For local New York content, please visit NY Velocity.
FEATURES

Not that Mengoni Argument

Thu, 02/28/2008 - 12:00am by Andy Shen

I would like to come up with an argument today that wouldn't descend into jealousy-fueled tirades against Mengoni, but I don't forsee that happening. It seems that people are compelled to think that the Mengoni riders were suspended for doping accusations (which they weren't), and they also feel free to condemn Charlie and Mr. I for nefarious backstage scheming (complete with a big chair and a white long-haired cat for stroking in a menacing fashion) — which is such a preposterous notion that it makes my head smoke more than usual. The information that we have is that the riders in question were expected by their federation to show up at a race that they didn't know they were obligated to go to or that they even knew about. They didn't go to the race, and their federation suspended them for a year for, in essence, not taking a plane ride. The heavy-handed tactics on the part of the Dominican Federation should be the source of outrage in this case, not the Mengoni team. That is how I feel about the whole situation, you are welcome to add your own feelings below. And please refrain from: unfounded doping claim(s), slurs against whole races or nationalities, bad grammar (who am I kidding), and any tirades against Ford F150s — as I really like 1970's vintage Ford F150s.

Share this

Comments

Add a comment
Stagg
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Stagg get the invite?

Harle-tonic classic
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

If you are on Andropenis, impossible is nothing.

harl-atonic
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

impossible for a cat 4 to do both as housatonic goes off at 9:20 and is 54 mile race. harlem cat 4s start at 12:45. i do see some people pre-reg'd for both, though...

why
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

why wouldn't you do the master's race?

harlem
By: jft
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I'm not sure I can race harlem - it's an invitational and I think only 1s are getting in easily.

But, if it's dry, I don't see that many guys will get lapped. The course is pretty straightforward and not technical. It'll be hard for lower-level 2s but if it's like other NRC crits I've done, it shouldn't be too hard for that sort of guy to ride around in the field.

If it's super hot or rains it will be another story.

no way - 125 guys, at least 80 are pros
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Series Calendar
Athens Twilight Athens, GA April 26
Tulsa Tough Tulsa, OK May 31
Harlem Skyscraper Classic New York, NY June 15
AT&T Downtown Austin Criterium Austin, TX June 21
Iron Hill Twilight Criterium West Chester, PA July 5
BC Cancer Foundation's Tour de Gastown Vancouver, BC July 16
Wells Fargo Twilight Criterium Boise, ID July 19
Presbyterian Invitational Criterium Charlotte, NC August 2
Chris Thater Memorial Criterium Binghamton, NY August 24
USA Crits Finals Las Vegas, NV September 25

Cranky Vs. JFT at Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

OK teh odds....figure a full field of 125.....25 ringers, and 100 local 1/2's....I say 65 guys don't get lapped....or 40 locals.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

i got the call out to harlem too, but, I'm not creamin my pants about it. Start taking bets on how many non-pros finish..... less than 20.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

i am 99% certain that more than 3 but less than 250 are considering it.

Harle-tonic classic
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

how many are considering the double?

dang,
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

dang, guess my skinny little climbers legs might have to forfeit the Housatonic entry fee for this one

A A Race That 99% Will Not Be Doing
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

will still benefit the NYC cycling scene in so many different ways.

Harlem SO Rocks
By: Cranky
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I'm doing Harlemrocks dudes. There is no way that Iwould miss suck a high profile event so close to home. Maybe I will introduce myself to JFT. Or maybe not...

Speak for Yourself
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Daddy got the call....doing Harlem ROCKS!

Gonna whiten my teeth and shine my helmet so I look good on TV baby!

not
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

not quite sure why everyone is all excited about a race on tv that 99% of you guys wont be doing.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

i think not

I want a seperate blog dedicated to HarlemRocks
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I think we should all get special harlemrocks team kits

i'm
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

i'm guessing just the pro's but If I'm not mistaken I believe the televised bmc race downtown some years back televised the amatuer and pro events.

'Chico's
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

'Chico's Bail Bonds and other local sponsors' - hahahaha....

Forget Union Square
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

A rock center crit would rule - include some flights of stairs to make it a bit more challenging

hmmm...
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

"And then I heard that Schmalz is going to coordinate a bar post race where dudes can chill and sip cocktails with the rock racing ladies."

Sounds good, but I have nothing to do with the race this year. Bars aren't that hard to find, though.

Are
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Are they just televising the Harlem P12 or are they actually televising the 3 and 4 races too? If so, LOL....I like the idea of people riding off the front to get some TV shine for Chico's Bail Bonds and other local sponsors.

Remember,
By: Chubby Chaser
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Remember, the TV camera adds 10 lbs.....lay off the Hagen Daz for a couple weeks

Excited
By: Don't look at a gift horse in the mouth
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I'm totally stoked about Harlem being televised, everyone please stop bitching.

Marketing Department at Rock Republic
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Which one do you want to sponsor?

HARLEMROCKS

UNIOUNSQUAREROCKS...eewww let's eat at Blue Water post race.

Easy decision....HARLEM! FIRED UP TO RACE.

agreed
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Harlem does have a little bit of the "dodgecity" cosmopolitan aura around it that makes Union Sq. seem not as cool and yea this would be the best thing since the crit down in wall st. some years back - probably better! NIGHT CRIT - make it happen!!!!

Boo Hoo
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Comedy -- guys get a big sponsor and tv coverage in a local race, and they bitch about location.

they
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

they should bring the nyc race back in downtown instead.

Who can get the details from Sparta on Harlem?
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

This is what I am envisioning.

Fairly decent crowd...random harlem guys killing 40's hooping and hollering

Rock Racing banners everywhere

Some hot rock racing models chilling

Probably 2-3 rock racing ringers who didn't do nature valley

All the best local cat 1-2's

Television coverage...HUGE

You can go home, and watch yourself in an early break on repeat, and then send to that girl you like on facebook with a tag "check out minutes 2:15 through 3:30" or like me tell your wife to watch it again.

A certain buzz in the air...it's harlem and it's televised

Big cash prizes

Probably a decent announcer

And then I heard that Schmalz is going to coordinate a bar post race where dudes can chill and sip cocktails with the rock racing ladies.

I LOVE IT!

Be happy that you live in the area....it's all about the cache of the name "HARLEM"....Ball is all about marketing, guy gets it! Any other town and you wouldn't have a stones chance at TV coverage.

Which equals what the earlier poster wrote...It will be the highest level race in the City since the downtown race of 4 years ago.

well...
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Capital for the initial event would be a big hill to climb. The advantages to holding the event annually would be huge.
- huge boost in club membership (huge)
- team sponsorship would be much more appealing to companies, especially in the union square area.
- businesses directly off of the course would gain a crap load of foot traffic.
- CRCA would have a major feather in its cap and balance out the popularity the runners have been holding in the park for ages. Probably gain a little leverage with the TT thing in CPK if Union Square took off.

Win - Win!!

cash?
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am
Oof
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

It isn't charisma that I need

Union Sq. Crit.
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Yea Union Sq would be ideal as far as the spectators for sure. That Northwest corner would be a friggen nightmare if the we had to stay outside of the park. If the course went inside the parking lot on the North side, you'd have somethin!! That area has brick paved parts as well. It would be pretty epic also...Make it happen shmlz! use that Phil Liggett, CVV charisma you're so good at.

