ATOC Stage 3 @ Bonny Doon

Today, Rick and I went to watch the Tour of California come over Bonny Doon. I predicted this would be a strategic spot in the race so we would get to see some good action.

We parked at Rick's FIL's house in Boulder Creek and went up the back side of the hills to get to the race route. We took Jamison Creek Road which is one of the toughest things I've ever climbed. I had to stop about 5 times to catch my breath and slow down my heart. Here's an elevation chart comparing it to North Gate Road.




Then, Rick broke his pedal! The pedal body came off the spindle and wouldn't stay on so he was able to sort of keep it together with his foot but he essentially rode up Jamison one legged... truly impressive!


Product Review: Look Keo Pedals... see for yourself.

We got to the KOM site pretty early and staked out a good spot.

We saw the guy inflating this gorilla and were a little concerned that he would hit the power lines but he was a real pro.

And it was too good of a photo op to bypass.

Twice.

The ATOC site is full of pleadings not to paint the road.

This guy said it was just chalk... does chalk come in a spray can?

They also had a souvenier store at the summit... didn't seem to be doing much business.

This kid and his family though were really raking it in. Their house was right on the route. Bagel - $1, Water - $1.50; my contribution to the entreprenurial spirit.

Better get some more photos before it gets crowded.

And then some fast exciting racing happened!

OOhh, captured a superstar.

The ubiquitous Elk Man.

He was quite the celebrity.

Screen shot of Versus coverage - that's me and Rick holding the California Republic flag on the left.

My closeup and moment in history.

Solar Recumbulators and Broken Cleats

Couldn't convince these horses to look up for a photo.





Saw this trailer with two solar powered vehicles on it at the Gate. Looks like combination human and motor power to the front two wheels, steering from the rear. Guy said he was from "sendei?" motors and these were prototypes and they were going to be shooting video today.

Got another close-up at Livermore Overlook where they had parked.

Not too practical, but a tinkerer's dream.

Wildlife Encounter: black eared jackrabbit near Arroyo

So I was a little early and had a head start, JB and Peter rolled in to the Junction after I'd been there a while.

Then I went on up Summit Road, and got a little ways past Juniper and stopped to take some photos from this cool angle:

Then I tried to go up farther but somehow managed to break my cleat. Made for a long, uncomfortable, cautious descent, and sketchy ride home.

I'd been looking for a good reason to put on the new ones I bought a few months ago anyway... looks like I waited one ride too long.

2010 WNR 02

Came across Reese Witherspoon stopped on the shoulder just past the double dips and she accepted my offer of assistance. She had a double flat and only one CO2 cart so I donated one of mine and a spare tube for the cause.

Lots of Taleo riders, Club Sport riders, and unattached riders all started up in big bunches. Most of them were in much more of a hurry than we were.

Wildlife Encounter: one deer way off the road eating grass.

A guy with triathlon handlebars passed me up the Bump in his full aero position and I was pretty impressed, but he turned around before the Washout and came back down.
Great weather, too many bugs.

G-J-TP-J-G

I gave Levi Leipheimer a HammerGel as he went by, and he yelled "HEY, Diablo Scott!...
JB and Peter were just leaving as I got to the Gate about 8:03. JB's been sick so I thought I could keep up with him... not quite.

Mark H had started up early... he's getting fast enough he doesn't need to do that anymore. We didn't see him until Junction.

We all split up at Junction, I went down the South Side to the Tire Poppers and turned around to re-Junction.

Stopped for a Spy Cam session on the way down. Caught these riders in the act of enjoying the Mountain.

DIABLO SPY CAM:

On the way down North Gate Road there were at least 50 riders coming up... I don't think I've ever seen more riders on the Mountain other than the Diablo Challenge. We rule!