Bicycling August 2013

THE WHOLE TRUTH I woke up at dawn on an early-June morning in a motel room in New Mexico with light streaming through the blinds, and I sat up and saw a bike leaning against a wall with a kit draped over the saddle. I looked left and right and saw my wife and kids sleeping, then I looked back at the bike, and thought about how completely I am in love. I knew then that I’d scrap an already-complete editor’s note about an amazing day during last year’s Tour de France. I’d hoped to explain how watching the race in person is like attending the ballet and Mardi Gras at once. There was a paragraph that mentioned four Norwegians dressed up like Vikings and a Rabobank team car that…

“When you spend time with an animal, there’s so much expression that you can capture,” says ADAM VOORHES, who communed with turtles in Austin, Texas, while shooting “Slow and Sweet” (p. 66). There was just one problem: “Turtles’ faces are built to look grumpy,” Voorhes says. “They have furrowed brows. We had to do a little Photoshop to get a more whimsical look.” Voorhes’s work has also appeared in Details, Esquire, and Wired. In “Endless Summer” (p. 70), ALISSA WALKER explains why cycling is the best way to take in California’s Venice Beach Boardwalk. The coolest thing she’s spotted from the saddle: a nighttime algae bloom, or red tide. “The waves looked like they had lightning in them,” she says. “All these characters of the boardwalk were watching the ocean…

HELMETS ON THE BRAIN In our June feature “Senseless,” Bruce Barcott investigated why helmet safety standards haven’t kept pace with medical research and urged cyclists to advocate for more innovative protection. Sounds like you’re up for the challenge. “Senseless” was one of the most enlightening articles I’ve read in years. It’s a testament to great journalism and an example of why great reporting often takes time. Jay Steere, Alexandria, VA You outdid yourselves with the helmet report. I’m not sure if Snell and the CPSC will pay attention, or whether the $120 price tag will be a turnof for most cyclists, but thanks for making the data available. James Cassidy, via e-mail Thanks for the kind words, James. It’s since come to our attention that Scott’s new, MIPS-equipped Taal costs…

STILL MOOVING Each summer I set a goal of riding at least 1,000 miles. That might not sound like much, but for a grandmother who has had two open-heart surgeries it’s not insignificant. My first surgery was about nine years ago, to replace my mitral valve with a pig valve. About four months ago that valve was replaced with one made from cow tissue. Although I’ve resumed riding, I’m significantly slower and I have to rest more frequently. My conclusion: Pigs are better cyclists than cows. Kathy Payne, Baileyville, ME FACEBOOK POLL Have you ever tried riding with your pet? Yep, we crashed and I broke my arm. We don’t do that anymore.—Michael Hebermehl My three-pound Yorkie fits inside one of the panniers on my Bianchi cargo bike. He loves…

Take in the views on these three classic French climbs COLD’AUBISQUE This legendary Pyrenean ascent rises gradually at first, then steepens as you approach the nearly treeless summit. 10 miles, 7% average grade COLDUSOULOR It’s just 6 miles from the Aubisque to this next peak. The descent from the Aubisque feels treacherous (sheer clifs separate you from the valley below), but the climb to the Soulor is relatively easy—and rewards you with dramatic alpine views. 1.2 miles, 4% average grade COLDUTOURMALET The climb begins in a wooded valley before giving way to expansive vistas of massive rock faces and the serpentine road ahead. 12 miles, 7.4% average grade—W.Y. FOR MAPS OF RIDES IN THIS AREA, GO TO 2BICYCLING.COM/PYRENEES. YOU ARE HERE 2012 TOUR DE FRANCE, STAGE 15, SAMATAN TO PAU…

AT THESE CICLOVÍAS, CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS RULE THE ROADS STREETS ALIVE Fargo, North Dakota Its motto is “Turn of your engines. Turn on your hearts.” You’ll see everyone from dare devils on tall bikes to parents towing trailers. Look for Fitness classes, food samples, hula hoops, and celebrity guests—such as Olympic triple-jumper Amanda Smock. Next event July 14 SUNDAY PARKWAYS Portland, Oregon America’s number-one bike city holds its closed-street celebration five times a year. This being Portland, you won’t be out of place in costume. Look for Aerobics classes, bounce castles, circus performers, soccer, Zumba classes, swing dancing, and blooming roses. Next event July 28 RIDE THE DRIVE Madison, wisconsin From commuting college students to Ironman addicts, cyclists love Madison; each edition of its five-year-old, 6-mile ciclovía sees more than…