Clear and cold

Sunday December 9, 2007 -- The storm that brought rain on Friday and clouds on Saturday have cleared out. The wind was strong. The snow was evident on the peaks.



The views were extraordinary.




Every turn seemed to jump out and grab the eye.




At the top looking down on Glendora and the valley. The air quality was very good for the San Gabriel Valley. In the photo, the 57 Freeway is the road in the middle. Puddingstone Resevoir in San Dimas is to the left of the road.





It was quite breezy on the way down. I noticed the red-tailed hawk was flying lower than usual and its feathers were spread wide. A creature that lives in the sky was fighting the wind as much as I was. I could see the individual feathers on its tail. I wasn't fast enough to get a picture.

Cloaked in Clouds

Saturday December 8, 2007 -- as everyone in Glendora headed towards the center of town for the annual Christmas Parade, I headed up the mountain. The clouds draped the mountains with ominous delight scaring off most and only a hardy few were out and about.




I met "Replacement Bike" guy headed up to Mt Baldy. He explained with the rain on Friday there were rocks and sand on the road. Poor conditions for motorcyclists, yet perfect for bicycling. A seven year veteran on the bike he said he had recently wiped out near Sierra Madre and took the opportunity to replace the bike.



The Toyon Berries or Catalina Holly Bushes were extremely festive and apropos to the holiday. The red berry is astringent which is to say don't eat it.





I had a good ride up to the "top" where GMR meets the Monroe Truck trail at mile marker 5.00. The panorama at the "top" just past the maintenance shed on GMR.

Deutsche Telekom

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. With another corporate sponsor, Deutsche Telekom pulling the plug on the sponsorship of their once pro-cycling team, executives should be required to participate in random drug testing along with the prior notification of scheduling to WADA agencies for a minimum of a year before they drop their support. A few false positives and the lack of a career on the “big boys” would wake up the influential folks and clear up the problems in the WADA “results management”.

Sunday Ride

Got out for a ride today. Extreme Fire Danger, however the road is open. This is the view from the first saddle. Slow going as this is day four after three days on the indoor Cycleops.

Response from David Dreier

On October 7, 2007 I wrote to my US Legislators and requested their support not to fund the USADA since they abuse individual rights, particularly if you are named Floyd Landis. The main points of my letter were raised by Bill Hue a Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge in his article Serving the Master.

This response from David Dreier seems to indicate that my letter was read and interpreted appropriately:

You may be interested to know that H. R. 2829, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2008, provides $9.6 million for the United States Anti-Doping Agency for anti-doping activities and the $1.7 million for the United States membership dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency H.R. 2829 passed the House on June 28, by a vote of 240 to 179, without my support. This legislation currently awaits consideration in the Senate.

The grass roots movement is still a foot.

The next round

Floyd is going the distance and taking his case to the next level the Court of Arbitration for Sport. While previous CAS hearings have not been open to the public I found one reference in the Chryste Gaines CAS hearing where outside personnel were allowed to attend.

With the consent of Claimant and Respondent and of the Panel, several third parties were also granted permission by CAS to attend the hearings as “observers”. These were a representative of the World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”); John Ruger, the United States Olympic Committee (“USOC”) Athlete Ombudsman; and a member of the staff of US Congressman John Conyers, Jr.

If the hearings are not open to public, here are folks I would nominate as Athlete Ombudsman who should attend, namely TBV, Honorable Bill Hue, Daniel, Marc who is on the continent and of course that ever cheerful Strbuk. Depending on the time of year airfare could be reasonable.

Letter to Legislators

I have shamelessly used Bill Hue's article Serving the Master to compose a letter to my US senators and house of representative.


Dear Legislator

I am asking for your support and I am asking you NOT to spend money. While there are many issues that need your attention, I must ask you to take a moment and just say no to the funding of the United States Anti Doping Agency and the World Anti Doping Agency. While their mission is important, please recognize that these over zealous bureaucracies are abusing individual’s rights.

