Bike Diva

Verizon Coverage Along RAGBRAI Route

PRESS RELEASE

Verizon Wireless' Enhanced Network Coverage Along RAGBRAI Route Includes Portable Cell Sites

Verizon Wireless' Portable Cell Sites and Capacity Adds Will Boost Network Coverage in Greenfield, Indianola and Ottumwa

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation's largest and most reliable wireless voice and data network, will boost network capacity at three cities along this year's route for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI ) July 19-25.

The company announced it will bring a Cell on Wheels (COW) to the Greenfield tour stop and it will activate a Cell on Light Truck (COLT) for the tour stop in Indianola. These temporary cell sites are equivalent to the highest capacity stationary site presently in Iowa and are able to process thousands of calls every hour. In addition, network capacity at existing cell sites has been increased to handle nearly three times the normal call volume in the Ottumwa area.

"As the official wireless provider for RAGBRAI, we are committed to serving our customers as well as the ride organizers along this year's route," said Nancy B. Clark, president - Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. "Based on our research, we anticipate each of these Iowa communities will experience more than double the usage during the ride's tour stop than would occur during an average summer day," Clark said.

Heading into its 37th year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. RAGBRAI's 10,000 riders will attract an estimated 10,000 viewers at most stops along the route.

Verizon Wireless' fleet of COLTS and COWS provides service at special events, such as RAGBRAI, that demand additional network capacity. They also are designed for use when natural disasters or other unplanned events interrupt wireless voice and data service. For example, the company deployed a COLT this past Spring to assist with Red River flooding recovery efforts in the Fargo, N.D. area.

Verizon Wireless continues to increase capacity and augment the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Iowa and across the country. The company has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed -- more than $5.5 billion on average every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. More than $239 million of this investment was spent in Iowa from January 2001 through June 30 of this year on network improvements.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Source: Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Karen Smith of Verizon Wireless, +1-612-590-3511,
Karen.Smith@VerizonWireless.com; or Debbie Hilt, 888-296-2411, ext. 6 ,
Debbie.AlbersGroup@cox.net, for Verizon Wireless

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

Frank Stark Ride Photos Available

Hey guys and gals,

I wasn't able to participate in this years Frank Stark Ride. I was racing in a 15K time trial with my On Your Mark cycling team. But a lot of my friends did the ride.

Justin Rosenberg was the official photographer at the Frank Stark Ride. He wants to let everyone know that he's uploaded all the pictures from the ride onto his website. Visit JSR Photo to view and purchase the event photos: Frank Stark Ride Photos.

He also has photos available from the Mack Cycle Trilogy #1 on his site, which took place on June 21.

Check out JSR Photo event photographs when you get a chance.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA Bike Diva

Oakley Auctions Eyewear Signed by Lance Armstrong

PRESS RELEASE

Oakley to Auction Eyewear Signed by Lance Armstrong

All Proceeds from Unique Collector's Item Will Support Cancer Foundation

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Oakley, Inc. today announced that a one-of-a-kind LIVESTRONG(TM) JAWBONE(TM) sunglass, autographed by cycling legend Lance Armstrong, will be auctioned on eBay and all proceeds will go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation in support of its ongoing mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.

"We are honored to help such a noble cause," said Colin Baden, president of Oakley. "We first teamed with Lance decades ago, back when doing the impossible meant defying the limits of performance. Years later, when cancer brought the greatest challenges he had ever faced, Lance did the impossible by defying those limits as well. Today his foundation brings hope to people all over the world. Oakley customers have shown their support by purchasing our special-edition LIVESTRONG products, and with a portion of each sale going to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, total contributions are now approaching $2.5 million. The eBay auction of this autographed sunglass will generate further awareness for the cause, and we are proud to contribute all proceeds to the foundation," Baden concluded.

Along with Armstrong's autograph on the lens and packaging box, this rare collector's item comes with an autographed set of black lenses and also has "TdF 2009" printed on the inner surface of the frame to commemorate this year's Tour de France and Armstrong's bid for an unprecedented eighth victory. Also included with the sunglass are two accessory sets of lenses in black iridium and yellow tints. The online auction for both items will be open globally and is currently scheduled for the last 10 days of the Tour. Bidding will commence at 12pm PST on July 16th. The auction will close July 26th at 12pm PST.

