The Tour of California.. a long fun week

With the weather overcast to start the day last Sunday we all know it was going to be a rip roarin affair. Looking at the riders enjoying a warm up it was great to see the powerhouses of Cycling on the roads of Palo Alto! I found a great spot just over a Kilometer away from the finish and let me say it was the BEST place to be that day. Sitting on the curb ever so vigilant of riders running the gutters I saw some of the best hottest riding of the year.

The most challenging this was shooting the photos and avoiding the crowd in the process While this was how the road looked in warm ups it was packed by the time Levi came Ripping up the road! Gaging his speed from that of the others who had roared in before him we all knew he would not carry the day. We had all pulled though for him to carry the tour!

The days winner just happens to be the World Champion in this part of Cycling, his speed and power as he screamed by was impressive. To feel the wind created by a single rider tappin' out the power and carrying the speed. I can only say words do it no justice. For those who are able I recommend you take the time off next year. Make the effort and go watch the guys ride! See just what it is like to witness the beauty of the sport!

The rain of this last part of the week has passed, yesterday was so brutal riders could not handle the cold wet conditions! I know from commuting in these conditions that proper rain gear, while cumbersome, inconvenient and bulky will carry you through the day! You will sweat, you will be a little uncomfortable, BUT you will make it back and forth and not worry about how wet it is and if you are cold! I have found that with Winter weight knickers, a good rain pant, and rain jacket, you can make it a nice time riding. I did get out in the rain yesterday to work some miles in and the rain made me feel good! Maybe it is from watching the pros, maybe, it's the thrill of the ride.

SO let's get out and enjoy the weekend, it's time to RIDE folks!!!!

Tour of California Sacramento Tornado warning

WOW What a finish for one Tom Boonen! TO see the final sprint from right there at the finish line was a very special day! What can ya say about Mario Cipollini at 40+ finishing third in the sprint!
With the rain falling in Sactown the big boys came out to play and make it look effortless. The thrill of the race sent shivers up and down my spine, or was that just the Specialized Angel? She was absolutely FLAMIN SMOKIN HOT!!!!!!!

With all the horse shit that the ASO is causing with the races they own by persecuting this years Unibet in Astana it makes fans I am sure riders and managers sick. I had the chance now for three days to get on the team mangers I ran into about just how sick and twisted and mentally ill the ASO management are for this crap. When you look at the fact that "Team High Road" was not going to get in if I am Mr Stapleton I think twice about letting this happen this year. Yes that was me that point to my Astana hat and looked you dead in the eye! I had to say I did hear several people calling out for the Tour of California to become a three week Grand Tour. Well there is that 3 week window open in July, and California has the best wines and champagne in the world!

There have been four days of racing now after today's finish and it is a damn shame the Tyler had to drop out today. I met the kid last night and he is just an awesome humble gentleman!
The people of Cycling deserve better. The Riders Managers sponsors and FANS deserve better. Right now the Tour of France is a third rate washed up political joke and anyone who takes that race seriously any more is surely missing the boat. I guess that kind of beats that but really please go to LetLeviRide.com and raise your voice to be heard.

Back to the cycling yesterday the most amazing thing is the pure speed and drive these guys have. seeing them come down through the road at 30 to 40 miles an hour makes me wonder just how they manage to have that much left after that kind of ride. Knowing how i feel after a 100 miles in the saddle i would bet that these guys are so use to it that to them it is like getting a Latte at a coffee bar. The thrill of the day today after meeting Tyler Hamilton, Mario Cipollini was meeting Vaughters, Millar and Farrar last night! Lt me tell you Cyclist are far more humble and friendly than any baseball, football, or basketball player you will EVER meet! I will have some pictures of the races in the next few days, but right now... I am exhausted! the Tour is far from over. Follow it, write the owners of it the UCI and the teams get this thing to be 3 weeks in July... it would be well worth it! RIDE!!!!!!

The Tour of California.. here once again!!!!

While this will be a short blog it will today it will be a lot longer in the coming days. We have spent the last two days following the Tour, taking photos, talking to Riders and Managers. Yes the TOUR is HERE TODAY!!!

The best places to view in the area are Davis and Downtown. Remember to cheer these guys on especially ASTANA who are getting Unibeted this year by the people who Own the Tour de France. A lot more on this in the next few days.

SO its it OFF to the races. Look for another quick fire sprint, like yesterday in Santa Rosa! The Tornado got dropped and Bettini is looking great, and never rule out The Lion King Cippolini!

Hope to see everyone out there and make Sacramento the calling card for the Tour this year again!!!