Month: January 2008

ATOC anti doping strategy

Richard MasonerJanuary 29, 20084 Comments on ATOC anti doping strategy

Joe Lindsey writes about the Amgen Tour of California doping protocol in a guest post over at Freakanomics. In case you missed the news, all cyclists will have blood drawn and tested prior to the race. 30% of riders will also provide urine samples. Lindsey compares that to Team Slipstream’s anti doping strategy — each rider on that team is tested pre-race, and anyone who shows signs of potential doping is just benched for that race. If he fails too many tests, he’s fired.

It occurs to me that Slipstream’s procedure could reveal whether “false positives” are actually a problem or not, especially if Slipstream’s tests are well documented and audited correctly. If a Slipstream cyclist ever tests positive and Slipstream’s paperwork is all in order I foresee a lot of “I told you so!” from the Trust But Verify crowd.

Posted In tour of california

Yuba Mundo cargo bike

Richard MasonerJanuary 29, 200822 Comments on Yuba Mundo cargo bike

Behold the Yuba Mundo cargo bicycle.


Yuba plans to introduce the Mundo cargo bike to Europe this month, followed by a release to America in February. This high-tensile steel bike with a long frame allows for extra carrying capacity; the rear platform can haul up to two extra passengers or up to 485 lbs / 220 kg of cargo.

The Mundo 1-speed is the entry-level model ideally suited for flat to mildly rolling terrain with low maintenance features. The Mundo 6-speed offers the most advantages for hilly terrain and heavier cargo hauling. The Mundo 5-speed uses an internal hub, reinforced for cargo hauling, that enables the rider to shift on the fly whether pedaling, cruising or idling. The 5-speed is also suited for heavier loads. Prices will start at US$750 or €540. Kickstands and fenders / mudguards are optional extras.

In the United States, the Yuba Mundo will be available from Rock the Bike in Berkeley, California. They’ll ship it to you in the United States for $45, some assembly is required. They’re available in the UK at Bike Fix in London; in Bonn, Germany at Velo City; from Velectris in France; and in Helsinki, Finland at Ultra Fun Oyab. You can also purchase online directly from Yuba and pay with Pay Pal and various credit card options.

Thanks to the WIRED blog for reminding me about this bike, which has more details on models and colors offered.

Posted In Uncategorized

Dogs and the SLUT

Richard MasonerJanuary 28, 20086 Comments on Dogs and the SLUT

Anne Jovi has dogs for the S.L.U.T. Aren’t they adorable?

Dogs in a bike basket She tells me they’re too big for the basket now. Enjoy ’em while they’re young!

I don’t remember if I mentioned this or not yet, but I have a new link bait rule: Post a picture of your cute pet on or around the bike, link back to Cyclelicious and ensure I find it and I’ll post a link back to your website or blog. You can see the other bicycle pet posts by clicking on the “pets” label below.

Posted In pets

Sheyrl Crow – Gasoline

Richard MasonerJanuary 28, 20086 Comments on Sheyrl Crow – Gasoline

Sheryl Crow sees a Mad Max future in “Gasoline.”

Way back in the year of 2017
The sun was growing hotter
And oil was way beyond its peak
When crazy Hector Johnson broke into a refinery
And the black gold started flowing
Just like Boston tea

It was the summer of the riots
And London sat in sweltering heat
And the gangs of Mini Coopers
Took the battle to the streets
But when the creed was handed down
For no more trucks and no more cars
They threw cans of petrol through the windows at Scotland Yard

Full lyrics at Sheryl Crow discussion board. Via The Drum Beat.

Posted In peak oil

42 foot tricycle

Richard MasonerJanuary 27, 200812 Comments on 42 foot tricycle

As seen on Japanese television…


This huge tricycle built by Kanyaboyina Sudhaker of Hyderabad takes 300 pedal revolutions for each wheel revolution. The wheels on this 42 foot tricycle has wheels that are 17 feet across. This trike is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest tricycle. Thank you to Roto1000 for this tip.

More about Sudhaker and his vehicular creations are at his website.

Posted In Uncategorized