Strava

In addition to donations from the public, the ride is also getting support from sponsors such Red Bull, BikeReg.com, Mad Alchemy Embrocation, Rapha USA, Strava.com, SRAM, Cannondale and Thule.

Tim Johnson leads the ride on Washington 2011

So far the event has been promised support from Firefly Bicycles, Red Bull, BikeReg.com, Strava.com, Rapha, Marriott, Cannondale, Thule, Light and Motion and Harpoon Brewery.

Tim Johnson’s summer plans: some road, some mountain and some good deeds for cycling 2011

Sharing and comparing rides has already become popular with sites like Strava, and the trend will continue.

VeloNews tech department predictions for the new year: disc brakes and electric shifting everywhere 2011

Strava, like other sites, allows riders to upload data about their rides and create publically viewable online training and ride logs Unlike other sites (that I know of), it keeps records of times for defined road segments.

Infospigot: The Chronicles 2010

That having been said, the focus on Strava is misguided.

Infospigot: The Chronicles 2010

Strava or no Strava, the ride down South Park Drive demands skill and attention.

Infospigot: The Chronicles 2010

I say "interesting" because it's from the same reporter who put together a complete, well-reasoned, and sensitive piece for the local news blog Berkeleyside then produced this second story that suggests Strava was an "obsession" for Flint, who recorded the fastest Strava time down South Park in early June.

Infospigot: The Chronicles 2010

The New York Times: Flint may have been attempting to set a speed record on the descent to maintain his first-place ranking on a site called Strava. com.

Infospigot: The Chronicles 2010

Strava or no Strava, the ride down South Park Drive demands skill and attention.

Infospigot: The Chronicles 2010

In fact, based on the evidence available on Strava, there's little to suggest that Flint or anyone else is particularly obsessed with the South Park descent.

Infospigot: The Chronicles 2010