0 Pablo Garcia Explores World Cultures By Bicycle

35 year old Argentinian, Pablo Garcia, made a life changing decision in 1999 when he gave up everything he was doing to pick up a bicycle and trot the globe.

His mission, one he set in Brazil before pulling out of there, was to explore world cultures and traditions and pen them in the form of a book. As it is, he was a cycling enthusiast, who refused to use buses in his college days to travel the city by bike. So, the new mission set well with a growing obsession.

Since then, Pablo has covered more than 65 countries on his bicycle. His website documents the adventures and mileages. If you were to visit it right now, it would tell you that he's currently somewhere between Hanoi and Cat Ba in Vietnam. The distance he has covered, which is regularly updated, stands at 78,398 km (48,714.3 mi).

The simplicity in his travels is fresh. Pablo apparently rides a modest, 50 pound, 27 geared bike with Shimano Deore components. It has a gel seat and front suspension. On it, he carries 121 pounds worth of supplies including his tent, mattress, tools, clothes, a diary, a laptop, extra batteries, sandals, and cameras. He also carries safely a pile of brochures to introduce his "project" to people he meets.

The videos Pablo places onto Youtube are well made, and give a glimpse of the places and faces of his travels. Better still are his elaborate diary entries of the feelings and opinions of local people.

For instance, he writes here about Raifed, an Iraqi he met in Bahrain, who told him why American arrogance and show of power made his country a jungle. Or of Francesco, an ex-mafia cum political sciences student in Italy who exchanged his knowledge about the origins of the mob. Here he writes about the conflicts in Sudan, here about seeing the Swayambhunath temple in Nepal, and here about his dissatisfaction with the touring experience in Athens, Greece.

If you have something to tell Pablo and want him to come visit your hometown, you can even write a him a proposal!

How I wish I could ride around the world too.

* * *

3 On Bike Musical Instruments, Bicycle Design For The Military, Steam Bikes & More....!

Hope you all had a good weekend. Well, here's some pollinations for this week, straight from the C to the O to the Z to the Y!


1. SAUDI OIL ON 60 MINUTES (WARNING : P is for PLENTY!) : The first part of last week's CBS 60 minutes explored the Saudi Oil kingdom, and their push to produce more oil in the era of the Obama Presidency. It was a jaw breaking revelation of the Kingdom's oil resources and technology, like something out of a Star Wars movie. The low oil prices you're seeing now will climb back up since its not stable at this point. Realistically, this important commodity is very necessary for the development of the modern world, of countries, economies and their people. However, that should not deter anyone from exploring and developing alternative, cleaner sources of energy which I believe is one of the biggest engineering challenges of our times. Oil by itself has been and is doing plenty of damage to the world on its evil side.

Part 1 :


Watch CBS Videos Online


Part 2 :


Watch CBS Videos Online




2. COMPANIES GOING 'BUST' : According to the story on Finanical Times yesterday, 62000 companies will go out of business next year. This, when compared to last year's 28,000 and this year's 42,000 seems like a dangerous linear trend. It'll be interesting to see if bicycle businesses are truly recession proof or will they join the long list of the jobless. We already saw what happened to RevoPower, in a previous post on this blog.



3. FEM ON HEADTUBE :

This isn't modern art but a depiction of the loading on a bicycle headtube during front brake activation. It'd be nice if there was a legend and some more things to make it look sensible. Courtesy : Rational Engineering



4. SOUND FROM WIND FOR BIKE MUSIC :




Korean designer Joseph Kim, in a new concept, imagines two tube like channels on the handlebars that create music by controlling the amount of wind that blows through them. Interesting. Look here for more information.



5. BICYCLE PLANNING GUIDANCE FROM WISCONSIN : I was fortunate enough to fall on an lengthy bicycle planning guide from the transportation guys in Wisconsin, courtesy of National Transportation Library (NTL). It could make for interesting reading, especially for those of you interesting in some transportation engineering for our good old two wheelers. Click here to read.



The NTL also houses other free literature, like the latest 2008 reports on the National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior. See a snipshot below, and to check out all the reports , click here.




6. SEN. JOHN KERRY TEACHES BICYCLE SAFETY :


Yup, that's definitely the way to go about it!




7. BICYCLE DESIGN FOR THE MILITARY :


How do you design bicycles and accessories for the men and women serving on the front lines, in the rough conditions that they encounter? Ease of maintenance, portability, and sturdiness could never bang on your doors here louder. Enter bikes for the Light Bicycle Infantry (LBI) that are rugged, all terrain, and electric and mountain bikes in nature.


Here's a video on bicycle tools accessories for the military :



Lots of colorful history and bicycle design inspirations for the military here.




