We're not going soft on you here, we're just trying to get you in the spirit of the Tour de France with the Tour's official flower. Although Lance won't hold the podium bouquet (like the one he held pictured above) there will be plenty of excitement, regardless. So in this edition, don't miss the schedule of Tour Watching Parties at J & A's.

Also in this month's issue, find out about a product that will allow you to ride long, just like the Tour riders. See what De Soto Clothing founder, Emilio De Soto has to say about "stinkin' it up" out on the roads. And check out all the upcoming events, including a "generic" favorite. It's all here in Chain Links!

Lance might not be competing, but the Tour de France still has American hopefuls. Come watch all the action packed adventure on Jack & Adam's outdoor big screen. We'll be screening select stages; bring a blanket or chair & come join the fun. There might even be some freebies!

Thurs 7/13 @ 8 PM - Stage 11 MT Val d'Aran/Pla-da-Beret
Tues 7/18 @ 8 PM - Stage 15 - MT L'Alpe d'Huez
Wed 7/19 @ 8 PM - Stage 16 - MT La Toussuire
Sat 7/22 @ 8 PM - Stage 19 - Individual TT
Sun 7/23 @ 7:30 AM - Stage 20 - Paris

Special thanks to The Butler Bros. for this cool poster!

It's called "Generic" because it is not about the packaging. It's about a great event and a good time. This year it happens on Labor Day, Sept. 4. Don't miss out on this great value in its fourth year at the TX Ski Ranch. Jack's Generic Tri consists of a 500 m swim, 14.8 mile bike and 3 mile run. Sign up soon because the event is limited to the first 500 people.

New at Jack & Adam's: De Soto 400 Mile Bike Shorts. These high-quality shorts can be worn for repeated days of long rides. It is a ten-panel body made of Ribbed LycraŽ Power, two side-pockets made of Liquid Mesh, and a drawstring elastic waist. The short is finished with a very comfortable flat stitch, and a large pad designed by LaFonte, one of Italy?s most reputable cycling pad companies. It is soft yet dense, seamless in the middle, anti-bacterial, and it actually stretches with the short.

A Tip from Emilio: Wash your helmet and shoes please!

When was the last time you washed your bike helmet, your bike shoes, and your running shoes? If you haven?t done so in the past month, they probably stink. If you can?t smell it, ask someone else to, then look at their face; the truth comes without words being spoken.

THE HELMET: Are the straps white with salt deposits, and are the little pads slippery from sunscreen and hair product, and is the outside stained with grime? I rinse my Rudy Project Helmet after almost every ride. It is 5 years old and looks brand new still.

TO WASH IT: Turn on your kitchen sink and let the water run luke warm. Run the water on the helmet, the pads and the strap. Then take about a tablespoon of shampoo, dish soap, liquid hand soap, or liquid laundry detergent, and rub it between your hands and finger and then apply it to all the surfaces that absorb water. Rinse it thoroughly, shake it to get excess water out, and put it in the sun to dry. Wipe the outside with any cleaner like Simple Green, or Pedro's. Stay away from stronger detergents, as any residual that is not rinsed will run into your eyes when you sweat in it again.

RUNNING SHOES: I train with socks in training shoes and race without socks in flats. A lot of my training is on the beach and if the tide is high, my shoes get wet, very wet with salt water (life is tough in La Jolla, CA). So I wash them a lot.

TO WASH THEM: Machine was them in cold water with some laundry detergent. Wash 4 or 5 pair at a time. When they are done spinning, immediately put them in the sun or dry-room to dry. Believe it or not, most quality running shoes can withstand about 20-30 washes. The last, midsole and outsole these days are glued so well, that they can withstand this sort of care. For most of us that is about a wash a week before it is time to replace the shoes anyway.

BIKE SHOES: I still can?t understand people that train without socks all the time (and I am no Felix Unger). I mean now and then to simulate a race, okay, but not all the time. I learned that bike shoes are a lot more resilient than I would have imagined first by racing NORBA during a few very wet and muddy seasons, but more recently by doing spinning workouts and indoor stationary bike interval workouts. I have a pair of SIDI Triathlon shoes that I have rinsed and washed with regular shampoo in the shower over 100 times and they are still in good condition.

TO WASH THEM: Best is to use the sink again, room temp water, and mild detergent and an old toothbrush. Shampoo works too. Wet the shoes, clean as needed, shake really well, towel dry as much as possible, then set to dry in the sun. If the shoes have leather, saddle soap works well to preserve the softness. I am testing bee?s wax right now on a brand new pair of SIDI Triathlon Shoes so I will report later.

The cleaning tips above will not only keep your gear smelling and looking better, they will also reduce the likelihood of acne, infection in the eyes and ears, as well as promote healthier feet, toes, and toe nails.

Kind regards, Emilio

Emilio De Soto II
Founder/President/Triathlete
De Soto Sport Triathlon Company