In their self proclaimed role as police officer, judge, and jury, the United States Anti Doping Agency and the World Anti Doping Agency are acting in a manner of a Star Chamber. A Star Chamber was first employed by the English Tudor and Stuart royalty to impart swift actions for political offenses. More recently, the United States Supreme Court in Faretta v. California (1975) 422 U.S. 806, 821; 45 L.Ed.2d 562; 95 S.Ct. 2525 wrote that:

“(The star chamber) was of mixed executive and judicial character, and characteristically departed from common-law traditions. For those reasons, and because it specialized in trying "political" offenses, the Star Chamber has for centuries symbolized disregard of basic individual rights.” (Emphasis in
original).

The US Supreme Court, in Faretta, wrote such institutions should be abolished always:

“If our current "courts" wish to behave as if they are above or outside the Law, or as the American equivalent of the English Star Chamber; let us treat them like the British treated the Star Chamber: abolish the "court"”.

The USADA/WADA arbitration system has violated an individual’s rights and has ignored its own “Code.” In the article by Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge, William F. Hue he noted:

“Landis rights under the Code were violated because he was not afforded:
• A timely hearing;
• A Fair and impartial hearing body;
• The right of each party to present evidence, including the right to call and
question witnesses (subject to the hearing body’s discretion to accept testimony
by telephone or written submission);
• A timely, written, reasoned decision.
Landis rights were significantly compromised or unduly criticized in the flowing areas:
• The right to be represented by counsel at the Person’s own expense;
• The right to be fairly and timely informed of the asserted anti-doping rule
violation;
• The right to respond to the asserted anti-doping rule violation and resulting
Consequences.”

Please remember there are 130 death row inmates found guilty by the jury of their peers that have been exonerated by science and DNA evidence. An athlete by the name of Floyd Landis would also be exonerated, if the USADA arbitrators had also used science and reason and not politics to come to their conclusion. The lone dissenting arbitrator, Chris Campbell notes that the WADA system does not safe guard innocent athletes from improper method or procedure.

“1. From the beginning, the Laboratoire National de Dépistage et du Dopage (“LNDD”) has not been trustworthy. In this case, at every stage of testing it failed to comply with the procedures and methods for testing required by the International Standards for Laboratories, Version 4.0, August 2004 (“ISL”) under the World Anti-Doping Code, 2003 (“WADA Code”). It also failed to abide by its legal and ethical obligations under the WADA Code. On the facts of this case, the LNDD should not be entrusted with Mr. Landis’ career.”

I am not a judge or a lawyer, just a common individual with common sense that can think through issues. Sometimes it takes a common individual to stand up and point out truth.

My request is to withhold money from the USADA and the WADA until a proper independent review can be conducted.

Saturday Ride

Each weekend I push a little farther up Glendora Mountain Road and I see a new vista each time. The weather is cooling down after the high of 115 September 2-3. Now its in the 70s. But going up the mountain is different than coming down the mountain when the cool breeze rips through the lycra. I have an outer shell and a ski ear band. They did well for me today.

The stats from the Polar CS600 tell me --
Time: 2:25 minutes
Distance 19.4 miles
Average Pace: 6.15 min/mile
Average Speed: 9.6 mph
Maximum Altitude: 3009 feet
Ascent 2402 feet
Average Heart Rate 136

Near the start of the route at Sierra Madre and Glendora Mountain Road I noticed a cycler stopped by the road. We ended up crossing paths multiple times up the road, and with much appreciation I must thank Jess of Covina for helping me with my brakes. The camera is a 7 Mega-bit pixel Casio Z-750 and I have 300 Mbytes of pictures from today. So here are a few. Click the picture for the full size.

View of Glendora from the second saddle with GMR cutting the hillside on the right.



Mount Baldy




Jess trying to find a cell phone satellite


I appreciate your help with my brakes!!



The San Gabriel Dam Area (Highway 39)

Mt Diablo

The Mount Diablo Challenge is set to start tomorrow. Floyd Landis, Pommi and TBV are set to ride this 10.8 mile bicycle road race that ascends for 3,249 feet. The weather is turning chilly and the temperature at the top of the mountain will be a brisk 34F. I will have to cheer for more than one athlete on this race.

