The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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Loves that dirty girl
To Mr. O'Grady,
What a brilliant way to sum up cyclo-cross (see "Friday'sFoaming Rant: A dirty girl"). Patrick you're my new foundhero! My cycling days seem to mirror that of Mr. O'Grady's, but insteadof going to watch, I'm now in charge of running the Florida State Cyclo-crossChampionship Series. (for info. on upcoming races, visit www.chainwheeldrive.com)When I lived up north in a rural setting, it was mountain biking forever.However, now that I live in, what some people would consider "paradise,"Tampa, Florida, urban sprawl rules. On top of that, being a
roadie in these parts takes serious nerve, what with all the blue-hairsgoing to coffee clatch in their late model Caddy's with their new foundC-phone technology surfing across the lanes as if it were the last swellof the day. Plus, any hint of real mountain biking is a two-plus-hour drive.Not gonna-do-it...with fuel costs still pushing the limits of affordability.So, what's the alternative, cyclo-cross! Like that girlfriend in "jeans-and-a-T-shirt"it just makes sense and it's a comfortable fit for these concrete laden,urban parks created communities.My hats off to such a poignant piece finding its way to your pages.Please pass along my personal thanks to Mr. O'Grady.
Lance Riddile
Largo, FloridaMore rave than rant
Editors,
I love it. O'Grady's rant (or rave) is inspired...beautiful,if a "dirty girl" can be called that.
Michael Holmes,
Rothesay, New Brunswick
Canada
Do we really need another show?
Dear Velo,
This is an extremely aggressive coup d'état (see"Eurobikeplanning U.S. trade show"). I see it as as the sort of business/politialengineering that disrupts economies. I know any number of peoplecan say "it's just business" but is this good business? Doesit make sense and what are the short term and long term effects on ourown industry here.

On an existential level considering the causal ramifications on ourown economy and to the hundreds of livelihoods within the cycling industryhere that can be impacted, I can only ask. "Why"? And that is thequestion I think everyone should be asking. Do we really need anothervenue to unveil products and meet our constituents in?
Roger Mallette
The Retro Image Apparel Co.At least that other sport is worse
Dear Editor,
In case you did not notice Shawne Merriman of the NFL's San Diego Chargershas apparently tested positive for steroids. The general public may notbe aware of this information since the publicity has been pretty minimal.Comparisons between Merriman's positive test and that of Floyd Landis shouldbe noted. Merriman's positive has created some discussion. Landis' positivewas deemed a decisive blow to the already beleaguered sport of cycling.Merriman's positive resulted in a four-game suspension. Landis' resultedin an immediate suspension which could result in a two year ban. AfterMerriman serves his suspension, it will likely be forgotten. Even if Landisis cleared, nobody will forget the 2006 Tour.

The NFL's stance on steroid users is clearly much weaker than the UCI's(I can not believe I am actually speaking positive about this body in lightof recent events). Anyone involved or interested in the sport of cyclingshould be proud of how tough our sport is on cheaters. The sanctions andtesting mandated by professional cycling make it clear that cycling willnot tolerate cheaters, while other "sports" will just sit them out fora little while.Sure you can argue that cycling is not doing enough to curb cheating,but imagine what would happen if the UCI only suspended riders for fourraces/weeks for a positive test. Now that would be interesting would itnot?
McCord Rayburn
Charlotte, North Carolina

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The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.