Tour of California

[Veronica]

Thanks - Thom's not happy with them. 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]

So 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!

[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.

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. (I'm in the yellow to the left of him)

[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.

[jobob]

woo-woo! 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.