Just Like Mike...

Even though it's still early in the cycling season there were a few cyclists that were letting it all hang out - Michael Jordan style - at the Snelling and Merced races:

It was great weather during the Snelling Road Race on Saturday but the same could not be said the next day in Merced (as seen in the image directly above - nasty). Rain or shine I'll be there again this weekend, see you at the Merco Cycling Classic.

A Pair of Levi's, an Angel, and a Graham of Images

Amazing is how I would describe the 2007 Amgen Tour of CA prologue that was held in SF this past Sunday. I was unable to attend last year so for this year I wasn't going to miss it for the world. I will miss out on the other seven Tour of CA stages but at least I was able to attend one. There were tons of people there, from cycling fans to cycling stars. Most memorable for me was when I got to meet one of my favorite photographers Graham Watson. As for the race, Levi once again won the prologue just like he did last year. The question now is, will he win the overall? Last year he was 3rd overall.

The prologue finished at Coit Tower which sits on top of a hill. There are spectacular views of the City and bay from this spot. As I soaked in all the wonderful views I ran into another cycling celebrity, the "Specialized Angel." Her real name is Jana and you can read all about her in this interview.

So there you go, a pair of wins for Levi (this year's & last year's prologue), an Angel at the top of a hill, and a whole lot of images like Graham's. Like I said, "amazing."

33 Weeks

Less than 7 weeks until baby gets here. We haven't offically decided on a name yet but we like Claire, Sophia, & Natalie. Almost everyone we've spoke with likes "Claire" the best. So, we'll see when she gets here. Who knows, she might be named Eddy Merckx (the greatest cyclist ever!).

Here is a photo of my wife before she heads off to her baby shower:

I'm such a lucky guy!

Four-legged Cycling Fans

While shooting at the Cherry Pie Criterium in Napa, CA last weekend I couldn't help but notice all the dogs that were present during the race. I didn't get a chance to take photos of all of them, there were just too many. Besides, I was concentrating on the subjects without the hairy legs. Here are just a few:

Cherry Pie Crit Napa, CA 2.11.2007

I missed the Martinez Criterium on Saturday but was able to make it to Napa on Sunday and what a great day it turned out to be. As I write this the only photos I have up is from the Elite 1/2/pro race. I should have the rest of other fields posted within the next couple of days with the exception of the junior races.

Upcoming Races

Here is a list of upcoming races that I plan to attend in the next couple of weeks:

• Martinez Bay Front Criterium - Only in its 2nd year running, this will be my first time there. I've heard alot of good things about this race. Prize money is good for the racers but for me I like that it has a hill in it - makes for good pics! I've got to make sure to bring the umbrella (rain in the forcast).

• Amgen Tour of CA Prologue - I missed last year's edition so I'm looking forward to attending this year. I'm only going the prologue and will miss out on the other stages because of work. I would of love to witness stage 3 (Stockton - SJ) in person, it is so very close to home!

• Snelling Road Race & Merced Criterium - Both races are about 35 mins. from my front door. The road race covers the roads I often ride. I used to live in the area so I look forward to seeing a few old friends there.

• Merco Cycling Classic - same area as the previous races but this event will attract some big names! Ok, Basso, Cuenago, and the other bigger names will not be there but most likely YOU will be there, right? That's all that counts. Useless fact: Did you know that I've been the webmaster of this event for the last several years? That explains why my photos are plastered all over that site.

That's it for now. The events I plan to attend above are tentative - things may come up or my wife may change her mind. By the way, isn't she lovely...