Who needs steroids when Olympic triathletes can use technology to edge out the competition in Beijing?

Boulder-based Retul, motion-capture analysis technology suppliers to the USA Triathlon program, is giving cycling performance some racier dynamics. Using technology originally designed for the surgical navigation industry, these same accuracy standards are now applied to precision bicycle fitting. A portable system, incorporating flashing LEDs (light-emitting diodes) placed on strategic locations on the body, flash 476 times per second, taking a full set of body measurements every 34 milliseconds. Three dimensional reports are then generated for viewing.

Saddle and handlebar positions, the amount of travel in each leg stroke, position of the feet on the pedals and wind resistance feedback is then analyzed in order to improve athlete performance.

The company believes the Retul system could help manufacturers make better bikes.

In a bold move, Boulder resident Lindsay Sworski has traded her gas pedal for a pair of bike pedals.

Sworski loaned her 2007 vehicle to local nonprofit Boulder CarShare. The car, a gift from her parents, will be the eighth in the CarShare fleet. The nonprofit provides the ride for 90 members in a simple, monthly pay-per-use system that charges 50 cents per mile and $1 per hour. Users call the automated system at 303-552-9509 to reserve time in a car. The nonprofit fuels and insures each of the cars in the fleet.

Second area nonprofit to get in the act, Community Cycles, has outfitted Sworski with a custom-fit bicycle.

"I've wanted to drive less for a long time, but with a car just waiting for me in the driveway I've found it very hard to make the transition," Sworski said, in a press release. "This way the environment wins because I'll ride my bike and the bus more instead of driving. Boulder CarShare wins by getting another car to add to their fleet. And I win by still having access to my car for occasional trips while avoiding the hassles and expenses of car ownership."

Sworski plans to use the car twice per week, rather than daily.

If forewarned is forearmed then get ready to grab a carrot.

According to the Harris Interactive Service Bureau on behalf of Vegetarian Times, 3.2 percent of U.S. adults, or 7.3 million people are now vegetarians.

Out of the 5,050 respondents, 59 percent are female and 41 percent are male with more than half of the total indicating that they eat a vegetarian diet to improve their overall health. Environmental concerns were cited by 47 percent.

"A vast number of people are seeking to reduce their meat intake, creating a rapidly growing market for all things vegetarian," said Bill Harper, vice president and publisher of Vegetarian Times, in a statement.

July through December 2007 newsstand sales of the magazine increased 19.4 percent relative to the same period the previous year, underscoring the trend.

Boulder-based research firm RRC Associates performed the study's data analysis.

A Boulder History Museum artifact hits the New York City big time in an exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum on West 53rd St.

The artist Asa Ames is known for life-size bust, waist- and full-length wooden figures that portray friends and family.

Susan Ames, the sculpture on loan, was donated to the Boulder History Museum in 1963. But not until 2003, when the curator of collections instituted a research campaign, did the museum discover the sculpture's origin.

Described in the media as both "mysterious" and "elusive," the artist carved portraits between 1847 and his death at age 27 in 1851.

The New York exhibit will feature eight of Ames' 12 known sculptures and are on display from April 15 through Sept. 14.

Artists under the influence of color that is will be featured at Longmont's Old Firehouse Art Center from May 9 through June 14, with a free reception held opening night from 6 to 9 p.m.

The show title is "Under the Influence New Works Influenced by Color" and features paintings by Diane Pike, Mike Brouse and Sally Fulton.

"Color gives life and beauty to the world around us whether it's pure nature or an abandoned truck being swallowed up by the land it sits on," said Pike in a press release.

Her paintings explore color amplification and attempt to express the force of nature.