Why
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Why doesn\'t Westwood have a women\'s team? Do they only like guys or are they just really self centered? They should broaden their horizons a little and be more inclusive.

A night crit in NYC
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I've been wanting this for along time, but I would have it in Union Square. There's lots of restaurants and places to booze there. Unfortunately, we only have the budget for indoor racing here at NYVC.

A
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

A night crit at Harlem would be epic!! They should try it. I dont think NYC has ever done any night racing. If Harlem wanted to set it self apart from the other races (in the country) they should try this. Considering the cool night life NYC has on offer, I bet many would turn out to watch and I'm certain the local news would cover it - no question.

are
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

are there any other races we can argue about?

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Harlem is scary. They should do the race at night, and give everyone some crack to carry.

Mt.
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Mt. Holly back to Road Course this year. suck is harlem boy.

R&R clothes
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Those are very masculine, but I buy all my clothes at Sears.

MacGruber,
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

MacGruber, now he doesn't go anywhere without his life coach. MacGruber...

no
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

no schmalz im thinking more along these lines, for pre and post race

http://shop.rockandrepublic.com/Williams_Jacket/pd/np/130/p/1307.html

Correction:
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Correction: MacGruber to Adler

Macgruberrrr...

Rumor
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Rumor alert: Cipo to Adler

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

So it's not baby butt smooth, big deal. Use stronger wheels and hold on tighter. What are you a triathlete?

is it TV?
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

If it's only on the internet?

Crappy
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Crappy roads give the area character. The roads at Somerville were awful. Harlem has to be an improvement.

And speaking of crappy roads....Rockleigh tonight.

Harlem...
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

If they can refrain from recruiting the DJ from the local Deli, they may have something. As for the pave', the tarmac for harlem is a huge step up from what it used to be 3 years ago. If any of you raced that course back then, when it was called the "skinscraper classic", there wouldnt be any mention of the road conditions today. Honestly, harlem roads are better than Floyd and I dont hear anybody whining about Floyd! I hope they also get an announcer that knows the competitors, atleast somewhat. The MC situation is fairly lame as well. CRCA does a fine job putting this race on, there are just those little details that could push the event to something a bit more special.
Television coverage is a pretty big deal for this event and I agree many may forgo Housatonic or atleast try and pull the double!

rock racing
By: harlem cat 3 championships
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

is doing the nature valley grand prix, so probably not doing harlem, unless they have some extra guys from the B team.

I
By: Michael
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I road my rode bike on a rode the other day, after going to the roadeo and watching Patrick Swayze in Rodehouse.

Oh, and 'it's not that hard'? That's what she said.

road not rode
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

drives me nuts when people do that.
it's not that hard

Of
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Of course Harlem's not the NBA finals, the Tour de France or the US National Championships. The point was that some of the dips on this site can't distinguish between anything. Harlem will be at a whole new level this year. It won't look or feel the same. It's the highest level race in the City since the downtown race of 4 years ago and is on a better course and includes races for all categories.

Bigger
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Bigger than Mt. Holly which is no longer a rode race because it's part of USACrits Series. Harlem should get the top national level crit riders.
The Cat 3, Masters and Women's races all pay $1000 which is a major step up too.

repaving is for suckers
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

do you complain about the hills in hilly races, too? christ. potholes are nyc's kinderhoofd. you don't like 'em, don't race 'em.

Harlem Sounds Solid
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Enough already about NBA finals....we all know it's not the pro tour for c-sakes. I think the question people are looking to answer is...part of USA crit series, TV coverage, invite only....sounds like a rather large step up from last year, and potentially one of the more high profile races our area will see this year.

Correct?

Sounds like it trumps heading to Housatonic.

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Even if it has improved significantly, still ain't the NBA Finals. I'm not sure I'd put it into the same category as mt. holly, but we'll see.

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Sorta. I think the promotion simply improved. I only hope since its "such a big deal" now they will repave the entire course, as it sucks now.

how
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

how do i win a bicycle race?

if
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

if it's "NRC-ish," like a mount holly or something, that's a huge step up from what it was last year.

how
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

how do i post here?

did
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

did somebody ask how to register for a bike race? really?

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Schmalz might have to upgrade to go "head to toe" with R&R. I thought it was head to head, but let the grammar police correct that.

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Ain't the NBA finals bro.

Its NRC'ish. Its not crit world championships. Same exact race, larger purse. TV cameras don't make it the hot shit, they've had cameras at thater before, do you see binghamton calling that the NBA finals? Get over your city.

you mean...
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am
harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

i want to see schmalz head to toe in rock & republic

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Harlem comments are typical nyvelocity cynical bs. Some people on this site wouldn't see a difference between a pickup basketball game in Central Park and the NBA finals. Just another b-ball game just another bike race.

Bethel - CCC Crit
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

On Bike Reg

how
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

how can one register to the Bethel race...

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Same as it always is, except the pro 1/2 is part of the usa crit series. Invite and riders approved by promoter, 10 grand prize list. what else do you need to know? Harlem is north of central park on the island of Manhattan in the state of NY. The race is 4 corners, one city block, paved in asphalt, complete with holes and manhole covers in the corners. bad music, aggro riders, james joseph.....

CCC - Bethel race this weekend
By: JPK
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Just a reminder for anyone looking for a local race this Sunday the Connecticut Coast Cycling Team is putting on a race in Bethel. The best part is that some of the proceeds will go towards helping families living with and fighting cancer.

RICOLA
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

1-Rollins, Toyota
2-Hopkins, Inferno
3-Gilbert, Kelly

We'll
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

We'll see when Amaury comes back as a cat 2, like Edwin, or all the other dominicans who couldn't get licenses after the pulla fiasco.

Great.....hey
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Great.....hey kids come see the face tattoo!!

Rock Racing doing Harlem?
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

That is cool that Ball is sponsoring that...invite only...TV coverage...what is the deal this year, anyone have details

doggie style
By: 585
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

that link was a funny reply, well played.

-1
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

-1 to jft for making me look up the word prolix

To To Litty
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Do your homework before spewing your ignorant bull shit. You don't know dog doody about licenses and you're speculating about what happened with DR riders without any knowledge. As someone more eloquent than I once said " Shut up you stupid slut."

Talk Dirty to Me
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

We need to clean up the language on this website:
http://tinyurl.com/ynovxs

getting technical on it
By: Rev. Jesse Jackson
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

The question is moot. I win the car.

hey dopey
By: jft who'd rather be an asshole than a prolix dope
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

"This whole argument is mute anyways, as any rider racing in the US is required to hold a USA cycling license. There are exceptions to that rule assholes, so don't get all technical on it. "

Wow...you're an idiot.

Plus,
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Plus, if they apply for USAC licenses now they probably wouldn't get them, as their UCI is suspended, Which is why DR contacted USAC direct. Shit out of luck.

To Litty
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Your example makes no sense. J-walking is annoying, and technically illegal, though its not costing other people any money, or wasting their time, unless you get in the way of a car or something, but now I'm adding details to your example though its still not relevant.

The riders put the DR out money and I'm sure they don't have it oozing out their ass, other riders missed their chance to do a race, not to mention makes the DR look super unorganized when they show up two men short for a race. Its a dick move, and simply saying "thats OK" is not how it should work, and apparently now how its working. The list of responsibilities giving to a cyclist is rather short, and one of them is show up if someone is laying cash down to get you there; its disrespectful not to show. The DR obviously knows that banning them from the team is not really much of a punishment if they are going to be racing in the states all season, so suspend the license.

