Think of the Children

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Oh Lance, how could you disappoint me? Lance Armstrong may be considered one of the finest riders today, yet shall we dismiss recent allegations that raise questions of his seven consecutive Tour de France wins? It’s like finding out Santa Clause doesn’t circumnavigate the globe, delivering presents and eating cookies. Floyd Landis rightfully admitted to doping, in the controversial 2006 Tour, but narced out America’s hero, Lance Armstrong.

Frankly, it doesn’t bother me if Lance juices. I’d like to believe the Tour de France functions as twenty one days of clean cycling, but let’s face it, that’s impossible if you want to compete today. It’s like asking Keith Richards to play concerts sober. The pelotons travel faster than ever, both because of improved bicycle technologies and steroids.

Performance enhancing drugs damage the integrity of the sport, but should Lance admit to his follies? If he confessed, I wouldn’t even bother placing an asterisk next to his 1999-2005 wins. It may improve drug testing on the tour or raise awareness for our demands on athletes. I question our love affair with Lance, and wonder if we (the American public) pushed him to cheat.

Floyd Landis deserves credit for his actions. If more athletes were honest, the sport may be seen in a respectable light. Lance Armstrong may never openly address his involvement with doping, but won’t someone think of the children. Lance, you’re an icon. If you want to be genuine I urge you to produce a better response to Floyd’s accusations. “It’s his word against mine,” (Lance) only portrays you as a bigger phony.

6 $ per G

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As the mess continues to grow in the Gulf, gas prices pose a threat to those held hostage by their cars. What ever will we do if gas prices reach four, five, or even six dollars per gallon? Although British Petroleum and Exxon Mobile harbor notions of alternative energies, these companies may never drift away from oil unless their profits begin to decline. Florida will be a tar pit by the time these greasy characters get their acts together; in the meantime I champion the idea of a boycott.

I perceive the car as a filthy, antiquated mode of transportation. How do we continue to rationalize driving a car when we can pedal for free? Furthermore, we complain about our obese nation, yet drift down the highway at 75 mph while eating a Big Mac. Certain cities and towns remain difficult to navigate via bicycle, yet these excuses can’t be supported in Boulder. If you commit to the bicycle you’ll never look back, except to check out that cute bike that passed you.

Placing myself on a high saddle, I refuse to drive; not because I can’t afford gasoline, but because I won’t consume that nonsense. My bicycle carries me across town faster than any car, and without traffic or stress. I can load groceries in a trailer or backpack, and dismiss anyone who site situations that warrant a car. If every able body were to abandon their cars and adopt the bicycle just imagine the possibilities. Boulder already locates itself as a progressive town; but if we all got on the same page we could radiate a Copenhagen aesthetic.