Tour of California

[snapdragen]

I don't know if this has already been posted - Versus (aka OLN) will be televising the Tour of California (http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/28927/?UserDef=true&catID=76) :cool:

[IFjane]

Snap - I saw this in Velo News but all broadcasts are Pacific time.....and I'm on the other coast...:(

[Bluetree]

Got my TiVo ready! I'll be at Stages 5 and 7, camera in hand! :D :D :D

[IFjane]

Got my TiVo ready! I'll be at Stages 5 and 7, camera in hand! :D :D :D

Don't forget to share those pictures, Blue! :)

[jobob]

You're going to be in Solvang, Bluetree? So will I ! :)

I'll try to supply pics from the prologue, Stages 1-3, and 5. Hope they come out OK

[DrBadger]

I think that some friends and I are going to go up to SF for the Prologue, i will post any photos I get (as long as they are decent!) Haven't decided if I am going to skip school on Wed to go to stage 3... I guess it depends on how much work I get done :rolleyes:

[snapdragen]

I will most likely be working, so I want lots of pix and detailed reports from everyone!

[roadfix]

Got my TiVo ready! I'll be at Stages 5 and 7, camera in hand! :D :D :D

Well, in that case I'll ride out to Balcom Canyon and watch Stage 6....:p
Actually, we're riding out from Northridge to Moorepark on Saturday to watch these guys climb. :)

[Trekhawk]

My plans were to take the kids out of school on Tuesday and see them come into Sacramento. Unfortunately the kids have been sick for most of this week and so they cant afford another day off school.

No TV at my house so Im relying on you guys for lots of pics and stories pleeease.

[Running Mommy]

Anyone else going to be up there? I was also thinking of doing the prologue in san fran, but I want to try to see my ailing Great Aunt while I'm up there.

[maillotpois]

We'll probably be at Coleman Valley on stage 1 - we may try to get to the finish area, but it would be cutting it close. It is possible we'll go there instead. Still up in the air.

Running Mommy when do you get here? Are you going to be right at the finish or on the course? I'm also trying to plan to see part of the next stage as well. You around?

[Veronica]

We'll also be at Coleman Valley. Hope to take the motorcycle over and then try to get to get to Santa Rosa for the finish.

V.

[dakay]

DH and I will be down for stages 3, 4 and 5. Hope to get some good pictures. Any suggestions on viewing would be helpful.

Kathy

[aka_kim]

I'll be at the prologue, Coleman Valley, and then possibly Sierra Rd. But I won't be taking pictures, since shaky hands don't result in good pix.

The Grassy Knoll project (http://www.steephill.tv/2007/tour-of-california/) is doing the tour again this year. Between it and VeloNews online there were lots of great pictures last year.

[li10up]

Snap - I saw this in Velo News but all broadcasts are Pacific time.....and I'm on the other coast...:(

One word - VCR.

Ok, that's not really a word. :)

[Bluetree]

Some of the names...

Thor Hushovd
Jens Voigt
Michael Rasmussen
Michael Rogers
Ivan Basso
Paolo Bettini
Fabian Cancellara
Dave Zabriskie
George Hincapie
Bobby Julich
Stuart O'Grady
Chris Horner
Luca Paolini
Levi Leipheimer

Full field:
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/news/press/final-rider-roster.html

[Deanna]

I'll of course be in Santa Rosa for Stage 1 & 2. I've got two "bike race" newbies I will be turning into fans. One of them, my sister, is already half way there. I took her to the Team BMC launch party and she's already picked out her favorite --she mentioned something about having him autograph a body part. We'll also be handing bikes back at the valet bike parking on Monday. I may make it down for stage 3, but that's iffy at this point.


Edited to ask: Has anybody seen a roster with bib numbers yet?

[Running Mommy]

Sorry girls, I've been sick... It's been a week! :(
Anyway, we are flying up late tonight. I wanted to go to the prologue but also need to see my ailing great aunt. She is a treasure to me (and the town of sonoma as well) and I know we won't have much more time with her.
I would like to go out to coleman valley rd, but I know my husband will want to be in Santa Rosa to cruise around the booths and such.
We have to hit the road by 3:30 for the airport, so we'll pretty much watch them finish and run for the car.
Anyhoo, ya'll know what I look like. I'll be sure to wear my IMAZ finishers hat so you could recognize me by that.
Can't wait to get some good cycling mojo!! After the week I had I NEED it!!!
:o

[SadieKate]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/Tour%20of%20CA%202007/DSCF0015_1.jpg

[DrBadger]

OK SadieKate-
We must have been standing right next to eachother at the CSC tent, sorry I didn't see you. Your photo is much better than mine! I will get some of my photos posted later today. Spent a little bit of time down at the start, and then my friends and I climbed the Filbert St. steps to the top of Telegraph hill, so I have quite a few photos from just before the 100m mark. Most of them have very blurry riders going past, but I got a nice one of DZ walking down the steps after racing. Sigh....

It was a ton of fun, that is for sure, and man those guys can climb!

Will post photos later.
E.

[IFjane]

One word - VCR.

Ok, that's not really a word. :)

Doesn't matter - I don't have one....old technology, you know :rolleyes:

Oh well....I'll find out via Velonews....

[DrBadger]

If you go to the official site (www.amgentourofcalifornia.com) they have live tracking. You can watch it on a map, watch live video, or listen to live audio. YOu might still be able to get away with the live audio at work ;) I think that versus will have video highlights on their web site after the broadcast too.

Good luck getting your fix :-)

[slinkedog]

Great pic of DZ, SK! WOW!