Oakley's new JAWBONE eyewear takes advantage of SwitchLock(TM) Technology that allows for quick and easy lens changing, helping athletes adapt to the environment. The pivoting system includes a release mechanism that lets the wearer remove and replace the nosepiece with a different size to customize the fit. JAWBONE comes with patented XYZ Optics , Unobtainium components that increase grip with sweat, and Oakley Hydrophobic(TM)/Oleophobic technology -- a permanent lens coating that repels dust, water, skin oils and lotions. The pure Plutonite lenses filter out 100% of all UV, and even with a comfortably lightweight design, JAWBONE offers impact protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 standards.

Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. By the time the cancer was detected, it had already spread to his lungs and brain. Ignoring the slim odds of survival given by doctors, he rebuilt his body after surgery and grueling chemotherapy then went on to win the Tour de France seven years in a row.

Located in Austin, Texas, the Lance Armstrong Foundation empowers and inspires those who are living with cancer. The foundation is resolved in its belief that in the battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything.

Visit www.LIVESTRONG.org for more information on the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Go to Oakley.com to learn about Oakley's LIVESTRONG special-edition products.

 LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the Lance Armstrong Foundation

 About Oakley, Inc.

Established in 1975 and headquartered in Southern California, Oakley is one of the leading sports brands in the world. The holder of over 600 patents, Oakley is continually seeking problems, solving them with inventions and wrapping those inventions in art. This philosophy has made Oakley one of the most iconic and inimitable brands on the market, with innovations that are depended upon by world-class athletes around the globe in order to compete at the highest level possible. Oakley is famed for its insuperable lens technologies such as High Definition Optics (HDO ) which is incorporated into all Oakley sun and prescription eyewear, and goggles. Oakley has extended its leadership position as the world's leading sports eyewear brand into their apparel, footwear and accessories collections. Laser focused on the consumer, Oakley has both Men's and Women's product lines which target the Sports Performance, Active and Lifestyle consumers. Oakley is a subsidiary of Luxottica Group (NYSE: LUX; MTA: LUX). Additional information is available at www.oakley.com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090716/LA47406
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080828/LATH022LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Oakley, Inc.

CONTACT: Brianne Bates, +1-949-829-6358, bbates@oakley.com, or Diane
Thibert, +1-949-672-6888, dthibert@oakley.com, both Public Relations of
Oakley, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.oakley.com/

First Multi-Speed American Bicycle Discovered

PRESS RELEASE

First Multi-Speed American Bicycle Discovered

A lone surviving copy of a bicycle from another era, a chainless 3-speed relic manufactured in early 1900, has been recovered and is being restored; called "The Hill-Climber," it was the first multi-speed bicycle to be produced in America

SEATTLE, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- A bicycle believed to be the first production model in America to employ multiple-speed gear ratios has been found and is being restored to original condition. When found, only the patented gear-changing mechanism was still attached to the rusty frame. A nationwide search for replacement parts and information about the company that produced it has been undertaken.

Before this discovery, the first-known production multi-speed bicycle was marketed under the Columbia brand in 1903. It featured a two-speed "kickback" hub, and was also a chainless bicycle. The story of "The Hill-Climber" has recently been published in a book titled "Restoration." It is available on the Amazon-affiliate website Createspace at https://www.createspace.com/3382245 

The inventor of this 3-speed bicycle, Peter J. Scharbach, called it "The Hill-Climber." It was originally produced by Scharbach/Hoerth and Company in San Francisco in 1902. Research shows that the company also tried to produce an early automobile. It is not known how many of these bicycles were sold during its production years from 1902-1904. Chainless bicycles are manufactured today by a few companies, but the product form is not widely known to bicyclists.

The surviving Hill-Climber, a frame with a shaft-drive (like an automobile) instead of a chain, has three bevel gears at the rear wheel, and shift linkage to change speed ratios. It was stored in the basement of a retired dairy farmer outside of Pe Ell, WA, after spending most of its life on his farm junk pile. His father, John K. Muller, and many residents of the area invested in a manufacturing company formed with the inventor in late 1903. Assembly operations were moved from San Francisco to Chicago in early 1904. Mysteriously, all their investment was gone by the end of the year, and the company folded.

