Peacemaker of the Year

(left, Specialized Avatar takes the coveted Time-bikevoice 2007 Person of the Year.)

Time magazine awarded Russian President Vladimir Putin its Person of the Year. Why? In a nutshell, he is about making PEACE at home and worldwide.

A cycling personality that has made PEACE in my home is my Specialized Avatar mountainbike saddle. I entered warfare back in 2003 when I attempted the Shenandoah Mountian 100 using a different saddle. I abandoned the race for a few reasons, not the least of which was that I could no longer sit on the saddle due to. . . well, most everyone can speculate.

This year, I trained more specifically for the event. I also got fitted for the Specialized Avatar and could not believe the comfort. It gives the sensation of a light center of gravity, as if I am not touching the surface but with limited points. It's the "light ass" equivalent of "light hands."

It carried me through 13.5 hours of rocky technical Virginia trail with absolutely NO pain or aftereffects. I even had the additional stress of a riding much of the race with no air in my fork. I now use the same saddle for my cross bike, but I gotta say that I did not find it comfortable in a road bike position. Plus, an avid road racer would want something lighter I think.

I am also a huge fan of my BG Trail 110 mountain bike shoes, my women's specific road shoes, and helmet all manufactured by Specialized.

The BG Trail 110 mtb shoes are the only affordable high-top I could find. They are very light, perfect for mtb hike-a-bike and cyclo-cross running since they hold my ever-slipping ankle in place. I did have to adjust to the men's fit by putting an over-the-counter ortho ($7) inside. It would be great to see these in women's specific fits as long as the quality is not lost.

See 2006 Person of the Year.