We are going on Wednesday to the finish. Apparently they have (at all the finishes) a big screen where you can watch the entire race and then see the finish. So we're going to take Jonathan, as he wants to try to get autographs. I told him it was unlikely, but we'll try.

We can take the lightrail downtown from near our house, so it shouldn't be too bad getting down there. Some of our friends from France are in town right now, and they're going to come, too.

Do the riders hang out at their team's tents after the finish?

[bikerchick68]

Hey all! Haven't been here for a couple weeks... super busy... but my friend from Mavic called and offered me a spot again this year in one of the Mavic cars for stage 6!!! :D So if you're watching stage 6 I'll be the brunette riding shotgun...SO excited!!! See ya all there... I gotta say I'll be glad to be climbing Balcom Canyon in a CAR not the bike :eek: :)

[li10up]

Doesn't matter - I don't have one....old technology, you know :rolleyes:

Oh well....I'll find out via Velonews....

Old technology for an old person (me). :D

We can't even get cable where I live! I want us to switch satellite companies just so we can get a DVR.

Wonder why VS. had an hour of commentary instead of showing the riders? I don't think I saw a bit of footage on Jason Donald who led most of the way in the prologue.

[jobob]

I don't think I saw a bit of footage on Jason Donald who led most of the way in the prologue. They had cameras on the well-known riders, and the riders who were expected to do well. Jason Donald surprised everyone.

[jobob]

OK SadieKate-
We must have been standing right next to eachother at the CSC tent, sorry I didn't see you. Your photo is much better than mine! I was there too, in my oh-so-subtle blazing red Amici Veloci jacket. :cool:

[snapdragen]

I was there too, in my oh-so-subtle blazing red Amici Veloci jacket. :cool:

Damn! Did you at least try to throw yourself in front of a TV camera? AV needs publicity!:rolleyes:

[maillotpois]

Great DZ picture!! We got a beauty of Paolo Bettini signing in - and a buch of super close up ones of folks at the 150m to go at Coit Tower.

Now sun and wind burned from being on Coleman Valley most of the day. Saw aka Kim as we were driving back! That AV jacket stands out! I was wearing my buff as an earwarmer! It was cold up there.

What a great crowd on Coleman - and it was just great to see these super stars climbing one of my local roads!!!

Meeting a friend tomorrow to carpool up to Trinity Grade. It will be fun to see this. Haven't yet done that climb, but we are incorporating it into our team's Death Ride training so it will be good to at least drive it. (Can't ride any of this because school's out for the week and the PP isn't up to the climbs quite yet...)

[SadieKate]

Give a report on Trinity. We've got a little group riding to Cardiac tomorrow, the 2nd KOM, but if we'd had more time I wanted to ride Trinity.

[maillotpois]

Yeah, I wish I could ride these. Oh well - another time. Trinity looks pretty epic. That descent down Oakville Grade to Yountville/Rutherford is wicked. It is about the fastest descent around - with a couple of exciting (scary) corners. It would be fun to see how fast they take it. It is a wicked climb from the Napa side. The GP and PP did it on the tandem and didn't...quite...make....it. :p

[maillotpois]

From yesterday:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j285/maillotpois/LEVI.jpg

[aka_kim]

Because we need a DZ pic on every page!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/Tour%20of%20CA%202007/DSCF0015_1.jpgWho was that woman he was talking to?

Edited to add - Oh yeah, he was telling the mystery woman he was nervous.

[SadieKate]

The women heard me tell Jo that I wanted a picture of Zabriskie for the forum. She said, "You want a picture? Here. Come with me." She then greeted him and asked about his mom and a couple other things. They definitely knew each other, but that's all I know. Nice of her to step up to help. I just stood behind her and took the photos. I'm pretty sure he knew what she was doing because he kept his head down unless someone he knew started talking to him.

[snapdragen]

There was a snippet on the news that he got hurt today and might not ride tomorrow! Anyone else heard anything?

Did anyone hear the reporter on Channel 5 massacre Levi Leipheimer's name? (Not sure I spelled it right....)

[Fredwina]

There was a snippet on the news that he got hurt today and might not ride tomorrow! Anyone else heard anything?

cyclingnews.com has DZ listed as a DNF with wrist problems,

[SadieKate]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/Tour%20of%20CA%202007/DSCF0022.jpg

[BikeMomma]

Hey all! Haven't been here for a couple weeks... super busy... but my friend from Mavic called and offered me a spot again this year in one of the Mavic cars for stage 6!!! :D So if you're watching stage 6 I'll be the brunette riding shotgun...SO excited!!! See ya all there... I gotta say I'll be glad to be climbing Balcom Canyon in a CAR not the bike :eek: :)

I hate you. :D :D :D :D (naw, not really -- just jealous out of my mind!!)

Great pics, gals...keep 'em coming. I'll be at Sacramento for the finish tomorrow. I'll try to get some of my own & post them.

:p :p
~BikeMomma

[DrBadger]

Zabriskie playing with his iPod
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This one is a little dark... I haven't had time to futz with it yet. But here is DZ getting ready to go down the steps on Telegraph hill after his ride. Just after this he picked up his bike by the seat and threw it over his shoulder and said no to any help from the tour helpers (he was one of very few riders who said no to help)
2658

[Veronica]

http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/tour-of-ca-2007/normal_tour-of-ca-2007-08.jpg

The Discovery Team just below the KOM.

http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/tour-of-ca-2007/normal_tour-of-ca-2007-09.jpg
Bobby Julich and a few other assorted pros. :p

http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/tour-of-ca-2007/normal_tour-of-ca-2007-03.jpg
Nice team jersey!

http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/tour-of-ca-2007/normal_tour-of-ca-2007-06.jpg
Did I mention it was really windy on Coleman?

