Lots of skinny guys on carbon bikes going really fast. Today was all about watching the riders. Tomorrow will be all about getting the riding under way. For those at home here are some pics from the day.
Popularity: 6% [?]
Archive for February, 2008
Driving up to Palo Alto
On February - 17 - 2008
Did the 7 hour drive from Pasadena to Palo Alto today…in a 24-ft Budget Truck. My spine is still having some trauma…but enough about me, let the video do the talking.
Popularity: 4% [?]
Saddle Up
On February - 17 - 2008
So how do you move 25 riders, their bikes and gear. This is how. Well ok no people just gear. We are moving riders around in some styling passenger vans.
The official ToC starts tomorrow with the prologue. Lots more to come.
Popularity: 4% [?]
ENCamps: TOC Preparations
On February - 16 - 2008
Ass Cream, Prototypes, 14-lb Bikes….Oh My!
It’s almost time to hit the road… here are some shots from our quick trip up the road to Wheelbuilder.com to get supplies!
That’s right, 14lbs….crazy!
A critical part of our entire tour!!!
Crazy prototype brake that’s 100g lighter than DA and has 2x the stopping power!
Popularity: 4% [?]
Endurance Nation Training Camp: Tour of California
On February - 12 - 2008
Beginning Sunday, Feb 17, twenty campers will join Endurance Nation coaches Rich Strauss, Patrick McCrann for an unforgettable training camp: riding the Tour of California course each day, just hours ahead of the race! Numbering seven women and thirteen men, the campers span the full range of the tri-spectrum: from mid 20′s to early 60′s, from 6:3x to 5:0x IM bike splits. The camp will use support vehicles and staff to insert and extract A and B groups on the course, creating an epically-cool training experience tailored to the ability of each participant.
The camp begins with some backstage action for the Prologue, prowling the pits and taking in the bike porn. The riding begins in earnest on Monday, through the John Muir Forest, then up the coast and back over on Coleman Valley Road to the finish in Santa Rosa. For Stage 2 we’ll be treated to some inland climbing before ending the day in the cycling mecca of Davis to watch the intermediate sprint. Stage 3 is the killer, with three Cat 4 climbs, right into an HC-rated climb up Mount Hamilton then a descent to just outside San Jose to climb Cat 1 Sierra Road. Thursday is the Queen Stage of the Tour: a ride along the incredible cliffs of the California coast on Pacific Coast Highway, from Monterrey to San Luis Obispo, 138 miles. However, the mortals (us) will start our day after breakfast in Big Sur, logging a solid 60-80 mile day and working to beat the race into Morro Bay. Friday is an easy day with a tour of the TT course, maybe some wine-tasting, more pit-prowling, and many pastries in the faux-German village of Solvang. Friday features scenic climbs and tours through the low rent district of Santa Barbara as we turn inland towards LA…but not before summiting 10-20%, Cat 1 Balcom Canyon Road, cheered thousands of rabid cycling fans. Stage 7, the final stage, begins with a 35-40 mile climb from Santa Clarita to Millcreek Summit, continues with a breakneck descent of Angeles Crest Highway, then drops into Pasadena and the Rose Bowl, the finish of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California.
Each day Rich and Patrick will publish photos, podcasts, athlete interviews, helmet cam video, power data summaries and anything else they have the energy to produce. Subscribe to the Endurance Nation Blog for latest updates!
Endurance Nation is an online community for long-course triathletes. With more than 275 members (and growing), Endurance Nation is on the cutting-edge of high value coaching and support. For only $99/yr (that’s $1.75/wk) members of Endurance Nation have full access to more than 40 training plans, a private forum moderated by leading coaches, access to webinars, conference calls, podcasts, and much more. Endurance Nation also offers a range of training camp opportunities: from race specific camps on the Ironman Coeur d’Alene, Lake Placid, Louisville, and Wisconsin courses, to epic-cool high volume “experience” camps such as the Tour of California, Lake Placid, and Tour of Utah (coming soon). Visit EnationCamps.com to learn more.
Popularity: 6% [?]
