Saturday, February 25, 2006

Colors of the Peloton


The Tour of California came right through Thousand Oaks today and I was there to see it. I got out and rode today the usual hills through and around Thousand Oaks. I must have been motivated because I rode at least 1 MPH faster around the same course. The hills were still difficult and painful. The layoff from the road did not help but it did not really affect my strength. My average BPH was 147 for the 2 hours on the bike and 35 miles. Here is a mental image for all of y'all. Although I will be in Pink, I will cross the finish line, arms raised in triumph. My jersey is below, as race champion.

I stopped at the very end of my ride, about a mile from the Moorpark/Olsen interchange. It was interesting to watch residents curse the Police when the Police would not let them turn into their neighborhood because the race was coming. There were tons of motorcycles, police cars and police motorcycles, tour vehicles, and cyclists on the road. After waiting for 30 minutes, they finally showed up. It was neat to see a break away of one come first and then to see the Peloton in full chase as it was near the end of the race. The colors and bikes of the Peloton was impressive as was the team cars and all of their equipment. It was inspiring. What also was inspiring was the amount of people out on the road cheering the race on. Granted, this is no Alp Duez with its chaos but this was Americans out to see road racing. It was great. As I started home, people were cheering me on as they were still sitting there. I ate it up, waving at kids and fans alike. I am glad I got to see it. It was worth the wait and the ride.

Here's the jersey. Yoda and JD better start now 'cause the pain is coming. I am inspired. De Colores of the Peloton has reinvigorated OB1, even in the third person. Y'all betta re..cog..NIZE!!

1 comment:

TexasIronMan said...

The only thing you and the jersey have in common is....you both are "YELLOW":) The only thing you'll see is poka dots come August!