2009 Tour of California Bike Race

Final Stage

    World class stage racing came to San Diego yesterday as the Tour of California left from Rancho Bernardo under fluffy low clouds to attack a 96-mile route that included a climb up Palomar Mountain. (hors category)  The hills were carpeted green after the recent rains and the temperature was perfect for racing this eighth and final day.  Heavy rain had marked the first three days of this four-year-old race. 

    I spoke with a gentleman on a folding bike from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, while we were both nosing around the team “pit crew” area before Sunday’s race.  Obvioiusly a hard-core race fan, he had followed the tour for nine days and had driven the stage route daily before the start to survey the course.  The first stage from Davis to Santa Rosa was stormy/rainy and this fellow claimed that even in his car it had been a harrowing drive.  Later Lance Armstrong called conditions among the worst he’d seen!                                                                                           

    The adverse conditions, perhaps to the chagrin of the chamber-of-commerce types, created its own special drama with increased risks to the riders and increased interest for race fans throughout the world.  That first stage was the day of the courageous “ride of the tour” when Mancebo of Spain broke away from the peleton early and never looked back.  Riding solo through the worst of conditions and holding on for the stage win, Mancebo was jubilant at the finish line. 

    I stared at Mancebo’s bike on the repair stand and chatted with the assistant team mechanic for Rock Racing who told me he’d been in the car immediately following Mancebo on the stage-one victory.   Now a week later, he was dismantling Mancebo’s bike after a serious crash the day before resulting in a concussion and broken bones.  The mechanic handed me his helmet to show off the large dent…right at the temple.  Jubilation turned to tears. 

The race took its toll on many: 136 starters produced only 84 finishers, just 62%. But the final stage, here in San Diego County for the first time, had to please both the riders and the chamber-of-commerce types.  The race has become more sophisticated this year to match its growth in popularity:  Governator Arnold (again) stood on the podium in Sacramento; Lance made his come-back debut; the peleton paraded across the Golden Gate Bridge.  And it all culminated in the toughest stage of the race Sunday under perfect conditions in San Diego’s gorgeous back country. 

 

Real Estate Commercial for Escondido

    Escondido has more “house for the money” than anywhere in North County.  It is a great place for real estate investors and a great place for owners seeking affordability!  It is strategically located at the gateway to Riverside County, serves as the corner-hub for San Diego County, has a beautiful downtown arts/city-administration complex, the Sprinter Trolly-Line to Oceanside, year-round sunshine and recreation opportunities close at hand. 

    I talked with some locals in the crowd in Escondido while course-marshalling at the big turn a mile from the finish line.  The locals were not cycling fans per se, just interested in a free look after all the publicity.  One Escondido Family had lived nearby for 18 months after “downsizing” from Carmel Valley and Carmel Mountain Ranch, both upscale communities.  After moving to Escondido for affordability, they have found it comfortable.  Another couple had lived in Escondido for 30 years and enjoyed it now as retirees who liked sunshine and golfing.  

Back to the Tour

Two riders streaked by on their way to the finish.  Almost forty seconds later came the peleton with a lead-out group hammering at the front in a vain attempt to catch the breakaway twosome.  About ten minutes later the "groupetto" sailed by, the road reopened, and I finished the sack lunch provided by the organizers for the volunteers this year!  Another sign of "sophistication"! 

(click photos to enlarge)

 
 

 

Comments

[Daryl Brooks]

Kent, thanks for the update on the race. I heard that there were 300, people at the race. It must have been a mad house, but fun. Lets do lunch on thursday!

Daryl

[Cheri Luckhardt "Your Realtor of Choice!"]

Hi Kent! Thanks for sharing...really enjoyed your write up! Is that you I see in the middle of the pack? :)

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The locals were not cycling fans per se, just interested in a free look after all the publicity.