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I found that this is easier said than done. Whenever I try to practice
bumping, I have a hard time forcing myself to 'bump'. But during races
in the heat of the moment, bumping comes quite naturally...almost like
an instinctive reflex. I raced in Washington last Saturday and I
clearly noticed the guy in front of me was not paying attention, and
rubbed his front wheel against the back wheel of the guy up-in-front of
him, almost lost it, and the only reason why I stayed up was because I
bumped right off of him.
(It does pay to really pay attention to the entire field in front of
you, and you may on occasion be able to 'predict' when/where the wreck
will happen).
I think it 'just comes' over time by just riding your bike for years on
the road and getting yourself some rollers and riding rollers from
time-to-time. A big thing that will help you bump more naturally is by
riding in the drops and keeping your elbows bent, thereby creating a
natural relaxation in the upper body. If you are in this position and
you feel tight or nervous, then you probably do not have a good fit on
your bicycle and you should consider getting someone to help you out
with your fit (which could wind up being you may have to buy a new part,
like a different sized stem for example).
My 2 cents. Do with what you may with it.
________________________________
From: Andrew Beehler [mailto:andyc-@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 12:57 PM
To: matt_m-@hp.com; ob-@topica.com
Subject: RE: [OBRA Chat] FW: Racing and crashes!
Well said, I would also strongly suggest that people get used to bumping
one another when on training rides. There is bound to be contact in the
pack, and if you are used to calmly reacting when someone swerves over
and bumps you, everyone will stay upright. If you haven't practiced this
sort of thing, your chances of going down are much higher. Practice
practice practice. I practiced this a lot over the winter, and I know I
still have a lot to learn, but I am now much more comfortable in the
pack.
-Andrew Beehler
________________________________
From: Martel, Matthew S (Matt Martel) [mailto:matt_m-@hp.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 12:13 PM
To: ob-@topica.com
Subject: [OBRA Chat] FW: Racing and crashes!
In light if the recent folly of crashes, I thought I would write about
it. In some ways I really hate to bring this subject up because I fear
it will create a string of emails poking at individuals and certain
fields. Let's not do that. It accomplishes nothing. Instead let's assume
a few things; 1) no one wants to cause an accident or be in one 2) there
are more experienced racers who can provide some insight on how to not
cause a crash and how to avoid them 3) all of us can learn something.
Here are some thoughts, observations, and suggestions. It is not
complete. Please add to this as you see fit.
* Most racers learn how to race at races. This is reality. Very,
very few racers have been instructed by a certified coach or have
attended a bike camp. Do this if you can. You will learn a lot you
didn't even know you needed to learn. It is my strong opinion all teams
should address this issue.
* Front of the pack (1st 10-20 racers) is safer. Easier said
than done. It is mathematically impossible for all of us to be in the
front of the pack. Someone has to be in the back.
* Often what happens in the front causes what happens in the
back. Small touch of the brake in front can cause a wreck in the back.
You have to be more alert in the back of the pack because of what was
just said.
* Overlapping wheels is a bad habit, especially when you don't
have a place to bail out. (no room left or right)
* In the middle and rear of the pack give more room in front of
you. You will still be in the draft and you have more time to react to
the ripple effect.
* Be predictable. Do not change lanes erratically. If you wish
to change lanes, do it gradually and please glance over your shoulder
(quickly) and make sure you will not cut off another rider's progress.
Assume someone is in your blind spot.
* Don't stare at the wheel in front of you. Look ahead through
the pack. Anticipate corners and hills.
* Communicate your whereabouts to others, especially when you
are overtaking another rider. Avoid surprises.
* Don't yell at riders. Give constructive feedback. Remember, no
one wants to cause an accident or be in one. A rider could be really
tired and digging deep! Usually me by the last lap! Encourage him and
remind him to keep his head up. Some racers don't think what they are
doing is unsafe. Kindly educate them but also be willing to learn.
* The road is only so wide. Give yourself at least a foot left
and right. More when descending. I have seen riders shoot small gaps at
high speed. Communicate and make sure there is room to do it safely.
