Bike Hugger 

The biggest Tour de France party on the west coast is tonight at Warren G. Magnuson Park. The event is sponsored by Outdoors NW and Raleigh Bicycles and features a mondo outdoor screen, food, beer, and more. And it’s free!

Found a cool photo gallery via del.icio.us:

This is the way we walk in New York

It’s a messenger’s-eye view of the Big Apple and bike messenger culture.

One of my favorites:

That’s one light bike.

With the perspective of a seasoned cyclist and the training of a complete novice, here’s my how-not-to ride the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic.

When my husband and I were transplanted here nearly two years ago, I quickly discovered the cult that are STPers and knew that I just had to join. Despite many years on the bike, I hadn’t yet completed a full century (though I’ve come darn close) and longed for the challenge of a double-century. Unfortunately, while on one of my first rides following some intense spring marathon training, I suffered a broken collarbone from a fall. With just over seven weeks before STP, I was uncertain whether I would make the ride at all, and knew that my whole training plan was scrapped. At best I would be riding as a relatively seasoned cyclist with the training of a complete couch potato. With two weeks to go, I could reach my handlebars without too much pain and managed a quick 35-mile spin around town. That was enough for me, I was in.

Frank detailed the teamwork in today’s tour stage on the Tour de France blog. I get asked that question frequently and how exactly does a team work together? If you didn’t get to watch it, check Frank’s post and the full report from Cyclingnews. That was the best example I’ve ever seen of riders sacrificing themselves, giving up their bikes, water bottles, and giving everything they’ve got for their leaders.

Sunscreen | AIDS/Lifecycle, by base10.