Amgen TOC Stage 4

When I finally got to the top of Sierra Road, drenched in sweat (bike time 57 minutes; sigh), there was my friend PP and The Boyfriend, a truly welcoming sight. Damn fine looking stud.

Me: On the way up, I met all these guys!
The BF: I thought you were going into menopause, you know, the pause from men.
Me: You tickle me pink with your humor, Mister! I'm just getting hornier as I get hotter!
He: Sigh.
Me: And to think, I'm only in the early stages.
He: Truly frightening.
Me: Oh by the way, you may want to start taking a mega vitamin.




Lookey, it's Sharkie. He patted me on the head. That's probably code for something. The BF is shaking his head. Sharkie was super. Okay, enough about me because today, like the previous stages, and the upcoming stages of the Amgen Tour of California is all about the fabulous cyclists participating in this wonderful cycling event.





They're coming! They're coming!






It was truly exciting as a sea of cyclists swarmed past us. I simply can not fathom how cyclists are able to bike so close to one another. I can't fathom a lot of things but that's another story.





A close up of them, their arms glistening. Being so near to them, being able to watch this short leg of today's stage was indeed a wonderful experience. Here's to the rest of the tour! Thanks to Adobe Tracker (for whom I once worked) for allowing those of us who don't have cable to watch it on the computer.

Sunbathing on Sierra Road

It was so hot climbing Sierra Road today that I should have worn my bikini. I had to unzip my jersey to my belly button. Did I mention the number of male cyclists who stopped to take in "the view?"

I discovered that listening to classical music while doing a difficult climb is wonderful. I struggled but I did not feel the usual frustration.



Oh dear, even the Moo Moos were faster than me.




Oh dear, even the turkeys moved faster than me.





Oh dear, even the lone turkey who took the road less traveled was faster than me.





At the top, documenting a red and sweaty face. Alas I needed to stop several times as I climbed but I could tell that my miniscule muscles are gathering strength.

One last view before the descent. Despite the haze, I could see Lick Observatory atop Mt. Hamilton though I didn't take a photo. Flying down Calaveras, sometimes at 33 mph (no doubt others would go even faster) is worth the pain of Sierra! I misjudged a corner, badly, but you should have seen the tank tires in action. I could feel them gripping the road and self correcting what might have been a rather horrible mishap. I fell in love with them.

The 17 mile loop took 2 hours. I know. Sigh.

Tour of California Stage 3

While The Boyfriend was stationed at the top of Sierra Road enjoying his view and the excitement of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California Stage 3, Lorraine and I were getting ours, up close and personal, in our cozy cubicles. Need I say more.... Thank you Adobe (my former employer) TourTracker for providing us with nonstop video and audio feed of the tour and of course the camera persons. The two guys covering the tour are fabulous as well. Lorraine and I remained and will remain glued to our computers except for restroom breaks and library related crises.

From the start of today's stage out of Modesto, it was nonstop action and breaktaking scenery. The aerial shots of Mt. Hamilton and Sierra Road were spectacular. Lorraine, a noncyclist, got it that the climbs were difficult. These guys make it look effortless as they glide gracefully like ballerinas in a beautifully orchestrated movement of precision and inner strength. It is a joy to watch.

Once the cyclists began their descent from Sierra Road, we walked over to the finish area near City Hall in downtown San Jose. We positioned ourselves at 2nd Street so we could watch them come along the corner and stream down to the finish. First the two leads came and then several batches and next, individuals alone and then, a lovely small peleton in a sweet formation and lastly, the few remaining souls. The crowd cheered for each and every rider and we hope they know that. Unlike last year when they came flying through in a blur, this year, they seemed a bit slower (caution, we're still talking soaring speeds) and we were able to distinguish who was who; clearly the addition of Mt. Hamilton had an effect on this year's route.

We salute the cyclists in today's arduous journey and look forward to the remaining stages. We hope the pros know that they have brightened our day and we're glad they're here in California.

Tomorrow is another day and we'll be right there with you.

Mysteries of Life

There are many mysteries in life. The sudden extinction of dinosaurs being one. Figuring out who will finish last in a Low Key Hillclimb event is not one of them. Sigh. Week 8 featured Sierra Road for the next to last Low Key Hillclimb. Results and photos are posted. When I arrived at the top, the nice volunteer said, "Are you the last? Is there anyone behind you?" Oh, he must be new ... sigh. What can I say. I fell behind, way behind. The photo below of me is classic -- a behind shot. Still, the event was wonderful with 104 cyclists participating and yes, that means I was the 104th person to finish. The Boyfriend (who looked mighty fine) was waiting for me at the top. Sweet, eh. The pain, the agony of defeat and all that other blah are worth it for the descent down the other side.

Chipping

Sunday bike ride report:

Snapped a photo of San Jose from top of Sierra Road. I had to walk parts of Sierra but eventually I made it to the top where The Boyfriend was waiting and waiting....

Today's ride took us from Sierra Road to Calaveras Road and Reservoir, over to Sunol and Niles Canyon; about 48.5 miles. I averaged 11.5 mph and that number would have been higher had we not included Sierra Road. I found this cyclist's photo of Calaveras when it is green and included it in this post.

Also affecting our speed today -- the appearance of "chipping." Chipping, you ask, what's that? Ah, apparently, chipping is a British word and what we understand as gravel. You see, Calaveras was strewn with chipping, slowing down our speed. Okay, then, your inquiring mind wants to know: What is their term for paint chippings? Heck if I know.

Next weekend, we're off to do the Marin Century (though I'm doing the metric).

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Okay, great song, wrong road. Finally, The Boyfriend gave me copies of the photos taken when we biked Sierra Road several weeks ago. This is one tough ride for me, at least. Naturally The Boyfriend sailed up to the top -- see him there in the photo, or at least I think that's him. I was my usual slow pokey self wondering if my dinky muscles would get me up. I did, I did, though with numerous short breaks. The descent on the other side is an absolute thrill and worth the strain of Sierra.

Amgen Tour of California Stage 3

Wednesday, Lorraine and I waited at City Hall, the finish line for Stage 3 of the Amgen Tour of California. The crowd was enthusiastic and the clouds threatening. It was exciting to witness this tour in its second year.


The San Jose Mercury News is posting photos of the tour by amateur photographers. Mike Kolesnik shot the photo of the cyclists climbing Sierra Road. The photo of the bystanders is a Merc photo on today's front page. Don Ho captured the cyclists on 2nd Street and Taylor, downtown San Jose. You'll find hundreds of photos on Smugmug and Flickr as well. Michelle Ross has some nice photos of cyclists on Sierra Road. Michael Suvihura has photos of the various stages. Videos and a live stream are available on the Tour of California webpage.