Hi everyone,

I'm going to France (via Switzerland) later this week to ride in the Etape du Tour on the 11th (something like 68 miles with 10,000 feet of climbing) and I was wondering if anybody had any pointers about cycling etiquette that might be particular to France. And also if there are phrases that might be useful. I don't speak a lick of French. (Yes, I know the whole "on your left" discussion may rear its head again but it might come in useful). It's the first time I'm cycling in Europe so I'm excited and nervous. Excited to experience the whole event and to climb a couple of the iconic climbs of the Tour. Nervous because it'll be challenging and I envision all the cyclists in Europe to be clones of Jens Voigt. Thanks!

Ilseung

Thanks, Lucia, for organizing a fabulous West Point weekend, even with the near total washout on Sunday.  We all found interesting things to do in the rain, and the picnic at the old train station worked out fine.  And thanks to Alan for organizing the rides.

Hi,

Have any members tried to take a bike on an Eastbound LIRR train on the Montauk Branch during the morning and outside of the rush hour commuting hours?  I am trying to gauge how stressful it's going to be keeping an eye on it for 3.5 hours to Montauk vs. the 60 minutes to Garrison or Peekskill, NY on Metro North.

Any experiences would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Or do they not allow them beyond a certain point?

Hope you like it!

http://ridesabike.com/images/pictures/1188.JPG

I'm looking for a lift to NYC (or within the MetroNorth or NJT network) for myself, bike and gear bag following the Bon Ton Roulet, which ends on 30 July in Cortland, NY.

For Sale - SRAM Force brake calipers, front/rear.

Used for about 9 months. Selling bc the new bike came completely built.

Brake pads were changed 6 months into using it.

Get the same performance as the top of the line Red with fraction of added weight.

Asking price: $120 for the pair. Cash only

Thank you for looking!

For Sale - 2010 SRAM Red crankset with BB(GPX, not BB30) .

Used for about 9 months. Selling it because the new bike came with a BB30 crankset.

Plenty of life in the chainrings, just minor scuffs on spider from normal use.

Asking: $200, cash only

Thanks for looking!

My wife has some interest in learning how to be a better rider (her skills and confidence maneuvering and braking are low), but needs some coaching to get past fears of starting up and making mistakes/crashing. Maybe some coaching on using clipless pedals once her base skills are better as well. Our weekends tend to be very busy, though, and she'd be embarrassed and not necessarily react well to coaching from me.

She is, however, a very strong rider, and has logged many miles on the road -- with clipless pedals, no less -- as a tandem stoker.