I don't think the Europeans really care about Americans being fat. Their issue with us is our unhealthy obsessions with being fat and/or getting thin.

You want FAT. Go to Disneyland.

Don't forget we lost a Porsche racer while cycling in Sebring or Daytona. I recall it was Bob Wollek, if I'm not mistaken.

Kurt is right, though. Europeans are getting chunky as well.

Another difference between Europe and USA...

For some reason European men think they look good in a speedo. Bonus points for hairy backs, jewelry, and shiny body lotion.:confused: At Las Vegas Mandalay Bay 2 weeks ago we were treated to some really frightening imagery. Unless you're trying to break the world record in the 100M freestyle may I recommend a less nauseating board short?

I wanted to support my analysis with images but apparently even Google finds the imagary Verboten.

I'd take that over getting sideswiped by a-hole motorists on a regular basis. I haven't ridden much at all since moving to the westside since everything is so damn congested. When I lived in Pasadena I could ride out of my garage and be on fireroad in 10minutes of pedaling, or ride to the RoseBowl if I wanted to do the pack, or head up Angeles Crest or Chantry Flats if I wanted to do road hills. On the westside it is just nuts. but if I want to put my bike on the roof of the 4-runner and drive down to PCH I can have a bit less risk there...but that seems somehow wrong.

Racing with hairy legs is guaranteed to earn you the coveted "Fred" status meaning they will make your life hell - even crash you out if necessary.

Seriously, racing bikes is dangerous. Looking back I can't believe I survived those years racing and not having health care - if what you mean by "self-insured" = "out of own pocket".

Be careful and stay to front - that's where the winner invariably is (duh) and where the crashes occur least.

Huh? When did you do this? Where in the Westside?

San Vicente to Ocean Avenue down toward Marina del Rey is a good jaunt. Oh, and don't be afraid of PCH, except at sunset/sunrise. You have canyons up the butt around there. Topanga, Latigo, Mulholland. Essentially, everywhere we take our cars you can take a bicycle.

When did you move to the Westside?

2 years ago. We live on the west edge of Century City. There are some quiet streets in BH, but no good open road.

Of course I have to get a road bike built up. I bought a used Davidson on eBay, but it wasn't quite as advertised (more rust that it should), and I don't think it is straight, as my front wheel (that I built) doesn't align in the fork right (but it did in my other bikes). Oh well...live and learn.

mitochondrial myopathy

Yes, I believe that is it. Thank you.

Damn J-man..
Were not ALL that way!..
Hell I am only 170 and 6 foot tall.
That is sick looking.. man you ruined my night!!! hahahahah!
nasty!

Eric