The 2006 Mt Diablo Champion Robert Anderson, 51 of Mill Valley California breezed through the course with an average pace of 13.7 mph and a total time of 47:28.3. The first place female Jenny Slawta, 42 of Medford Oregon zipped up the mountain at 11.8 mph with a total time of 54.43.7. Another notable is the first "southerner" John Hann, 25 from Santa Barbara, 11.1 mph with a total time of 58.27.6.

Retention Time

The arbitration panel has awarded its ruling on the USADA versus Floyd Landis case. In its 2 to 1 decision in favor of the USADA, my mental cogs are still churning and the spurious rationale of the majority decision is emerging.

In the determination of the T/E ratio by the Gas Chromatography (GC), the panel found that the Lab failed to follow the procedure outlined by WADA TD2003IDCR. Therefore no adverse analytical finding could be rendered. Whoo hoo! That charged was dismissed.

It is on the second test the CIR or the GC/C/IRMS that is of issue. WADA TD2003IDCR states the difference in retention times will be 1% or plus/minus .02 minutes whichever is smaller.

The majority decision states the retention times of the two machines are different 25 minutes and 45 minutes. OK. Two machines -- absolute retention times won't be used. Clear enough. A logical conclusion is that the relative retention times of 1% should be applied. Dr. Wolfram Meier-Augenstein calculated the difference in the LNDD relative retention times at 7%. Um, 7% is outside of the 1% range in this universe. Clearly an exception to the International Standard of Laboratories or an ISL has occurred. But the majority says oh no, the TD2003IDCR does not apply since there are two machines involved.

What the? TD2003IDCR is a mere five page document. No where in the document does it say it applies to only one machine. No where in the document does it say if there are two machines then eyeballing it is ok. So either the relative retention times applies to what the LNDD does with its equipment, or the entire process of using the two machines is out of spec or "not fit for purpose" and is an exception to the ISL standard.

Clear to me. This decision is not based on science or process, merely politics.

no info

no info

The weekend ride

I stood there. I stood there savoring the moment. My heart was still beating fervently pumping blood and oxygen not yet aware that I was now standing by my bike looking over the ridge. Feel good in my King of the Mountain moment after pedaling my way up the road.

The view to the south down the valley opened up into suburbia and civilization. The view to the north was the next line of mountains to conquer. It was a good stopping point - an hour and two minutes into my ride. It was a good turn around point as well. Enjoy the moment. The air was bluer here and my heart rate was slowing rapidly. The accomplishment needed to be applauded and a strange realization of my motivations reflected upon.

I squeezed water from the bottle on my head first. The cool rivulets flowing down my face and back were a welcoming sensation. The heat in my cheeks subsided. I gulped down the rest of the water.

Motivation. Inspiration. Heroes. Sometimes it’s winning the race that motivates others to get out ride. Sometimes it’s an arbitration battle. For me it is the David and Goliath struggle between big bureaucracy and individual rights between the US Anti Doping Agency and Floyd Landis. It is the fallen champion battling to take back what is rightfully his, in a crusade to educate the public on science, civics and cycling that has inspired me to write senators and representatives. Something I haven’t done since fifth grade. Floyd you have motivated me to purchase a bike and hit the road, visit Colorado and watch a mountain bike race. The cycling industry owes you big time, and I am just getting started. In spite of the AAA ruling you are still my hero. The USADA case was just the dress rehearsal and I am ready to be “gullible” again and support the next round.

In an instant my thoughts were back to the reality of the descent and curving fluctuations of pavement. It was a good ride. I hope you have many more good rides.