This whole argument is mute anyways, as any rider racing in the US is required to hold a USA cycling license. There are exceptions to that rule assholes, so don't get all technical on it. Point is, they will have to get USAC licenses in the future.

perfect opportunity...
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

For a dance fight! My dreams have been answered! I call "polka"!

Rock Racing sponsoring Harlem crit
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Will they bring riders and their glitzy entourage including models?

http://beta.velonews.com/article/76782/rock-racing-sponsors-harlem-rocks...

Brick
By: Andy
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

is geeky and dense, so...me?

NY Velocity versus Peloton East:
By: Wes Mantooth
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hEwV_INfsUg

My one question: who is Brick?

Team
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Team sprints?

Peloton East
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

has an awesome new haircut

NYVelocity vs. PE
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

We should have a rumble. Or a grammar competition. Or maybe a spelling bee. Definitely not a team time trial though...

peleton east
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

is stupid, period

Warning - Giro spoiler
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Cav doesn't unwind his sprint, and Greipel gets pissy? Are you kidding me?

that is...
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

The most pathetic exchange I've ever read...

peloton east
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

wow....i havent seen those guys get so whipped up since they introduced the Aero Razor bottle cage.....

Peloton East
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

http://pelotoneast.com/showthread.php?t=4531

Salty discussion over on PE

idiots.
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

idiots.

She
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

She is scouting for Slipstream....sending pics back to johnathan vaughters ......pedal faster!!

Now
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Now it makes sense. Its a blog.

shes
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

shes a woman taking pics at floyd. duh!

woman photographer at floyd
By: riss
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

does anyone know who she is or what she is doing?

It's
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

It's an intensive purposes photo wrap-around blog.

a Blog?!
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

We are not a blog, we can wrap text around our photos!

Its
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Its a blog, for all "intents and purposes"

where are the floyd photos schmalz

Just
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Just taking advantage of a teachable moment...

what
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

what does memorial day have to do with a couple of Dominicans, who I'm pretty sure did not serve in the US armed forces....

I'm
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I'm glad we have English teachers around here to fix our grammatical errors. What would we do without them.

Is it bad...
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

That the 28th of May below remembers much more about the site than I do? And he's found the secret way to the links graveyard!

for the record
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

intents and purposes NOT intensive purposes

To "What the Heck"
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

... since the DR national team "should of" provided plane tickets ...
Should have

snap!
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

snap!

28th of May
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Please have some respect - we are still celebrating Memorial Day. Just take a moment and think about that. There are more important issues than idiotic, anonymous name-calling. Does anyone remember who called whom what name on some irrelevant post a year ago? No one is really paying attention and chronicling all this for posterity, folks. Let's maintain perspective.

28 May. A day to honor those who sacrificed on our behalf. Forget the negativity. Whoever wants to participate constructively in this community, and celebrate Memorial Day with others of a similar mind, please join us for our 3rd Annual Civil War Re-enactment Trip. The bus leaves Grant's Tome at 5:45 am on Sunday, and registration will be up on racelistings.com at 12 noon today.

Same as years past, we divide into two armies - grey on one side, and blue/orange/black on the other - and travel north to Syracuse, to a "64-mile course consisting of two 31-mile laps and a slight turn-off leading to a steep but somewhat short uphill finish." Scene of the original, and now infamous, battle - 28 May 2005, NY State Cat 4/5 Inter-Galactic Championships of the Free World - which spawned the NYVeloCivil War of I which I type (or the War of Skyline Aggression, depending on your point of view.)

We will divide into two fields - Cat 4/5, and Masters, and let a break get up the road from each group. And then they'll mix. And then we'll mix. Anarchy will ensure. We will then all TT to private residences in Syracuse, commandeer their computers, and begin attacking each other (textually, with snarky posts that is, and wearing helmets just to be on the safe side) on a NYVeloCity thread specifically designated for the event. (Thanks to Messrs. Shen, Ostroy, and Schmalz for their support, as always.) Be sure to start reading that rulebook tonight!

I will play the part of General Steve Rosenblum, and lead the faux-Skyliners in the blue/orange/black. Todd the Father will lead the anonymous hordes. Cap'n Ed will choreograph and oversee all battle re-enactments. VSP will be on-hand as scribe. Uccisore Abejorro will be providing complimentary espressi for all re-enactors. Toni will most likely be behind the bathrooms at the Song Mountain Ski Resort, smoking the chronic. (Keep your womenfolk away from him; after last year's Harlem race he had the lecherous audacity to tell my mother that "something had gotten real stiff after his race and he could use a warm hand to rub it out for him." And she did! But I digress.)

Amateur historiographers can see the entire, gripping first-hand account of the NYVeloCivil War here:
http://www.velocitynation.com/article.aspx?ID=285&CID=53

(Read carefully, and you will find - oh man, I get chickenskin just thinking about it! - what I have independently verified to be Almighty Todd's first post, under the pseudonym "Non-Skyliner-er.")

A condensed summary with helpful historical context can be found here:
http://www.nyvelocity.com/article.aspx?ID=1516&CID=2

(Search 'classic nyvelocity posts'.)

Never forget the 28th of May, my friends. To this day, you can still find dazed and wounded veterans typing their way out of threads long thought to be dormant. Like Japanese soldiers marooned on some desert isle, unknowing of Emperor Hirohito's unconditional surrender and the disbanding of the Japanese Military 60 years hence, they come out of old threads and into the daylight unaware that we live in relatively peaceful times. Pale, skinny, malnourished, weak, with sallow eyes and exposed ribcages - pretty much like any other racing cyclist, actually. I guess that's why we don't notice them so much.

My Dream Day
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I roll into Prospect park with my 1968 Bronco, top off, sun shining, take a crap behind teh dumpsters, I get told to get out of joggers lane, i kill myself at the top of the hill 2-3 times and never get in a break that works, take my 14th, wait 2 hours to get paid, then as I am pulling out of the parking lot Starry Eyed Surpise starts playing on the radio, some hot blonde girl who is drinking diet coke starts roller skating circles around my bronco, she hops in becuase she saw me place 14th, we roll beach side, she just happens to also ride a fixey to work, "HOT", and then I spend the rest of the afternoon on the beach wondering whether wilson is on clomid or a healthy matrix of freihoffer choclate covered donuts and stella dora breakfast treats.

FBF
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

No pussies, it was sunny and was not canceled.

facts
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

facts aren't smears. Its easy to get around drug testing, basically, don't go to a race where they test. If they do, drop out, or hide in the back of the pack and pray. Happens ALL THE TIME. How many races where testing occurs has Amaury podiumed? cero. Its not Mengoni, its the riders.

FBF?
By: jj3
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

FBF rained out?

ah
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

You're talking about the original Broncos! Completely different story. Especially when they came with the 289 engine.

In defense of the DR Federation
By: What the heck
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

It serves these riders right to have gotten suspended for not traveling to a race where they were supposed to represent the DR national team.

National teams as a whole have little money to spend and you would think the DR National Team has even less. Race invitations are hard to come by at UCI events and that 2 riders who took spots away from other riders decided to not to travel is unacceptable.