8. STEAM BIKES!


The MAKE blog explored the history of steam powered bicycles. Check it out here.






In these bad times we're all going through, I just want to end with a good note :




And....for your next season....


You have to work hard like Boonen...



But just don't injest so much caffeine that you can't get a handle on yourself :




Calm down bro.

Chill. Ride.

15 The RevoPower Puzzle : Where Is It ?

Beginning some 3 years ago, many websites, blogs and a handful of TV shows were raving about a new kind of gas powered, motorized bicycle wheel called RevoPower. The idea even piqued the interests of publications like Machine Design, Popular Science and even CNN :





When I first heard about it back then, I thought it was a pretty neat concept. Non-cyclists tend to stay away from pedal power due to the very requirement and consequences of pedaling! Sad, but true. So if this new idea was part of an answer to help target the vast blue ocean of non-cyclists, it was welcomed by all means. Hey, gas was cheap!

A snippet on the invention from the Machine Design magazine (2005)

Breakdown of proposed design : A gas powered 23cc 2 stroke engine rated 1 HPmax for 7800 RPM, and a slim gear transmission all at the hub of the wheel, nestled between the forks of the bicycle

As the rider of this bicycle, you would substitute the 15 pound Revopower wheel for your normal spoked front wheel, slip a tank of standard gasoline into your water bottle cage, clip the throttle to your handlebars using the given attachment, and start pedaling like you would normally ride a bike. When you are ready for some supplemental power, you operate the thumb powered throttle to get the engine to kick into action. The clutch would then automatically engage and you are on your way to wherever you need to be between 15-20 mph claimed speeds.

Tank and throttle attachment accessories come with the wheel

While the concept and prototypes looked fine, the product just didn't come out. In fact, Denver based RevoPower first said it would be out by late 2006. Then it was shifted to early 2007. Then to late 2007, and finally into 2008 according to the latest update on their website. We're almost nearing the end of this year and there is still no sign of the product.

The time to market has been nothing short of horrible. We all know that every fortnight, something new comes out in the commercial bicycle scene. I may be exaggerating but my point being that in a time sensitive market, it'll be against your opportunity by not getting the product out quickly.

Presentation on Target Markets, Distribution and Pricing Strategy

So the question then begs to be answered. Where are they? Whats happening behind the scenes? What is the bottleneck exactly? Did the credit crunch get them? Was the record gas prices early this year turning it into a non-viable product?

According to some sources : "RevoPower is in the hands of the secured creditors. There is no product imminent. The product could not be produced after 4 years and millions of dollars of investment due to thermal issues and performance constraints. The IP is in dispute with the original investors, and no one may offer this product without the consent of the creditors, which has not been granted. Please contact David Kendall, KKO Attorneys at Law, 999 18th St, Denver CO with any information which may lead to civil action."

While I'm choosing to trust whoever filled us with that information, I also want to talk a little about some other drawbacks of this design.

1. In this day and age, when cyclists are complaining about the very chain and sprocket transmission system (greasy and oily), here is RevoPower proposing to contribute 15 more pounds in weight of oil & gas powered componentry to the front portion of the bicycle.

2. In an impact, its the front wheel that often takes the first blow. While 400 dollars may not be overly expensive, placing all this setup at the most vulnerable site just opens it to the possibility of damage.

3. Clean, electric, battery powered pedal assists are being very compeitive in the market these days [see this video of a hub powered motor]. Whats the chance of a gas powered system standing up to them? 100mpg of claimed system efficiency might cut it for a while, but battery technology is leapfrogging and will catch up in no time.

4. The idea of placing a can of gas into one of your water bottle holders takes away the real estate for your drinking water. Besides, who would like the idea of carrying a flammable liquid between their crotch on a hot day?

5. A gas powered engine might trigger regulations in some states, requiring the rider to hold a two wheeler driver's licence.

6. The components might not be easy to understand for the new, unassuming cyclist. The installation of the setup is also crude and has to be taken to a bike shop or a RevoPower certified professional.

7. Every bike company is in for the money to be gained from claimed weight savings on their design. Being light and svelte is one of the chief selling points we commonly see in today's bikes. A lighter proposition for a pedal assist will most likely be preferable over something heavy.

8. Perhaps the most critical point that we may have not talked about so far is the fact the gas engine itself has its own explosive fuel mixture and has its own source of ignition. As such, it has to be tested and certified that it is safe to use by normal consumers. Imagine being able to snap on an explosive component to a bike and say its ready to ride. That may work in other countries but in the U.S, there are specific agencies that ensure that these products meet all the regulatory standards before being sold.


