Sunday, February 18, 2007
It's about two months away but I am really getting excited about the return of the Tour of California. That would be the premier cycling event in the United States. Now the good citizens of Georgia and Philadelphia might argue that their events are older and more prestigious, but c'mon now!How's that for California arrogance?!!! And anyhow, what's with calling it the Tour de Georgia?! Since when is French the official language of Georgia. Tour Of California, nice ring to it!
Last year was amazing as it was my first procycling event that I have ever attended. I have watched many on the television, but never have I felt the excitement of a live event.
I was privileged to see the start of the stage two right through the heart of Martinez. The peloton did a couple of parade laps right in downtown Martinez so we were able to view the riders at a slower, more relaxed pace a couple of times!I was lucky to attend the start with my best friend Joe for two reasons. The first is very practical. Joe knew just where to park, so we would not get a ticket, nor have our cars towed. Very cool!
The second and more important reason was and is Joe is indeed my best friend. Just for reference, I have been friends with Joe for, ahem, 38 years. And he's put up with me for all these decades. I don't nearly get enough time to spend with him as we both have families to attend to and our (maybe it's just mine) work seems to get more and more involved. But I think Joe could see how excited I was to see many of these riders I just have viewed on OLN and to experience it with him was awesome!After the parade laps, which I must say were very cool, Joe and I said our goodbyes (Joe had work). Like a crazed maniac I drove to Lafayette to view the peloton again. The following little video is what I saw in Lafayette.
