Matthew Parris’ Apology

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On January 5, 2008

In General

Thanks to Carlton Reid from Bike Biz for letting me know that Matthew Parris has now apologized for his murderous comments about cyclists. To whit:

I offended many with my Christmas attack on cyclists. It was meant humorously but so many cyclists have taken it seriously that I plainly misjudged. I am sorry.

According to the Bike Biz article, Parris’ column is so far the most complained about article of 2008 and, based on the figures for 2007, would have been the most complained about story for last year. Now that’s a lot of complaints!

The classiest part of the piece in Bike Biz, was Reid’s offer to take Parris for a bike ride anywhere in the UK. I hope he takes him up on the offer. If he does, I’ll be sure to cover it. I just wish I could be a fly on the handlebars for that one!

The Internet Responds to Anti-Cyclist Column

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On December 30, 2007

In General

Here are links to some of those who have responded to Matthew Parris’ vile editorial on the lynching of cyclists:

I am sure that there are many more out there, but I am glad to see that this is causing some people to stand up and take notice. I’m interested to see if the Times Online decides to comment officially on this rubbish.

By the way, I also read online that some people are using the Metropolitan Police web site to report the column as a hate crime on grounds of incitement to murder. I’m not sure about the legalities involved, but it does seem like incitement to me.

Seesmic Post on Vile ‘Journalism’

By

On December 29, 2007

In News

Author Suggests ‘Lynching’ of Cyclists

By

On December 29, 2007

In News

On the past couple of shows I have mentioned that police in certain cities are cracking down on scofflaw cyclists for running red lights, failing to yield to pedestrians, etc. On the most recent show I also railed against motorists who fail to yield to cyclists and repeated my oft-mentioned question from my family upon my return from a ride in the city (‘how many people tried to kill you today?’).

But now things are starting to go too far.

In his December 27 Times Online column, Matthew Parris engages in a vile rant against cyclists that includes the following despicable suggestions:

  • ‘A festive custom we could do worse than foster would be stringing piano wire across country lanes to decapitate cyclists.’
  • ‘…the lynching of a cyclist … would be a joy to witness.’
  • ‘Does cycling turn you into an insolent jerk? Or are insolent jerks drawn disproportionately to cycling?’

Thankfully, scores of people have found the article and written comments protesting Parris’ ‘surprising and vicious incitement to homicide.’ If you’re so inclined, I recommend that you too let Parris (and his editors and publishers) know how you feel.

If you’re so inclined, write to the Press Complaints Commission.

eFredCast Feed Now Available

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On December 28, 2007

In Blog, Podcasts, Technical Notes

There are now two feeds for The FredCast:

We are still waiting for iTunes to validate the new eFredCast feed. As soon as it is validated, I will update the links on the site. Enjoy!

Show #87 – Off Season Training

By

On December 28, 2007

In Podcasts

Listen now by clicking here:
For The Week of December 24, 2007

Sponsored by listeners like you – Thanks for your donations!

NOW AVAILABLE IN MP3 AND ENHANCED AAC FORMATS!
The enhanced podcast feed can be found here.

IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

  • Pro Cycling News
    • Landis Banned in France
    • UCI Racing to Implement Biological Passport
    • Fight Brewing Between UCI and Spanish Federation
    • Christmas Cycling News
    • Child Killed Riding Bike She Got for Christmas
    • The Bike Man and The Bicycle Man Help Santa
    • President Bush’s Cycling-related Christmas Presents
  • Product Recall: Dahon Seat Posts
  • Follow-up: Cities Cracking Down on Cyclists
  • Camera Recognizes Bike Thieves

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • FredCast Sock Design Contest Winner
  • FredCast Transalpine Adventure – June 24 – July 4, 2008

IN THIS WEEK’S FEATURES:

PODSAFE CYCLING MUSIC:

  • Home by The National Pool

Show Notes: Available HERE

There are many ways you can listen to the show:

Windows Media Player File Real Audio File Subscribe in iTunes RSS Feed for your Pod Catcher

Show #86 – Happy Christmakwanzakah!