How Long does a Ruling take

While I have been waiting for the ruling in USADA versus Floyd Landis case, checking out the smoke on Peloton Jim's, and reading the daily musings of bloggers about the lengthy passage of time on Trust But Verify, I did my own digging into the facts of USADA verdicts. Having waded and traversed the rulings on the USADA web site, I have gleaned information on the opening day of past hearings to their arbitration awards. I was able to identify 39 cases where I could determine both start date of the hearing and signature or fax date of the award. Remember, no athlete has won against USADA. Although, I thought one athlete Genevieve Jeanson came pretty close to a reprieve in 2004 as she received a warning instead of a suspension for a missed test. Sadly though Ms. Jeanson was sanctioned in 2006.

So what is the news. As everyone can guess. The median point of the cases is 17 days. For Floyd his case is well beyond that point and if the ruling does happen by 30 September 2007 (thanks Bonnie D. Ford for that bit of info!) -- it puts Floyd's hearing to ruling length at 139 days. There are only four other cases longer. The 139 day demarcation is pictured above and circled in red. The four other longer running rulings were Chryste Gaines 155 days, Larry Wade 156 days,
Tyler Hamilton 157 days and Tim Montgomery 191 days.

In the mean time, check out the arbitrators' websites Patrice Brunet, Richard H. Mc Laren, and Christopher L. Campbell as we all wait patiently for this chapter to come to a close.

Leadville Reflections

The Leadville 100 MTB is a fifty mile course that goes out to Columbine Mine and back. The initial 50 miles is outbound and the return is called inbound. The race leaders then pass the slower riders on the second half of the course. On the trail, a couple of participants noted that Champion Dave Wiens who graciously encouraged other riders in years past was notably concentrating on his own race performance against Floyd Landis. Stuart Mann pictured below, said Floyd was 100 yards ahead of Dave during a section of the race, however, he was happy that Dave Wiens won. Stuart did feel pride in riding a race with a Tour de France Champion, Floyd Landis.

Pictured are Merillee (race organizer), Stuart Mann (participant) and Ken Chlouber (race organizer).



The 2007 Leadville Awards Ceremony gave homage to the men and women who participated in the 14th annual Leadville 100 MTB. With around a thousand initial participants, 588 completed the course under the 12 hour time limit. The home town spirit of accomplishment pervaded the packed gym.



Riders who completed the course under 9 hours and riders who completed 10 Leadville 100MTB received a large gold and silver buckle. Chris Carmichael of Trainright.com and coach to 7 time TDF winner, Lance Armstrong, missed the nine hour mark with a time of 9:05:00. Ken Chlouber, race organizer, held Chris’ buckle for all to see and said it will be waiting for Chris next year.



The award for the Last Ass over the Pass was handed out first to Thomas Hurley of Mattapoisett, MA for the time of 011:59:01. Three devoted Leadville riders have completed all 14 races. Riders who completed 11 L100MTB received a black jacket.



Dave Wiens crossing the finish line at record braking time of 6:58:46.



Dave Wiens and Gretchen Reeves received a hand crafted ore cart loaded with Leadville Ore for winning the overall race for men and women.



The race organizer Ken Chlouber noted he had missed an entrepreneurial opportunity to be corrected next year. Look for t-shirts printed with “GO DAVE!”

Floyd did return to the Leadville 100 MTB after an initial quick disappearing act after he crossed the finish line. He wore jeans, cowboy boots and hat, while drinking beer and graciously signing autographs. Many did not recognize Floyd incognito.

The worst incident on the course happened to the only consecutive three time Leadville Trail 100 bike and run finisher Dr. Jan Bear. Dr. Bear an orthopedic surgeon sustained a femur break during the 2007 Leadville 100MTB. Bill Brant a paramedic who was riding the course gave up the race to assist Dr. Bear. Dr. Bear's wife Kim finished her 10th race and graciously thanked all involved for their support of her husband. Dr. Bear was taken to Breckenridge that treats many broken bones from skiing accidents. His leg was pinned and he would be leaving the hospital either today or tomorrow. The Leadville entrance fee has been waived for next year for Bill Brant's devotion and act of kindness.

Floyd was a no show at the ceremony. He did receive tremendous applause for his efforts of 7:00:30.

