As the Wheels Turn

Cyclingnews.com talked a bit about the upcoming 2007 XTR line of products from Shimano.

Shimano is clearly hoping that the new M970 XTR group will make at least a big an impact as M950 did back in the mid-90s. Whether or not they will admit it, Shimano is clearly feeling the competitive pressure from “the other big S” over in Chicago and is doggedly determined to claw their way back into the undisputed Number One position. Whatever the outcome, let’s hear three cheers for healthy competition, eh? It’s a good time to be a mountain biker.

Go here for the info

So word on the street is that there will be an STR Arizona compilation video. Short and sweet it shall be. Stay tuned . . .

Bill Schneider wrote a good article on Mountain Lions and included 13 tips for people who are living in the cats’ backyard.

1. Don’t let children, who are most vulnerable to attack, play unsupervised at dawn, dusk or at night.

2. If deer concentrate in your area, expect mountain lion activity to be especially high. .

3. Do not purposely attract deer or other potential prey animals, such as raccoons, to your property by providing food or salt licks, which might also attract mountain lions.

4. Open up areas around your house that you or your pets frequent by clearing dense, shrubby vegetation. (Also good advice for reducing the threat from forest fires.)

5. Landscape your yard with native plants that do not attract deer.

6. If your garden attracts deer, consider building deer-proof fencing.

7. Keep play areas for children or pets visible from the house.

8. Install outdoor lighting in areas that pets or your family may frequent at night. No need to light up your property like an auto mall, just add subtle lighting in appropriate areas.

9. Do not let children or pets roam at dawn, dusk, or during the night. Mountain lions frequently kill and eat cats and dogs of all breeds.

10. Keep livestock in a secure area at night, such as a barn or shed.

11. Do not leave out garbage that may attract potential prey animals such as raccoons or opossums. Mountain lions prey on a variety of small mammals active at night.

12. Teach family members, especially children, how to behave if they encounter a mountain lion. Refer to Torres book for more details, but briefly, make sure loved ones don’t panic or run from the lion, whi9h could cause a predatory reaction. Don’t approach the lion. Instead, slowly back away. Don’t be submissive. Talk or yell loudly and regularly. Appear larger by raising your arms above your head and slowly waving them back and forth or wave a jacket or other object. Never bend over or appear smaller and more “prey-like.” Adults should pick up children. If attacked, try to remain standing and fight back in every way possible. Don’t risk injury trying to save a pet.

13. If you see a mountain lion or have any depredation problems, tell your neighbors and notify the state wildlife agency.

Do all of these things and keep your family, pets and property safe from America’s biggest cat—and keep a few mountain lions alive, too.

Here is the full article.