Garmin admits cyber attack, systems "returning to operation"; Thug used car as weapon and 'impersonated police officer'; Cyclist who made 'best lockdown vid' unveils latest creation; Bike gets 'stolen back' + more on the live blog

In answer to our earlier poll, it appears Garmin getting fixed has happened first as the GPS giants have announced that most of their systems are "returning to operation"; something that we can vouch for, as our watches and computers have started to sync. 

Garmin Connect is coming back – slowly – as activities start syncing with Strava

Garmin have now admitted they were victims of a "cyber attack". The full statement says: 

"Garmin Ltd. was the victim of a cyber attack that encrypted some of our systems on July 23, 2020. As a result, many of our online services were interrupted including website functions, customer support, customer facing applications, and company communications. We immediately began to assess the nature of the attack and started remediation.

"We have no indication that any customer data, including payment information from Garmin Pay, was accessed, lost or stolen. Additionally, the functionality of Garmin products was not affected, other than the ability to access online services. Affected systems are being restored and we expect to return to normal operation over the next few days.

"As our affected systems are restored, we expect some delays as the backlog of information is being processed. We are grateful for our customers’ patience and understanding during this incident and look forward to continuing to provide the exceptional customer service and support that has been our hallmark and tradition.

In an additional Q+A, Garmin insist no data has been lost, accessed or stolen, and their aviation systems are now full functional. 

While new bike launches usually involve us attending a top secret presentation and telling you all about it later, this time around Specialized are inviting all of us to see the unveiling of their brand new Tarmac SL7 together online. At 5pm BST tomorrow (July 28th), you can tune in to watch the live premier launch on the Specialized YouTube channel here.  

“The future is here. One bike to rule them all”, so say Specialized... if you can’t wait that long, you can always download the Specialized Ride App on iOS or Android for an exclusive, augmented reality preview. Enjoy the virtual show tomorrow!

This post features paid promotion on behalf of Specialized.

VN Kranja je končana. Kar smo napovedali @val202 se je zgodilo. Zmagal je Olav Kooij, Jumbo Visma. pic.twitter.com/HW4NPB9vGQ

— Dare Rupar (@DareRupar) July 26, 2020

A number of riders who would have contested the sprint finish at this Slovenian road race were took out just metres from the line, caused by a large pole and numerous bits of road furniture that clearly weren't visible to riders as they approached the final bend. Not the kind of pole position that is beneficial in any way, that's for sure...

I have a joke about Guy Ritchie but it’s banned.

— ⚫ CyclingMikey aka Bike Gandalf 🇪🇺🇳🇱🇿🇼 (@MikeyCycling) July 26, 2020

I won't tell you my wheel building joke yet as it takes a while to get the tension up.

— LukeB_MTB (@LukeB_MTB) July 25, 2020

i have a joke about women’s cycling but it won’t get the coverage it deserves

— robyn (@robynjournalist) July 26, 2020

I have a bike lane joke but it doesn’t go anywhere.

— Jessie Singer (@jessiesingernyc) July 25, 2020

I have a pro-line mountain bike joke, but once I start, it just goes downhill.

— Jodey Hinze (@jdarylhinze) July 25, 2020

The premise is that you have a joke, followed preferably by an ironic and topical reason why you can't tell it. We've picked out some of the best for your perusal...

On the gov.uk website, a document titled "Tackling obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives" is now online... but it doesn't really touch on exercise at all, focussing on the plans to revamp nutritional labelling, plus banning two-for-one offers on unhealthy foods and junk food advertising. It does say this regarding the new PHE Better Health campaign: 

"The campaign aims to reach millions of people who need to lose weight, encouraging them to make behaviour changes to eat better and move more to prevent or delay the onset of serious diseases. This will be supported by a 12-week weight loss plan app that people who are living with obesity can use to develop healthier eating habits, get more active and lose weight."

Will further information follow, specifically regarding how people can get fit and lose weight using pedal power? We'll wait and see...