That these riders suggest that they didn't know they were supposed to race is laughable since the DR national team "should of" provided plane tickets to where ever they where supposed to go (which leads to the question; what races did they miss?).

It is however "possibly" true that the riders didn't know they were supposed to attend said events. In retrospect the better suspension would have been to suspend them from the DR national team indefinately versus suspending their licenses.

That this happened is an example of poor communication by the riders and their federation and the result is the smearing of the Mengoni team which has been around forever and of Mr. Mengoni who has been a patron to the sport locally and internationally.

Very unfortunate.

Ahh...I finally made two posts that didn't get lambasted.
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I was wrong though...you were right. I was envisioning the Bronco....like this one. You could go with the old Land Cruiser but they are too pricey these days....the only thing close to this is an old Jeep Willy or an older style CJ7

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1967-FORD-BRONCO_W0QQitemZ1...

Just to clear the air:
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

the Bronco II tops did not come off. The original Bronco produced from 1967-1977 had the fully removable top, and was just about the dreamiest 4X4 ever created.

Bronco 2?
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Are you nuts? Those were basically Ford Rangers with a hard top.

who
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

who cares? - NICE, so true about doping.

and the bronco!

Job?
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

A job implies payment, what I do here is volunteer work.

Schmalz does your job ever make you feel like this?
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

http://gawker.com/390156/top-ten-angry-on%20camera-meltdowns

And Gentlemen...you need only watch Dan Marino to find out the lasting affets of drugs.

Who really cares?
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

I mean let's be honest local 24-40 year old riders, who cares if someone is doping and taking a spot in front of you. It's not like we are racing to feed our children. If you are a professional and if you are a young junior who has a "shot" at becoming something...not the dime a dozen 23 year old cat 1-2...a real shot, then you can care. Everybody else should be laughing inside about the guys who dope. It's like getting mad at the roid head at the gym because he benches 2350 and you bench 300 clean becuase you want to be the strongest guy in the gym...let it go.

Ford 150 or a Bronco 2 with the top off, and a blonde with a cowboy hat in the backseat. Bronco 2 wins.

Wait,
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Wait, we can race against robots? That totally rules!

for
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

for "all intents and purposes"

oy
By: schmalz
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

"schmalz doesn't fix the goddam site errors, put the time stamp back on posts, and censors too much ken harris talk"

Fix the errors! Censor! I don't do everything here, I am just the pretty face of the organization.

If
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

If they were intelligent, they would have sent out a statement before it hit the street explaining what happened, saying it wasn't drug related (assuming thats true). But they didn't. They didn't say shit. What do you expect?

Well,
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Well, they haven't released anything to the contrary. They skip out on a race thats well known for testing guys, with no contact whatsoever, essentially disappear for all intensive purposes for the DR team, thats somewhat suspicious, not to mention totally fuckin rude. I'd be pissed too if two dudes left me standin at the airport waiting for them to show, after I paid their way.

Even putting the rudeness factor aside for the moment, not showing knowing theres testing, can be considered a positive. its not as bad as actually being caught, hence, 1 year.

RACE
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

RACE against robots

just wait until
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

you start having to raise against robots

it's
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

it's hard not to be suspicious about doping when it's so common, accessible, and acceptable. from average 10th grade body builders to hip hop artists, doping seems like tattoos. once on the fringe of polite society and now nothing special.

Jumping
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Jumping to the doping conclusion is far fetched. One, doping suspensions are not for 1 year. Two, it shows disrespect toward the Mengoni team, Mr. I and Charlie who have earned and desrerve the respect of the local cycling community. If it was a doping violation they would tell us. Hopefully the situation will be resolved and Amaurys and Rafael can resume racing with the team.

wish
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

wish i knew who wrote that so i could hi-five him in the field

Housatonic or Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

What is the deal with Harlem this year....TV Coverage, ringer fields? Who knows about that race.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

i don't think jumping to the "doping" conclusion is far fetched these days when you hear someone is suspended. Fair or not, this is the day we live in. an inordinately large percentage of suspensions over the last few years are due to doping infractions so it's not hard to assume.

perhaps there was some national team snafu and subsequent snub. We will all know once the uci publishes the reason.

in the meantime - button pushers can continue to say "DOPE!! I KNEW IT" just to get the suckers to react and post 200 word diatribes on the immaturity of this site. the comedians can keep posting hysterical satire on the stereotypes of Dominicans and the world will keep going round.

soon enough it will be friday and there will be cat 4 winner predictions for saturday's race. "so and so" really needs to upgrade, "this junior" doesn't challenge himself enough to meet everyone else's unfair expectations and schmalz doesn't fix the goddam site errors, put the time stamp back on posts, and censors too much ken harris talk.

so get back at it. i agree with the below poster that we need to think a bit more creatively than to simply repost comments on jared. please post like you are auditioning for The Onion and not like you are writing cartoons for your 8th grade class paper.

i anxiously await

jared
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

dead horse. it was funny the first three times yesterday. please up the creativity factor.

We're
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

We're still waiting for the answer Jared promised.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

i <3 mengoni

Section
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

Section 9. Suspensions by Other Organizations. USA
Cycling and its Associations shall honor the suspensions or
other disciplinary actions imposed by the USOC, the UCI, UCI
member National Federations, and their affiliates, USA

Mengoni Topic
By: JFG
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

What gets me is how so many in the NYC racing community suspect guys doping. I think we need the whole story before jumping on one side or the other. For one, how does a racer no know that his country of citizenship has asked him to participate in a major race and to represent the country. I find that puzzling... I would like to think if the USA asked me to race on the national team in the Tour of Missouri I would at least know the invitation was out there and would be able to accept or respectfully deny. Also, does USA cycling have to follow a DR ban? Could the race non-UCI events? If its not doping and only political I would like to know if they have any racing options outside UCI.

podium
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

podium

first
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:00am

first argument

Stagg
By: Wheelsucker
Sun, 04/06/2008 - 5:15am

Stagg get the invite?

Harle-tonic classic
By: Wheelsucker
Sun, 04/06/2008 - 4:41am

If you are on Andropenis, impossible is nothing.

harl-atonic
By: Wheelsucker
Sun, 04/06/2008 - 4:08am

impossible for a cat 4 to do both as housatonic goes off at 9:20 and is 54 mile race. harlem cat 4s start at 12:45. i do see some people pre-reg'd for both, though...

why
By: Wheelsucker
Sun, 04/06/2008 - 3:35am

why wouldn't you do the master's race?

harlem
By: jft
Sun, 04/06/2008 - 3:01am

I'm not sure I can race harlem - it's an invitational and I think only 1s are getting in easily.

But, if it's dry, I don't see that many guys will get lapped. The course is pretty straightforward and not technical. It'll be hard for lower-level 2s but if it's like other NRC crits I've done, it shouldn't be too hard for that sort of guy to ride around in the field.

