Man, the weather this week sucked for biking, I mean it really did. Even California sucked, and California has like a weather machine that's supposed to be permanently set to beautiful, or something. Here, look at this picture from the Amgen Tour of California's Stage 4, on Thursday:
In what several cyclists described as "the most miserable day on a bike, ever" they had to bike 135 miles from Seaside to San Luis Obispo, in the pouring rain, with temperatures in the 50's, and stiff headwinds. It took them seven and a half hours. That sucks. Of course, "in the fifties" is balmy here in New Hampshire, but then again we're not biking for 7 hours a day in the rain.
The weather didn't improve very much, with Sunday's final stage ending in the rain. With Levi Leipheimer's lead over the general classification (GC) secured, his Astana team did not help in pulling in the breakaway, and the sprinters' teams were left to their own devices. The breakaway fought hard to stay ahead, and their strongest riders were able to finish a few moments before the pack, with George Hincapie, the former champion of America, taking the stage win:
Levi Leipheimer finished the stage, avoiding any serious perils such as a crash to clinch the overall win, and show his Astana Team's world-class ability. Of course it is Astana that was uninvited to this year's Tour de France, but I really don't feel like getting in to that, you can read about it here, here, here, here, here, here, or here.
Locally, the weather wasn't too great either, with a snowstorm all day Friday. Personally, I'm done with winter, so I took a nice summerly cruise down to the beach and sat by the water for a bit.
It was cold, but I am finally feeling 100% again, my legs felt strong, and the bike in the snow and the trip to the beach were a refreshing break from the dullness of being couped up inside during this winter which seems to be lasting forever.
One last thing: I got some stickers from the Safety is Sexy guys, if anyone wants one, let me know.
1 comment:
"With Levi Leiphammer's lead over the general classification (GC) secured, his Astana team did not help in pulling in the breakaway, and the sprinters' teams were left to their own devices."
Can you translate/elaborate for the cycling idiots amongst your readership?
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