Ukraine: cycling related

[KJMUNC]

Several years ago I bought a Colnago C-50 Jet frame from a seller in Kiev. He was super proud of his country and when I told him I had kids he packed the bike with Ukrainian newspapers and stickers with cultural themes from the country. He wanted my kids to see what goes on there and how they live.

Forgot I posted pics of it, here it is: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showt...hlight=C50+jet

Thinking about him and that country tonight. All politics aside, nobody deserves what’s happening.

[Louis]

+1

[54ny77]

This.

Very saddening indeed.

Hope all sides come to a peaceful resolution.

Putin is a master chess and poker player on the world stage.

Originally Posted by KJMUNC

All politics aside, nobody deserves what’s happening.

[jkbrwn]

It's just absolutely outrageous. I'd describe Putin more as a barbarian than a master chess player but hey ho.

[54ny77]

believe me it wasn't intended as a compliment.

if you ever want to sit back, relax, have a nice glass of wine, then puke at what you're actually watching, seek out the putin apologist interviews by oliver stone on whatever online video site that has 'em available.

captivating, if not sheer mind-boggling. stone so gaga he has no idea he's getting played by a master.

and to keep things cycling related, here ya go....

Originally Posted by jkbrwn

It's just absolutely outrageous. I'd describe Putin more as a barbarian than a master chess player but hey ho.

[jkbrwn]

I know I know.

Some of the pictures coming out of Kyiv of people sheltering in metro stations, hugging loved ones and so on are really very sad. Just so unnecessary.

[Doug Fattic]

Some of you know I've been doing a project to provide bicycles to pastors in Ukraine for 22 years. We started by sending over a container of used bicycles, then we bought bicycles from the XB3 factory in the city of Kharkov near the Russian border and finally we ended up making the frames and assembling them into bicycles on a college campus west of Kyiv. Ukraine is a poor country and a bicycle for transportation can make a difference in their lives. Our frame shop has also served as brazing training for those that have taken my framebuilding class and want practice so they can make more.

When Russia invaded the eastern part of Ukraine in 2014, they destroyed homes and businesses which caused people to flee to the west. These refugees came on the campus where we were located and I got to see them up close. It was horrifying to be a witness to the results. I only saw videos of the destruction in the east.

Here is a picture taken in 2016 of me talking to a pastor from the east in our shop explaining to me that only military vehicles are allowed on the roads. To get around they have to either walk or bike.

[JLQ]

[/QUOTE]

For a second there, I thought that was Rip.

[ripvanrando]

There will be no peaceful resolution. Putin has the pearl clutching West by the balls and he knows it. He wants their wheat, corn, and nat gas. And, he will get it. Sad. Very sad. Ukraine never should have given up their Nukes, a decision they will deeply regret soon.

[oldpotatoe]

Shades of Stalin after WW2. It's going to get ugly. Wonder which country is next. I'm guessing the Baltic states.
Putin thought the insurgency in Afghanistan was tough....This one with US intel and equipment.

Russia's economy is dependent on the export of oil and natural gas, both of which are under the control of the Russian government. This lack of economic diversification puts Russia at a disadvantage when demand for its energy products plummet, which then causes the Russian economy to contract.

IBTL

[buddybikes]

Busy week, I am in trade compliance for large computer company. Awaiting latest WH orders. Senate has been debating their navel for past weeks on what to do :-( on sanctions/restrictions

Putin will be starved off $$ and supplies, but he, I am afraid will act like a cornered rat

[tuscanyswe]

Originally Posted by 54ny77

This.

Very saddening indeed.

Hope all sides come to a peaceful resolution.

Putin is a master chess and poker player on the world stage.

Its a lot more easy to come across as a mastermind when you are willing to sacriface ppls lives by the thousands without a care in the game of politics..

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by tuscanyswe

Its a lot more easy to come across as a mastermind when you are willing to sacriface ppls lives by the thousands without a care in the game of politics..

Yup, many, many people will die so that this narcissist can achieve his idea of 'security'.

[joosttx]

Wwiii

[Likes2ridefar]

Originally Posted by 54ny77

This.

Very saddening indeed.

Hope all sides come to a peaceful resolution.

Putin is a master chess and poker player on the world stage.

What a great skill set to have. He should be proud. We need more with such skills. Obvious sarcasm intended.

A sad day indeed and No surprise to anyone.