Free Republic

“We reassert our desire to see the end of power meters in races, which annihilate the glorious uncertainty of sport.” ...C’mon now – anyone who’s been involved in major stage races (or any pro race) knows that the single biggest thing they could do to instigate more excitement would be to take away race radios. For those not familiar, race radios are small wireless radios worn by the riders that allow them to communicate with their team.

If there is it one musical instrument that best conveys emotion to the soul, it's the pedal steel.

Construction on a bike highway — hoped to connect communities to make high-speed, emissions-free commuting possible — is underway in Germany. But with funding in question, will this bikers’ dream still come true? […] The cost-benefit relation presented by the RVR is optimistic: Benefits equal nearly five times more than costs. Figures indicate the bike autobahn would save €11.5 million yearly on medical expenses due to the health benefits of greater physical activity and reduced pollution, while it would also save €6.3 million through prevented accidents. But money is lacking to complete the project, estimated at €184 million. For the...

A drunken New Smyrna Beach bicyclist whose drive-through order at Taco Bell was rejected because he wasn't in a car refused to leave the restaurant then tussled with police, according to an arrest report. Gabriel Harris, 33, was charged with resisting an officer with violence in the late-night incident and was out of the Volusia County Branch Jail on $1,000 bail, records show.

With 9 presets that were finely tuned to emulate the most legendary organs from the '60s and beyond, the B9 Organ Machine will transform your guitar or keyboard. Tracking is fast and flawless. Control of its signature percussive click and sweet modulation is precise. Blend your dry instrument to create lush layers.

PHOENIX (AP) -- Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has started a program he calls "Pedal Vision," in which inmates pedal stationary bikes to generate electricity for television sets. T The bikes are customized to turn on connected TV sets once inmates at Phoenix's Tent City Jail pedal enough to generate 12 volts of electricity. An hour of pedaling equals an hour of television. Arpaio said inmates only will be able to watch television if they choose to pedal. He said he started the program with female inmates because they seemed more receptive. Arpaio said the only exercise female inmates have...

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has started a program he calls "Pedal Vision," in which inmates pedal stationary bikes to generate electricity for television sets. The bikes are customized to turn on connected TV sets once inmates at Phoenix's Tent City Jail pedal enough to generate 12 volts of electricity. An hour of pedaling equals an hour of television. Arpaio says inmates only will be able to watch television if they choose to pedal. He says he started the program with female inmates because they seemed more receptive. Arpaio says the only exercise female inmates have been getting is speed-walking...

The consumer advocacy group, Consumer Reports, has announced that it will be removing its recommendation to purchase the eight Toyota models named in the latest 2.3 million vehicle U.S. recall. The move marks the first time that Consumer Reports has removed several models at the same time from the recommended list. Due to the serious nature of the recall, and the fact that Toyota has still not identified a sure fix for the recalled vehicles, CR says it has reversed its decision to recommend the eight Toyota models named in the recall. “This is an unprecedented event, ” said David...

Nissan accelerator pedal pushes back to save fuel For drivers who like to step on the gas but don't want a higher fuel bill, Nissan Motor on Monday unveiled an accelerator pedal that pushes back to help motorists get more mileage. Nissan's "Eco Pedal" system is the latest salvo in the fight between automakers to woo customers with technology that reduces fuel consumption. The pedal automatically pushes back on the foot when the system detects too much pressure on the accelerator, informing the driver that he or she is using more fuel than required, Nissan said. An eco-driving indicator fitted...

<p>BAN PHON KHAM, Laos - Villagers in this remote jungle hamlet have lived for years without electricity or telephones, relying on occasional visitors and a sluggish postal system for news of the outside world.</p> <p>But soon many of its residents will be jumping on stationary bikes to pedal their way onto the Information Superhighway.</p>