Hey all, Thought I would spam your inbox, especially those of you who read both listserves.  The other night, I was talking to the ever philosophical Mr. Ferguson, who made a comment about how when he tells people that he is involved with cycling, they usually make some dumb comment about him using drugs.  While there is little doubt that our sport has a history with it, ie Hamilton, Landis, Basso, Ulrich, Riis, Heras, just to name a few, I have to say that it is quite encouraging to see cycling taking a lead on dealing w/ drugs in sports. 

Last night, I was having dinner with my old roommate in ID when I saw Barry Bonds break one of the greatest, if not the greatest record in all of sports that belonged to a respectable figure, Hank Aaron.  Bonds broke the record with the full and unwavering support of Major League Baseball, thousands of "fans" who wanted see him break the record, and while playing in a stadium with a right field wall that belongs on a softball field, which was built especially so that he could plunk fastballs into the bay.  All this happened despite the almost 100% certainty that he has been and is using steroids.  While it has not proven, it is doubtful that all those who are close to him are in jail and refusing to testify against him because he is as clean as the wind driven snow. 

With last night's events in mind, I will say I am not involved nor a supporter of cycling when the UCI embraces the next Rasmussen or Vino, aids the person in covering their tracks, and does all that is possible to profit from the exploits of those who they know to be cheating.  Something to think about the next time you get flack from some arm-chair general who doesn't know the satisfaction of pedaling one's sorry behind up Geiger or Mt. Rose.  I will be more happy the day I receive a World Cycling Productions (or similar catalog) that doesn't sell the videos of the many great races whose winners have later served 2-year suspensions.  Anyway, yours in long, pontificating emails, Cody

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