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On December 19, 2007

In Podcasts

Listen now by clicking here:
For The Week of December 17, 2007

Sponsored by listeners like you – Thanks for your donations!

NOW AVAILABLE IN MP3 AND ENHANCED AAC FORMATS!

IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

  • The FredCast’s 2nd Anniversary
  • Pro Cycling News
    • China and Russia to Host 2009 ProTour Events
    • New Route for Tour of America
    • T-Mobile Done with Pro Cycling
    • Vino Quits Pro Cycling
    • Stuart O’Grady Back on the Bike
  • Cities Cracking Down on Cyclists
  • Saul Raisin Update
  • Interbike Outdoor Demo East?
  • MIT Cycling Team Sets Record
  • Product Recalls
  • News of the Weird

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • FredCast Bandwidth Exceeded
  • FredCast Sock Design Contest Winner Announced Next Week
  • FredCast Transalpine Adventure – June 24 – July 4, 2008

IN THIS WEEK’S FEATURES:

  • Cycling Themed Greeting Cards
  • New Web Site: Bicipeople.us
  • Cross Training in Winter
  • Ride Report: El Tour de Tucson
  • New Product: Cerevellum Cycle Computer
  • Upcoming Event: UCI Track Cycling World Cup
  • Specialized’s Holiday Card

PODSAFE CYCLING MUSIC:

  • When Christmas Sneaks Up On You by Jenny Jusell & Tightwad
  • Carol of the Bells by Jimmie Bratcher

Show Notes: Available HERE

There are many ways you can listen to the show:

Windows Media Player File Real Audio File Subscribe in iTunes RSS Feed for your Pod Catcher

New Show This Week!

By

On December 16, 2007

In Podcasts

Just a quick update to let you know that there will be a new FredCast this week! This will be the first show of the third year of The FredCast. Very exciting. Talk to you soon!

Whenever one door closes . . .

By

On November 25, 2007

In News

I got an email today from my friend, Dave Shields. Dave is the author of The Race, The Tour, and Tour de Life (the story of Saul Raisin’s injury and miraculous recovery). In the email, Dave relayed the news that Saul Raisin’s career as a professional cyclist has now come to an end. As Dave said in his email:

Unfortunately his comeback was partialy dependent on factors outside of his control. Each time a doctor, sponsor, or race organizer signed off on his participation they also signed on to an enormous liability should he crash or cause a crash. Unfortunately the time has come when the risks were too large for someone with a lot at stake.

For more information, in Saul’s own words, check out the Saul Raisin blog.

There is an old saying that goes, ‘whenever one door closes, another one opens.’ Having met and spoken with Saul twice, having met his amazing parents, and knowing his story, I am 100% confident that Saul will be successful no matter what door he chooses to walk through next.

God speed, Saul Raisin.

What’s up with The FredCast?

By

On November 20, 2007

In General

“Where’s the next episode?”

“You promised you’d get back to a regular schedule!”

“I can’t live without my FredCast fix!”

These are just a fraction of the comments I’ve received in my in box lately and I can’t say that I blame you. I promised to get back to a regular schedule with the show and so far I have broken that promise. For that, you have my humblest apologies.

The fact of the matter is that I simply have not been able to get back to a regular schedule for a wide variety of reasons. Among them, still getting settled into the new house, adjusting to and getting caught up on my new job, a variety of family events, several business trips, and even a really bad cold which I am battling now (trust me, you don’t want to hear my voice in your ear buds today). Don’t feel slighted, dear listeners, I haven’t even been on a bike in nearly a month!

In the meantime, I have continued to gather news, work on product reviews, line up interviews and just generally do show prep. I will get back on track very soon. I just need your patience for a few days longer.

Besides . . . I’ve already started gathering some great giveaways for our 100th show celebration and I have a planning meeting coming up in a few weeks for the FredCast Tour in June, when we’ll ride from Salzburg to Venice! So don’t worry, I’m not going away.

Thanks for your patience and your understanding.

David

P.S. In the meantime, stop speculating about Lance Armsrong and Ashley Olsen. He says they’re just friends.

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