A descendant of the inventor was found living in Arizona. His great-grandfather was a blacksmith, inventor and entrepreneur whose patent for the chainless bicycle is still being referenced today. Remnants of the bicycle business are a few surviving photographs taken at a product roll-out event in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, c.1902. An advertising flyer, and other surviving documentation, was found in the possession of relatives of John K. Muller.

The bicycle is scheduled to be on display at the 32nd Annual LeMay Auto Collection show August 29, 2009, near Tacoma, WA. For details go to http://www.lemaymuseum.org/

More information about the bicycle, its restoration, and its place in history can be found at http://www.fusionstudios.com/hill-climber

Fusion Studios is a Seattle firm that specializes in Graphic Design and Writing Services for print and web.

Contact Al Tietjen, Director of Marketing for Fusion Studios, Inc., 206-547-1303 ext. 1, or al@fusionsudios.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Source: Fusion Studios, Inc.

CONTACT: Al Tietjen, Director of Marketing for Fusion Studios, Inc.,
+1-206-547-1303 ext. 1, al@fusionsudios.com

Web Site: http://www.fusionstudios.com/hill-climber

Garmin Slipstream Jersey by Pearl Izumi

PRESS RELEASE

Pearl Izumi Helps Garmin-Slipstream Pro Cycling Team Claim Aerodynamic Edge At Tour De France

Pearl Izumi Speed Shop Unveils New Speed Jersey at Tour

BOULDER, Colo., July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to the world famous Tour de France, every second counts. That's why road cycling teams such as the Garmin-Slipstream Professional Cycling Team (www.slipstreamsports.com), a professional American cycling team dedicated to promoting ethical sporting and developing the next generation of cycling champions, go to great lengths to find every advantage within the rules to enhance their racing performance.

For their race wear, a critical tool in enhancing a team's aerodynamic performance, Garmin-Slipstream turns to Pearl Izumi (www.pearlizumi.com), headquartered in Louisville, Colo., a suburb of Boulder, to supply the team with racing jerseys, one-piece skin suits, shorts, in-competition base layers and socks as well as running shoes, which the team wears throughout the grueling 3,500 kilometer race that criss-crosses France.

For Pearl Izumi, the opportunity to supply one of the top professional cycling teams in the world with the racing apparel that it will wear during the 96th edition of the Tour de France represents the ultimate test for the Pearl Izumi Speed Shop, the "skunkworks" of Pearl Izumi's advanced product innovation program.

"Our relationship with the Garmin-Slipstream Team has been an incredible catalyst for product innovation," said Cache Mundy, Pearl Izumi's vice president of marketing. "The Garmin-Slipstream Team provides us with phenomenal testing and feedback in the harshest of conditions. We use their input to further refine our products before they go to market for avid cycling enthusiasts worldwide."

"From day one, we have committed to giving our riders the best technology available to help them perform at the top of the field," added Jonathan Vaughters, Garmin-Slipstream CEO and Director Sportif. "Partners such as Pearl Izumi, who innovate with us, are a critical part of our success."

While many apparel companies support multiple teams with identical product during the Tour de France, the Pearl Izumi Speed Shop works exclusively with Garmin-Slipstream to supply the team's 28 members with the highest performing apparel regardless of race or weather conditions.

"Our focus is 100 percent on product innovation," said Bob Africa, Pearl Izumi's Director of Product Management. "We're out to create game-changing apparel and footwear for today's professional riders."

During this year's Tour de France, the Pearl Izumi Speed Shop will debut a new jersey called the P.R.O. (Performance and Race Optimized) Speed Jersey, which offers an unparalleled on-the-bike anatomic fit to generate maximum aerodynamic performance. In development since last year's Tour de France, the new patent-pending Speed Jersey is designed with drag cheating P.R.O. Transfer Aero fabric - the fastest fabric ever developed for cycling. Going through dozens upon dozens of prototypes, the Pearl Izumi Speed Shop conducted numerous tests to gain a record-breaking aerodynamic edge for the Garmin-Slipstream Team.

The P.R.O. Speed Jersey was inspired by the custom speed suit that the Pearl Izumi Speed Shop developed for Garmin-Slipstream team members such as Dave Zabriskie, the U.S. National Time Trial champion, and Bradley Wiggins, the UK World Pursuit Champion, who are continuously looking for that extra performance edge provided by Pearl Izumi, noted Lia Bybee, the Speed Shop's head of Advanced Development.

