My Favorite?

Which one of my bikes is my favorite? That's a really tough question. I have a Bushnell custom road bike that I have had for 17 years that fits like a pair of old blue jeans and that I race on and ride probably 75% of my miles on. I've got a slippery fast Trek Equinox TT bike that's a kick to ride, but being a TT bike, it doesn't get a whole lot of miles on it. Right now, I'm between mountain bikes, but although I usually have one, I don't really get all that attached to them or ride them very much.

I like all my bikes a lot, that's part of being a bike geek like me. But if I had to pick one favorite though, it would be the "ugly duck" of the flock. I put it together a couple of years ago to ride on the road early and late in the season when the weather is cruddy and the roads are sandy, wet, and slushy. Its heavy and slow, but when the temperature is in the 30s, less speed is a good thing because there is less wind chill. Its got fenders, a rack, and lights so its practical for wet weather and the shorter days of late fall and early spring. Its a 1985 Ritchey mountain bike that I got off of eBay for about $250. I added some drop bars and the proper stem to match my road bike position. Its long wheelbase and relaxed geometry make it nice and stable on slick roads and the fat tires help as well. Although its not my lightest, fastest, or flashiest bike, it is unquestionably the best suited to its respective task. As a bonus, I put flat pedals on it for the summer and use it for running errands around town which it does quite well. Is it my favorite? I don't know, but I'm awfully fond of it!

The Rally for Ed

Tyler Farrar (in the Garmin kit) visits with Rally For Ed participants


My wife and I joined several hundred cyclists of all types earlier today in Wenatchee for a ride to show support for the recently injured Dr. Edward Farrar and bicycle safety. Such a turnout is impressive as the organizers only had little more than a week to organize the event. The ride was a procession complete with police escort from the Wenatchee Omnium criterium course near the Convention Center up to Skyline Drive where Dr. Farrar's accident occurred and onto Central Washington Hospital where he is currenty recovering from his injuries. (For more on Dr. Farrar's accident and condition please visit: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/edfarrar)

A steady stream of cyclists takes to Wenatchee Avenue

The procession leaves downtown towards Skyline Drive

Coming off Skyline Drive towards the hospital, bikes as far as you can see

Following the ride, a rally was held at the hospital where supporters heard from a few of Dr. Farrar's friends and colleagues and his son, Tyler Farrar. Get well cards and wishes were also signed by the participants for Dr. Farrar.

Riders gather afterwards to show their support for Dr. Farrar


Signs of support and encouragement for Dr. Farrar

It was an amazing experience to be part of such an outpouring of support for the Farrar family and it really highlights what a special group of people the bicycling community is. Several teams from the Seattle area made the trip over the mountains with First Rate Mortgage, Carter Subaru, and Wines of Washington among others all having members present. Everyone present joined in a cheer of "Ed!" at the end of the event with the hope that he could hear it in his room.

All in all, it was a wonderful ride and gathering and my wife and I were so glad to be able to participate. We are sending our most positive thoughts and wishes to Dr. Farrar and the Farrar family.