I did some mounntain biking this past week with an eight year old. It's amazing what he was able to "teach" me during a single one-hour ride. Here are a few high points from the class:

• All gears must me used. Shifting every 20-30 seconds is the best strategy.
• Constant chatter is good ... apparently, a cyclist goes much faster when talking non-stop.
• Hydration is important. The best way to do this is to stop every couple of minutes for a drink (Note: This is the only time you're not required to talk).
• Loose dirt sections of trail are good - this is where you go fast, lock up the brakes, and slide.
• Snakes, mountain lions, and other assorted wild animals exist behind every bush. Apparently kids have much better eyesight than I do, since he saw animals everywhere that I missed.

The Desiree Ficker presentation is scheduled for next week (April 17, 12:00, in ASU's CJ Davidson center. This is a Brown Bag luncheon presentation, so you may want to grab a bite of lunch in the Food Court which is just down the hall from the Davidson Center. I suggest arriving a little early so that you can find a parking place and get a good seat.

Speaking of Fast Ladies, San Angelo has a long tradition related to Fast Ladies, but … I’m not talking about the girls from Miss Hatties. The ones I’m talking about are ladies who can hammer on a bike, tough out bad riding conditions, and get extra style points for looking good while doing so. Come join in on the next group ride or time trial and see if you can keep up with local fast ladies such as Kathy, Christina, September, Christy, or Tamra. Hint ... if you're male, then either be prepared to ride really hard or leave your ego at home!

The first of two Burma Road time trials was held last Sunday. Great conditions ... a nice breeze to keep the temp pleasent and a tailwind coming back to the finish. The turnout wasn't big, but the fun factor was off the scale. Results are posted on the San Angelo Bicycle web site (results).

The first road TT of the year has been re-scheduled for next Thursday due to the high winds today. The new date is April 16, first rider off at 6:30 pm. Visit the cycling club web site for details.

The Striders and Spillway duathlon events are both coming up soon. Striders will take place on April 19, with the Spillway Hill off road event scheduled for May 2. Spillway will include a kid's duathlon after the main event. If you plan to race Spillway, please pre-register soon.

The new Get Healthy San Angelo initiativehas kicked off with the launch of the web site at http://www.gethealthysanangelo.com/. The first major activity for this initiative will be a Get Heathly weight loss challenge.

Registration is now open for the 2009 Run in the Sun event, scheduled for May 16. This will be the 2009 Texas 8K State Championship race. We're expecting 200-300 runners, so be smart, pre-register, and avoid the long lines on race day. Full information is posted at http://www.roadlizards.org/Upcoming%20Races/RIS.2009.flyer.pdf, or you can sign up on-line at http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1712378&assetId=BCA2AFEF-164B-4EE7-807B-797654F3F757.

UPCOMING EVENTS
*MTB TT series, begins, April 2
*Road TT series, begins, April 9
*HOT ride in Brady, April 11
*ASU PT Run, April 18
*Striders Duathlon, April 19
*Colorado River Bike Tour in Ballinger, April 25
*Ballinger 5K, April 25
*Spillway off road duathlon, May 2
*Aids Foundation 5K, May 9
*Run in the Sun (State Championship 8K), May 16

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