Tour of California - Stage 1

Finally, finally I got to see a stage of the Tour of California up-close and personal! Yippee!!! The conditions were FAR from ideal with chilly temps and constant rain coming down at a substantial pace. Lana and I arrived at the women's criterium as they were finishing their first lap. As we approached and they passed, five women crashed out (it was a straight-away), so I'm not sure if that had to do with slick road or sketchy bike handling (don't forget this is one of the first crits of the season for most of the racers). Other than that crash, it appeared there may not have been many more as the race wore on, the field size stayed constant. 

The pace was very high and the talent deep in the women's field. It was awesome to spectate and be able to appreciate what happens out there from a different vantage point. They must have been so miserable out there, though, it was not fun to be on the sidelines and the field hit a corner every 15 seconds for one hour (assuming 2 minute laps). 

Now to the men...we were dying of hunger by the time the women's race was over (breakfast was an apple) so we needed to hunt down food. Not easy driving through Santa Rosa with the blocked streets and all of the good places seemed to be closed. Finally, we ended up at a restaurant, that, unbeknownst to us, was next to where the men would be doing their final three circuit laps in a couple of hours! 

I wandered along the circuit, enjoying the crowds of people lining the course and imbibing the energy and excitement of being at a race. The rain actually subsided, too, long enough to lure me outside without a rain jacket. The men finally came in (after the rain started dumping again), Mancebo ahead by minutes and two chase groups, the first of which held Lance...there were lots of other big names up there, but it's really hard to see anyone for any period of time going at the speeds they're going. I got lots of pics but am not in the position to upload any right now. Will post everything more soon. 

It was a super exciting finish (I couldn't see the finish so wasn't sure if Mancebo had out sprinted two men who had bridged up to him). Unfortunately, though, it rained and rained and it's still raining and raining. Tomorrow I wanted to ride up to a really cool climb they're doing, but at this rate, it sounds ridiculous. 

Tonight Lana and I cooked dinner (pasta) and we hung out with her group of friends, watched a movie and hung out until everyone who has to work tomorrow decided it was wise to go to bed. And now, it's wise for me to hit the hay, as well. Good night!