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As the industries of the world search for sustainable construction materials, it’s not surprising that many keep coming back to bamboo, one of man’s oldest building materials. Bamboo can be at the same time, light, strong, durable, and very hard and has the additional benefit of being the fastest-growing plant on Earth. In recent times we’ve seen bamboo used in computers, surfboards, scooters, and Mitsubishi’s “green plastic†is derived from bamboo. Bamboo’s strength and flexibility also makes it… Details
Bike to Work hosted its sixth annual Commuter Race on Tuesday.
During which, I and my borrowed hybrid bicycle competed against a Toyota Prius hybrid, a Zenn all electric car, a regular bicycle and a tandem bike duo.
All the bikes beat the cars by a good 10-20 minutes during the treasure hunt-style race that began at the intersection of Front and Cooper streets, made stops at The Buttery on Soquel and Branciforte avenues and again at New Leaf Market on 41st Avenue before crossing the finish line at the tiki on the Capitola Esplanade.
With a time of 36 minutes, I came in third place behind the first-place tandem team, which finished in 22 minutes. The regular cyclist beat me by four minutes. Meanwhile, the Zenn came in fourth place at 42 minutes, followed two minutes later by the Prius…Â Details
Lance Armstrong’s Astana team must straighten out its financial crisis by May 31 or risk being suspended.
Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel said Monday that the International Cycling Union sent a warning letter to Kazakhstan’s cycling federation.
“That’s the deadline to arrange the whole financial situation. If it’s not taken care of by then, the letter says that the team will be suspended,†Bruyneel said. “At least we’re going to be able to finish the Giro.â€
The Giro d’Italia, which Armstrong is racing for the first time, ends May 31 … Details
Former world cycling champion Tom Boonen drew a heavy fine from his team on top of his indefinite suspension after testing positive for cocaine a second time. His actions could keep him from the Tour de France.
The Belgian failed the drug test last month. He will enter therapy and be allowed to stay with the Quick Step team, which will announce the amount of the fine later.
Tour de France organizers barred him last year after his first positive test and are expected to decide shortly on his status for this summer’s race.
“At issue is an occasional use of cocaine, triggered by certain situations during leisure time … Details