Portrait: Daniel Carruthers

Daniel Carruthers is 80% deaf in both ears and would not be able to hear without a high powered hearing aid. In 2006 Carruthers took the bronze medal in the World Deaf Championships in San Francisco representing New Zealand. I had the privilege of shooting his portrait before his return to New Zealand last week.

Sweatin’ Burnt Orange Bike Tour

Back on October 28th I shot the Sweatin’ Burnt Orange Bike Tour. I put almost 180 miles on my vehicle chasing the leaders and going back and forth between Luckenbach and Blanco for the stragglers . Austin Grossman was my driver for part of the journey. I had high expectations only to discover my vehicle was a terrible shooting platform. My strategy of sitting backwards, leaning against the dash and hanging out the window only resulted in a lot of shots with my Yellow Xterra in the frame. To make matters worse, I kept knocking the shifter to neutral in my contorting for optimal shooting position. I was in the back of the CAT 3 race official truck for the Hotter'N Hell Hundred, which resulted in a disproportionate number of butt shots. So shooting from a vehicle is good in theory, but there is a learning curve. Hopefully next time it will go better, and I'll probably choose a jeep or a truck as a shooting platform.

Image Published on Source Endurance Website

http://www.source-e.net/

Rain can't stop Run Far Racing Services Tuesday Time Trial

Run Far Racing Services hosted a Time Trial on Tuesday as part of the 2007 Monthly Bike Time Trial Series. The event is a ‘timed workout environment.' It is not an official race.

Fifty-one cyclists participated despite a brief but heavy rain just prior the 6pm start.

David Hoffman, UT Biochemistry Professor, described the course on South Mopac as a ‘good-honest 8-miles.’ He verified the distance using Google Maps. His time was 15 seconds off his personal best at 18 minutes 8 seconds.

“Considering it was hot and the wind was blowing the wrong way, I’ll take it,” said Hoffman. “That was a good ride for me.”

Run Far Racing Services provides a timing device (ChampionChip) that is worn around the ankle.

The clock is started and stopped when a racer rides over a mat producing an electromagnetic field. The chip sends a unique code to a computer for processing and storage that allows the rider to be tracked. Racers can purchase a chip, including strap, for $30 dollars or rent one for $5. The time trial is free to riders who have already purchased this device, which can also be used at events utilizing the same timing system.

Starting in August, the time trial is being held twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday. The start is on South Mopac, just south of La Crosse Ave. Registration is at The Veloway beginning at 5:30pm. Timing typically runs from 6 to 7pm.

Run Far Racing Services will host the final event of the 2007 series on September 18th. They will provide drinks and snacks and give away awards to the fastest male and female of the season, the overall winners, and the most improved.

For more details go to the event website: http://run-far.com/Depts/RFBikeTT.htm. More information about the chip can be found at http://www.championchipus.com/.