Author Archive

Jens Voigt ended stage three of the Tour Down Under wearing the most aggressive rider jersey. By professional cycling standards, Jens is an “old” man at 42. Yet his drive and determination keep him competitive and a joy for fans to watch. There’s nothing like Jens in the break. Whenever he decides to go...
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  The gray days of winter drag on, and black snow lines city streets. A melancholy seeps into my pores, born of missing long, leisurely rides. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on riding as a stress reliever, my main mode of exercise, and creative thinking time. Without it, I struggle. I miss...
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I spent most of this week under the weather — in more ways than one! While Chicago experienced some of its coldest weather in decades, I was securely tucked under my covers in a cold-medicine-induced sleep. Achy and coughing, I avoided having to be outside during this arctic blast. But also by choice, I spent most...
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Yep, it’s that time of year. Lots of people making resolutions and setting goals. I’ve never been one to make resolutions, but I definitely set a few goals for myself. Nothing earth shattering; just a few things I’d like to do. However, I’ve never published my goals before, and I’m thinking this may be...
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For the past several years, I’ve participated in a winter training program run by a local Cat 1 racer. Twice a week cyclists of all levels gather and ride trainers: two hours on Saturday morning, 90 minutes on Wednesday evenings. The program runs from December through March, and people like me go and torture ourselves,...
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I wake early on Saturday. Instinctively I look toward the bottom of the bed for my dog – but he’s no longer there. Fully awake now, I head downstairs to pour coffee that has been timed to brew and is waiting for me. The aroma of freshly brewed beans fills my senses as I...
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I lost my little buddy this week. For the last 13 years, he has been my shadow. Wherever I went in the house, he was with right there with me. In the winter months, I would ride the trainer and he would sit close by and watch me, never getting much further away than...
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Last week, our very own Darryl from lovingthebike.com asked this question on Twitter: “What’s on your cycling Christmas wish list?” Without hesitation I responded, “Time and health to ride.” I was with my family for Thanksgiving. We spent a fair amount of time after dinner talking about my dad — including the fact that...
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Love.  Never has a word been so misused. It’s used to describe just about anything we like: I love tacos. I love bikes. I love shoes. I love Led Zeppelin. Ah, but add the word “you” into that phrase and it becomes something entirely different. That changes everything, doesn’t it? That little phrase makes...
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It was drizzling as I left my house early Saturday morning. The wind was coming from the south and it was strong. I headed that way first. Less than a mile from my house I was stopped at a red light. I had no plan for that morning other than to ride and clear...
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Slow Ride Time spent wandering, thinking. Silent. Long, slow, distance. Color, crunch. Dark, desolate. Always exploring.   Fall ride, feed my soul. Take me away from the hurry.   Fall ride. Slow ride.   – Suzanne
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They’re on almost every block in my neighborhood. Abandoned bikes, stripped of usable parts. Laying on their side with rusted and broken chains. Wheels long gone. But why? Why are they left to die a slow death, chained to lamp posts and fences, parking meters and bike racks? Did the owner lose the key...
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