The word "airport" can evoke several responses from different cyclists. "Fun, Exciting, New places", Are all some of the words that I prefer to some up with a more accurate "Pain in the ass". Few cyclists have the privilege or the ability to pack up, fly and race their bike multiple times a year. Sadly most that do take it for granted. In the past six weeks I have been on six flights (at the time of writing) and have at least five more before the end of the summer. After you fly enough times with a bike and all your gear you start to build a routine or a system that spans not only how you pack, but how to get thru an airport. Those of us who have been flying forever often get irritated at the sight of a junior rider taking his time to pack a bike up as well as do a complete cock job of it. With tighter and tighter rules, restrictions and leg room getting the one up on flying can make the difference when you ultimately have to race at your best a couple days later.

The Panaracer name might not be the first that comes to tires, but that doesn't mean that they don't have some solid stuff. Panaracer has been working with Cedric Gracia to produce a new line of tires, which will bolster an already solid lineup. For the old school guys, sorry guys, no Smoke and Darts here. ;)

Saturday. 7am. My alarm goes off and I'm lying under the heft of a thick duvet. My phone shows the morning high to be minus 18 with a windchill of minus 25. The joys of getting motivated to ride bikes in the winter.