"It's the hardest pattern we have every produced because it conforms precisely to the body of the rider when they are on the bike," said Jennie Yu, Pearl Izumi Speed Shop pattern specialist. "There were a few times we just wanted to give up but the final result is worth it. Bike jerseys have been around for more than 100 years so it feels incredibly rewarding to end up with something that is going to change the way the industry looks at the on-the-bike fit and performance of cycling apparel."

When the Pearl Izumi Speed Shop arrived at the final design and pattern, it produced each Speed Jersey to the exact specifications of each member of the Garmin-Slipstream Team, and then hand couriered the jerseys to Monaco just one day before the start of the Tour de France.

New Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Speed Jersey

In addition to the P.R.O. Speed Jersey, the Garmin-Slipstream team members may select from three other Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Model jerseys -- the standard P.R.O. Jersey, the workhorse of the line; the P.R.O. Climbers Jersey featuring Direct-Vent Fabric for optimal ventilation and minimum weight; the P.R.O. Aero Jersey, which features a second skin fit and anatomic construction.

This July, Pearl Izumi will pre-launch the 2010 Limited Edition Black Star Design Aero Jersey and Short, which will allow consumers to ride in the exact same Aero Jersey and Bib Short available to Garmin-Slipstream. The Black Star Kits feature the identical materials, construction, fit and aero fabrics used by the team with the addition of Pearl Izumi's all new P.R.O. Seamless 4D Chamois, the most advanced, anatomic chamois ever produced (available through authorized Pearl Izumi apparel retailers). Look for other Pearl Izumi Speed Shop items such as the P.R.O. Speed Jersey to come to market soon.

About Pearl Izumi

Pearl Izumi is a world leader in the manufacture of performance sports apparel and footwear for avid cycling and running enthusiasts. Based in Louisville, Colo., a suburb of Boulder, Pearl Izumi is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shimano American Corporation, located in Irvine, Calif.

Source: Pearl Izumi

CONTACT: Stephen Dupont of Pocket Hercules, +1-612-435-8315,
stephen@pockethercules.com, for Pearl Izumi

Tour de France Cycling Gear

PRESS RELEASE

LightInTheBox.com Launches New Cycling Gear Range for the Tour De France

BEIJING, July 10 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- To give cycling fans a treat during the 96th Tour De France, LightInTheBox.com (http://www.lightinthebox.com/ ) has announced the expansion of their cycling range: including everything from patented CoolMax fabric cycling shorts (http://www.lightinthebox.com/Cycling-Shorts.htm ) to light-weight folding bicycles (http://www.lightinthebox.com/Cycles.htm ). Now global biking enthusiasts can choose cycling gear worthy of the hallowed Yellow Jersey and get fast-lane delivery direct to their door.

The Tour de France, which this year runs from July 4 to July 26, is an annual bicycle race that covers more than 3,500 kilometers (2,200 mi) throughout France and bordering countries. The race usually lasts 23 days and attracts cyclists from around the world. The combination of endurance and strength needed led the New York Times to say in 2006 that the "Tour de France is arguably the most physiologically demanding of athletic events". The effort was compared to "running a marathon several days a week for nearly three weeks", while the total elevation of the climbs was compared to "climbing three Everests". The riders burn through a staggering 7000 calories a day and getting the intake right is essential for recovery as there are a sinew-straining 21 stages in 2009. The expectation and excitement for this year's race is high as Lance Armstrong comes out of retirement to take on cycling's younger superstars. Armstrong has previously made the race his own, winning an amazing seven times from 1999-2005.

"Challenging the limits of physical and mental endurance is an intrinsically human trait," said Kevin Wen, co-founder of LightInTheBox.com, on the announcement of their latest low-price range of cycling gear. "We've expanded our sports lines to include competitively priced cycling jerseys and equipment to offer shoppers a helping hand in pushing their own limits."

With China well known as the kingdom of bicycles, LightInTheBox.com uses their unique location to leverage the best deals from local bicycle manufacturers and source the best quality cycling equipment at affordable prices. "The Tour de France is a global competition and we want to provide fans worldwide with the opportunity to join in and purchase their own hi-tech cycling jerseys or cycling accessories," explained Kevin Wen. "Our huge range of gear and new prices mean we can now offer 'more for the Tour' this year." (http://www.lightinthebox.com/Cycling-Shorts.htm )

About LightInTheBox.com:

LightInTheBox.com is a leading global value-added online distributor. It offers more than fifty thousand quality product selections to customers in more than 160 countries. It serves both individual consumers and commercial customers.