* Moving up in the pack...the ongoing battle to remain in the
front. Most racers have figured out it is easier to move up on the
sides. I have noticed racers riding in the crap on the right. I do it
too. Be careful of dropped riders, gravel, bridges, parked cars, etc.
* Want to move up but don't want to be in the very front?!
Everyone wants to have their cake and eat it too! I have seen racers
move up on the sides and then push their way in so they can be in the
draft. This maneuver squeezes the pack causing a potential crash because
of extremely tight quarters. Instead, go all the way to the front and
take a pull or ask a rider to let you in. Don't expect it! This is a
race. Better yet, move in front of your teammate.
* Standing while climbing. Make sure you have room before you
start swinging your bike left and right. Be smooth when transitioning
from sitting to standing so you don't launch your bike into the guy
tailgating behind you. Don't tailgate when the road tilts upward so you
don't get tangled with a standing climber.
* Point or call out hazards in the road.
* Points only go 15 deep. Don't sprint if you are not in
contention.
* I bumped into my own teammate yesterday. Sorry Eric.
Fortunately know one fell but I did give the pack a scare! No one is
perfect. I promise to continue to work on my skills too.
To some extent, I think crashes are inevitable. However I strongly
believe we can limit them by learning to race more safely. There are
other ways too. Splitting fields, limiting field sizes, starting racers
in 30 second intervals :-), etc. These methods are the decision of the
promoters. Promoters are limited by time, course size, and volunteers.
We can make a difference with the latter one only.
Regards -
Matt Martel
Vice President & Junior Cycling Coach
EWEB Windpower Cycling Team
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>I found that this is easier said than
done. Whenever I try to practice bumping, I have a hard time forcing myself
to ‘bump’. But during races in the heat of the moment,
bumping comes quite naturally…almost like an instinctive reflex. I
raced in Washington last Saturday and I clearly noticed the guy in front of me
was not paying attention, and rubbed his front wheel against the back wheel of
the guy up-in-front of him, almost lost it, and the only reason why I stayed up
was because I bumped right off of him.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>(It does pay to really pay attention to
the entire field in front of you, and you may on occasion be able to ‘predict’
when/where the wreck will happen).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>I think it ‘just comes’ over
time by just riding your bike for years on the road and getting yourself some
rollers and riding rollers from time-to-time. A big thing that will help
you bump more naturally is by riding in the drops and keeping your elbows bent,
thereby creating a natural relaxation in the upper body. If you are in
this position and you feel tight or nervous, then you probably do not have a
good fit on your bicycle and you should consider getting someone to help you
out with your fit (which could wind up being you may have to buy a new part,
like a different sized stem for example).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>My 2 cents. Do with what
you may with it.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'> Andrew Beehler
[mailto:andyc-@hotmail.com] <br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Tuesday, March 08, 2005
12:57 PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> matt_m-@hp.com;
ob-@topica.com<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> RE: [OBRA Chat] FW:
Racing and crashes!</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Well said, I would also strongly suggest
that people get used to bumping one another when on training rides. There is
bound to be contact in the pack, and if you are used to calmly reacting when
someone swerves over and bumps you, everyone will stay upright. If you
haven’t practiced this sort of thing, your chances of going down are much
higher. Practice practice practice. I practiced this a lot over the winter, and
I know I still have a lot to learn, but I am now much more comfortable in the
pack.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>-Andrew Beehler<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'> Martel, Matthew
S (Matt Martel) [mailto:matt_m-@hp.com] <br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Tuesday, March 08, 2005
12:13 PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> ob-@topica.com<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> [OBRA Chat] FW: Racing
and crashes!</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>In light if the recent folly of crashes, I
thought I would write about it. In some ways I really hate to bring this
subject up because I fear it will create a string of emails poking at
individuals and certain fields. Let's not do that. It accomplishes nothing. Instead
let's assume a few things; 1) no one wants to cause an accident or be in one 2)
there are more experienced racers who can provide some insight on how to not
cause a crash and how to avoid them 3) all of us can learn something.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Here are some thoughts,
observations, and suggestions. It is not complete. Please add to this as you
see fit.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Most racers learn how to race at races. This is
reality. Very, very few racers have been instructed by a certified coach or
have attended a bike camp. Do this if you can. You will learn a lot you didn't
even know you needed to learn. It is my strong opinion all teams should address
this issue.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Front of the pack (1st 10-20 racers) is
safer. Easier said than done. It is mathematically impossible for all of
us to be in the front of the pack. Someone has to be in the back.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Often what happens in the front causes what
happens in the back. Small touch of the brake in front can cause a wreck in the
back. You have to be more alert in the back of the pack because of what was
just said. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Overlapping wheels is a bad habit, especially when
you don’t have a place to bail out. (no room left or right)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>In the middle and rear of the pack give more room
in front of you. You will still be in the draft and you have more time to react
to the ripple effect.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Be predictable. Do not change lanes erratically.
