USAPCC - aka Colorado - Spoilers Allowed

[Norse]

It was nice to see big George finally get another win! Also loved the BIG smiles worn by both he and Tejay.

[Kathi]

We went to the TT on Vail Pass today. What an experience. Getting there was as memorable as watching the race. We parked at Copper Mtn. and rode the 6 miles to the top of Vail Pass. It seems lots of others had this idea as there were many groups of cyclists in the parking lot or on their way up the road to the trail. This is the largest number of cyclist I have ever seen on a weekday on this trail. When we got to the top of the pass we had a 4 mile downhill toward Vail. I had not ridden this part of the trail before so I was a little nervous. The trail winds downhill with some steep, sharp curves. At one point we had to detour onto the shoulder of I-70. It's a little freaky riding downhill while big rigs are coming uphill towards you. I have a fear of heights and have freaked out on easier terrain than this so I was very happy that I made it down the pass without blinking an eye.

When we got to the finish line there were bicycles everywhere. The only way to get there was by bike or foot. Most people rode their bikes down. I managed to find a spot in front and I could have reached out and touched all the racers. funny, some racers were smiling when they got to the top, some were definitely in pain.

I got a great picture of Jens Voight and some others. Will post as soon as I figure out who's who.

We were diagonal from the camera so we're thinking we may be visible on tonight's show. I'm wearing a white hat, pink and blue Colorado jersey and am probably the shortest woman in the crowd.

[Cynedra]

I wish I had read this before I watched and then deleted it. Maybe I saw you, not sure. In a interview with Levi, he said you have to be able to descend as well. Good for you for being able to do it. I'm not sure I will able to be good at it, but then I don't have to much chance to work on it either. I remember 16 years ago vacationing in Colorado. I did not take to the altitude well and I don't like heights either, but I still loved it and want to go back. Hopefully, in 2015 or 2016. I want my boys to be old enough to really remember the trip. They are only 4 & 6 right now.

[Kathi]

I'm so excited about today's stage. This is the part of the route I know, all of it. I rode it from my condo in Silverthorne to Steamboat. Also, rode Heeney Road (Green Mtn Reservoir) and Swan Mtn road a couple of weeks ago.

This mornings paper is warning of winds on the east side of Rabbit Ears pass and down into Kremmling. I know of those winds as I got blown off the road climbing the east side of the pass.

I'm also so disappointed that there won't be televised coverage of Rabbit Ears Pass. I love Rabbit Ears, it was the 1st pass I saw on my 1st ski trip to Colorado in the 80's.

My condo is high above the route along Lake Dillon and I have a bird's eye view of the race. Best of both world's, can watch on TV and internet and have a bit of my own private viewing.

Weather report is talking of rain for the finish.

[Cynedra]

That is so cool (dated I know) that you can see it from so many vantage points. I DVRd it, but was able to just catch the ending of it. What an amazing ending of today's stage.

[Mama Coosa]

Indeed. The end of today's stage was intense!

[eofelis]

Just got home from Steamboat Springs where we watched the start this morning!

Took hundreds of pictures in the past 4 days. I'll upload them somewhere and post again soon!

[jessmarimba]

Just got home from the finish! I was watching on the lap part with a woman I met (she was very awesome - I wish I'd gotten her name. Maybe it'll turn out to be one of you guys?)

It was very cool to finally see. They looped past us maybe 6 times? I'm not sure - I left a little early to walk to the finish area. I imagine this was a similar deal to the rest of the stages, but many of the spectators came by bike due to road closures, etc. The festival area at the finish was also pretty cool but very nationally oriented. I'm not sure what the rules were for booth rentals but it would have been neat to see more of the local shops or frame builders, etc. present, rather than just sponsor tents and food vendors. (There was one booth by Spindaroos that some of you guys might already know about - the cutest baby "cycling" apparel ever. They make "team" onesies, and I am absolutely buying one for a friend of mine's newborn).

Anyway, while I'm sure the 5 mile loop at the end got repetitive for the riders it was awesome to spectate, since we could see the progress on both sides of the loop as riders were caught or dropped. Such a fun day!!

[pll]

argh! I missed the stage and I'm sure I won't survive to the replay at 10pm... but at least I did my own ride.

[azfiddle]

I just got bits and pieces through the week, occasionally I could watch after my students left class. Yesterday, my DH and I had an actual date and went to a pub to watch (we don't have cable tv, just internet access) and watched the entire televised part of the stage, and today we watched on NBC at home.

Lots of excitement. Thanks to Phil and Paul, and watching TdF for two years, we have a much better understanding of the ins and outs, so it's more fun.

[Cynedra]

I watched the end at home and then was able to get in a quick 5 mile ride before storms hit again. I might not have worried about it, but I didn't take weather gear for my phone.

I can't get the other race, now what am I going to watch. Ugggh.

It was an awesome race, and I discussed with DH to make at least watching part of one stage live part of a future race. With all the people, etc, I feel confident that the race should continue for years.

[redrhodie]

I missed the last stage due to no power. Levi?

[pll]

Levi first, Vande Velde 2nd, Van Garderen 3rd. Here is a video clip with highlights:
http://www.steephill.tv/usa-pro-cycl...lenge/#spoiler