If it's super hot or rains it will be another story.

no way - 125 guys, at least 80 are pros
By: Wheelsucker
Sun, 04/06/2008 - 1:55am

Series Calendar
Athens Twilight Athens, GA April 26
Tulsa Tough Tulsa, OK May 31
Harlem Skyscraper Classic New York, NY June 15
AT&T Downtown Austin Criterium Austin, TX June 21
Iron Hill Twilight Criterium West Chester, PA July 5
BC Cancer Foundation's Tour de Gastown Vancouver, BC July 16
Wells Fargo Twilight Criterium Boise, ID July 19
Presbyterian Invitational Criterium Charlotte, NC August 2
Chris Thater Memorial Criterium Binghamton, NY August 24
USA Crits Finals Las Vegas, NV September 25

Cranky Vs. JFT at Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sun, 04/06/2008 - 1:21am

OK teh odds....figure a full field of 125.....25 ringers, and 100 local 1/2's....I say 65 guys don't get lapped....or 40 locals.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Sun, 04/06/2008 - 12:48am

i got the call out to harlem too, but, I'm not creamin my pants about it. Start taking bets on how many non-pros finish..... less than 20.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Sun, 04/06/2008 - 12:15am

i am 99% certain that more than 3 but less than 250 are considering it.

Harle-tonic classic
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 11:41pm

how many are considering the double?

dang,
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 11:08pm

dang, guess my skinny little climbers legs might have to forfeit the Housatonic entry fee for this one

A A Race That 99% Will Not Be Doing
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:35pm

will still benefit the NYC cycling scene in so many different ways.

Harlem SO Rocks
By: Cranky
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:01pm

I'm doing Harlemrocks dudes. There is no way that Iwould miss suck a high profile event so close to home. Maybe I will introduce myself to JFT. Or maybe not...

Speak for Yourself
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 9:28pm

Daddy got the call....doing Harlem ROCKS!

Gonna whiten my teeth and shine my helmet so I look good on TV baby!

not
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 8:55pm

not quite sure why everyone is all excited about a race on tv that 99% of you guys wont be doing.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 8:21pm

i think not

I want a seperate blog dedicated to HarlemRocks
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 7:48pm

I think we should all get special harlemrocks team kits

i'm
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 7:15pm

i'm guessing just the pro's but If I'm not mistaken I believe the televised bmc race downtown some years back televised the amatuer and pro events.

'Chico's
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 6:41pm

'Chico's Bail Bonds and other local sponsors' - hahahaha....

Forget Union Square
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 6:08pm

A rock center crit would rule - include some flights of stairs to make it a bit more challenging

hmmm...
By: schmalz
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 5:35pm

"And then I heard that Schmalz is going to coordinate a bar post race where dudes can chill and sip cocktails with the rock racing ladies."

Sounds good, but I have nothing to do with the race this year. Bars aren't that hard to find, though.

Are
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 5:01pm

Are they just televising the Harlem P12 or are they actually televising the 3 and 4 races too? If so, LOL....I like the idea of people riding off the front to get some TV shine for Chico's Bail Bonds and other local sponsors.

Remember,
By: Chubby Chaser
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 4:28pm

Remember, the TV camera adds 10 lbs.....lay off the Hagen Daz for a couple weeks

Excited
By: Don't look at a gift horse in the mouth
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 3:55pm

I'm totally stoked about Harlem being televised, everyone please stop bitching.

Marketing Department at Rock Republic
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 3:21pm

Which one do you want to sponsor?

HARLEMROCKS

UNIOUNSQUAREROCKS...eewww let's eat at Blue Water post race.

Easy decision....HARLEM! FIRED UP TO RACE.

agreed
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 2:48pm

Harlem does have a little bit of the "dodgecity" cosmopolitan aura around it that makes Union Sq. seem not as cool and yea this would be the best thing since the crit down in wall st. some years back - probably better! NIGHT CRIT - make it happen!!!!

Boo Hoo
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 2:15pm

Comedy -- guys get a big sponsor and tv coverage in a local race, and they bitch about location.

they
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 1:41pm

they should bring the nyc race back in downtown instead.

Who can get the details from Sparta on Harlem?
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 1:08pm

This is what I am envisioning.

Fairly decent crowd...random harlem guys killing 40's hooping and hollering

Rock Racing banners everywhere

Some hot rock racing models chilling

Probably 2-3 rock racing ringers who didn't do nature valley

All the best local cat 1-2's

Television coverage...HUGE

You can go home, and watch yourself in an early break on repeat, and then send to that girl you like on facebook with a tag "check out minutes 2:15 through 3:30" or like me tell your wife to watch it again.

A certain buzz in the air...it's harlem and it's televised

Big cash prizes

Probably a decent announcer

And then I heard that Schmalz is going to coordinate a bar post race where dudes can chill and sip cocktails with the rock racing ladies.

I LOVE IT!

Be happy that you live in the area....it's all about the cache of the name "HARLEM"....Ball is all about marketing, guy gets it! Any other town and you wouldn't have a stones chance at TV coverage.

Which equals what the earlier poster wrote...It will be the highest level race in the City since the downtown race of 4 years ago.

well...
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 12:35pm

Capital for the initial event would be a big hill to climb. The advantages to holding the event annually would be huge.
- huge boost in club membership (huge)
- team sponsorship would be much more appealing to companies, especially in the union square area.
- businesses directly off of the course would gain a crap load of foot traffic.
- CRCA would have a major feather in its cap and balance out the popularity the runners have been holding in the park for ages. Probably gain a little leverage with the TT thing in CPK if Union Square took off.

Win - Win!!

cash?
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 12:01pm
Oof
By: schmalz
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 11:28am

It isn't charisma that I need

Union Sq. Crit.
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:55am

Yea Union Sq would be ideal as far as the spectators for sure. That Northwest corner would be a friggen nightmare if the we had to stay outside of the park. If the course went inside the parking lot on the North side, you'd have somethin!! That area has brick paved parts as well. It would be pretty epic also...Make it happen shmlz! use that Phil Liggett, CVV charisma you're so good at.

Why
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:21am

Why doesn\'t Westwood have a women\'s team? Do they only like guys or are they just really self centered? They should broaden their horizons a little and be more inclusive.

A night crit in NYC
By: schmalz
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 9:48am

I've been wanting this for along time, but I would have it in Union Square. There's lots of restaurants and places to booze there. Unfortunately, we only have the budget for indoor racing here at NYVC.

A
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 9:15am

A night crit at Harlem would be epic!! They should try it. I dont think NYC has ever done any night racing. If Harlem wanted to set it self apart from the other races (in the country) they should try this. Considering the cool night life NYC has on offer, I bet many would turn out to watch and I'm certain the local news would cover it - no question.

are
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 8:41am

are there any other races we can argue about?

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 8:08am

Harlem is scary. They should do the race at night, and give everyone some crack to carry.

Mt.
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 7:35am

Mt. Holly back to Road Course this year. suck is harlem boy.

R&R clothes
By: schmalz
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 7:01am

Those are very masculine, but I buy all my clothes at Sears.

MacGruber,
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 6:28am

MacGruber, now he doesn't go anywhere without his life coach. MacGruber...

no
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 5:55am

no schmalz im thinking more along these lines, for pre and post race

http://shop.rockandrepublic.com/Williams_Jacket/pd/np/130/p/1307.html

Correction:
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 5:21am

Correction: MacGruber to Adler

Macgruberrrr...

Rumor
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 4:48am

Rumor alert: Cipo to Adler

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 4:15am

So it's not baby butt smooth, big deal. Use stronger wheels and hold on tighter. What are you a triathlete?

is it TV?
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 3:41am

If it's only on the internet?