If you wish to change lanes, do it gradually and please glance over your
shoulder (quickly) and make sure you will not cut off another rider's
progress. Assume someone is in your blind spot.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Don’t stare at the wheel in front of you.
Look ahead through the pack. Anticipate corners and hills.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Communicate your whereabouts to others, especially
when you are overtaking another rider. Avoid surprises.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Don’t yell at riders. Give constructive
feedback. Remember, no one wants to cause an accident or be in one. A rider
could be really tired and digging deep! Usually me by the last lap! Encourage
him and remind him to keep his head up. Some racers don’t think what they
are doing is unsafe. Kindly educate them but also be willing to learn.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>The road is only so wide. Give yourself at least a
foot left and right. More when descending. I have seen riders shoot small gaps
at high speed. Communicate and make sure there is room to do it safely.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Moving up in the pack...the ongoing battle to
remain in the front. Most racers have figured out it is easier to move up on
the sides. I have noticed racers riding in the crap on the right. I do it too.
Be careful of dropped riders, gravel, bridges, parked cars, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Want to move up but don’t want to be in the
very front?! Everyone wants to have their cake and eat it too! I have seen
racers move up on the sides and then push their way in so they can be in the
draft. This maneuver squeezes the pack causing a potential crash because of
extremely tight quarters. Instead, go all the way to the front and take a pull
or ask a rider to let you in. Don’t expect it! This is a race. Better
yet, move in front of your teammate.</span></font><font size=2><span
style='font-size:10.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Standing while climbing. Make sure you have room
before you start swinging your bike left and right. Be smooth when
transitioning from sitting to standing so you don’t launch your bike into
the guy tailgating behind you. Don’t tailgate when the road tilts upward
so you don’t get tangled with a standing climber.</span></font><font
size=2><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Point or call out hazards in the road.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Points only go 15 deep. Don’t sprint if you
are not in contention.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in'><font size=2
face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>·</span></font><font
size=1><span style='font-size:7.0pt'>
</span></font><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>I bumped into my own teammate yesterday. Sorry
Eric. Fortunately know one fell but I did give the pack a scare! No one is
perfect. I promise to continue to work on my skills too.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>To some extent, I think
crashes are inevitable. However I strongly believe we can limit them by
learning to race more safely. There are other ways too. Splitting fields,
limiting field sizes, starting racers in 30 second intervals </span></font><font
size=2 face=Wingdings><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Wingdings'>J</span></font><font
size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>,
etc. These methods are the decision of the promoters. Promoters are limited by time,
course size, and volunteers. We can make a difference with the latter one only.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Regards –<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Matt Martel<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>Vice President &
Junior Cycling Coach<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"'>EWEB Windpower Cycling
Team<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<pre><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>To respond to the whole group send to ob-@topica.com.<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>To respond to the list manager send to <st1:PersonName
w:st="on">cmur-@obra.org</st1:PersonName><o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
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size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>To respond to the whole group send to ob-@topica.com.<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>To respond to the list manager send to cmur-@obra.org<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>To unsubscribe send to obra-uns-@topica.com<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
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