 Websites:
 The company: http://www.lightinthebox.com/
 Cycling:   http://www.lightinthebox.com/Cycling-Shorts.htm

 For more information, please contact:

  Wei Jin
  Email: PRcontact@lightinthebox.com

Source: LightInTheBox

CONTACT: Wei Jin at +86-10-5908-0008 x8068, PRcontact@lightinthebox.com

Web site: http://www.lightinthebox.com/

Gold's Gym Supports Tour de Cure

Team Gold's Gym Continues to Lead the National Fight Against Diabetes

Company Leads The American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure(R) Fundraising Efforts for Record 5th Year in a Row

DALLAS, July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold's Gym, the world's leading authority on health and fitness, has continued its fight against obesity and the diabetes epidemic by once again supporting the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure. For the fifth year in a row, the company is the Tour de Cure's top national fundraiser and, along with its franchisees, employees, members and local communities, has raised more than $350,000.

Since Gold's Gym began its relationship with the American Diabetes Association in 2003, the company has raised more than $2.5 million for the Association in support of their mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

"The focus of our relationship with the ADA has always been on raising funds for diabetes research and promoting the importance of exercise in fighting the disease," said Lisa Zoellner, chief marketing officer, Gold's Gym. "The Tour de Cure has become a part of our culture and is something the entire Gold's Gym family has rallied behind. We are thrilled to have raised these much-needed funds for the American Diabetes Association and are proud to serve as a resource to help people affected by the disease manage it through fitness."

The American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in 40 states nationwide with proceeds benefiting the Association and its numerous programs designed to prevent, cure and manage diabetes.

Gold's Gym franchise owners, managers and employees assembled members from their local gyms and community to take part in the Tour de Cure events. With over 83 Gold's Gym teams and 2,000 riders participating in this year's events, the company had one of its strongest years to date. The top Gold's Gym fundraising teams across the country include:

 -- Gold's Gym Capital District - $45,539.83
   -- Team captain: Bill Lia

   -- Location: Albany, NY

 -- Gold's Fantastic Five - $34,445.16
   -- Team captain: Kimberly Murphy

   -- Location: Baltimore, MD

 -- Gold's Gym Golden Flyers - $22,186.08
   -- Team captain: Phillip Bruno

   -- Location: St. Louis, MO

 -- Gold's Gym Utah - $17,050.75
   -- Team captain: Stan Swallow

   -- Location: Salt Lake City, UT

 -- Team Gold's-Hamburg - $13,551.00
   -- Team captain: Dennis Witt

   -- Location: Buffalo, NY

Considered one of today's largest health crises, diabetes currently affects nearly 24 million in the U.S. and another 57 million are at risk. Although, there is no cure for diabetes, increased physical activity and proper nutrition can help manage and reduce complications as well as prevent type 2 diabetes.

In addition to supporting the Tour de Cure, Gold's Gym has worked with the ADA to develop a variety of initiatives and resources that support the fight against diabetes. This includes a special guide on how to start an exercise routine, a web site (www.goldsgym.com/adafitness) that features tips on fighting diabetes with fitness and a special discounted gym membership for anyone affected by the disease. The two organizations are also planning a national "Spin-a-thon" this November in honor of National Diabetes Month.

About Gold's Gym

Established in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold's Gym is the largest full service gym chain in the world with over 675 locations in 43 states and 28 countries. Gold's Gym offers the latest equipment and services, including group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, group cycling, Pilates and yoga. With nearly 3.5 million members worldwide, Gold's Gym helps all kinds of people achieve their individual potential through fitness.

Source: Gold's Gym

CONTACT: MWW Group: Lindsey Winkler, +1-201-964-2374, lwinkler@mww.com;
or Gold's Gym International: Dave Reiseman, +1-214-296-5062,
dreiseman@goldsgym.com

Web Site: http://www.goldsgym.com/adafitness

Mack Cycle & Fitness

My husband and I got a chance to visit the Mack Cycle store in Miami a few weeks ago. We were picking up our race packets for the Key Biscayne Trilogy #1. Since that was my husband's first duathlon, we stayed for the triathlon/duathlon clinic presented by Body Zen.