There are a few more pictures on our website. No link to to the homepage yet , so use the link below.

V.

http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=22&pos=11

[IFjane]

Great pics, Veronica! Those of us in other parts of the country are living vicariously through your narratives & pictures. Keep it up!

Question for all: What do you think of the commissaires' decision regarding the finish yesterday? And did anyone see the crash?

[massbikebabe]

WELL DONE, WELL DONE,

those of us on the east coast have to stay up well past our bedtime to catch the coverage. One question my son has because we have not seen them is LiquiGas Bianchi in the race???

karen
ps-How come Basso is back??? Didn't he have to do a 2 year suspension like Tyler Hamilton?

[IFjane]

WELL DONE, WELL DONE,

those of us on the east coast have to stay up well past our bedtime to catch the coverage. One question my son has because we have not seen them is LiquiGas Bianchi in the race???

karen
ps-How come Basso is back??? Didn't he have to do a 2 year suspension like Tyler Hamilton?

My understanding is that Basso was cleared of the charges and Discovery signed him right after that...I think :)

[SadieKate]

those of us on the east coast have to stay up well past our bedtime to catch the coverage. One question my son has because we have not seen them is LiquiGas Bianchi in the race???


Yep, see here: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Peloton/teams/team-liquigas.html

[aka_kim]

Interesting to see Basso doing the grunt work at the front of the pack. Great shots, V!

[Veronica]

Thanks - Thom's not happy with them. :rolleyes: They look good on the web, but when you print them out poster size, which we do, they have a lot of noise, even when they have been run through noise reduction software. He was hoping to avoid buying a replacement SLR. Oh well.

I think he's going to take the other replacement camera we got tomorrow to Patterson Pass. I hope it's as nice a day as yesterday.


V.

[li10up]

Question for all: What do you think of the commissaires' decision regarding the finish yesterday? And did anyone see the crash?
I saw the crash and was disappointed when they finally discovered that Levi was caught up in it. However, I didn't agree with the decision to give everyone the same time. If they were going to neutralize the finishing circuits in the event of a crash it should have been stated up front. I understand why they did it, many of the favorites where caught in the crash, but I didn't think it was right. That's part of racing, IMO.

[Adventure Girl]

http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/tour-of-ca-2007/normal_tour-of-ca-2007-08.jpgSo has George gone with different sunglasses? The Oakley Jackets he has worn for so long have been his trademark. I noticed he was wearing something different in the prolog, and here he again with different Oakleys. I like them!:cool:

[Deanna]

Here's a another shot of the glasses.

[spokewench]

Yeah, I wish I could ride these. Oh well - another time. Trinity looks pretty epic. That descent down Oakville Grade to Yountville/Rutherford is wicked. It is about the fastest descent around - with a couple of exciting (scary) corners. It would be fun to see how fast they take it. It is a wicked climb from the Napa side. The GP and PP did it on the tandem and didn't...quite...make....it. :p


Oh, a little off thread - but memories do come back! Oakville Grade - fastest I have ever been on a bike especially in a tight corner - WOW, the G forces were incredible!

The other memory - climbing up the Oakville Grade - talk about wicked! I made it once - and didn't make the other time I rode it.

[xeney]

I got to see the last turn before the finish in Sacramento today. Except I mostly got to see the back of the big guy who stepped in front of me at the last minute ... I was very irritated, because I'd held that spot for half an hour before he decided to block my view.

Some tall roadies were there letting shorter women go in front of them, though, which was very nice of them. And I managed to weasel my way into a viewing hole before the second lap.

[snapdragen]

I just got tomorrow off! YAY! Now to decide where to go to watch.....

[Running Mommy]

I thought we had it nailed and would be able to just see them finishing before we had to run for the airport. Alas it seems that they were running behind so we had to leave before seeing them.
However, I was VERY upset I got home and watched the farce at the finish on OLN...
I'm sorry, but if it wasn't for the fact that Levi and some of the other "favorites" were involved in the crash I'm quite sure that they would have said "oh well, sheat happens"...
Am I totally off base here? It just seems like they bent the rules because Levi was in the fray.
Now before you blast me, I LOVE Levi!!! I have met the guy. He is such a nice person and I ALWAYS pull for him, but he fell. Things happen. Wrong place at the wrong time. PERIOD.
So if George or Levi falls in the time trial at Solvang are they gonna call a do over???
I LOVE this sport, but sometimes the decisions made by the powers that be baffle me!!! - Of course the same could be said about our government, but that's ANOTHER story... heh heh heh ;)

[tygab]

Yay! I missed stage 1's big crash due to travel, but got to see today's leg. It's so cool to see racing in February! Thanks for the pictures Cali peeps, these are GREAT! keep em coming. I didn't watch it last year but I am impressed with the field that's turned out. Many big name riders!

So, is Team Discovery angling for Levi to win this one, and Basso to win the TdF, ie that Levi will be a LT. for Basso then?

[BikeMomma]

Had a great time today at the TdC -- I have a few other possible pics (still have to examine them for star content), but I just HAD to post this one before knocking off to bed (sorry it's a bit grainy after resizing). Right after we got there, we came upon this guy that looked like Floyd in a suit outside Starbucks...we all did a double take, and yep -- it was him. He had been on his cell phone when we spotted him, hung up as soon as he realized he had visitors, and then instantly reached out his hand to greet us. VERY candid, open person. It was a pleasure to meet him.