In conclusion, I'm not positive where this company is headed. RevoPower's fate perhaps highlights the classic pithole that an idea or invention need not always make it successfully to market. You need more than an inventive genius to finance and manage your operations and see it to the end of the tunnel.

It'll be very interesting to see if RevoPower pushes their date a fifth time into 2009. If you've further information about the company, or if you're Steve Katsoras, the inventor...please feel free to put some information in the comments here. There might be a good number of people painfully waiting to get a hold of this product. Wait, painfully huh?



Additional Resources : One of my readers posted a nice link to a 56 page PDF report on Revopower presented by New York Private Equity. Thanks! Read it here.

9 TREK Madone Vs. Tata Nano Car, A Freak Bicycle Accident etc

1. TREK MADONE vs TATA NANO CAR : Could it be true that TREK's goal in India was to compete directly with the cheapest car in the world?



Atleast that's what TREK's Indian distributors were gleefully doing early this year. If that was the intention, then I find the thinking somewhat flawed. I agree that cycling is definitely one of the solutions to a more environmentally sustainable world, but marketing a 3000 dollar bike in a developing country is not the best of answers to get people onto bikes. It perhaps would have made more sense if they stepped foot into that country with more cheaper, yet decent quality options for the people at large.

And how can a racing bike with extreme geometry for a single person compete with a really low cost vehicular solution for the entire family? This part makes no sense to me. I assume TREK thinks Indians are stupid and may settle for this idea.




2. WOMEN PUT OFF BY HELMET HAIR : Women are three times less likely to cycle than men because they are put off by "helmet hair" and getting sweaty, a survey said on UK's Independant. Apart from safety concerns riding in traffic, add appearance issues to the list of reasons for people not taking to biking. Is this something helmet designers should work on, or simply something women should quit worrying about? Any ladies here are welcome to drop a comment.




3. PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE : Put doping aside for a moment and check this short photo essay of the Tour de France from Magnum Photos. The background music and colorful narration by Danish poet Jørgen Leth explores the history, poetry and beauty behind the greatest of the Grand Tours through 60 years of photographs. 5 stars!






4. CUSTOM SILK BICYCLE TIES



How would you fancy extending your cycling lifestyle into your workplace, by wearing an actual custom made bicycle tie? Donald Trump suitings definitely won't have this in their collection, but you can find it on this website.

Says the seller :

All of my ties are made from either a beautiful shantung or dupioni silk. Dupioni is a richly textured silk fabric created from the irregular silk thread formed when two or more silkworms spun entangled cocoons. This silk thread is naturally slubby, uneven and fibrous. When it is woven, these characteristics are evident in the fabric's surface qualities. This gives dupioni silk its uniquely organic, natural charm. Shantung is very similar to dupioni, but it has a smoother, sleeker surface quality with a more refined and less raw look and hardly any slubbiness.

All ties are made completely from scratch, by me. (They are NOT purchased pre-sewn and then printed). Each tie is individually screen printed with a bicylce design. The image is printed using an acrylic permanent textile ink and the print has been heat-set.




5. BOB'S FREAK CYCLING ACCIDENT :


This story comes to us courtesy of Ride-Strong, with a short narrative and some gruesome pictures. What happened to this cyclist that day lends some new meanings to the idea of a freak accident!

So what really happened?

From Ride-Strong :

"He was on a ride last week after the storm the weekend before last. The guy he was riding behind ran over a large branch which kicked up and impaled Bob’s leg when he ran into it. The EMT’s had to cut the ends of the branch off to get him in the ambulance."

I did two things. I screamed ouch, and I'm still scratching my head. Hey Bob, we all hope you heal and recover soon!




6. BAKFIET VS XTRACYCLE : The Austin Bike blog has an interesting comparison of two cargo bikes - the immensely popular Xtracycle with the Bakfiet, a bike based on the Danish Long John design. Click here to find out which one emerged winner, atleast according to the author's experience.




7. FOLLOWUP ON MY POST "ARE BICYCLE INDUSTRIES HEADING TO POTENTIAL TURMOIL" : There was a very good turnout of comments to this post, and I found readers arguing intelligently for both sides of the issue. Note that two well known industry insiders by the names of Tim Jackson (who is one of the prime members of Masi Bicycle's marketing team) and Carlton Reid (we all know him) also happened to express their views. You can read the post with the comments here. Tim has also followed up with a post spreading hope to the bicycle industry in these financially trying times the world is going through.


Expect some whackier posts in the coming days. But first, Bird of Prey :


Fatboy Slim - Sunset (Bird Of Prey)
Free Videos at Roxwel

23 Celebrities Who Ride Their Bicycles

First off, I must say that cycling is a fun and healthy sport. Its green and hip. Its easy to learn. You can take it to as high an intensity as you want. It can be easy, it can be painful but both have their benefits.

