Tour of California: Stages 3 & 4

Top of the 1st climb

Stage 3

Surprise, surprise...it's pouring out! This is getting ridiculous...I'm sure the European riders are probably wondering when they get to see the beautiful beaches and warm weather that California is known for. Will probably make them think twice about coming back next year!

With the pelaton hitting a category 1 climb just 5 miles from the start of today's stage, I knew exactly where I wanted to be. So I got up early and started the climb up Sierra Road before they shut it down. All I kept thinking about as my car sloooowly climbed was how much worse could it get? It was freezing cold out, pouring rain, blowing wind, and now they had to put the guys through a Cat 1 climb with around 9% grade!

So I sat at the top overlooking San Jose for about four hours as we all waited for the riders to make it. First man up? Fabien Cancellera once again. He got the KOM award, then quietly slipped back in the pack and took it easy the rest of the race...smart man.

It was 42 degrees Farenheit with 15 mph winds and raining...ridiculous! Just look at their faces!

Only thing worse than climbing a mountain like this is being behind the pelaton by yourself. These guys are digging deep!

As soon as the main pack flew by, I hopped in my car and booked it to the finish in Modesto. Got there about an hour before the riders, and guess what? It was raining! Miraculously though, as they drew near the rain stopped and this glowing ball of fire showed up in the sky...something I hadn't seen or felt in days!

Stage 4


Strange thing happened today. I wasn't awoken by rain drops or howling wind. Instead, the unfamiliar Sun was shining brightly over the town of Merced. Today would be a good day.

It was time to finally bust out my ride. I had kept her dormant due to the insanely crappy conditions the last few days. That was it though, sedentary no more would I be.

Let me elaborate a little on the town of Merced if any of you are planning a vacation there (note sarcasm). For the most part, the people are incredibly friendly and hospitable. But that was about all it had going for it. The actual town was about as charming as the Palm Desert on a hot day. It just lacked any architectural genius, and things seemed to be too crowded.

Needless to say, I hopped in the saddle and test drove the downtown section of the course before the riders. Let me tell you, riding on car-less roads is a thing of utter beauty that should be experienced by everyone. I was the only cyclist on the road and almost felt like I was riding the race myself, as all of the spectators and volunteers camped out cheered me on. It didn't matter that my legs were burning, I pushed as hard as I could. So I can definitely relate to how the pros get that extra surge up the climbs and at the finish with big crowds...they are key to a good race!

Despite my first impressions on the town, the start was pretty decent. They did three laps around downtown and had a ton of people show up. Also, the streets are super wide and perfect for cycling.

One thing I have noticed is how relaxed security is compared to European races. If this was the Giro or TdF, you'd be lucky to get a glimpse of the riders outside of the race. Here, I see riders both pre and post race riding the streets by themselves. Often times they are just trying to find their hotel after a brutal day in the saddle, much like someone who has had a few too many beers in an unfamiliar town.

It was pretty funny, because I couldn't tell you how many times I was asked if I was a racer. Obviously by people who are not as up to snuff in the pro cycling world, since last time I checked there is no Spokes of Wheaton pro team. Or my favorite when people start talking to me like I'm a rider without asking. "How are the legs? Good luck today! Which way do you guys go? Do you guys start on time?" Good stuff :)

As close as I got to the Sierras

As much as I would have loved to make it into the Sierras to see them race in the snow, there was only one access road so it was not meant to be. So I headed on down to the finish in Clovis, which was actually pretty cool.


Despite having preconceived notions of the Fresno area, I found Clovis to be a sweet find. The downtown had character to it, and the crowd was strong! One of the most congested finishes yet. Mostly due to the Livestrong Army I'm sure, but for whatever reason definitely a good thing.

Agreed. Should be a national holiday.

What happens when you bring the biggest bike race in the U.S. to a small town in central Cali? Everyone shows up!

I ended up browsing through all of the bike vendor booths, and mistakingly thought I was in heaven a few times. Oh the bike lust...

Lance's ride (btw - apparently his TT bike has been recovered just in time for Solvang!)

The machine that has been good to Levi

Mark Cavendish once again proved his reign by beating Boonen and Hushovd in the final sprint. He is the fastest man in the world. Will be interesting to see who wins the overall sprinter's jersey.

Levi still the overall leader sends his love my way

It was also good to see Tyler Hamilton up on stage, especially in the Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous jersey since his mom was recently diagnosed with cancer. He used to be a favorite of mine back in Lance's reign of the TdF, but things got muddled after his doping scandal. What matters now is that he is clean, which I believe is the case. He had a rough ride after the allegations, and I'm sure he wouldn't risk that again (I hope!).

Robert Gesink gives a post race interview after taking the Best Young Rider's Jersey

So tomorrow's start is in Visalia, with the finish back in Paso Robles. I'm excited, but even more so for the TT in Solvang. It should be a clear indication of the race winner. Who will it be? Levi? Zabriskie? Armstrong? Stay tuned...