He also gave us the "Quote-of-the-Day." After we asked how everything was going with his healing & all, he replied, "Oh shoot, the hip is great, I can do anything I want now. It's everything else that's fxxked up!" Instant laughter from everyone, including him. 'Twas awesome.

Ironically, his lawyer took the picture. :p (I'm in the yellow to the left of him)

2667

[Running Mommy]

So good to see Floyd.
He sure does clean up nice doesn't he. I feel so bad about all the crud he's going through. :(

[SadieKate]

Bubba was supposed to have a hearing yesterday but his client left him a garbled message that the hearing was cancelled. Not being able to translate the garble, he dutifully went into the office so he missed our ride but saw the final circuit loops in Sac. He's hanging out on a corner and "some guy" comes wandering up behind him. The "some guy" signed a red one and picked out a black one to keep for himself.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/Tour%20of%20CA%202007/DSCF0018.jpg

[jobob]

woo-woo! :cool: Good job Bubba.

[slinkedog]

So, who is "some guy?" I'm clueless.

[7rider]

So, who is "some guy?" I'm clueless.

I think that's a Floyd sig on a AV buff.

[SadieKate]

I learned that word from TrekHawk :D

Nick Gates of Predictor-Lotto on the 2nd KOM, Stage 2, as they leave Napa County.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/Tour%20of%20CA%202007/DSCF0011.jpg

[SadieKate]

"I hope the peloton takes it easy so I have a chance to look at the sights..." Paolo Bettini

IFJane, maybe Jobob got a picture, but on the 2nd KOM Paolo was 2nd from end lolly-gagging along in the tea party back there. He was definitely seeing the sights.

[Jo-n-NY]

I have a question, maybe I missed something, but why is George H. wearing USA Colors as is his bike instead of the Discovery kit.

I also want to say that the pics all of you are taking are great and very much appreciated from me here on the East coast. I have been watching and of course tonights stage will be recorded because of how late it is airing. The scenery in CA is stunning and every city that they are riding through is truely amazing. I really hope to take a cycling vacation in your neck of the woods.

Again, thanks for all the great pics and reports!!!

~ JoAnn

[Eden]

George is the current USA Road Racing champion, which entitles him to wear the stars and stripes jersey in road races (you'll notice that he goes back to his plain Disco kit for TT's) He'll get to wear the jersey all year until the next USPro championship (road) race when he'll either defend or lose the title.

Dave Z is the TT champ

You'll also see Paolo Bettini wearing a white kit with rainbow bands - That is to indicate that he is the world road race champion. If you've ever had this title I believe you get to wear rainbow bands in some form (like on your sock) for the rest of your career.

[slinkedog]

I think that's a Floyd sig on a AV buff.

Thanks for the clue, Regina!

Another sighting... My husband had a meeting this morning at the Hotel DeAnza in San Jose, and as he was walking into the lobby, who turns around right in front of him but Floyd! He called me after his meeting to tell me. Of course, I asked if he talked to Floyd, but he said no. Floyd seemed to be leaving in a hurry, so Blaine didn't want to bug him. Shoot!

[Jo-n-NY]

Thanks Eden!! I completely missed that about George. Wow, I am happy for him, he is such a great guy.

[jobob]

I'll post pics later, sorry. Yep, I have a fuzzy one of Bettini bringing up the rear (as it were) over the KOM yesterday.

We're off to Sierra Road after all. Hope the weather holds ! :)

[slinkedog]

I'll post pics later, sorry. Yep, I have a fuzzy one of Bettini bringing up the rear (as it were)

Yuk, yuk, yuk!! :)

Have fun! I'm probably going to the finish with my 5 year old. She's all into bikes now that she's got her training wheels off.

[BikeMomma]

Bubba was supposed to have a hearing yesterday but his client left him a garbled message that the hearing was cancelled. Not being able to translate the garble, he dutifully went into the office so he missed our ride but saw the final circuit loops in Sac. He's hanging out on a corner and "some guy" comes wandering up behind him. The "some guy" signed a red one and picked out a black one to keep for himself.


Score one for the Bub-meister!!!!!
Awesome!!!!!

Another star crossing: I also forgot to mention that I met Davis Phinney after the awards ceremony. He's looking fit as could be and was very friendly. About 20 years ago at the SF finish of the Coors Classic, I came within five feet of getting his autograph, but he had to leave before I got up to the front of the line. Got it yesterday. ;)

~BikeMomma

[snapdragen]

Bubba was supposed to have a hearing yesterday but his client left him a garbled message that the hearing was cancelled. Not being able to translate the garble, he dutifully went into the office so he missed our ride but saw the final circuit loops in Sac. He's hanging out on a corner and "some guy" comes wandering up behind him. The "some guy" signed a red one and picked out a black one to keep for himself.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/Tour%20of%20CA%202007/DSCF0018.jpg

Floyd's a member of AV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[bikerchick68]

Veronica that pic of the peleton with the ocean behind them is AWESOME! Man, I know you said it's not printing as well... but that is totally frameable!

BikeMomma... I LOVE that Floyd story! :D That's just too funny... he is a nice guy...

dang, I didn't know about the crash...

[Veronica]

Thanks - I don't see what Thom sees either. But he's a perfectionist about his photos. I'm glad he doesn't try to do it for a living. :D

V.