On a future note, Ryan pictured with Floyd pre-race is a true bike fanatic. He enjoys holding both arms overhead as he passes the imaginary peloton over the finishing line. Ryan also has a feed zone as Mom runs along Ryan’s bike with a bag of goodies to feast on. He is uptodate with who won the 2007 Tour de France. I hope to see Ryan race TDF 2021. Go Ryan!

Leadville Finish Line Update

In a small town race you are bound to meet everyone. I took this picture of Floyd and Ryan before the race.

.

It was a brisk 43F this morning. This pre-race photo shows Floyd greeting other fans.


This is the lead out of the starting line.  Floyd is in the center behind the car and slightly behind the rider in blue.


I met Suzanne, Ryan's mom at the Fish Hatchery twenty miles into the race and six miles before the first crew pit stop at Pipeline. We enjoyed cheering the riders and gave the riders who waved and acknowledged us back with "points".
The lead group contained five riders including Dave Wiens, Floyd Landis and Mike Kosler.


My second shot shows the detail of Floyd's injuries that happened early in the race.



It was hot at the finish line. It was exciting. Dave Wiens had broken the record of 7:05 by finishing at 6:58:46. Floyd finished at 7:00:30 also besting the old record.

.

Floyd disappeared pretty quickly after he finish. I hope to see all the riders tomorrow for the awards ceremony in the Leadville gym.

Next time I would like to ask for press credentials so I get better photos!

Leadville Hatchery

Near the 20 mile mark of the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race prior to the Pipeline crew station there is a National Fish Hatchery. The lead group of five riders including Dan Wiens and Floyd Landis passed the hatchery at 8:10 am. Photos confirmed the observation that that Floyd had a red raspberry on his thigh and blood on his knee. Floyd is number 1220.

Standing along the side of the road a few cyclists nearly took my toes off. I am not a crazy Basque fan and was politely in the dirt. But I did move back after a few close encounters. The riders were strung out and dribbled past us for the next hour that we stayed.

Leadville Startline

We arrived at Harrison and 6th in Leadville Colorado for the race start. The elite riders had their bikes lying on the pavement as the rest of the peloton queued up behind the netting. The fire engines arrived to put up the start/finish banner. Late arrivals were checking in with race organizers at the start line. There weren't alot of spectators until Floyd Landis appeared and the flock congregated for signatures and photo ops. After a few snapshots we hiked up the hill on 6th to watch the peloton start the race. The array of riders passed by. There were five tandems, but I saw only three. I also saw the rider with the one leg. As the group moved up this little incline, a rider commented "this hill feels good!"

Grey and Orange Sighting

I was on a historical tour of Leadville in a locamotive "bus" this afternoon winding its way around the town through Millionaire's Row, the Churchs, the buildings to support the mining industry from 1860 - 1982. The engineer tooted his horn, chimed his bell and waved to the many friends along the route. We stopped along Sixth Street headed towards Harrison for a detailed explanation of the surrounding mountains, towns, passes. The rider came up the hill fast. I noted the Orange and Grey colors of the Smith & Nephew kit that Floyd Landis is sporting these days. It was 1:00 pm. It remains to be seen if Floyd is out for the top 10. Dan Wiens came in at 7 hours 13 minutes in the 2006 Leadville 100 which would put the finish time at 1:43 pm. When and where did you start your training today Floyd?

Leadville Thursday August 8

The view from 10,152 feet above sea level here in Leadville, Colorado is spectacular. The Rocky Mountains surround this quaint mining village with a splendor that only nature can provide. The native residents are open and friendly inspite of our out of town mannerisms. We have walked the main drag and discovered the place to stay is the Delaware Hotel. Warning you must book the Delaware now for the 2008 Leadville Race Days as they fill very quickly. Needless to say, I am down the road at a different establishment and learning to adapt to a less than five star motel. Mind you now, the Delaware in all its wit and charm welcomes its residents with a sign stating "No bikes. No cleats allowed inside the Hotel. Violators will be hung at noon."