Wearing Lycra and tight fitting spandex is one of the precursors to enjoying a serious bike ride, but the very thought of that puts many off (such as G.W Bush).

I have to say that it has its benefits.

For example, did you know that the gorgeous Heidi Klum fell for musician Seal (not the most talented in the good looks category) when she first saw him walk out of a Hotel gym in bicycle shorts?? Ha!!

If you don't believe me, just forward this video to 5:45, where Oprah asks the couple how they first met. Hear what she says.



Wow! :) There you go!! So you men out there! Wear bicycle shorts, because thats what the ladies like!!


Anyway, coming back to the original objective of this post, lets take a thorough look at the some of the famous who's whos, the movers and shakers on T.V and elsewhere who take time off to be with something as mundane as a bicycle, enjoying the simplicity of rhythmic pedaling motion. If you have any more names and pictures to append to this list, do drop in a comment!!

Enjoy!

1. REV. AL SHARPTON [Wikipedia]

Reverend Al Sharpton at a critical mass ride early this year. Nice Fuji. No helmet in NYC?!! I hope he didnt get smashed down by an NYPD cop like in this video.

MORE :

Gothamist : The Reverend Al Sharpton Gets Critical, Rides Bike
Youtube Video : Al at Critical Mass in NYC

2. ANDY DICK [Wikipedia]

Want to dash away from the Paparazzi? Sure, hop on a bike !! While most people would ride flashy expensive cars to a Hollywood club, comedian Dick rode a bike to Parc. Then a bouncer kicked him out and all Andy had was a bike to get away from nosey cameramen.

MORE :

Best Week Ever : Andy Dick Finds A Mode of Transportation More Environmentally Friendly Than a Prius
TMZ : No Dick-ing Around at Parc; Andy Denied

3. THE BEATLES [Wikipedia]

I think the Beatles used to flirt with bicycles in their early years. Does anyone has more info on this?

Update : A reader informed me that this is a publicity still from their movie "Help". You can watch a small clip on it on Youtube here.

4. BORIS JOHNSON [Wikipedia]

The Conservative Mayor of London is well known for his love of cycling. Infact, he bikes to work regularly and has been the victim of several bike thefts. The Mayor has had to get to Parliament at times so quickly that he was recently involved in a controversy where he blasted through six red lights and was hammered by the media and public for his negligence! He also attends cell phone calls while riding! Nice!

MORE :

Dailymail : The Film That Shows Boris Johnson Cycling Through Six Red Lights Boris Johnson for The Guardian : Why We Cyclists Need to Strike a Deal With Pedestrians
Video : Boris Talks About Cycling in the Room 101 Show

5. GEORGE W. BUSH [Wikipedia]

Everyone's (un)favorite president is pretty lighthearted about faking WMD threats and going to war with other countries for fun. But when he's on his mountain bike, bloody hell... he means business! People who have ridden with him have come back and told the rest that the President could easily make a competitive Cat 5 rider. :)



From the comforting Republican surrounding of the White House lawn to the world class trails of communist Beijing, its World domination on a mountain bike!

His equipment? The President bombs down hills on a 4000 dollar TREK. You'll be assured that this is a one of a kind paintjob!



MORE :

People's Daily Online : US President Rides Bicycle In The Western Suburb of Beijing
The Guardian : Eat My Dust
St. Petersburg Times : A Chat From the Bike
Cozy Beehive : The President's First Mechanic

6. CHLOE SEVIGNY [Wikipedia]

Chloe looking good there in a bicycle with a basket. Look at that big chain ring! Sweet! Oh hell, cell phone again?! She must be trying to ignore the papz.

MORE :

TreeHugger : Hollywood Bike Patrol

7. THE CLINTONS [Wikipedia]

"Aai did not have any relations whatsoever with that bicycle."

I doubt it Mr. Clinton! I have visual proof....right here!

MORE :

Streetsblog : Bill Clinton Agrees Cycling Is Good Citizenship

8. DARRYL HANNAH [Wikipedia]

She scared me in Kill Bill as the one eyed assassin. Looks pretty fun loving on a bike. What do you say?

MORE :

Ecorazzi : Darryl Hannah Gets On Her Hybrid Electric Bicycle

9. DAVID BECKHAM [Wikipedia]

Ride it like Beckham. This is probably what he does to stay in shape for soccer season.

Yellow unmarked bike and toe clips

Looking at the shorts, did he get inducted into the Rock Racing monkey group too?

MORE :

Popsugar : David Beckham Rides Bike With Romeo and Brooklyn Beckham Popsugar : Beckhams Celebrate 8 Years of Marriage
Popsugar : Serious Manjoyment; Beckham on a Bike

10. DAVID BYRNE [Wikipedia]

Byrne is an avid bicyclist for the past 30 years and has designed nine bike racks around Brooklyn and New York as a contemporary art work.

