Just kidding. After the cars were done tearing up the track, Road America hosted the "Tour de America," a charity bike ride that benefits the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Watching all the bikes cruise by was a cool way to end the day, and it made me wish I had my fixie with me. If I come back next year, I’ll at least try to borrow a bike.   

I’ve followed the Tour de France closely since the mid-80s, but I’m boycotting this year–I just can’t take all the doping stupidity anymore. Still, I really dig the Saab Mavic neutral support vehicles.

Continue reading "Saab in the Tour de France" »

This shocking image is an excellent illustration of why driving drunk is a stupid idea. Juan Campos was apparently passed out wasted when his car crossed the centerline and barreled into this pack of bike racers, but remarkably, only one person was killed. Enraged spectators reportedly tried to lynch Campos before the police arrived, which seems like a fair—if not entirely legal—punishment for such an aggravated case of vehicular homicide. More info over at Fox News.

Bob Maddox initially got started playing with jet engines so he could—no joke—turn himself into a human missile while skydiving. But after a couple of jet-boosted jumps, he began to question the safety of that endeavor, and decided he might live longer if he just strapped jet engines to old cruiser bikes. If you want one of your own, Maddox will build you a jet bike—but be warned. While the engines will run on virtually any kind of fuel, and propel the humble two-wheelers to 50MPH, they’re "top-alcohol dragster loud," so riding one virtually anywhere will probably earn you a disturbing-the-peace ticket. For more info, pics and a video of Maddox riding one of his creations, head over to Wired.

This is so lame. Motor Authority is reporting that the Dutch Cycling Federation wants automakers to install airbags on the exterior of cars, as to minimize injuries if the vehicle happens to strike a cyclist. Even though I ride my bike to work every day—I wouldn’t get any exercise otherwise—I still think this is a stupid idea. I mean, drivers shouldn’t be allowed able to roll around with giant, Death Race 2000 style spikes on their bumpers, but this is taking safety way, way too far. What’s next, cars made out of Nerf?