Mack Cycle is quite a large store, which is crammed full of biking and triathlon gear. They have a great selection of road and triathlon bikes and clothing in stock. The day we were there, they were having a huge sidewalk sale. I got a Trek spaghetti strap cycling top and Trek cycling shorts for only $5 each - a whole new biking/duathlon outfit for only $10 - what a deal!

Store Details
Mack Cycle
5995 Sunset Drive
Miami, FL 33143
Phone: 305-661-8363
Website: www.mackcycleandfitness.com

Mack Cycle Triathlon Trilogy
Mack Cycle is the title sponsor of the Mack Cycle and Fitness Triathlon Trilogy. The trilogy can be done as either a sprint triathlon or a sprint duathlon. My husband and I are signed up for the duathlon series. The first race took place on June 21; my husband got 4th place Clydesdale men and I won 3rd place Female Masters - WOOT!

The triathlon/duathlon trilogy takes place at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne. That's about a 62 mile drive from our house, so we have to get up at around 4 AM in order to have enough time to drive down there, park, get our race packets, pick up our timing chips, get body marked and place our bike and gear in the transition area. That gives us just enough time to check out the course and do a quick warm up run before the race start.

Mack Cycle Trilogy Race Dates
June 21 - Trilogy #1
July 19 - Trilogy #2
August 16 - Trilogy #3
September 20 - Bonus Round

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Review of Time RXS Carbon Ti Bike Pedals

ABOVE: Close up of Time RXS carbon titanium pedals

I started racing in a few duathlons this year. At the present time, I can't afford to go out and purchase a time trial bike, so I'm always on the search for gear to upgrade my Trek Madone 6.5 road bike. I've been thinking about purchasing a new pair of lighter weight road bike pedals. I've been researching pedal brands and models and decided I wanted to get a pair of Time RXS carbon titanium pedals.

Manufacturer: Time Sport

MSRP: $459.95

Weight: 195 grams per pair

Features: composite carbon pedal, hollow titanium axel, adjustable +/- 5 degrees of float

If you aren't in a hurry to purchase these pedals, shop around. I've found them on sale at a couple of online stores. I purchased my Time RXS carbon titanium road bike pedals from Price Point for only $259.95. I've also seen them on sale at Bike Nashbar for $379.95.

Easy Upgrade
Time pedals claim to be 100% compatible with all brands of cycling shoes. I had been using a pair of Shimano pedals with my Trek road bike. I had no problem adding the Time cleats to my Specialized road bike shoes. I bought a second pair of cleats, so I can also use my Lake triathlon shoes with the new pedals, when I race in duathlons and time trials.

Other Models
Time also makes a set of Time RXS carbon road pedals, which weigh 260 grams per pair, and retail for $174.95. Although not as lightweight as the carbon titanium model, they offer a more affordable option for anyone thinking of upgrading their road bike pedals.

 

ABOVE: Close up of Time cleats

Bike Diva's Opinion
The Time RXS carbon ti pedals are crazy sick. They are extremely light weight. I recently had the bottom bracket and front shifter of my road bike repaired at Bike America. When I went to pick up my bike, I brought the new pedals with me so the mechanic could put them on my road bike. All the guys at the bike shop were oooh-ing and aaaah-ing over the pedals. It took me a few laps around my neighborhood to get comfortable with clipping in and and out of the new pedals. I've done two duathlons with the Time RXS carbon titanium road bike pedals and really like them.

Time RXS carbon titanium road bike pedals might be a bit pricey for the average bike rider. But since I started racing last year, I'm not too worried about it. I'm not into fancy clothes, expensive cars or pricey jewelry. Cycling and running are my main passions. I'm riding a $6,000 road bike, so a couple hundred dollars for a pair of pedals doesn't seem too extreme to me.

Bike Diva's Sponsors
I am looking for a few more sponsors to come on board for the 2010 race season. If anyone would like to sponsor me and my races, or send me a new triathlon bike, just give me a call, or contact me via email: lynn@bikediva.net. Besides being represented at all the races I do throughout the year, you will also receive a one year ad on the Bike Diva and Run Diva blogs along with various blog postings about your companies products throughout the year.

