Illinoistocht

Over the season, I noticed a many cycling enthusiasts with high end bikes sporting white bar tape, white saddles, and even white shoes.  I was out browsing a local bike shop last evening and noticed that now even the entry level road bikes came with white saddles and white bar tape.  On the other end of the spectrum, In this year's pro cycling events, it seemed most of the teams had white bar tape.  To each his own, but for us amateurs who don't enjoy the an entourage of mechanics to nightly make our bikes perfect, the bar tape turns grey with patches of black over the season.  I had white bar tape on a new bike and it got dingy from sweat and from grease after I'd had to put the chain back on or make other adjustments.  And as far as bike seats, I think the only thing that really truly looks good in white leather or white pleather would be cowgirl boots on a country girl going dancing.  I sensibly replaced my bar tape...but if you have an opinion be sure to see the poll. 

Otherwise its time for more topics and another round at the Village Bar. 

Looks like Natalie Coughlin got voted off Dancing with the Stars Tuesday night.  Kind of a bummer as I was rooting for her (my girlfriend has worked with her on a sponsorship) and she had been dancing well, but lesser players got more call-in votes.    I did hear through the grapevine that she and her cohorts were sad.  She's still a "golden girl" no matter what. 

Not sure what this winter holds as far as skating the Illinois canals.  It's supposed to be an El Nino year, and that may mean that it will be warmer in the northwestern part of Illinois, according to a recent forecast from the National Weather Service.   But there's always room for a cold snap followed by a spell of cold weather to make for good ice.

Be sure to vote in the Google Trike / Street View for the Hennepin.

Good luck to all the long track speed skaters this weekend in Milwaukee at the Petit Ice Center.  The meet runs from October 21 - 25 and serves as the qualification for long track speed skating in the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics.  And finally, given the emphasis on endurance sports, good luck to all the runners in the upcoming New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1.