MORE :

Wallpaper : Dacid Byrne Bike Racks, NYC Art
Streetfilms : David Byrne Celebrates NYC Bicycling in Style
Green Map NYC : Bike Tips From David Byrne
Youtube Video : David Byrne's Bike Racks

11. ALBERT EINSTEIN [Wikipedia]

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." - Einstein

Einstein spent so much time writing papers that he rides this bike like he never saw one before, smiling like a baby in the process. If only had he unraveled the more detailed mysteries of the bicycle other than the fact that to keep your balance you'd have to keep 'moving', how many more puzzling books, stupid bike forums and arrogant technical faggets could we have eliminated. Sigh...

12. ELIZA DUSHKU [Wikipedia]

Cyclelicio.us had some commentary about her riding. Check it out.

13. ELLE MACPHERSON [Wikipedia]

This Aussie supermodel probably puts any of Copenhagen's cycling chics to shame. Do it like Elle! Trrrring trrrinnng..

Elle was criticized for riding with her son on her handlebars

MORE :

Healthy Hollywood : Elle MacPherson Rides a Bike
Contact Music : Elle MacPherson Rides Her Bike in Notting Hill, London UK

14. ELVIS PRESLEY [Wikipedia]

Elvis signs autographs for kids on his bicycle.

15. ERIC CLAPTON [Wikipedia]

You'll love this. Eric Clapton, besides being fond of his blues playing guitar, was also an avid cyclist as a youngster. Clapton also supported unique bicycle marathons through charity from concerts.

He probably still rides bikes when we're not bothering him.

MORE :

Pinch Flat News : In Your Ear, Eric Clapton.
Russia IC : Unique Bicycle Marathon Moscow

16. EVEL KNEIVEL [Wikipedia]

World famous daredevil stuntman poses with his bicycle in front of his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I wonder if he was headed for a weekend warrior ride in full costume?! We'll probably never know.

MORE :

Cheese Bikini's Flickr Photostream : At Home With Evil Knievel

17. FRANK ZAPPA [Wikipedia]

Did you know that Zappa, one of the legends of Rock and Jazz actually started out making money playing the bicycle as a musical instrument?? Bizarre as it sounds, Zappa was a thorough entertainer even back in those days.

Check this out...Zappa on the Steve Allen Show :

18. GEORGE CLOONEY [Wikipedia]

George Clooney bought a sweet house at Lake Como, the same place Lance lived around when he was training for the Tour. Carefree, with his baseball cap turned around, George hits the trails with his college friend Tate Donovan. He also gathered publicity at a point with a proposed bike ride with none other than Bono around the Irish countryside.

MORE :

Popsugar : George Clooney Keeps Riding Right Along (Pictures)
Movies.ie : Video Interview George Clooney

19. GISELE BüNDCHEN [Wikipedia]

My favorite supermodel rides her bike!!!! Venga venga, Gisele!!!


From the look of it, she seems like she's in a hurry to get somewhere. She is the highest paid model in the world, so she's probably busting ass just like any of us to get to work! 100 points for that!

Just a suggestion, Gisele. I bet Tom Brady wouldn't be too pleasant seeing the ugly saddle sores so invest some of that 33 million you pocket, in Spandex!!!! You'll even look hotter! 0 points for that.

MORE :

Sports Crunch : Gisele Bündchen Knows How to Ride a Bike

20. GRAEME LE SAUX [Wikipedia]

Former Chelsea footballer loves to ride and race bikes. He started this side passion when he was 8 or 9 years old.

MORE :

The Guardian : A Healthy Ticket To Ride

21. HILLARY DUFF [Wikipedia]

Hillary Duff showing her bike handling skills with a starbucks coffee in one hand and a Marc Jacobs handbag hanging off the right handlebar. Just don't fall with the coffee....!!


Hillary shown above having a blast between shooting sessions with Evan Ross, riding on his handlebars. Ahem....cough cough.

MORE : Popdirt : Hillary Duff And Evan Ross Take A Bike Ride
The Purse Blog : Hillary Duff Debuts In The Wizard of Oz

22. HUGO CHAVEZ [Wikipedia]

Rumor is that Chavez wanted to step up his game on the international nuclear scene so he threw some of his oil money sitting in his vault for a nice Atomic bike.

MORE :

Cyclelicio.us : Hugo Chavez Rides A Bicycle

23. JAKE GYLLENHAAL [Wikipedia]

There are so many pictures of Jake riding his bike that I'm not sure whether his intent is on making Lance's supposed new team for the Tour in '09.



