The Rapture Stage

Well I made it to the start line of stage 7 TOC. I mentioned in an earlier post I might try to get up the legs to climb up to at least Baldy Village but some things are better left to another day and fresher legs. Trust me you'll see it on here when I get the urge to tackle it.

Here is a collection of images from this morning. I only got halfway down the line of buses because I saw the Trek-Leopard bus, which paid off because I got to see Andy Schleck. I also stopped by the HTC bus and caught sight of Bernie Eisel but missed my chance to have my picture with him, ya snooze ya loose. Instead I got some gratuitous shots of him stretching before lining up, I didn't feel like a dirty 'ol cougar, nope, not at all.

Bernie E., no Comment. I'll get in trouble no matter what

Taylor Phinney

Happy Slave Driving Jelly Bean

The Bissell Stable

Oh, oh it's Oreo time

Race Rage

Is it me or is the Giro becoming more boring by the day. I just finished watching stage 13, Grossglockner, the first real big mountain stage. But my initial excitement was deflated on Mt. Etna, I was cursing at the TV, which is a usual occurrence during races, when Cuntador took off and no one could stay on his wheel except little Rujano. And today's stage was a total replay. What made it worse, and I'm going to sound like Cippolini here, Cuntador is a pussy, don't give that guy the stage, if he can beat you make him work for it, you're not winning anyone over by playing the gentleman rider. Meanwhile every other GC contender on the hill looked like their brakes were dragging. I'm upset because Cuntador is turning this tour into a boring, one way, uneventful race, and what's worse is, he's not going to hold his title after he's convicted. So at best, the real tour is between all the riders who are 1-2 minutes behind him. I can't follow a race that way, UCI need to get their heads out of their asses. Make some rules that actually make sense. There is no reason why he should be racing now, look at what happened to Valverde. All his titles for last year were stripped and the real winners didn't get their true rewards. Now that the sprint stages are done, breakaways and the beautiful scenery of Italy are the only thing the Giro has going for it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAV! YOU'RE NOT FAT!

Itsa Italian Import Time

CAV POPS HIS GIRO CHERRY

Good on you Cav. I know I've written in the past about Cavendish being a total pussy, but I'm starting to take a shine to the kid. He's not all that bad actually, like I've mentioned before the peloton needs characters like him just like we need Cancellara's and Millar's. Let's just say I was on the edge of the couch again looking like a jockey riding down the home stretch when Cav was on Petacchi's wheel, brilliant. That's karma for ya.

IT'S ITALIAN IMPORT TIME!

After the heartbreak last week at the Giro I thought it was a good time to finally buy my Madonna Del Ghisallo medal. We all need a little help when out on the open road, hopefully she'll watch over me even though I don't go to mass. I've been wearing it since last night and my neck didn't turn green so good news there. Sorry for the stock photo, I had two glasses of wine with my homemade mac & cheese tonight and I'm feeling a bit loopy, so no real pictures.

Went to Costco with my mom today and we both yelled "Mamma Mia!" in unison when we saw they had Superga shoes. I know the UK has them for sale on every corner, but we have to go to specialty shops to find them. Don't judge me for buying shoes at Costco. I got a white pair by the way.

Don't Hate Me Cause I Suck Wheels

Becky has a word for him,"WHEELSUCKER."

Riding this weekend in Southern California was moist, at least in the mornings. An unreasonable-unseasonable low pressure system has made for wet roads and wet socks too. Went riding Saturday and Sunday with Hubby and he enjoyed the taste of my rear wheel for quite a bit. In the shot above he let up a bit because he knew I was taking a picture. Don't let him fool you. I made myself laugh pretty hard on a semi tough short climb, unfortunately I can't remember what I said to myself. Yes, when I get hungry I get a bit punchy and start talking to myself and I tend to laugh at anything and everything. So maybe it was lame and it's better if I did forget.

Unfortunately on Sunday the Lake Tahoe stage of Tour of California had to be cancelled due to a freaky late season snow. I'm really bummed because I love Tahoe and I think it is one of the most beautiful places in California. I'm also bummed because I made sure I washed the bikes after our ride and got my soup and brownie from Panera so I could watch the tour and enjoy my late lunch. Instead I watched the Tour preview show again. I would love to do the ride around Tahoe in September, sounds like a good birthday present. Hint, hint, hubby, hubby.

Weekend Show and Tell

Lincoln GP 2011 - Rapha Condor Sharp - Chasing the Team from Condor Cycles on Vimeo.

I caught this movie over on Bianchista. I love all things England and I'm not just kissing hiney. After watching the pink hoopla of the Giro it's nice to watch a small homey feeling race. So if you have an extra 8 minutes this weekend, take a peeky.

With the unexpected, unfortunate passing of Wouter Weylandt, Team Leopard-Trek has set up a fund for his family. And over on Stomach Full of Anger I found this shirt that honors Wouter and donates all proceeds to his charity, I ordered mine, get yours.

Wouter Weylandt

Absolutely shocking. Thought and prayers go out to Wouter's family, friends, and teammates. I read on Velonews that his girlfriend is expecting their first child in September, truly heartbreaking.

As for the television coverage I can't explain the feeling I got watching the live footage. What was the camera man thinking, what was the editing room thinking? In a moment like that when you come upon that scenario, use some common sense. It made me sick to my stomach all morning, not too mention worrying about who it was and if their family was watching. I pray they weren't watching.

That Other Race In May

Yes, there is another race that takes place in May, and for those who fear the color pink and masochistic mountain stages this one might be more your flavor. It also takes place in my native land, the Republic of California. One stage is actually 1/2 an hour away so I'm debating- linger and stalk riders in the staging area or actually put in some effort and climb part of the stage. Unfortunately it's not a sprinters stage. It's the much talked about Mt. Baldy mountain stage. A real mountain top finish, not like last year's Big Bear finish where it pussed out in the end. I actually went to that one but all I saw was a blur of neon green (Peter Sagan) whiz by and helicopters hovering above. No the Baldy stage is pretty promising, besides, there's family history on that mountain. My great grandma was the principal and teacher at the little school in the village and my great aunt's family used to own the trout farm. I have a couple weeks to decide, stay tuned.

I'm pretty damn lucky to live were I live, that's all I have to say. Beautiful coastlines, mountains, um desert? (I can take that one or leave it) and quiet country roads if you look hard enough. Next time you hear me complain about California, give me a slap. Not too hard, and not in the face, that's how I makes my livin's.

2011 Tour of California — Intro from RAPHA on Vimeo.

I haven't posted lately because the Rapha Continental put out their Tour of California movies. Love 'em. They covered four stages of the tour and shared their adventures with us by way of photos, video, and words. It's really worth a peek. Upon reading I'm happy to find out that I'm not the only one in the world who stops and picks up random objects while out riding about. Cole Maness (the mustachioed man) picks flowers, collects feathers, and who knows what else while riding. I bet he's never found a perfect avocado, yeah he probably has.