Shimano Ultegra Di2 Takes Interbike By Storm
Jim Langley            www.roadbikerider.com
To me, the most exciting thing at Interbike was Shimano’s Ultegra 6770 Di2 electric components group (Di2 stands for Digital Integrated Intelligence). I got to test ride it, talk to Shimano about it, attend a technical seminar about Di2 and discuss it with other industry pundits.

Even though Shimano’s first electric group, Dura-Ace Di2, debuted about 4 years ago, I think that the significantly lower price of the new Ultegra Di2 and its sleeker design mean that it’s going to be in high demand. And if you’re in the market for a new bike, you should act fast to get on the list for Di2. Especially since the buzz at the show was…

Chris Tucker sent me this story about a grueling bike ride/race in Asia. This would never take place in Texas because we lack the 10,000 mountain passes but I have seen similar conditions in some of the European pro races. Note the road conditions in the opening frame of the video.

The Craziest Bike Race On Earth
Written by: T. Sean Herbert            www.thepostgame.com
It’s raining in Bhutan. That’s not a reason to postpone a bike race, but it’s not helping Bill Lahey feel more comfortable. Nor is the time of the start of the race — two o’clock in the morning. Nor, for that matter, is the race course: through 10,000-foot mountain passes in the Himalayas, around hairpin turns on roads with no guardrails, down inclines so steep Lahey will have no choice but to steer at 40 mph or more.

Nor are the obstacles sure to get in his way: large trucks and farm animals, neither of which will be steered away…

October Means Cyclosomatic ala Bike Friendly Oak Cliff
by The Announcer Guy        Biking In Dallas

Cyclist to ride in second Livestrong Challenge
By Andrew Bottrell        www.nptelegraph.com
A local man has taken his passions for cycling and giving back, and joined the Livestrong movement.

In October, Doug Wenz, a North Platte resident, will take part in his second Livestrong Challenge, a two-day event that helps raise funds for cancer survivors and cancer research. After traveling to Seattle to take part in his first Livestrong Challenge two years ago, Wenz…

The Rise of Urban Biking
Ben Adler            www.thenation.com
Residents of American cities and college towns may have noticed a growing urban species whizzing down their streets. One strand of the highly adaptive Homo pedalis can be identified by telltale markings: a single leg of skinny jeans rolled up, a plaid shirt unbuttoned to alleviate perspiration and a clumsy retro helmet. As many young professionals choose cities over suburbs, the rising cost of living has pushed newcomers to the fringes of the urban core. Mass transit is not always available or convenient. Driving is costly and time-consuming. So young…

Ft Hood State Championships Weekend 2011
by Ken Day           Texas Racing Life
Let me hit you with some truth right quick:  cycling can be the most difficult and disappointing sport ever.  It can also be so rewarding.  Saturday’s 99 mile Skill-based Championship race was a perfect example of the former, and Sunday’s Age-Based Championships was the latter.

Actually, I felt amazing in both races.  On Saturday, I was hitting the climbs hard, trying to make selections in the group.  Each hill, Michael Pincus, myself, along with a few others, would get to the front and attack each other.  I was enjoying the pain and suffering this was bringing me!  I couldn’t believe how good my form was.  Coming through mile 64, I knew I would easily make it until…