[Meaux]

I LOVE THIS!! Levi's my absolute favourite. I'm so jealous we couldn't go. Maybe next year. Would it be okay if I downloaded this and used it as my background?


From yesterday:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j285/maillotpois/LEVI.jpg

[Deanna]

Here's another Levi photo, not as exiting as MPs, but he's in Yellow.

[Trekhawk]

Wow great pictures girls. SadieKate you better keep an eye on that buff it might just get mixed up with mine next time we ride or is that one getting framed.:D

I had a great time watching most of todays stage via the internet (much better link today) and I got to see them climb Sierra Road before I had to head out and pick up the kids. Great stuff!!!

[Lifesgreat]

Here is my Floyd story:

My road-racing, teenage nephew met Floyd yesterday in Sacramento and Floyd signed his cycling cap. Nephew (and his dad) were pretty excited. Not as spiffy as your stories, but it is the best I can do considering I am in Utah :) . I think it is cool to think Floyd has a Buff like mine (not the other way around :D )

[SadieKate]

Has the Jobob Kiss of Death losts its punch? Our artwork on yesterday's ride.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/Tour%20of%20CA%202007/AVKOM.jpg

[Trekhawk]

. I think it is cool to think Floyd has a Buff like mine (not the other way around :D )

LOL - yep that is cool. Look out Floyd strange people could start calling out Amici Veloci my a*s at you now.:D

[jobob]

Has the Jobob Kiss of Death losts its punch? Our artwork on yesterday's ride.

Gosh I hope so !!! :cool:

I'm off to the Floyd Fairness Fundraiser in San Jose with snap, we'll tell you all about it.

[Trekhawk]

Have fun - I want to hear all about it.:)

[Aint Doody]

California Girls, Thank you all sooooo much for letting us share your experiences at the Tour. The pictures are wonderful and the descriptions and anecdotes are just terrific. Since the coverage is not very long every night, it really helps fuel our cycling addictions!

[7rider]

Well.
I just found out an unexpected impact of the Tour of California here in Maryland.
Our LBS is CLOSED all week as the owner works out there at the race - he does support work every year there. This year, since they are down a manager, he gave everyone a vacation during this slow period. Since the shop is closed, my DH's Seven cannot be delivered or built up.
So...the ToC is keeping my DH from his new bike! :eek:

BTW..found out that they are broadcasting the race at 11 p.m. here on the right coast, so DH will be taping....

p.s. Yes...Thanks for the awesome pix! Love it (love my Levi, too!). Keep 'em comin' if you can!

[DrBadger]

Have you guys seen this site: http://www.steephill.tv/grassyknoll/

people can upload their photos and video from the tour of CA, there are lots of good photos for all the stages.

Also, about 24 hours after the broadcast Versus.com puts up some video highlights for those of you who missed it, or don't get versus with your cable/sattelite provider.

Enjoy!

[salsabike]

You guys in California, thank you! Your posts are great.

[slinkedog]

Elizabeth (my 5 year old) and I went down to the finish at around 12:30 and then hooked up with hubby around 1:30. We walked around the booths, got some swag, and then went to watch the Calaveras and Sierra Road climbs on the big screen at the finish line while staking out our place at the boards.

Right next to me was the director of marketing for Blue Competition Cycles, who provide bikes for the Colavita team and right behind him was a guy who worked for Predictor Lotto. They were talking industry and the PL dude was telling us all kinds of interesting dirt about Chris Horner's bike and other stuff. Very cool!

The guys came blazing past at the finish and it was very exciting! I got a few photos, but they were moving pretty fast. Then I realized that we could go down the street where the team busses were so I ran over there and started looking for my favorites!

I was standing outside the CSC bus when Bjarne Riis walked out... I didn't get a good photo, though. Then someone said that Lance was outside the Disco bus, so I ran over there. He was mobbed, but I got about 3 feet away from him and got a decent photo. He was doing an interview and it was near the end by the time I got over there.

Then Johan Bruyneel walked out and I got a photo of him. Tom Danielson rode up, but he turned away just as I was about to click the shutter! Darn!

I got a good photo of a T Mobile rider who I thought was Michael Rogers, but I think it might be Aaron Olson. Not sure.

As we were making our way to the podium, Elizabeth almost collided with Jens Voight as he was riding back for his jersey. Blaine whisked her out of the way, averting disaster which we surely would have chalked up to the Jobob KOD. Just kidding, Jo! Then Michael Rasmussen rode past me. This day was amazing!

We went to the podium and they weren't letting people close to it because they weren't sure the course was clear, but then they let us over just as Levi was coming up, so we got quite close to the stage and I got some nice photos of him and the other jersey winners. I will try to post a few here, but I'm patently bad at uploading photos to the site, so I may just post a link to my Snapfish album.

It was a very cool day for me... my first pro road race. I was disappointed not to see Ivan and George, but it was cool to see Lance and some of the other guys that I've only seen on the tube so far! Unfortunately, I lack amazing camera skills or equipment, so my photos aren't great, but it's fun to have them. I'll work on some posting today.

[slinkedog]

2670

Lance giving an interview to VeloNews

2671

Levi puts on yellow again!

2672

Jens and Levi... check out that height difference! Sorry for the blur.

[snapdragen]

Nice slinke! I walked from 2nd and Tayor back to the finish, but got so sensory overwhelmed I didn't stay long. I haven't even looks at the pix I took - nothing as up close and personal as yours!

Later in the evening jobob, leebob and I went to a fundraiser for Fairness for Floyd. Way cool! We met Floyd! :D

[slinkedog]

Tell all, Snap!

