Bashing Bicycling Magazine

I read Bicycling, but I don't pay for it. Because we advertise in the mag, we get it for free in the office. Sometimes, I just want to throw that thing out the window!

Ok, I'm going to reveal my age here I suppose, but what is it with the tone of things in this and other similar outdoor type publications. Is it just me, or does it seem like you have to be some kind of thrasher/surfer dude to be cool and get it!? They have this column called "Style Man" with a subtitle "He knows everything and he knows it." Let me tell you style dude, you don't know didley. Honestly, I think they make this stuff up just to appear cool to the thrasher/hammer guy set - whoever the hell that is! (Actually I know a few from the Saturday morning rides - I usually kick their ass with my hairy legs and Fred glasses.) So, some guy from South Africa with a German or Dutch sounding name asks about how to wear leg warmers and Style God insults him. Well Style Stud, do you think he meant tights? As in long legged lycra tights for use on the bike during cold weather. Oh, but it wouldn't be funny otherwise I guess. I was laughing so hard at the wit of this jackass, not, and I never do. Like Reality TV - for imbeciles.

Hmmm, what else popped up in this issue? Could it be the story about riding with George W. Bush? Well congratulations, you got invited to ride with POTUS. The story was fine, void of politics, and portrayed the Prez as a pretty strong rider. That is good, and I'm proud to have President who likes the bike, but that is all. Reason I bring this up is that the author, big man mag editor Stephen Madden, flatted and couldn't finish the ride. More unimpressive for Surfer/Thrasher Dude in Chief - Bicycling Mag Editor Man - is that he seems to be week on the bike. I don't know, its just the impression I get. Maybe he's Cat 2 material or better, it just didn't sound like it. Of course he offered to let the Prez draft on his wheel - you big hound dog!! The Prez don't draft!!

I think I need a different form of read, one that is more exciting than Adventure Cycling, but less thrasher man than Bicycling. Less stud-loser guy than Men's Journal, and less touchy-feely than Backpacking. Anyone know of something? A mag for cyclists, not wierdos? Or, are all cyclists just weird? I am one of them I guess. Its like the Gary Larson cartoon, where the cow says to his shrink: "I think the whole heard is going crazy, I'm the only one who is sane!"

L

Just a little Posting to stay up

The fall season is here, and for active vacationers to Europe, the season is almost over. The planning is underway for next year; which means I will be traveling a lot myself again in the next few months. On the agenda are Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria. We are adding to all that we currently offer and expanding the destinations even more for 2006. But there will be more changes to come as well.

Our self-guided touring concept is really getting popular, and we are going to be offering even more services and support as well as more options for customers to pick and choose from. Examples include upgraded hotels, more equipment options, and more duration options.

Some new challenging tours are coming as well for Cycling Classics in the Girona area of Spain. There is so much happening and we can't keep up with it. In fact, we are desperately looking for help to join our staff. Another reason why its hard to keep new postings coming to this blog!