MORE :

Deadline Hollywood : Jake Gyllenhaal Wants To Play Lance In Sony Bio-Pic Socialite Life : Jake Gyllenhaal Finds A New Biking Buddy
Just Jared : Jake Gyllenhaal Riding Bicycle

24. JENNIFER LOPEZ [Wikipedia]

J. Lo completed her first Triathlon in 2 hours and 28 minutes at the Nautica Malibu Traithlon on Sept 14 this year. The secret is out. The gym won't help much. Start riding to lose weight!!

MORE :

Celebrity Gossip : Jennifer Lopez - First Class Triathlete

25. JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT [Wikipedia]

Jennifer makes up the latest string of young actresses who've taken up riding. I wonder if that bicycle named 'Paul Frank' is made in China....

MORE :

Just Jared : Jennifer Love Hewitt Loves Big Bikes
Celebrity Gossip : Jennifer Love Hewitt - Bicycling Bliss

26. JOHN B. HERRINGTON [Wikipedia]

After he retired from flying Space Shuttle missions for NASA, former astronaut John Herrington started riding his bike, and when I say biking, serious biking! He once embarked on a 4000 mile bicycle ride from Cape Flattery on Washington's Olympic Peninsula to Cape Canaveral in Florida. For what??

To promote student interest in science, technology, engineering and math!!!

I love it!!

MORE :

John B. Herrington : Rocketrek Bicycle Trip
Universe Today : Former Astronaut to Bike Across US For Education

27. JON CRYER [Wikipedia]

Jon was also spotted at this year's Nautica Malibu Triathlon.

MORE :

California Babble : Best Celebrity Day Ever!! Nautica Malibu Triathlon

28. JON SNOW [Wikipedia]

Channel 4News Presenter and Journalist has seldom hidden his enthusiasm for biking, and claims there's hardly a day when he doesn't ride.

When Phil Liggett moved out of the CTC President's chair, Jon Snow was the next best candidate who could fill in Liggett's craze for cycling. CTC, by the way, is the UK's National Cyclist's Organization.

MORE :

Bike For All : Jon Snow To Succeed Phil Liggett As CTC President
Bike For All : Biking To Work
Pedals : Channel 4 Newsreader Jon Snow Checks Out Nottingham's Big Track

29. KATE HUDSON [Wikipedia]

What do you know?! Lance Armstrong's ex-fling interest also likes to ride apparently.


MORE :

The Skinny In Chile : Kate Hudson Bike Rides
People : Kate And Owen Use Buddy System For Their Bike Ride
The Superficial : Kate Hudson's Belly - So There's This Thing Called A Condom

30. KIEFER SUTHERLAND [Wikipedia]

I'm sure Keifer needs a break after all the riveting action in 24.

MORE :

Jon Cassar : Behind The Scene Photos

31. JOHN KERRY [Wikipedia]

Sen. John Kerry is a true bike warrior, and rides like a pro!







Unlike Bush who's shy to appear in public in Lycra, John doesn't give a damn about it. All he wants to do is get out there and bust his ass to ride strong. He was so involved with biking issues that he even held a press conference once in a bike shop in Worchester, MA.

He's apparently much classier than Bush and most of the rest of us, getting an all-campy $8000 custom Serotta for the fast rides. Check out this NYT article comparing Bush and Kerry's riding styles.

MORE :

Smithers MN : Senator John Kerry, The Cyclist
Washington Post : John Kerry : Restlessly On The Road
NYT : Ideas & Trends; Culture Wars On Two Wheels
Slipstream Sports - Jonathan Vaughters : My Unconventional Ride
The Climb Blog - John Kerry Eyes The Pack With Envy Boston News : Kerry's Pan-Mass Challenge Takes On A Personal Touch

32. KIM RAVER [Wikipedia]

Kim Raver teaches her son biking while she enjoys a ride herself.

MORE :

Celebrity Babies : Kim Raver Helps Son Luke Ride His Bicycle

33. KYLIE MINOGUE [Wikipedia]

Kylie is probably riding into a headwind on a KHS, and her skirt is seemingly going north.

34. LEBRON JAMES [Wikipedia]

You would think this star NBA player with a towering 6 foot 8 inch frame is the least likely candidate to take up cycling. But he's proven everyone wrong. Apparently, Lebron happens to be a multi-sport athlete and spends a lot of time biking in the off-season.

He didn't want to stop there, and so also went ahead and bought a stake in the Cannondale bicycle corporation. What that means is that Lebron is literally an owner of Cannondale!

He also hold a ride for kids called the Kid's Bike-a-Thon every year and the proceeds directly benefit charity.