[slinkedog]

2676

Johan Bruyneel
2677

Aaron Olsen or Michael Rogers

2678

Jerseys

2679

Ivan Basso at the finish

[bikerchick68]

Slinke... those are FABULOUS pictures!!! Oh my gosh... no camera skills huh? :D I think they're great... love the Lance one... and the one of Levi is really, really great... I'd probably frame that one... glad you had so much fun...

tomorrow is the big day for me... I will post some pix when I get home Sunday as well... I'm hoping to get pics of Lance and Ivan... and of course Hincape and Levi again! I'd also like to get a shot of Bobke if he's around... :) Ah heck... I want pics of 'em all...:D :D :D

[slinkedog]

BC68, can't WAIT to hear your report and see your photos! I am VERY envious of you!

I was on Specialized's site and was looking at jobs (their corporate headquarters is near where I live) and the Executive Assistant to the President of the company position is available!!!! If I could work right now, I'd be all over that job! Can you imagine the cool people you'd get to meet? Oh well, the little ones need Mommy right now. ;)

Have fun tomorrow!

[bikerHen]

That's it! I've decided that next year I'm taking the week off and going to California! I asked DH last night if he would like to take a vacation and follow the Tour. He didn't say no, which is as good as a yes for me. :D So, all you people in the know, where do I find information about next years tour? And please don't say google, I have trouble with that. :o bikerHen

[BikeMomma]

That's it! I've decided that next year I'm taking the week off and going to California! I asked DH last night if he would like to take a vacation and follow the Tour. He didn't say no, which is as good as a yes for me. :D So, all you people in the know, where do I find information about next years tour? And please don't say google, I have trouble with that. :o bikerHen
BH -- click on this link to sign up for Amgen's race newsletter: Amgen Tour of California (http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/email-signup.html). They'll send you summary recaps of the race every day and will soon start sending info about next year's TofC. It's a good way to stay on top of the planning aspect of it. When things start happening in terms of dates, cities, and team commitments, they'll send out an update. Pretty informative.
:)
~BikeMomma

[ShubieGA]

Thanks for all the reports. Great pictures! I have been following on the internet at work :eek: and watching the updates on VS. Enjoy the rest of the tour!

[Fredwina]

But I'm riding most of yesterday's stage as a Brevet tomorrow. It's real windy and brisk here (i'm in Morro Bay right now, but It was the same in Cucamonga). and I forgot my tights:o. Did see plenty of folks with bikes and bikes on cars around Slovang. Didn't stop, since I wanted to know where I'm going in the morning.

[maillotpois]

I LOVE THIS!! Levi's my absolute favourite. I'm so jealous we couldn't go. Maybe next year. Would it be okay if I downloaded this and used it as my background?

Sure, Meaux. PM me and I can email you the actual file copy.

We have a lot more from Coleman and from the TT - but we've been out of town.

I was on Trinity Grade on Tuesday and it was AMAZING. Like being on Plateau de Beille at the TdF. It was a tunnel of trees and a wall of riders came up. The first rider, Christophe Laurent, had a significant gap over everyone else. As he rode up to the KOM line, he wasn't even breathing hard and blew a kiss to the Specialized angel who was standing on her car.

Then the wall of riders in the peloton - led by Ivan Bass. SO cool.

I got a lot of pictures, but the camera ate them. :mad:

[bikerHen]

BH -- click on this link to sign up for Amgen's race newsletter: Amgen Tour of California (http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/email-signup.html). They'll send you summary recaps of the race every day and will soon start sending info about next year's TofC. It's a good way to stay on top of the planning aspect of it. When things start happening in terms of dates, cities, and team commitments, they'll send out an update. Pretty informative.
:)
~BikeMomma

Thanks for the link BikeMomma.:D Great site! I got all signed up. DH asked last night if they will know next years dates by December when he picks vacation time for next year. Sounds like we may really get to GO! :eek: :D :D bikerHen

[Bluetree]

I just got back from the Solvang Time Trial stage and had a blast! Not only did I get to see some great racing, but I made some friends with the SRAM neutral support crew. The friendly guys let me take one of their team issue Orbeas for a little spin... 15 lbs. of carbon fiber beauty with Zipp wheels and all the trimmings! Here's a few pics... (I think the kleenex in Cancellara is especially attractive!)

[jobob]

I just got back from Solvang as well !

I have a ton of photos to wade through, but I had to post this one right away... :cool:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k186/jobob22/ToC_Solvang_23Feb2007/Jens.jpg

-jo "still giddy as a little schoolgirl" bob

[SadieKate]

-jo "still giddy as a little schoolgirl" bobI've been hearing the bubbles wafting all on the breeze all day! :p

Please tell your funny story!

BTW, I also like the kleenex. I can empathize.:rolleyes:

[slinkedog]

Wow, Jo! I'm very excited to hear your report from the day!! What a wonderful picture!

Bluetree... great photos and thanks for posting them!

[jobob]

Slinke, your photos are wonderful ! How on earth did you manage to get up so close? My podium photos are mostly a sea of backs of heads :p

And Bluetree, were you tempted to just keep going down the road with that Orbea? If you got a good head start ... ;)

[crazycanuck]

Dumb q..Jobob..who's the gent on the left you're picured with??? Really..no clue :o

Another question, why did that gent have kleenex in his nose?? :o

I'm not up on the roadie racing scene & have no idea....(names yes, faces..no)

Thank you..

Lost C

[SadieKate]

CC, go back to post #77. You have a 50% chance of guessing who that is.

