My take on Lance

I was a big supporter of Floyd Landis. I felt he was being railroaded. Then he admits it, bubble burst. Then of course there was Alberto Contador. What is it with the persecution of American winners? Then he was found guilty. But I continued to support Lance Armstrong. I strongly felt that he was being persecuted and that they would not stop until they got him. Call it naivete if you wish, but I really wanted to believe in him. Now that Lance has refused to defend himself any longer, in the face of Tyler Hamilton and Frankie Landreau's testimony against him, I am not so certain. Is Lance also guilty? Is my 7-time Tour de France hero a drug user too? I don't know, but my faith in him as a champion is shaken. My desire to follow cycling has been diminished. In spite of this, I cannot help but continue to be a supporter of Lance Armstrong the man if not the cyclist. It has become apparent that cycling at that level has so many drug cheaters that there is no point in thinking that any of them have not been users at one point in their career or another. I wonder how many other Tour de France champions used performance enhancing drugs or cheated in some way. Lance though has done so much good work through his foundation and continues to be a huge voice in cancer research that I am willing to concentrate on that and forget that he may be a fallen hero in the cycling world.

Still here!

Haven't done anything with this blog for a long time. I thought about abandoning it, but I'm not sure. I haven't even been on my bike for a couple of years and have even thought of selling it. I even took pictures of it in preparation for putting it up on Craigs list. I have been doing a lot of running and have a blog set up for my running as well. I am having second thoughts about giving up cycling now. Part of the reason I haven't gotten back out there is the loss of a local cyclist who was killed during a road race when she ran into the back of a SAG vehicle. I think I got a little scared after that happened and so my bike just sits there. So, a little air in the tires, a little oil on the chain, a battery for the bike computer and I could be back out there. We'll see.

Lighthouse Century 2007

OK, so I only attempted the metric century. After my disastrous Wildflower attempt, I thought biting off a little bit smaller bite might be appropriate. Yeah, I did it! This was really a great ride, 65 miles on the Central California coast from Cuesta College near San Luis Obispo north to Cambria and back. Course was basically flat, just some nice rolling hills. As I was coming through Cambria there was a really nice downhill which was headed for the lunch stop. As I was hammering along at about 35 mph I suddenly realized, oh crap, I have to come back up this after lunch! It actually wasn't so bad though. Got back to Cuesta College feeling really good, although my quads were starting to hurt a little coming through Morro Bay. Finished off with a great bbq chicken dinner and started thinking, I could have probably done the 100! Maybe next year

I'm Trying So Hard

Is it just my pride in being an American, or is it because Floyd Landis is just such a likeable, believable guy? When Floyd made that great comeback from one stage to the next in 2006, I was ecstatic. I know the expectation was that, finally, someone other than an American will win the Tour. Of course, two pre-race favorites were pulled at the last minute, Basso and Ullrich, but I was so excited watching the grit that Landis exhibited in fighting back and winning. When he was shortly thereafter accused of doping, I just knew that it was bogus and that it would be settled soon.

Now it is beginning to look like just maybe he actually did take synthetic testosterone. I still hope that a miracle will occur and that he will be absolved before they strip him of his title. But I don't know, maybe I will need to look for another American cycling hero.

In Case You Haven't Seen This

Dear Friends and Supporters,
I’m of course disappointed and in fact angry about the split decision ruling against me last week.
If any good has come out of this, we have shown that the anti-doping system is corrupt, inefficient and unfair. The content of this decision unfortunately highlights this once again. The straightforward and clear dissent in support of my case contrasts sharply with the scientifically flawed and illogical majority decision against me – not to mention the nonsensical ruling regarding when my proposed two-year suspension should start. I still have hope that the system can, and will be, changed so that no other athlete has to suffer through this process only to be denied a clean chance at justice.
I can sleep well at night knowing that I won the 2006 Tour de France fair and square. I hope that my campaign to clear my name still means something to all of you who have kindly donated to my legal defense fund. Every single contribution to the FFF made a real difference. For your constant support and generosity, I thank you.
At the end of the day, I am proud of what I accomplished in winning the Tour and I’ll always consider myself the rightful winner of the Tour. Whatever the way ahead, it will be good to be moving forward with my life, and at this point I will take some time to review my options.
Thank you for all of the support and encouragement,
Floyd

Reported on Trust But Verify

Morro Bay Ride

Went for a 22 miler today. Beautiful ride up the coast to Toro Creek Canyon, up the canyon a few miles and then back down to Morro Bay. It was a perfect day for riding on the Central Coast. A few clouds, warm sun (high of 67) and just a light wind. I had intended to go up to Cambria and back, but just couldn't resist going 'up the canyon' just to test my legs on some rolling hills. Next weekend is the Lighthouse Century, where I will be attempting the flat metric from Cuesta College up the coast to Cambria and back. Hope I'm ready!

Brad Huff Tour of Missouri Crash Remix 1.0