tackle massive Tour climbs Jul 14, 2008
Evans tumbled over his handlebars, cracking open his helmet as he landed and scraping skin off his shoulder, elbow, knee and thigh during Sunday's ninth stage - in which Italian rider Riccardo Ricco clinched victory with a solo breakaway and Kim Kirchen of Luxembourg kept the race leader's yellow jersey. Evans was mopped up and bandaged by the Tour doctor, hardly the ideal preparation for a Tour favorite ahead of Monday's 10th stage and its two famed mountain passes - the Tourmalet and the... (Anchorage Daily News)
British sprinter prevails Jul 13, 2008
Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde, one of the favorites for the overall title, had a scare when he hit debris about 50 miles into the stage and went over his handlebars. He injured his right arm, right knee and calf, but got back on his bike and kept riding. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Valverde plays down crash Jul 13, 2008
The former race leader and winner of the opening stage went over the handlebars at the 90km mark, suffering knee, forearm and collarbone injuries after he rode over reflective 'cat's eyes' in the middle of the road. The Spaniard got back on his bike to continue the race and finished the stage, won by Britain's Mark Cavendish in a sprint finish, with his 1min 27sec deficit to race leader Stefan Schumacher intact. (iAfrica.com)
For extreme sports fans, Olympics adds jumping cyclists Jul 7, 2008
They are the riders covered in tattoos who prowl skate parks after dark, click their heels in front of their handlebars while airborne, and celebrate their buddies' podium finishes by sending beer bottles whizzing over the heads of the crowd. That, say insiders, is the sport the IOC was really after when it approached UCI for a Summer Games equivalent to snowboarding. (Christian Science Monitor)
Lightning reactions Jul 5, 2008
This week Collected Wisdom is bicycling through the idyllic countryside on its stylish three-speed with raised handlebars, sensible chain guard and wicker basket on the front. But we're getting a bit worried about those dark clouds. (Globe and Mail)
Winning the Tour de France Takes Grit, Strength--And Cutting-Edge Technology Jul 3, 2008
"Specialized time-trial bicycles designed to be extremely aerodynamic and equipped with disc wheels and aerodynamic handlebars, along with custom-designed skin suits and helmets, significantly improve the aerodynamics of our riders," says Allen Lim, physiologist for the Garmin Chipolte H30 team ... With some stages as long as 144 miles (232 kilometers) the racers often change the position of their hands on the handlebars and their riding posture to stay comfortable and efficient ... Looking for... (Scientific American)
Hallowell resident finds his potential Jun 29, 2008
My grip came off the bike when I was in the air and I went over the handlebars, Moore said. He said that he was in a coma for three days. (Courier Publications, ME)
Off and rolling Jun 27, 2008
- Riding position focuses on aerodynamics, bending the cyclist over the handlebars, putting function ahead of comfort. - Thin, hard tires roll easily on smooth pavement but exaggerate bumpy roads. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
'Wimbledon:' Is it acursed word? Jun 26, 2008
The device used to fasten your umbrella to the handlebars on our bicycle. Excuse me, sir, I believe your Wimbledon has slipped. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Segway: Another way to tour the Hills on two wheels Jun 23, 2008
Osborne said they practiced leaning and tilting the handlebars to steer before heading out on the tour, which starts at the Days of 76 Rodeo grounds and runs through town along Whitewood Creek. Tour guides stop periodically to talk about the local history and landmarks. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Tribe's Fasano feels like a kid again Jun 22, 2008
When Fasano was playing at Triple-A Richmond in the Braves' organization this season, he wasn't allowed to sport the handlebars. "I told them, 'You should let me grow it out,'" he said, "'because it will be put fans in the seats.'". (MLB.com -- Cleveland Indians)
Sandy Lavelle: Motorcycle instructor Jun 21, 2008
You need a strong left hand to work the clutch, she said, and, when driving faster than 10 mph, you don't use the handlebars to steer. At those speeds, she said, you lean in the direction you want to turn. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Tips for healthier cyclingHow to avoid some of the most-common aches and pains Jun 18, 2008
Soreness in the back, neck and shoulders -- some of the most-common complaints -- may mean you are bent over too far and your handlebars or seat are in the wrong position. CONTINUED 1. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
Tips to be saddle happy Jun 18, 2008
Road bikes generally have curly handlebars ... But they are built for comfort, with flat handlebars and more upright riding ... These include brakes, cogs, pedals, cables, chains, wheels and derailleurs (which shift the chain up and down the cogs), and the shifters on the handlebars which change the gears. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Dutch pound promises happy endings for lost and stolen bikes Jun 16, 2008
Their locks, cut with a chainsaw, hang gloomily from the handlebars and cross bars of the bikes. Some resemble a mere shadow of their former glorious selves. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Start ramp's a climb too far for many a BMXer Jun 14, 2008
Try eight cyclists approaching 40 mph down the ramp, scaling dirt jumps side by side while scraping handlebars, then, as Harris describes it, giving each other a little bit of business in the asphalt turns. Since the IOC approved BMX in 2003, the sport has gone XL, creating the bigger drop-in and the supercross discipline. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Let's keep our kids safe Jun 13, 2008
On a hot summer day, at the corner of Third Street and Bertrand, a small bicycle in pink and purple with a little basket affixed to the handlebars lay idle on the side of the street. Was it evidence of an abduction - or had the bike simply fallen off the back of a truck - unnoticed. (Niles Star, MI)
The celebrity cycling guide Jun 12, 2008
Pubs lie around every twist of the handlebars, but there is no finer place to rest a leg and fill a stomach (try the fat fish pie. than at the historic Three Horseshoes public house at Elsted. (Guardian Unlimited)
Cyclists a nutty bunch Jun 5, 2008
They tuck their heads close to the handlebars, stare at the pavement and churn their legs, assuming speeds most would hesitate to go in a covered, insured vehicle. Keep in mind, too, that there's really no money in these races. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Cure those cycling spasms Jun 4, 2008
Soreness in the back, neck and shoulders -- some of the most common complaints -- may mean you are bent over too far and your handlebars or seat are in the wrong position. CONTINUED 1. (OregonLive, OR -- Living)
Globe Magazine Letters Jun 1, 2008
It is very dangerous to pedal through traffic using track-style handlebars. The handlebars should be upright so that the rider's torso is also upright, thus allowing both mechanical stability and the ability to turn the neck but keep the torso motionless ... A city bike should also have a chain guard to keep grease off clothing, mud guards over the wheels, and a mirror on each side of the handlebars. (Boston Globe)
A crash course in bike maintenance Jun 1, 2008
First off, he checked the major bearings at the headset (where the handlebars rotate) and the wheels. Do they rock back and forth. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Dispatches from China: Members of ballet troupe take bike ride of their lives May 26, 2008
function expandcontent(cid, aobject){ if (disabletablinks==1) aobject. onclick=new Function("return false") if (document. (Missoulian, MT)
2008 Lotus Elise SC May 24, 2008
Behind the spokes is a simple instrument binnacle with just two dials for speed and RPMs, and not much bigger than one you'd see on the other side of a motorcycle's handlebars. The rest of the interior continues a minimalist theme that would make Howard Roark proud, with much of the aluminum exposed between a few splashes of charcoal-colored soft-touch trim. (Fox News -- Politics)
