Stage 2: Gunny to Aspen

The start at Stage 2 was fun.  Up close to all the riders: great photo ops, and the air was full of electrical energy!  Rain at the finish made it real interesting.  Having  to get a good angle,  the right exposure, which lens for the shot, and then the rain.  It made it fun.

Seeing Hincapei  take the stage was GREAT!  He's a hard riding guy.  Well deserved in my humble opinion.

The crowds are really supportive and get into the race.  The crowds at "La Tour" have nothing on these folks.  They Love  racing and Love the riders.....all of them!

The Media is in the Jerome Hotel. Nice digs, and they have the best ranch dressing I think I've ever had.  This race is professionally run.


On the to Aspen,  I drove over Kebler Pass. The shortest distance to Aspen from Gunnison.  The county had watered down the dirt road, making it slick, which was unfortunate for one motorcyclist that had slide off road and down a twenty foot embankment full of brush and trees.  Tom survived as did his girlfriend.  The bike did not.  It could have been much worst for both of them.  Tom stayed back with the State Trooper to complete the investigation while his girlfriend went on to Aspen.  Lucky, Tom was going almost at a stop when the bike hit the deck and began to slide, so no citation.  He flagged me down and I gave him a ride to his place in Aspen.  As it turned out, he is good friends with one of the exec's for the race.  We had a nice chat about the race, family, and life.   He offered to bring me into the VIP tent at the start, but when I told him I had a press pass, he understood I had a better seat.  He yelled to me from the VIP tent.  He and his girlfriend were doing fine and enjoying the race.

At the Pb-ville Hostel, I met three guys riding their bikes, following the race.  They started in Colorado Springs.  One is from Chicago, but the altitude doesn't seem to be bothering him, even with a bike laden with tent, gear, and food. These guys were fun to talk with, full of life and positive energy.  They shared their beer, I shared my 'Malt Vinegar and Salt" chips (I don't always share these, they are a vice for me).  To be in my twenties again with my spirit now: that is a scary thought  :) 

If being in the Rockies for a World Class Bike Race wasn't enough, this trip continues to put new faces in front of me  that inspire. 

Here are today's pic.

Tomorrow, the Vail TT.