So, I was fortunate enough to catch stage 3 of the TOC this year. I decided to climb to the top of Mt Hamilton and watch from there. I took video of the lead group and photos after that. I can't seem to post the video here but the photos are pretty cool anyway. I rode 20 miles to reach the summit of the climb and the last 6 miles to Mt Hamilton are very hard. The crowds were having a great time, even cheering me on as I rode past them. The energy was great and there's no doubt this is a special race. Enjoy!
George is dropped by the lead group but catches back on and attack before the final climb.
Bobby Julich is off the back here, at the top of Mt Hamilton.
Fabian Cancellara and Jens Voight are off the pace too, but Cancellara stays within striking distance of Levi on this stage. These guys are bad asses for sure. I like this photo because it shows the determination of the two of them.
Jason McCartney. I love this photo because it gives some idea as to how high this climb is.
Oscar Freire! It is him, but I didn't know he was even in the race. The picture is a blur because I quickly realized I wanted this shot. Freire is one of my all time favorite riders. As far as I could tell he was climbing pretty well on this day. He finished 22nd, 4:20 down. Okay stoners, you can giggle now. I'll wait............................................. Let's move on.
I didn't see Paolo Bettini coming. He's very small and was hiding behind a car or motorcycle or something. I took this picture very quickly and as a result this one also is a bit blurry. He was almost 20 min back at the end of the day but, whatever, he's the current world and Olympic champion. enough said!!!
A group chasing. I must admit the Rock Racing kit is one of the best looking in the peleton. As Chipo Models below. (not my photo)
Not the best shot of the two of them. Looks like they're having fun though.
Finally, Bradley Wiggins. He ended the day in the autobus that is just behind him here.
The start
Saturday, Jim and I went to Portland and did the Ronde Van Portlandia. This ride was hard with 2 long climbs that required walking by most people. You can view photos of the ride at http://www.dmroth.com/ronde_08/ronde08.html . I don't think we ever had any flat roads at all. We were climbing or descending the entire 50 miles. At the end I said I would never do it again but with time to get over it I now feel I need to go back and conquer the big climbs.
George is dropped by the lead group but catches back on and attack before the final climb.
Bobby Julich is off the back here, at the top of Mt Hamilton.
Fabian Cancellara and Jens Voight are off the pace too, but Cancellara stays within striking distance of Levi on this stage. These guys are bad asses for sure. I like this photo because it shows the determination of the two of them.
Jason McCartney. I love this photo because it gives some idea as to how high this climb is.
Oscar Freire! It is him, but I didn't know he was even in the race. The picture is a blur because I quickly realized I wanted this shot. Freire is one of my all time favorite riders. As far as I could tell he was climbing pretty well on this day. He finished 22nd, 4:20 down. Okay stoners, you can giggle now. I'll wait............................................. Let's move on.
I didn't see Paolo Bettini coming. He's very small and was hiding behind a car or motorcycle or something. I took this picture very quickly and as a result this one also is a bit blurry. He was almost 20 min back at the end of the day but, whatever, he's the current world and Olympic champion. enough said!!!
A group chasing. I must admit the Rock Racing kit is one of the best looking in the peleton. As Chipo Models below. (not my photo)
Not the best shot of the two of them. Looks like they're having fun though.
Finally, Bradley Wiggins. He ended the day in the autobus that is just behind him here.
