Tour of California: Stage 5

Note: Click here for my post on Stages 3 & 4, and here for Stages 1 & 2. It's worth it trust me :)

Stage 5: Visalia to Paso Robles

Once again we have sun for the stage start! Visalia is another nice cycling town. Wide lanes, smooth roads, and plenty of bike lanes. So I brought out my Giant for another pre-race ride. Rode around the course a little, with the usual comments from people thinking I'm a rider. Truth be told, security is so low at every single stage that if I came in a team's kit I could easily make my way to the starting line. If I was in actual race condition, and I had the $10,000 dollars or so to buy the team bike, then it might be worth trying it out for the start.

But on to the big news of the day, I met another incredible influence of mine...George Hincapie! For the normal people (non-cycling freaks), he was a domestique for Lance back in the day, and really could have been in the top of the sport had it not been for a few strokes of bad luck.

Awkward angle of me posing with George (I had my bike to hold onto and he was behind the barricades)

So let's recap...I have gotten up close and personal with Bob Roll, Johan Bruyneel, Lance, and George Hincapie...could life get any better? Apparently so as Mark Cavendish, winner of Stage 4 and 5 came up next!

Unbelievable...getting to give my words of luck to the fastest man in the world pre-race

In last minute fashion though, my encounter with Columbia-Highroad left me with only a few minutes to spare before the start so I gritted my teeth and flew through the empty streets.

Stage 5 start in Visalia

Have no idea who this is or why he was last in the pack and looking back for somebody or something

Overall though, the start was one of the worst logistically speaking. They only did one lap, and it was way too long so people were spread out way too far too. Oh well, there's always next year.

So back on the road I went, heading towards Paso Robles. I found a good spot along the way with a moderate climb and two curves, so figured I'd camp out for the pack. Definitely glad I did.

WTF? Mere minutes before the pelaton came through this truck was headed straight for them!

There was a six man break that came through first

The pelaton

Yes, that is Lance. And yes, that is my Element. Incredible.

What can I say? Another amazing fulfilling day on the Tour. I skipped the finish, since I wouldn't have been able to make it anyways being behind the pack. Heard that Cavendish took first again...insane!

Tomorrow will be my first time trial for professional cycling, and it could completely change the GC. Solvang tomorrow at Noon. If you can get off work and watch it at home then do it! If not, at least pretend like you are working and watch it at the Tour California website. If I have service, I'll be twittering my location so look for me!

Until tomorrow (or next internet connection)...