Crappy
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 3:08am

Crappy roads give the area character. The roads at Somerville were awful. Harlem has to be an improvement.

And speaking of crappy roads....Rockleigh tonight.

Harlem...
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 2:35am

If they can refrain from recruiting the DJ from the local Deli, they may have something. As for the pave', the tarmac for harlem is a huge step up from what it used to be 3 years ago. If any of you raced that course back then, when it was called the "skinscraper classic", there wouldnt be any mention of the road conditions today. Honestly, harlem roads are better than Floyd and I dont hear anybody whining about Floyd! I hope they also get an announcer that knows the competitors, atleast somewhat. The MC situation is fairly lame as well. CRCA does a fine job putting this race on, there are just those little details that could push the event to something a bit more special.
Television coverage is a pretty big deal for this event and I agree many may forgo Housatonic or atleast try and pull the double!

rock racing
By: harlem cat 3 championships
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 2:01am

is doing the nature valley grand prix, so probably not doing harlem, unless they have some extra guys from the B team.

I
By: Michael
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 1:28am

I road my rode bike on a rode the other day, after going to the roadeo and watching Patrick Swayze in Rodehouse.

Oh, and 'it's not that hard'? That's what she said.

road not rode
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 12:55am

drives me nuts when people do that.
it's not that hard

Of
By: Wheelsucker
Sat, 04/05/2008 - 12:21am

Of course Harlem's not the NBA finals, the Tour de France or the US National Championships. The point was that some of the dips on this site can't distinguish between anything. Harlem will be at a whole new level this year. It won't look or feel the same. It's the highest level race in the City since the downtown race of 4 years ago and is on a better course and includes races for all categories.

Bigger
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 11:48pm

Bigger than Mt. Holly which is no longer a rode race because it's part of USACrits Series. Harlem should get the top national level crit riders.
The Cat 3, Masters and Women's races all pay $1000 which is a major step up too.

repaving is for suckers
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 11:15pm

do you complain about the hills in hilly races, too? christ. potholes are nyc's kinderhoofd. you don't like 'em, don't race 'em.

Harlem Sounds Solid
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 10:41pm

Enough already about NBA finals....we all know it's not the pro tour for c-sakes. I think the question people are looking to answer is...part of USA crit series, TV coverage, invite only....sounds like a rather large step up from last year, and potentially one of the more high profile races our area will see this year.

Correct?

Sounds like it trumps heading to Housatonic.

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 10:08pm

Even if it has improved significantly, still ain't the NBA Finals. I'm not sure I'd put it into the same category as mt. holly, but we'll see.

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 9:35pm

Sorta. I think the promotion simply improved. I only hope since its "such a big deal" now they will repave the entire course, as it sucks now.

how
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 9:01pm

how do i win a bicycle race?

if
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 8:28pm

if it's "NRC-ish," like a mount holly or something, that's a huge step up from what it was last year.

how
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 7:55pm

how do i post here?

did
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 7:21pm

did somebody ask how to register for a bike race? really?

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 6:48pm

Schmalz might have to upgrade to go "head to toe" with R&R. I thought it was head to head, but let the grammar police correct that.

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 6:15pm

Ain't the NBA finals bro.

Its NRC'ish. Its not crit world championships. Same exact race, larger purse. TV cameras don't make it the hot shit, they've had cameras at thater before, do you see binghamton calling that the NBA finals? Get over your city.

you mean...
By: schmalz
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 5:41pm
harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 5:08pm

i want to see schmalz head to toe in rock & republic

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 4:35pm

Harlem comments are typical nyvelocity cynical bs. Some people on this site wouldn't see a difference between a pickup basketball game in Central Park and the NBA finals. Just another b-ball game just another bike race.

Bethel - CCC Crit
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 4:01pm

On Bike Reg

how
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 3:28pm

how can one register to the Bethel race...

Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 2:55pm

Same as it always is, except the pro 1/2 is part of the usa crit series. Invite and riders approved by promoter, 10 grand prize list. what else do you need to know? Harlem is north of central park on the island of Manhattan in the state of NY. The race is 4 corners, one city block, paved in asphalt, complete with holes and manhole covers in the corners. bad music, aggro riders, james joseph.....

CCC - Bethel race this weekend
By: JPK
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 2:21pm

Just a reminder for anyone looking for a local race this Sunday the Connecticut Coast Cycling Team is putting on a race in Bethel. The best part is that some of the proceeds will go towards helping families living with and fighting cancer.

RICOLA
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 1:48pm

1-Rollins, Toyota
2-Hopkins, Inferno
3-Gilbert, Kelly

We'll
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 1:15pm

We'll see when Amaury comes back as a cat 2, like Edwin, or all the other dominicans who couldn't get licenses after the pulla fiasco.

Great.....hey
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 12:41pm

Great.....hey kids come see the face tattoo!!

Rock Racing doing Harlem?
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 12:08pm

That is cool that Ball is sponsoring that...invite only...TV coverage...what is the deal this year, anyone have details

doggie style
By: 585
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 11:35am

that link was a funny reply, well played.

-1
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 11:01am

-1 to jft for making me look up the word prolix

To To Litty
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 10:28am

Do your homework before spewing your ignorant bull shit. You don't know dog doody about licenses and you're speculating about what happened with DR riders without any knowledge. As someone more eloquent than I once said " Shut up you stupid slut."

Talk Dirty to Me
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 9:55am

We need to clean up the language on this website:
http://tinyurl.com/ynovxs

getting technical on it
By: Rev. Jesse Jackson
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 9:21am

The question is moot. I win the car.

hey dopey
By: jft who'd rather be an asshole than a prolix dope
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 8:15am

"This whole argument is mute anyways, as any rider racing in the US is required to hold a USA cycling license. There are exceptions to that rule assholes, so don't get all technical on it. "

Wow...you're an idiot.

Plus,
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 7:41am

Plus, if they apply for USAC licenses now they probably wouldn't get them, as their UCI is suspended, Which is why DR contacted USAC direct. Shit out of luck.

To Litty
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 7:08am

Your example makes no sense. J-walking is annoying, and technically illegal, though its not costing other people any money, or wasting their time, unless you get in the way of a car or something, but now I'm adding details to your example though its still not relevant.

The riders put the DR out money and I'm sure they don't have it oozing out their ass, other riders missed their chance to do a race, not to mention makes the DR look super unorganized when they show up two men short for a race. Its a dick move, and simply saying "thats OK" is not how it should work, and apparently now how its working. The list of responsibilities giving to a cyclist is rather short, and one of them is show up if someone is laying cash down to get you there; its disrespectful not to show. The DR obviously knows that banning them from the team is not really much of a punishment if they are going to be racing in the states all season, so suspend the license.

This whole argument is mute anyways, as any rider racing in the US is required to hold a USA cycling license. There are exceptions to that rule assholes, so don't get all technical on it. Point is, they will have to get USAC licenses in the future.

perfect opportunity...
By: schmalz
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 6:35am

For a dance fight! My dreams have been answered! I call "polka"!

Rock Racing sponsoring Harlem crit
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 6:01am

Will they bring riders and their glitzy entourage including models?

http://beta.velonews.com/article/76782/rock-racing-sponsors-harlem-rocks...

Brick
By: Andy
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 5:28am

is geeky and dense, so...me?

