Cassandra

I got up early this morning to get ready to go to Ward Council, as I am eating breakfast, my phone rings. JD is calling me from the Champs Elysees, the final circuit of the TdF. In talking with him, he mentioned that he had stood road side at the Tour of California and that there is no comparison with TdF. The air in Paris was electric and crazy. TdF sponsors drove by throwing hats, shirts, and other items to the fans. The riders had not arrived yet but the anticipation was palpable. Thanks JD for taking the time to bring me in to the final stage of TdF.

Craig asked me about a week ago while a rider needs a team at TdF. I tried to explain it to him but finally said "let's watch." Team CSC showed why a team is needed as they put a hurting on the other contenders through the domestique's high tempo and punishing rides. By the time the final time trial came along, Evans and Menchov had nothing left. If this had been the first week of the Tour, Evans pulls back Sastre. Due to the pain that the riders of CSC inflicted, Cadel did not have a chance although I hoped he could. Congrats to Team CSC on the excellent TdF win. Cycling really is a team sport.

Speaking of a team sport, the Chilly C Cycling team rode out from Laurelwood on Saturday morning for a spin around Hagg Lake. The ride did not disappoint. We saw several deer, running along the side of the road. The lake and surrounding scenery was beautiful. Cas and I did some hill work, pushing the tempo hard up the hill and cruising down the back side of them. The C did well also, especially after the bike change. We rolled back to Laurelwood after 28 miles of the Oregon countryside. Cas and I decided to ride the 18 miles back home. She learned a little about drafting and paceline riding and we made it back in an hour. Not bad for a 13 year old and her third real ride. Nice! She did get tired on the last bit of rollers into Newberg but we got it done. All told we did 46 miles. We will be ready for the Tour de Stake in mid-August. I am excited to maybe have another cyclist in the family. Craig is next then we will have four. He is already showing interest. Yes!

For me, I rode 116 miles. This next week will be tough with girls camp. But, I'll figure out a way to get in the miles.