James' bike is a custom made caffeine colored Cannondale 29'er with Lefty fork and Hollowgram Si Crank

35. LINDSAY LOHAN [Wikipedia]

Don't stare too much at her riding that lowrider. All I can do right now is wag my tail and say 'Bow Bow'! Ok, I won't be doing that.... :)

MORE :

Jaunted : Lohan Lowrider Bikes From Malibu To Venice
Lindsay Lohan News And Gossip : Lindsay Looks Sexy Even When Riding A Bike

36. MADONNA [Wikipedia]

Madonna is probably more into bike riding for the fitness goals than most of her contemporaries.

MORE :

Madonnalicious : Gallery
Fitsugar : Madonna Is One B*tching Biker Babe
Puma Talk : Madonna Rides Puma Bike In London

37. MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR [Wikipedia]

Mark-Paul is a racer as well! In 2005, he competed in the Far West Championships and won the Cat 4/5 Sprint event at the Encino Velodrome. He races several SoCal crits and track races.

Way to go man!

MORE :

MySpace Forum : Cyclists or Triathletes

38. MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY [Wikipedia]

Is this how Matthew warms up for a Triathlon? :)

Racing at the Malibu Triathlon

39. MILEY CYRUS [Wikipedia]

Teen queen sweet-talking Miley a.k.a Disney's Hannah Montana loves to have fun on her bicycle.

Check out this video of her :




MORE :

The Huffington Post : Miley Cyrus Rides

40. DANIEL MODER [Wikipedia]

Moder might just be out for a ride with his son, but looking at his ripped legs I think he's a cyclist!

MORE :

Just Jared : Danny Moder - Father And Son Cycling

41. NICOLE KIDMAN [Wikipedia]

Kidman was into riding BMX bicycles in her youth. I can't seem to figure out if this is in real or from a movie.

42. BARRACK OBAMA [Wikipedia]

Potential President of the USA to be rides bicycles on weekends. Barrack actually seems to be made like a climber. Running in election to be the most powerful man in the world and being this thin translates into a very high power to weight ratio!!!

Beat that, Mcain!! You make me sick...!




MORE :

Huffington Post : Obama Celebrates Win By Riding Bike

43. OLIVER MARTINEZ [Wikipedia]

Oliver can be seem sometimes riding on the streets of LA on his 10 speed bicycle.


And no helmet either.

MORE :

Echelon Media : Eat Your Heart Out Lance...

44. OWEN WILSON [Wikipedia]

Owen likes to chill out on his bike too and was once spotted on a dating ride with Kate Hudson...who's also been linked to Lance. Wow, do you see the common thread between all these characters??

Its a friggin bike!!

MORE :

Just Jared : Kate & Owen's Bike Ride Date

45. PAMELA ANDERSON [Wikipedia]

Mama mia!!

Here we see Pamela in a pink cruiser somewhere in Malibu. Don't get too close to her, or you'll be getting some hot coffee on your face!

MORE :

Healthy Hollywood : Pam Anderson Riding Her Bike in Malibu

46. PARIS HILTON [Wikipedia]

I sympathize with Paris inspite of her ills, only because she looks so darn innocent with the bike. Hey, atleast she won't get arrested cycling. Ha!

47. PATRICK DEMPSEY [Wikipedia]

The Grey's Anatomy star is also an avid cyclist. He reads Bicycling Magazine, has met Tom Boonen, rides the Charity part of the Amgen Tour of California every year and rides a nice looking Specialized Roubaix to top that all up.

MORE :

Bicycling Mag : A Ride With Patrick Dempsey

48. PETER MULVEY [Wikipedia]

Singer and songwriter Peter Mulvey rides his bike to concerts! He named the ride "Look Ma, No Gasoline" Tour. No really, I'm serious!

MORE :

My FOX Milwaukee : Peter Mulvey's Tour By Bicycle
JS Online : Mulvey Pedals His Music

49. THE PITTS [Wikipedia]

The couple, whom the Guiness Book of World Records recently named the most powerful Hollywood actors, loves to patrol down the streets with their Branjelina kingdom trailing behind them. Brad is often seen hauling his kids on a bicycle, not one but three or four! What a cool Dad, huh?

MORE :

Treehugger : Hollywood Bike Patrol - Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Family Just Jared : Brad Pitt - Bicycle Built for Four
The Other Paper : Brad Pitt Filming in Bastrop?

50. RACHEL MCADAMS [Wikipedia]

Canadian actress loves to live the green life, riding her bike in Toronto. She reportedly said in an interview that she does not own a car and that in Toronto, her only mode of transport is her bike. Way to go Rachel!

