The Drop Bag is stocked with Active Pursuit reading to enjoy at the finish line of your day, or a coffee break equivalent of an aid station. The name refers to the drop bags that competitors use to get their post-race necessities from the start line to the finish line of point-to-point races. Look for it as a mid-week feature on The Active Pursuit.
Bikers, drivers share the blame: An analysis of 270 bicyclist crash reports from 2000 to 2010 in Minneapolis found “Failure to yield, other lapses by both drivers and bikers lead to motor vehicle-bicycle collisions.” Drivers’ actions contributed to the crash in 64% of the collisions, while biker actions contributed in 59%; in some both actors were responsible. The bottom line from this story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune: “Crashes often occur because drivers don’t see or yield to bikes, the study found, or when bikers behave unpredictably by ignoring red lights or riding against traffic.”
The gender divide in marathons: The gap in finish times between male and female marathon runners grows bigger among older age groups, according to a study by Sandra Hunter, an associate professor of exercise science at Marquette University. Hunter suggests that smaller numbers of older women run marathons, contributing to the divide.
Rules for riding Fat Bikes: The growing popularity of Fat Bikes, especially for winter use, has created some user conflicts between riders and skiers. The International Mountain BIke Association offers this guide for riding on ski trails, snowmobile trails and natural terrain to head off more battles.
BJ Gaddour’s diet: I met fitness trainer BJ Gaddour last week at the Buck-Kickin’ Boot Camp and checked out some the advice he shares on his website. This diet guide provides some great advice on eating for weight loss and performance. In summary: Eat lots of vegetables, consider fruit to be nature’s desert, fill your protein needs with some meat and more beans, and stick with natural fats.
Pyramid of humanity: This Pearls & Swine comic from Stephen Patsis places cyclists at the top of the Pyramid of Humanity.