NY Velocity versus Peloton East:
By: Wes Mantooth
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 4:55am

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hEwV_INfsUg

My one question: who is Brick?

Team
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 4:21am

Team sprints?

Peloton East
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 3:48am

has an awesome new haircut

NYVelocity vs. PE
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 3:15am

We should have a rumble. Or a grammar competition. Or maybe a spelling bee. Definitely not a team time trial though...

peleton east
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 2:41am

is stupid, period

Warning - Giro spoiler
By: schmalz
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 2:08am

Cav doesn't unwind his sprint, and Greipel gets pissy? Are you kidding me?

that is...
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 1:35am

The most pathetic exchange I've ever read...

peloton east
By: Wheelsucker
Fri, 04/04/2008 - 1:01am

wow....i havent seen those guys get so whipped up since they introduced the Aero Razor bottle cage.....

Peloton East
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 11:55pm

http://pelotoneast.com/showthread.php?t=4531

Salty discussion over on PE

idiots.
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 11:21pm

idiots.

She
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 10:15pm

She is scouting for Slipstream....sending pics back to johnathan vaughters ......pedal faster!!

Now
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 9:41pm

Now it makes sense. Its a blog.

shes
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 9:08pm

shes a woman taking pics at floyd. duh!

woman photographer at floyd
By: riss
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 8:35pm

does anyone know who she is or what she is doing?

It's
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 8:01pm

It's an intensive purposes photo wrap-around blog.

a Blog?!
By: schmalz
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 7:28pm

We are not a blog, we can wrap text around our photos!

Its
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 6:55pm

Its a blog, for all "intents and purposes"

where are the floyd photos schmalz

Just
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 6:21pm

Just taking advantage of a teachable moment...

what
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 5:48pm

what does memorial day have to do with a couple of Dominicans, who I'm pretty sure did not serve in the US armed forces....

I'm
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 5:15pm

I'm glad we have English teachers around here to fix our grammatical errors. What would we do without them.

Is it bad...
By: schmalz
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 4:41pm

That the 28th of May below remembers much more about the site than I do? And he's found the secret way to the links graveyard!

for the record
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 4:08pm

intents and purposes NOT intensive purposes

To "What the Heck"
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 3:35pm

... since the DR national team "should of" provided plane tickets ...
Should have

snap!
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 3:01pm

snap!

28th of May
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 2:28pm

Please have some respect - we are still celebrating Memorial Day. Just take a moment and think about that. There are more important issues than idiotic, anonymous name-calling. Does anyone remember who called whom what name on some irrelevant post a year ago? No one is really paying attention and chronicling all this for posterity, folks. Let's maintain perspective.

28 May. A day to honor those who sacrificed on our behalf. Forget the negativity. Whoever wants to participate constructively in this community, and celebrate Memorial Day with others of a similar mind, please join us for our 3rd Annual Civil War Re-enactment Trip. The bus leaves Grant's Tome at 5:45 am on Sunday, and registration will be up on racelistings.com at 12 noon today.

Same as years past, we divide into two armies - grey on one side, and blue/orange/black on the other - and travel north to Syracuse, to a "64-mile course consisting of two 31-mile laps and a slight turn-off leading to a steep but somewhat short uphill finish." Scene of the original, and now infamous, battle - 28 May 2005, NY State Cat 4/5 Inter-Galactic Championships of the Free World - which spawned the NYVeloCivil War of I which I type (or the War of Skyline Aggression, depending on your point of view.)

We will divide into two fields - Cat 4/5, and Masters, and let a break get up the road from each group. And then they'll mix. And then we'll mix. Anarchy will ensure. We will then all TT to private residences in Syracuse, commandeer their computers, and begin attacking each other (textually, with snarky posts that is, and wearing helmets just to be on the safe side) on a NYVeloCity thread specifically designated for the event. (Thanks to Messrs. Shen, Ostroy, and Schmalz for their support, as always.) Be sure to start reading that rulebook tonight!

I will play the part of General Steve Rosenblum, and lead the faux-Skyliners in the blue/orange/black. Todd the Father will lead the anonymous hordes. Cap'n Ed will choreograph and oversee all battle re-enactments. VSP will be on-hand as scribe. Uccisore Abejorro will be providing complimentary espressi for all re-enactors. Toni will most likely be behind the bathrooms at the Song Mountain Ski Resort, smoking the chronic. (Keep your womenfolk away from him; after last year's Harlem race he had the lecherous audacity to tell my mother that "something had gotten real stiff after his race and he could use a warm hand to rub it out for him." And she did! But I digress.)

Amateur historiographers can see the entire, gripping first-hand account of the NYVeloCivil War here:
http://www.velocitynation.com/article.aspx?ID=285&CID=53

(Read carefully, and you will find - oh man, I get chickenskin just thinking about it! - what I have independently verified to be Almighty Todd's first post, under the pseudonym "Non-Skyliner-er.")

A condensed summary with helpful historical context can be found here:
http://www.nyvelocity.com/article.aspx?ID=1516&CID=2

(Search 'classic nyvelocity posts'.)

Never forget the 28th of May, my friends. To this day, you can still find dazed and wounded veterans typing their way out of threads long thought to be dormant. Like Japanese soldiers marooned on some desert isle, unknowing of Emperor Hirohito's unconditional surrender and the disbanding of the Japanese Military 60 years hence, they come out of old threads and into the daylight unaware that we live in relatively peaceful times. Pale, skinny, malnourished, weak, with sallow eyes and exposed ribcages - pretty much like any other racing cyclist, actually. I guess that's why we don't notice them so much.

My Dream Day
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 1:55pm

I roll into Prospect park with my 1968 Bronco, top off, sun shining, take a crap behind teh dumpsters, I get told to get out of joggers lane, i kill myself at the top of the hill 2-3 times and never get in a break that works, take my 14th, wait 2 hours to get paid, then as I am pulling out of the parking lot Starry Eyed Surpise starts playing on the radio, some hot blonde girl who is drinking diet coke starts roller skating circles around my bronco, she hops in becuase she saw me place 14th, we roll beach side, she just happens to also ride a fixey to work, "HOT", and then I spend the rest of the afternoon on the beach wondering whether wilson is on clomid or a healthy matrix of freihoffer choclate covered donuts and stella dora breakfast treats.

FBF
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 1:21pm

No pussies, it was sunny and was not canceled.

facts
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 12:48pm

facts aren't smears. Its easy to get around drug testing, basically, don't go to a race where they test. If they do, drop out, or hide in the back of the pack and pray. Happens ALL THE TIME. How many races where testing occurs has Amaury podiumed? cero. Its not Mengoni, its the riders.

FBF?
By: jj3
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 12:15pm

FBF rained out?

ah
By: schmalz
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 11:41am

You're talking about the original Broncos! Completely different story. Especially when they came with the 289 engine.

In defense of the DR Federation
By: What the heck
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 11:08am

It serves these riders right to have gotten suspended for not traveling to a race where they were supposed to represent the DR national team.

National teams as a whole have little money to spend and you would think the DR National Team has even less. Race invitations are hard to come by at UCI events and that 2 riders who took spots away from other riders decided to not to travel is unacceptable.

That these riders suggest that they didn't know they were supposed to race is laughable since the DR national team "should of" provided plane tickets to where ever they where supposed to go (which leads to the question; what races did they miss?).

