TandemHearts

Tour of California 2006

February 25th, 2006

For weeks we’ve felt like the kid in Breaking Away – “The Italians are Coming! The Italians are coming!” Actually, the best in world are coming. The Amgen Tour of California is a week long stage race from San Francisco to Redondo Beach. Several big European teams have come to enjoy the fine California weather with a few domestic teams. We went to Santa Rosa for the finish of Stage One, but the big day for us was Stage Two. Stage Two included Sierra Road, a brutal 10% grade (with a few sections even steeper) for 3.6 miles. Thom did it in 43 minutes with 10 pounds of camera gear on the bike. The pros did it in about 15 minutes.

  • The Specialized Angel blows kisses at the KOM on Sierra Road.
  • Mark Walters (Navigators) and Fabian Cancellara (CSC)  look on as Stuart O'Grady (CSC) looks back in disbelief at the Angel of the tour.
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A Small Crash and New Bike

February 12th, 2006

While I was in Australia (someday I’ll get the photos up), a 7 year old slammed into my bicycle and damaged the frame. I replaced it when I got home with another Rivendell Rambouillet. It took a while to get it set up just the way I wanted for commuting. I splurged for a very nice Berthoud bike bag and left the fenders their native silver.

The photo links to the gallery.

  • Bags matched and ready to go. The mud flap doesn't match, but what can you do?
  • I don't really like handlebar bags, so this came off right after I finished taking photos.
  • Brooks, makers of fine comfortable saddles, now has available in the US some matching leather bar tape. This stuff is great. It has a little more cushion than cloth, and maybe the same as co ...

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Devil Mountain Dummy Part II

February 4th, 2006

Training Continues

I have yet to have a week when I have been able to follow the actual training plan. The rest of my life keeps intruding.

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