Cyclists are pouring into this town as cars with bikes of all shapes and sizes are seen. As we entered our room, another guest Brenton Hamilton was washing his bike on our patch of green grass. He is here from the San Jose area to participate in 2007 Leadville 100 MTB. He came in 118 in 2005. This California contingent will be cheering him on.

We hope to see Floyd Landis in his orange and grey kit Saturday morning. Whether that other Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong shows up remains to be seen. Reports are he is in Colorado Springs this evening. I am not holding my breath for Lance. I am here for Floyd and about 1,000 other mountain bike racers.

The Gloves are Off

A year ago Floyd Landis won the Tour de France. A new champion was named after the long reign of Lance Armstrong. I remember how proud I felt when I heard the US National Anthem floating along the boulevard as he stood there on the Champs Elysees his hand covering his heart. Naively I thought a new era was borne and the doping titillations that plagued Lance would be laid to rest. Of course a few days later news broke about the “worse case scenario.” Floyd was subsequently “identified” for having a high T/E ratio.

The gloves are off. The UCI President Patrick McQuaid isn’t waiting for a positive drug test or even for the tour to complete before giving his opinion of who should and shouldn’t win the tour. McQuaid has stated he would rather another younger rider win the tour rather than Michael Rasmussen. No more waiting for the final results of who crosses the line. Perhaps, McQuaid has crossed a new line.

Back on the home front, I was hoping that politics would be minimized with the timing of Floyd’s arbitration hearing ruling. However, as the time lingers on, it seems more likely that the decision will wait until after the tour completes. If the timing of the announcement can be impacted, I am back to fearing that the conclusions will also not be based on facts. But I must hang onto a fragment, a glimmer of reason that I saw during the hearing that science and logic will prevail.

Adrenaline Rush

Floyd Landis visited Borders in Pasadena today. I came early to purchase my three copies before the lines formed or they ran out. Only a few copies were displayed. We walked out and ate dinner at the Crocodile Café up the street. It was pleasantly empty and the waitress was attentive and cheerful, wondering what the rush was. Book Signing we said. Oh she nodded wisely and cluelessly. Arrived back at Borders at 6:00 pm and was surprised at the small area where they had two dozen chairs set up. More people lurked about for a few moments when the store manager said to move upstairs to a larger area. The larger area was still not large enough as there were three dozen chairs set up. The people kept coming, standing and flocking. Anywhere from 100-200 people. I was impressed with one fan’s sign. It had this real metal bicycle attached to the construction paper, stating 2006 TdF champion and a big beautiful bouquet of yellow roses for Floyd.

Perhaps it was my blue Tour de France shirt that made me look official, I noticed the crowd really quieted down when I went up front to take pictures. It was 6:45 pm. I knew Floyd would be 15 minutes late. Another store minion stated that Floyd was in the building about 7:05 pm and would be up shortly. This was retracted at 7:15 when he said there was a miscommunication before, that Floyd was on Lake Avenue and would be arriving anon. I wondered if they had calculated Los Angeles county freeway timing. Everywhere is only half an hour drive, sometimes when it is just five miles away. He arrived at 7:30 pm.

Floyd started his five minute warm up, with his prediction of David Zabriske as the Tour de France winner, well maybe he might have a come back. [We chortled in response]. Rasmussen is looking good. Valverde is looking good.

[This is total recall. Questions were combined. My apologies to the audience and the speaker.]

Q: It was a question about Lance Armstrong and if he had taken LGZR. (??) [This first question was a shocker.]

A:. This is the first time I’ve been asked that question. I have no knowledge of that.

Q: Sinkewitz question. [Questioner misquoted values].

A: I don’t have all the facts.

Q:There is an imbalance of power between the Anti Doping Agencies and the athletes. After your year long ordeal do you think the athletes are ready to change that?

A: Other cyclists don’t want to rock the boat. They [the LNDD] were willing to forge documents to fulfill our requests. I don’t see a change coming.

Q: Missed the question.

A: I only have smart fans. They have to be smart to understand the science. [We giggled.]