[Bluetree]

CC - My photos are of Ivan Basso, Paolo Bettini (world champion) and Fabian Cancellera (Time Trial World Champion).
It was extremely windy and the latter had kleenex up his nose because of either a cold or allergies. During his warm-up he was practically gushing, which made his fast time even more remarkable. I have some more pics of Hincapie, O'Grady, Danielson, etc, but right now there are just too many photos I have to go through.

Jobob - Yup, I was tempted ;) The head mechanic showed me their "vault", which was a huge, security-locked conference room in the hotel basement... stocked with about 40-50 racing bikes... racing, TT, you name it. Next thing you know, he's slapping pedals on a bike and pushing me out the door. I thought I died and went to heaven!!! (P.S. Did I tell you he was cute, too? Sometimes, it's great to be a girl!!!)

[li10up]

I don't remember which one, either Phil or Paul, made a comment about Levi having cotton in his nose. They said it was to help him breath better. Levi was warming up for the TT at the time. I thougt it odd...how could cotton in your nostril help you breath. Then I thought maybe they put something on it to help him breath later on...like some sort of decongestant or something. Anybody have any insight on this? Or did they misspeak and it's just there to catch the ...well you know what.

[Trekhawk]

CC - My photos are of Ivan Basso, Paolo Bettini (world champion) and Fabian Cancellera (Time Trial World Champion).
It was extremely windy and the latter had kleenex up his nose because of either a cold or allergies. During his warm-up he was practically gushing, which made his fast time even more remarkable. I have some more pics of Hincapie, O'Grady, Danielson, etc, but right now there are just too many photos I have to go through.



Oooh I would love to see a pic of Stuey pleeeeaaaase.:)

[bikerchick68]

http://www.photoshow.com/view/SI4Ud9VZ

wow, what an amazing experience... having had this opportunity last year as well, I knew better what I could expect, what I could do and not do and felt more comfortable all around...

It was awesome seeing my friends Mark and Hector again. Mark is in charge of the Mavic crew and Hector is on Moto 1... Mavic provides neutral support to ALL the teams. It is very cool how fast they can change a wheel or a give a rider an entire bike! Yesterday they gave 2 people new bikes, assisted George Hincapie and Tony Cruz when they crashed and did numerous wheel changes... I have to say, the driving skills required are astounding and my friend Mark ROCKS at this! You have the riders averaging 30 mph, the entire caravan of cars around you and riders coming THRU the caravan (after pulling off for a "nature break" or a mechanical issue) all within a foot to inches, literally. Then you have slow climbs where everyone is bunched up, and FAST descents down windy roads with everyone bunched up still. We descended Grimes Canyon at 60mph with tight turns and riders flying by... whew! Not a job for the faint of heart, let me assure you... In between all that, Mark has to man the radios, instruct his crew where to be at any given time, AND watch what's happening on the course. I would have been overwhelmed. I can't say enough how amazing it is to see it all happen from there in the front seat by him. Another Mavic crewmember rides in the back seat and helps "spot" riders coming up, as well as passing wheels, tools and food out the window to the Moto WHILE we're doing 30-40mph! Incredible really.

The race started at 11AM... I got there at 8AM. I got to see the Mavic contingent arrive, get a ton of close ups of the pros and get numerous signatures!!! I got signatures of Levi Leipheimer, Jens Voigt, Thor Hushovd, Bobby Julich, Paolo Bettini, Chris Horner, Danny Pate, Brian Dziewa, and Tom Danielson... it was pretty cool.

I hope you enjoy the photo show... :)

[maillotpois]

Amazing!!!

[Adventure Girl]

I hope you enjoy the photo show... :)Thanks so much! It was like being there!!! Your writeup and photo show were excellent, exceptional, exquisite, first-class, great, magnificent, outstanding, priceless, prime, superb, supreme, tiptop, top-notch, wonderful!!!

http://www.futurelooks.com/forums/images/smilies/thewave.gifhttp://www.futurelooks.com/forums/images/smilies/thewave.gifhttp://www.futurelooks.com/forums/images/smilies/thewave.gif

[jobob]

What AG said !
http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/clap.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[snapdragen]

Fantastic!!!!

I'm a tad jealous.....

[bikerchick68]

thanks ladies! glad you enjoyed it... ya know, when I saw Hincapie and Tony Cruz crash I had NO IDEA he'd BROKEN his wrist :eek: I heard them on the radio say he was getting the wrist checked by the medic... and I was told Levi tried to hold up the peleton to wait for him, but they went. Hincapie was not happy about that apparently and worked hard to get to the front and then spent the rest of the day making them pay for not waiting. I have to say even Mark and Nate were saying it was a fast pace and they were really racing... apparently George has a wee bit to do with that!

[bcipam]

I caught the Show in Long Beach. Had a great time just walking around and seeing hte circus that was. The race was secondary since I had no clue what ws going on (watching it on TV is so much better). I stood around the team trailers before the race and watch the riders come out. It was like ants leaving thrie home going in every which direction. Some of the better photos I got:

Ivan Basso
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/TourdeCalifStageIvanBassosm.jpg

Rasmussen and Rabobankhttp://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/TourdeCalifStageRabobanksm.jpg

Were I sat from the finish - I can't remember ever being so cold!!!!
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/TofCStage7WhereIsatsm.jpg

[bcipam]

A few more. Not the greatest but gives you an idea of what went on.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/TourdeCalifStagediscosmall.jpg

Bobby Julich signing autographs
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/TourdeCalifStageBJulichsmall.jpg

Brian Vandborg - the riders were everywhere. At one point a rider came up to me stopped and used my shoulder to balance. He was very attractive but too close for a photo. As he rode away I realized it was Thor Horsvold!!!
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/TourdeCalifStageBrianVandborgsm.jpg

[slinkedog]

BC68, thanks for the amazing write up and slide show! I can't wait to show my husband all your amazing photos!

