Screw cars. That new-car smell wears off and those stinky yellow trees are kind of annoying, dontcha think? Spring is here - time for a set of new wheels. Human-powered pedal style! I get a ton of questions from friends, blog readers, Oregonian readers, and general random strangers about how to go about buying a new bike. Last Sunday I laid down the basics in the Outdoors section of the O.

Thinking about joining a group ride? Start here. It's springtime - group rides are in full swing. Get in on one and watch what happens - you'll ride faster, further and have more fun than you've ever had on a bicycle. There are a few important things to know about riding in a group, but don't be intimidated - once you get the hang of it, you'll be glad you took the plunge. You don't have to be on a team to ride with a group. Ask your local bike shop if there are any standing rides you can join. Chances are, if they don't have one of their own, they'll know where you can find one.

I keep a peripheral eye on the pro cycling scene these days, regarding the men of the pedals as impossible giants in a world much larger than I can stomach.  When I read that Hincapie (or whoever) averaged 340 watts for 4 hours, it’s incomprehensible to me.  They exist in a universe so far away [...]