Q:After you win Leadville. [Cheers]

A: I need to do some serious training and the book tour is taking away time. If anyone has ridden Leadville, I need some tips. I will be riding a BMC bike. No need for full suspension on dirt roads.

Q:That phenonomal day in TDF 2006 Stage 17. [Applause! Cheers!]

…..

Q:Where’s the best place to train?

A: California. [Cheers.] It’s the best place in the world to train and cycle.

Q:Have you cycled here in Pasadena?

A: Mount Baldy. I’m from Murrietta so Palomar is also very good.

Q: Will you be riding in the Amgen Tour of California [2008].

A: I hope to, but again I don’t know the timing so I can’t approach any teams yet. In fact they should change the Tour of California from February to July. [chortles].

Audience. Heck yeah, we have a Paris California. We could start there. They could build an Eiffel Tower there as well.

What the arb?

In the arbitration hearing of USADA versus Floyd Landis held May 14 – 23, 2007 at Pepperdine University in Malibu California, Floyd invoked the first ever public hearing. The world had a chance to watch, review and analyze the expert testimony proffered. Now the decision is in the hands of the three arbitrators, Patrice Brunet,Richard H. Mc Laren, and Christopher L. Campbell . And let’s not forget the panel appointed expert from the WADA accredited laboratory in Rome, Dr. Francesco Botre.

After the openness of the hearing in May the world is waiting and watching for the decision to be pronounced. I am left with many questions, are the arbitrators and science advisor meeting in the same location? Are they communicating via phone, fax or email? Are the conversations between all members or does two arbitrators make it a quorum?

I am waiting for the words. I am waiting for the words that will start the healing process. I suppose healing for one side, is enraging for the other side. As people on both sides of the Atlantic have already condemned Floyd based on nothing more than sloppy lab work and the sanctity of following a process.

Here’s the scoreboard so far:

Against: 3 - 0

Against: 2 - 1 TBV, Finger Food

For: 2 - 1

For: 3 - 0 Bill Hue, Moi

TDF 2007 Stage 1

As the cyclists wend their way through the English countryside on Sunday from London to Canterbury the lush greenery was a joy to see. David Millar did an excellent ride to gain the King of the Mountain jersey. Robbie McEwen performed spectacularly with his come from behind finish due to a crash. But along the picturesque scenery there was a 1900 steam engine stopped along the route. The engineer blowing the whistle as the peloton rode by. Phil Ligget stated the engine predated the first Tour de France by three years. The chortle came from my son, "Ah the preferred method of winning the Tour."

I wait patiently for the arbitration hearing ruling on Floyd Landis. I prefer the "correct" outcome over a speedy answer.

Waiting

The Belgian Sports press thought that the Floyd Landis Arbitration verdict would be announced on Friday July 06, 2007. The assumptions are 1) that the transcripts were completed on June 11, 2007, 2) the findings of fact completed by the lawyers of USADA and Landis on June 25, 2007. The Arbitration panel then has 10 working days to complete the award.

Question is, did the Belgians factor in the National Holiday of July 4th? Perhaps late Monday or Tuesday at the earliest.

Bill Hue has the low down on the arbitration rules that would change the timing. Peloton Jim is keeping the Pope Watch going with apropos pictures.

Flashback Tour de France 2006 Prologue

2006 Prologue: Strasbourg Time Trial (7.1km)

This is the stage that Thor Hushovd won by .73 seconds over George Hincapie. It was the stage that Floyd Landis arrived at the starting gate 8 seconds late. Floyd's final time was 9 seconds slower than Thor's. Phil Ligget announced as we waited for Floyd that this was like Del Gado in the 1988 Tour de France. Phil was incorrect it was 1989 that Del Gado was 2'40" late to the start gate. The stats show all the participants. Somehow it misses all the sweat and tricky turns the racers endured.

Friends of TBV

Floyd Landis will be signing the book Positively False at Border's in Pasadena July 18, 2007 at 7:00 pm. If there are any Southern California Friends of TrustButVerify who might like to get together, please drop me note.

I think I am ready for logo wear. Dave have you thought of an appropriate icon?