Pam, that's way too exciting about Thor! Sigh. I like Thor. ;)

[Bluetree]

I hope you enjoy the photo show... :)

That was awesome. You really get a new perspective on all the stuff that goes on to put on a bike race!
BTW, What kind of frames were those bikes on top? I noticed the components were SRAM Rival.

[bikerchick68]

bcipam... cool pics! The one of Bobby J is really good. He's HOT! :D How cool that Thor used you for support... he's a big guy compared to a lot of the other riders... impressive how fast he can go considering his comparative size...

Slinke thanks! I had fun putting the show together... good thing they only allow 100 pics or you'd all still be watching... LOL!

Bluetree... those are the new Cannondale frames. Cannondale custom paints them for Mavic and then they add their badges. The Cannondale logo is still there but painted the same color as the bike... it's a pretty cool setup. They have custom gearing that can be used quickly for any rider... campy or shimano makes no dif... and they have setups for climbing, sprinting etc. Fascinating to listen to the guys explain it to people asking. Wish I understood it all better. If you ever see the Mavic group out, stop and talk to them. They like answering questions for people... it's good for them and good for the fans of racing...:)

[Bluetree]

One more question, albeit a silly one...

How do you pronounce Mavic? I've heard people say Mah-vic, May-vic... etc.

Boy, did I get grief when I pronounced SRAM "S-RAM", which was the way everyone I knew pronounced it. It is simply... "Sram'

:rolleyes:

[slinkedog]

We always say, "mah-VEEK." Don't know if it's right or not. :)

[bikerchick68]

Mavic... like havoc... :)

here's what it stands for:

Manufacture d'Articles Vélocopediques Idoux et Chanel (French wheel manufacturer)

(I googled something one day and stumbled across that... ;) ) and the history:

Two brothers, Léon and Laurent Vielle, created a 'nickel-plating' business in 1889. A little later Charles Idoux and Lucien Chanel ventured into the 'manufacture and the sale of spare parts for bicycles'.
While the Vieille brothers founded Etablissements Métallurgiques du Rhône (EMR) with the brand name AVA, the latter created MAVIC, Manufacture d’Articles Vélocipédiques Idoux et Chanel (Idoux & Chanel’s Manufactory of Articlesfor Velocipedes). The common factor between these two businesses was their President, Henry Gormand.

[HappyAnika]

http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/tour-of-ca-2007/normal_tour-of-ca-2007-09.jpg
Bobby Julich and a few other assorted pros. :p



*Wiping the drool from my keyboard*

[Trek420]

Took a walk at lunch, on my way back into the building one of my co-workers stops me and very seriously asks "Were you on that ride I saw on TV, they went up to Santa Rosa, now they head down to LA and ...."

:confused: :rolleyes: :confused:

"those are men, the top international pro racers. I ride 2 miles to work and back."

"But you did that ride this weekend too? :confused:"

"No"

[mimitabby]

Took a walk at lunch, on my way back into the building one of my co-workers stops me and very seriously asks "Were you on that ride I saw on TV, they went up to Santa Rosa, now they head down to LA and ...."

:confused: :rolleyes: :confused:

"those are men, the top international pro racers. I ride 2 miles to work and back."

"But you did that ride this weekend too? :confused:"

"No"
Cute, Trek.

[KnottedYet]

Betcha he was asking about the ALC.

Go smile sweetly at him and explain what you are going to do this summer. And drop off a pledge form while you're at it....:D

[snapdragen]

Took a walk at lunch, on my way back into the building one of my co-workers stops me and very seriously asks "Were you on that ride I saw on TV, they went up to Santa Rosa, now they head down to LA and ...."



Yep. My brother asked why I wasn't riding the TOC......;)

[Deanna]

Took a walk at lunch, on my way back into the building one of my co-workers stops me and very seriously asks "Were you on that ride I saw on TV, they went up to Santa Rosa, now they head down to LA and ...."

:confused: :rolleyes: :confused:

"those are men, the top international pro racers. I ride 2 miles to work and back."

"But you did that ride this weekend too? :confused:"

"No"

Hee Hee. I got asked this once, my husband, who is an amateur racer, gets asked a lot. One of his band mates asks repeatedly,even so far as "Do you race against any people in the Tour day France?"

We now just ask him why he's not in the Masters or the US Open (he's a golfer, so whatever tournament is going on at time).

[Adventure Girl]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k186/jobob22/ToC_Solvang_23Feb2007/Jens.jpgWould the guy in the middle be "Jensbob"?:rolleyes:

[jobob]

But of course !!

gahhhhhhh

[maillotpois]

Jensbob!!

LOL!!! I love it AG!

[caligurl]

ahhhhhhh.... bc68.... you rode saturday... not sunday! i kept looking for you in the mavic cars as they passed on sunday..... THAT's why i didn't see you!

i hope you weren't with the driver that almost crashed on sunday! YIKES! (or hopefully he drove better on saturday!) he was driving soooooo freaking fast we all heard the screaching of the tires and looked to see the mavic car almost lose control! the worst part... it wasn't like it was his first time around the track... he knew that curve was there! it woulda been really ugly with the spectators if he has crashed.....