Thought I’d pass along a new effort by the 1 World 2 Wheels community. The Go By Bike Challenge is an effort to increase the use of bicycles for short trips and reduce the usage of cars for these small trips. Small trips are those considered two miles or less.

Not only can you help out the environment, raise awareness of cycling, but you can also win a Trek 7.2 FX. Trek will be giving away a new 7.2 FX each day to a new pledger.

Sounds like a great cause to me! You can also share your support by adding the widget to your blog or Facebook profile.

In case you missed the Sunday edition of the Time Online, they ran an excellent article on American rider Christian Vande Velde and his run at the Tour de France.

The article outlines his start in cycling through his current run at the Tour and some of the hardships and trials along the way. The article also focuses on his efforts to remain clean in a sport that seems dominated by doping.

“I could do these tests and knew that when everything was square, I was testing as good as anyone on the team – that’s what kept the desire alive.” - Christian Vande Velde

After Stage 15 of the Tour, Vande Velde is currently in 5th place, 39 seconds behind the leader.

This is the first year in a while that I have written a little about the Tour de France each day. Why, I’m not sure as I’ve been following the Tour same as always.

I’m still a fan of the Tour. I still rise early on the weekends to watch it and attempt to catch as much of extended coverage at night as allowed by life.

Maybe after today’s rest day, I’ll pick up with some coverage.

Just wrapped up an easy 14 mile ride on the new Trek. To say I’m pleased with the bike is an understatement. The ride was smooth, the shifting was smooth and the saddle was comfortable. I’m always leary when it comes to riding a new bike. It’s like a new pair of shoes. You need that break in period.

The handling took a little adjusting to, I’m used to my Gary Fisher mountain bike, so the response was much quicker on the new Trek. Granted, and I understand, the two styles of bikes are different, so I’m pleased with how the Trek handles and responds.

Tomorrow I’m planning a little longer ride, so I’ll provide an update if needed.