View my Bike Diva's Sponsors page, to view a list of companies currently sponsoring me. You can view my current race schedule here: Bike Diva's Races. I am also actively involved with a number of charity organizations including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Jet Blue Bike Fees Waived in July

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Cycling Fans Stay Up-to-Speed on JetBlue Airways with Access to Live 2009 Tour de France Coverage on VERSUS

- TV channel offered for sixth straight year through DIRECTV(R) programming -

- Bike fees waived for the month of July in celebration of the annual bike race -

NEW YORK, July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- This July, cycling fans traveling on JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU) will stay up-to-speed with the most talked about competition of the year as the airline gears up to offer a dedicated channel to VERSUS, the exclusive television home of the Tour de France in the U.S., for the sixth straight year. Beginning Saturday, July 4, at 9:30 a.m. ET, VERSUS' coverage of the grueling, 23-day contest will be available on channel 37 of JetBlue's personal seatback televisions, in addition to its signature lineup of 36 channels of live DIRECTV(R) programming. To celebrate the race, JetBlue is also waiving its $50 bike fee (a) for customers traveling from July 1 to July 31, 2009.

"We continue to find ways to make the trip on JetBlue as enjoyable as the destination for our customers, and that means giving them more than the other guys -- whether it's a free checked bike to celebrate the race, more legroom, more free snacks and drinks, better customer service or more access to the most-talked about sporting events of the season," said Sam Kline, senior analyst of Product Development for JetBlue Airways. "A lot can happen in the world of cycling on a six-hour long haul flight, but thanks to our live satellite TV programming and our dedicated channel for VERSUS this July, our customers won't miss a minute of the action."

"Once again VERSUS will air wall-to-wall and in-depth coverage of the Tour de France in July both super-serving hardcore cycling fans and big event viewers. We're proud to partner with JetBlue for the sixth straight year so that sports fans can have access to one of the greatest competitions in all of sports even when they're in the air," said Marc Fein, Executive Vice President of Programming, Production and Business Operations for VERSUS.

In addition to its home town of New York City, JetBlue jets to some of the biggest cycling cities in the country, including: Austin, Texas; Chicago, Ill.; Denver, Colo.; Portland, Ore.; Richmond, Va.; Rochester, N.Y.; San Diego, Calif.; San Francisco, Calif.; and Seattle, Wash..

About VERSUS

VERSUS celebrates competition across all platforms (VERSUS.com, VERSUS on Demand and VERSUS HD). Now in more than 75 million homes, the network is the national cable home of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the IndyCar(R) Series as well as best-in-class events such as The Tour de France, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and Professional Boxing. The network also offers collegiate sports featuring nationally-ranked teams from top conferences such as the Pac-10, Big 12, Mountain West and Ivy League. VERSUS features the best field sports programming on television and is a destination for sports fans, athletes and sportsmen to find exclusive, competitive events and original programs, such as Sports Soup and FANARCHY, that audiences can't find elsewhere. VERSUS, a wholly owned company of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) (NASDAQ:CMCSK) , is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

About JetBlue Airways

New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue is now pleased to offer customers Lots of Legroom and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue introduced complimentary in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services on aircraft "BetaBlue," a first among U.S. domestic airlines. JetBlue is also America's first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue's control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue currently serves 56 cities with 600 daily flights. New service to Baltimore begins on September 9. The airline also intends to commence service to Barbados (October 1); Saint Lucia (October 26); and Kingston, Jamaica (October 30). With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JET-BLUE (1-800-538-2583), TTY/TDD 1-800-336-5530 or visit www.jetblue.com.

(a) Bicycles are not accepted on flights to/from the Dominican Republic due to checked baggage size restrictions. Bicycles will be accepted in a hard-sided, padded case designed for bicycles. If not in a hard-sided case, bikes may be accepted with the handle bars secured sideways and the pedals removed and encased in plastic foam, a cardboard box or similar material to prevent damage. JetBlue cannot be liable for lost or damaged bikes.

DIRECTV and XM Satellite Radio services are not available on flights outside the continental United States.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090217/NY71475LOGO-b

Source: JetBlue Airways

CONTACT: JetBlue Corporate Communications, +1-718-709-3089,
CorporateCommunications@jetblue.com, or JetBlue Reservations, +1-800-JET-BLUE
(538-2583)

Web Site: http://www.jetblue.com/