For the first time in over 4 days, Garmin Connect seems sorta back up. It's a bit touch and go, but it's waking up. Coffee is still brewing. Meanwhile, the Garmin Connect site Status page is down, but that's fair - it needs a nap after the last 4 days.

— Ray Maker (@dcrainmakerblog) July 27, 2020

A road.cc staffer has seen his activity upload wirelessly to Garmin Connect and Strava overnight, and Strava's latest status update says that some of the backlog is starting to trickle through... have Garmin beaten the ransomware attackers? Full story to follow with more details as we get them. 

Today I’ve never felt so unsafe on a bike before, caused by an apparent off duty Kent Police officer. From my perspective. Woman and man in car with kids in the back shout at my partner and I as we cycle on a road two abreast (rule 66 Highway Code)

— Chris Hall (@chrishallrides) July 26, 2020

Ultra-endurance cyclist Chris Hall posted the disturbing account to his Twitter page yesterday. claiming that the man and a woman had children in the car and continually shouted abuse at Mr Hall and his partner for riding two abreast. The man claimed he was an off-duty police officer, and reportedly gave his name and badge number. Mr Hall continued in the Twitter thread: 

"Woman and man in car start shouting at us out the window to ride single file. Instantly feel threatened and let them go past and carry on. Car then stops in the road to continue shouting at us. Man threatens us using car as a weapon steering us towards the pavement...

"...Continually threatens us to stop claiming he is a police officer. Partner and I are feeling incredibly under threat as the car is being used as a weapon to force us single file and to make us stop at the side of the road. Car turns in on us and doesn’t indicate at a junction.

"Eventually we are forced to pull over. Man gets out the car and with an incredibly raised voice threatens to arrest me as I didn’t listen to him once he said he was a cop. I asked for him to show me his badge and he didn’t have it but said he would go home and get it.

"To which I said ok. He didn’t go home. His wife continually shouted at my partner stating we were reckless and dangerous stating she was also a police officer. Raising her voice at both of us. I continually reminded him of rule 66 of the Highway Code. He argued we were cycling...

"...In a dangerous manor and should be single file. Eventually after having the man and wife shout at us for about 20 minutes and after them using their car as a defensive weapon on us, they left: my partner in tears and me very shaken my the whole event.

"If this is how you train your officers, @kentpoliceroads I'd be happy to help in how this can be seen as intimidating to a person. I’d also like some clarification on what we did wrong.

"My partners a relatively new cyclist and has recently started trying to take it more seriously, having just purchased a new bike. Riding two abreast is a way to help with her confidence on London and Kent’s roads which quite frankly are unsafe for cycling.

"I have the car registration number, officer’s name and eventually he gave me his badge number. I’m now done with cycling in London and the South East. I think I’ll be moving out of London soon or maybe even to a country where cycling is part of their culture.

"I think I’ve covered everything. The officer probably has a different story to tell of the incident but simply a vehicle should never be used to intimidate someone as a weapon. We are both incredibly shaken by it all."

Good morning Chris, would it be possible to give us a follow so we can send you a DM. Thank you.

— Kent Police (UK) (@kent_police) July 27, 2020

Sorry to read about this and hope you are both ok. If you want to email me a little bit more (including details you took and where it took place) I’ll see if there is anything we can do to assist: contactyourpcc [at] kent.police.uk

— Matthew Scott PCC (@matthewinkent) July 26, 2020

Both Kent Police and Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott have replied to Mr Hall, and road.cc has asked for more details. 

Can't bring yourself to read about cycling because of all this Garmin malarkey? Here's what you've missed... 

Garmin issues FAQ as ransomware attack enters fourth day

Near Miss of the Day 447: Left-hook fail or Must Get In Front?

Garmin ransomware attackers said to be demanding $10 million

Bath golfers outraged that loss-making course could be turned into cycling centre

Four arrested after horrific Leicester hit and run

Drivers more patient with cyclists since lockdown according to survey

New website shows live data on travel times by bike and car in Oxford