There’s a saying that goes something like “the more I’m around people the more I like my dogs”. That pretty well describes how I feel about the (lack of) collaboration on the part of San Angelo’s cycling community over the past couple of years. Unlike the local runners (who are laid back, cooperative, and friendly) the cyclists seem to always be bickering over something. Wake up, folks … we do this for fun! Just ride the dammed bike.

On a more positive note, Desiree Ficker came to town last week and gave a really good presentation to an enthusiastic crown at Angelo State University. She talks about issues such as nutrition, being active, and how all of the pieces fit tighter into a healthy lifestyle. Desiree is a down to earth class act, and she made a big impression on the people who attended.

Three San Angelo residents ran the Boston Marathon this past Monday. Rita Grafton finished in an outstanding time of 3:38, Mike Buck powered through the 26.2 miles in 3:19, and 62 year old Bill Rogers did the race in 4:37. Great job, folks - you represented San Angelo well!

Goodfellow triathlete Kathy Rakel raced the Twenty-12 Talent ID triathlon this pask weekend in Lubbock, finishing 2nd overall in a time of 1:10. Kathy came out of the water in 4th place, but bridged up and posted the fastest bike split of the ladies race. This event was a draft legal Olympic style race, and part of a USA triathlon initiative to identify and develop triathletes leading up to the 2012 Olympics. I think we'll hear more about this outstanding young athlete in the years ahead.

Cyclists and runners from all over Texas and several surrounding states gathered in San Angelo this past weekend to race the 16th annual Striders Duathlon. Full results are posted here, pictures are up on Photobucket, and the the race report is on the Standard Times web site at this link. The Picture of the Day was of Shane Plymel finishing the long course event -maybe a caption like "Daddy, Daddy, we thought you got lost!"

The local time trial season is in full swing, with three events completed. On the road, both the Burma TT and the first of the road TT series are in the books. These two races took place in very strong winds. On the dirt side, the first race of the mountain bike TT series had a good turnout, with masters racer Tony S. blazing the course in a time of 24:50. Contrary to some rumors that are floating around, the TT series is taking place this year with the local YMCA providing race management and timing services. The next two races are May 7 (Mountain TT #2) and may 14 (road TT #2).

We have agood success story to pass along related to the ASUFit program. A student called last week to tell me that the Walking Challenge and brown Bag presentations have motivated her to the point that she's lost 20 pounds and now want s to train for a marathon and a triathlon. Looks like we have another athlete in our ranks ...

Upcoming events:

* UREC 5K, Angelo State University, April 25

*Colorado River Bike Tour in Ballinger, April 25

*Ballinger 5K, April 25

*Spillway off road duathlon, May 2

Mountain bike TT #2, May 7

*Aids Foundation 5K, May 9

Road bike TT #2, May 14

*Run in the Sun (State Championship 8K), May 16

Equipment for Sale: http://forum.cvmconline.com/index.php?topic=65.msg218#new