MORE :

USA Today Weekend : Interview With Rachel McAdams
Biking Toronto : Rachel McAdams - Another Celebrity Who Loves Biking Toronto

51. ROBIN WILLIAMS [Wikipedia]

It is well known fact by now that this famous comedian loves to bike and is a total bike geek. He's a bike collector and a staunch supporter of Lance and the Livestrong ideals. According to some sources, he has about 50+ bikes in his collection!!! I very much envy him because he's got one of those neat Independant Fabrication Stainless Steel bikes (953 Reynolds').

Said Robin once, "When I'm riding my bicycle I feel like a Buddhist who is happy just to enjoy his mundane existence."

I wonder if all his biking and bike collection landed him his second straight divorce from his partner?!

MORE :

Pez Cycling News : Robin Williams Rides With Pez
AARP Magazine : Tour de Frantic
Marin Independant Journal : Robin Williams Spices Up Tour of California Velonews : Stars Shine at Handmade Bicycle Show
Bikeradar : Wide of Actor and Avid Cyclist Robin Williams Files For Divorce.

52. RUSSELL CROWE [Wikipedia]

Its almost hard to miss a movie featuring Russell. Heck, he's perfect! Being one of my favorite actors, it was surprising to see the Gladiator star abandon motorized means of transport to ride his bike to the supermarket.


Online Videos by Veoh.com

The Papparazzi better watch out because when it comes to anger management, Russell isn't the best at control.

53. SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR [Wikipedia]

Sarah likes to save up money and bike ride instead. Here, she looks pretty chic with the pink urban cruiser but how on earth is she going to ride with those high heels?! You know what, I think this is a photo op. But the girl actually rides!

MORE :

Fitsugar : Sarah MG's Bike
Whedon : Sarah Michelle Gellar's Money Saving Tips

54. SCOUT NIBLET [Wikipedia]

Nice chic! And nice bike! Is that a Schwinn? Can't see. I'm getting old.

MORE :

Treehugger : Hollywood Bike Patrol

55. SHERYL CROW [Wikipedia]

Its strange. Sheryl Crow is a fitness buff, but she happens to be a cancer survivor just like Lance. Whats more, she was Owen Wilson's first love interest until Lance had to come and snatch her. After they divorced, Lance went for Owen's other girl, Kate Hudson!!! What a playerr!!!! Correct me if I'm wrong.

Before all this craziness began, Sheryl was linked with Eric Clapton, who was also into bicycles as we mentioned before. Whats the common thread here?

Btw, I respect the fact that Sheryl rides her bike. She's pretty serious too I think. According to some sources, she attempted to ride up the Alpe D'Huez on her TREK Madone, and accomplished it in a time of 90 minutes. Not bad.

For anyone to go up the Alpe on a bicycle is hardly anywhere close to average recreation.

MORE :

BLOG : Sheryl Crow 90 Minutes Up Alpe D'Huez

56. TOBEY MCGUIRE [Wikipedia]

When not acting, Tobey exchanges his Spidey costume for the nice looking Italian jerseys and riding shorts. Then he hops on his Colnago and off he goes like a rocket.


MORE :

XOnline : Maguire Picking Up Where Jake Left Off?
Fitsugar : Even Spiderman Can Ache From Biking
Celebrity Baby Blog : Tobey Maguire Out With Family In Brentwood,CA
Crazy For Tobey : Biking Pictures

57. THOMAS EDISON [Wikipedia]

I'm not a huge fan of inventor Edison. But here's a video of him fooling around on a fixie!

58. TONY BLAIR [Wikipedia]

Here's a famous picture of ex-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair cycling through the streets of Amsterdam to an EU Summit. Blair was present at this year's Beijing Olympics to actively support British cyclists.

MORE :

BBC : Tony Blair's Leadership Years In Pictures
CyclingWeekly : Tony Blair Pays Tribute To Britain's Cyclists

59. DAVID DUCHOVNY [Wikipedia]

After all the therapy for sex addiction, ex-X Files lead actor David Duchovny was spotted at the the Nautica Malibu Triathlon along with other celebrities.

MORE :

Daily Celeb : 19th Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon

OTHER FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO RIDE

Jean Christophe Novelli - World Famous French Chef, also a cyclist and triathlete [Look here]

Nicolas Sarkozy, the French President, rides a bike in his vacations! [Look here]

Geri Halliwell - Fitness obsessed Spice Girl riding her bike [Look Here]

Jeff Banks - World Famous Welsh fashion designer also an avid cyclist [Look Here]

Sophie Monk - Bikini Clad and riding her bike in Hollywood [Look Here]

Estella Warren - Another hot celebrity Triathlete [Look Here]

Diane Kuger - Chic bicycling babe through Manhattan [Look Here]

More Pictures Of Stars On Bikes From USMagazine.Com