The latest issue of Rouleur starts off with an interesting little article titled "Revolution," focused on the Manchester based cycling series of the same name that takes place in the National Cycling Centre Velodrome. And yes, I did in fact spell Centre right, as the Manchester I'm talking about is in England.

velodrome: origin French vélodrome, from vélo cycle (short for vélocipède) + -drome, First Known Use: 1895. Noun

1. A cycle-racing track, typically with steeply banked curves.
2. A stadium containing such a track.

With most of the general American public connecting cycling to the country touring Tour de France, velodromes are pretty much a mystery, and even most "cyclists" would be hard pressed to say where the nearest one is and what goes on there (For those in New England, the closest is the Northeast Velodrome and Cycling Park in Londonderry, NH). That wasn't always the case though, as indoor cycling events use to be quite the rage in social circles. Take a wild guess where the below photograph was taken:

If you guessed Madison Square Garden, NYC, around the turn of the 20th century, then you were spot on. And while cycling hasn't seen the insides of the current Garden in many a long day (there are only two indoor wooden velodrome tracks in the US at the moment: Carson, CA and Boulder, CO), in fact, a style of track racing that is still around today, the Madison, was named after this very same venue. Originally the Madison was part of larger, longer six-day races, where teams of two would race around the clock for six straight days (Sunday, the day of rest, was obviously off limits), although now it is raced as its own, distinct event as well.

Which begs the question, what happened? While cycling had seen something of a revival with that Texan who did, but now didn't, win seven straight TdF's, it has nowhere near the following or air of excitement that the NFL or even NHL has (when they aren't on strike, that is).

Which brings us full revolution back to the Revolution. England itself has seen something of an explosion in interest in cycling in recent years. Having a TdF winner to call their own certainly helps, but it started before he wore yellow, and as a result, hopefully will stick around long after his yellow jerseys are in museums somewhere. This burgeoning cycling scene allows a series like Revolution to blossom.

Will cycling ever regain its popularity with the American public? Probably not. We can always hope though.

(Check out archival films and photos of velodromes and their riders from the United States pre-1939 HERE)

    -"Excess calories don't care what time it is."

There's a well worn adage that says never eat after 8 PM otherwise you're sure to pack on the pounds.  Well, check out the above video to see what the experts say about this advice.

545 of these kilometers were mine! But that doesn't mean I'm not ready for the snow to disappear and Spring to show her face.

Visit HERE to read more about the Festive 500 Challenge, as well as to see, and read, some stories from riders around the world.

Proving that girls can rip it up, too!

For those of you who are parents of girls who want to do the above, check out Little Bellas.

Just today I found out about the 1st annual Boston Cycling and Health Expo, taking place June 7th and 8th in, well, Boston! From what I can tell, this is a newly announced event, so the official website is fairly sparse on details as of yet. That being said, it will be interesting to see who the event draws for exhibitors and what size it grows to. It's taking place at The Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, with organized rides rolling out on Saturday morning. I've marked it on my calendar as a definite maybe, and will probably reassess as the date approaches and more information is shared as to the who's and what's.

For those of you who live in the Pioneer Valley, the recent announcement that the Pedal 2 Pints Ride is returning for 2013 (May 18th...mark it on your calendar, and yes, it will sell out) with no fewer than 3 route options should be music to your ears.

For those of you not familiar with it (and are twenty-one or older, of course), you should familiarize yourself with it post-hast on its Facebook page. Sign up for said ride and you'll get to experience rolling through a route that includes up to 7 local breweries (including tours and tastings), a tasty lunch, an even tastier post-ride BBQ (and more adult beverages), and the knowledge that you're supporting MassBike and other worthy cycling causes (who gets the proceeds of the event).

Trust me; this is one of the Valley's best kept cycling secrets. Get in the know this year.