There's been a lot of discussion around the new feature on Google Maps that generates cycling routes. Clearly, it's an imperfect product at the moment. It's in beta, so that's to be expected. There are several things that are very cool about. One is that Google will continue to iterate and improve it until their customers, us essentially, are happy. Another is that you can generate routes that go not only from point A to point B, but also with multiple destinations. This is really impressive and useful. [more...]

Looking for some cross-training? Try Dragon Boat Racing. [more...]

Just got info about a new charity ride from Oakland to Sactown to support local schools:

General Information
Join us for a fully supported 100-mile ride to the State Capitol on Saturday, May 8, 2010. We plan to register 50 riders. All parent and community riders will be asked to raise $500 or more in pledges.

Why We Ride
Over the past two years, state funding for K-12 education in California has been reduced by almost 20 percent. California currently ranks 47th in per pupil spending and has the highest teacher-to-student ratio in the nation. Last year four of us rode to the capitol to protest massive cuts in funding for education. This year we're riding again to raise funds and public awareness. We hope this small act will help our schools and inspire others. In Oakland, funding cuts have hit our schools especially hard. At Claremont Middle School and Oakland Technical High School, many elective classes and enrichment programs remain only as a result of parent fundraising. We need your help.

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On this very scenic and challenging ride you will climb, descend, and meander on quiet back roads through the rugged mountains, canyons, and valleys of south central Trinity County and our rural communities of Hyampom, Corral Bottom, Wildwood, and Hayfork. We have put together four great routes which in total make up a figure-eight course of 115 miles. Each of the four ride possibilities uses some of this total course to give riders of varying abilities a perfect choice at the most beautiful time of year for this event in Trinity County. The views from the high spots will give the rider a glimpse of the vastness of the area and the spectacular scenery found in the southern Klamath Mountains.

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Chasing Legends is a behind the scenes look at the Tour de France. It's supposed to be low-budget, but the trailer looks impressive. [more...]