It is however "possibly" true that the riders didn't know they were supposed to attend said events. In retrospect the better suspension would have been to suspend them from the DR national team indefinately versus suspending their licenses.

That this happened is an example of poor communication by the riders and their federation and the result is the smearing of the Mengoni team which has been around forever and of Mr. Mengoni who has been a patron to the sport locally and internationally.

Very unfortunate.

Ahh...I finally made two posts that didn't get lambasted.
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 10:35am

I was wrong though...you were right. I was envisioning the Bronco....like this one. You could go with the old Land Cruiser but they are too pricey these days....the only thing close to this is an old Jeep Willy or an older style CJ7

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1967-FORD-BRONCO_W0QQitemZ1...

Just to clear the air:
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 10:01am

the Bronco II tops did not come off. The original Bronco produced from 1967-1977 had the fully removable top, and was just about the dreamiest 4X4 ever created.

Bronco 2?
By: schmalz
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 9:28am

Are you nuts? Those were basically Ford Rangers with a hard top.

who
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 8:55am

who cares? - NICE, so true about doping.

and the bronco!

Job?
By: schmalz
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 8:21am

A job implies payment, what I do here is volunteer work.

Schmalz does your job ever make you feel like this?
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 7:48am

http://gawker.com/390156/top-ten-angry-on%20camera-meltdowns

And Gentlemen...you need only watch Dan Marino to find out the lasting affets of drugs.

Who really cares?
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 7:15am

I mean let's be honest local 24-40 year old riders, who cares if someone is doping and taking a spot in front of you. It's not like we are racing to feed our children. If you are a professional and if you are a young junior who has a "shot" at becoming something...not the dime a dozen 23 year old cat 1-2...a real shot, then you can care. Everybody else should be laughing inside about the guys who dope. It's like getting mad at the roid head at the gym because he benches 2350 and you bench 300 clean becuase you want to be the strongest guy in the gym...let it go.

Ford 150 or a Bronco 2 with the top off, and a blonde with a cowboy hat in the backseat. Bronco 2 wins.

Wait,
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 6:41am

Wait, we can race against robots? That totally rules!

for
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 6:08am

for "all intents and purposes"

oy
By: schmalz
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 5:35am

"schmalz doesn't fix the goddam site errors, put the time stamp back on posts, and censors too much ken harris talk"

Fix the errors! Censor! I don't do everything here, I am just the pretty face of the organization.

If
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 5:01am

If they were intelligent, they would have sent out a statement before it hit the street explaining what happened, saying it wasn't drug related (assuming thats true). But they didn't. They didn't say shit. What do you expect?

Well,
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 4:28am

Well, they haven't released anything to the contrary. They skip out on a race thats well known for testing guys, with no contact whatsoever, essentially disappear for all intensive purposes for the DR team, thats somewhat suspicious, not to mention totally fuckin rude. I'd be pissed too if two dudes left me standin at the airport waiting for them to show, after I paid their way.

Even putting the rudeness factor aside for the moment, not showing knowing theres testing, can be considered a positive. its not as bad as actually being caught, hence, 1 year.

RACE
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 3:55am

RACE against robots

just wait until
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 3:21am

you start having to raise against robots

it's
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 2:48am

it's hard not to be suspicious about doping when it's so common, accessible, and acceptable. from average 10th grade body builders to hip hop artists, doping seems like tattoos. once on the fringe of polite society and now nothing special.

Jumping
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 2:15am

Jumping to the doping conclusion is far fetched. One, doping suspensions are not for 1 year. Two, it shows disrespect toward the Mengoni team, Mr. I and Charlie who have earned and desrerve the respect of the local cycling community. If it was a doping violation they would tell us. Hopefully the situation will be resolved and Amaurys and Rafael can resume racing with the team.

wish
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 1:41am

wish i knew who wrote that so i could hi-five him in the field

Housatonic or Harlem
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 1:08am

What is the deal with Harlem this year....TV Coverage, ringer fields? Who knows about that race.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 12:35am

i don't think jumping to the "doping" conclusion is far fetched these days when you hear someone is suspended. Fair or not, this is the day we live in. an inordinately large percentage of suspensions over the last few years are due to doping infractions so it's not hard to assume.

perhaps there was some national team snafu and subsequent snub. We will all know once the uci publishes the reason.

in the meantime - button pushers can continue to say "DOPE!! I KNEW IT" just to get the suckers to react and post 200 word diatribes on the immaturity of this site. the comedians can keep posting hysterical satire on the stereotypes of Dominicans and the world will keep going round.

soon enough it will be friday and there will be cat 4 winner predictions for saturday's race. "so and so" really needs to upgrade, "this junior" doesn't challenge himself enough to meet everyone else's unfair expectations and schmalz doesn't fix the goddam site errors, put the time stamp back on posts, and censors too much ken harris talk.

so get back at it. i agree with the below poster that we need to think a bit more creatively than to simply repost comments on jared. please post like you are auditioning for The Onion and not like you are writing cartoons for your 8th grade class paper.

i anxiously await

jared
By: Wheelsucker
Thu, 04/03/2008 - 12:01am

dead horse. it was funny the first three times yesterday. please up the creativity factor.

We're
By: Wheelsucker
Wed, 04/02/2008 - 11:28pm

We're still waiting for the answer Jared promised.

i
By: Wheelsucker
Wed, 04/02/2008 - 10:55pm

i <3 mengoni

Section
By: Wheelsucker
Wed, 04/02/2008 - 10:21pm

Section 9. Suspensions by Other Organizations. USA
Cycling and its Associations shall honor the suspensions or
other disciplinary actions imposed by the USOC, the UCI, UCI
member National Federations, and their affiliates, USA

Mengoni Topic
By: JFG
Wed, 04/02/2008 - 9:48pm

What gets me is how so many in the NYC racing community suspect guys doping. I think we need the whole story before jumping on one side or the other. For one, how does a racer no know that his country of citizenship has asked him to participate in a major race and to represent the country. I find that puzzling... I would like to think if the USA asked me to race on the national team in the Tour of Missouri I would at least know the invitation was out there and would be able to accept or respectfully deny. Also, does USA cycling have to follow a DR ban? Could the race non-UCI events? If its not doping and only political I would like to know if they have any racing options outside UCI.

podium
By: Wheelsucker
Wed, 04/02/2008 - 9:15pm

podium

first
By: Wheelsucker
Wed, 04/02/2008 - 8:41pm

first argument

Post new comment

 
A cookie will maintain this name until you change it.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <em> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd><img>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

More information about formatting options

CAPTCHA
You must answer the question below to proceed. You can skip this step if you log in.
Fill in the blank
Sportique
view counter

RELATED ARTICLES

  • Tour de France Insider Podcast #4 -

    In Episode #4 of the Insider podcast from the 2011 Tour de France press room in Carmaux, the finish of Stage 10, Anthony Tan ropes back in Cyclingnews’ Daniel Benson and Procycling’s Eu

  • Tour de France Insider Podcast #3 -

    In Episode #3 of the Insider podcast from the 2011 Tour de France press room atop Super Besse, Anthony Tan ropes back in Cyclingnews’ Daniel Benson and Procycling’s European Editor, Dan

TOP 5 ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

Powercranks
view counter
Chomper Body
view counter
NYC Velo
view counter