Tour of California 2009

This is the 3rd year that Bicycle Emporium has participated with a booth at the Tour of California and this year, by far, was the most energized. Not sure if it was the Lance factor or if cycling is finally getting the buzz that it deserves but it sure did leave us anxious for Spring. Here's my quick recap of the beginning of this years ToC...

This year the Tour started days before that actual race began, we got to kick off the event at the Official Gala and Team introduction. A very classy celebration, black-tie and all. We got to rub elbows with the regions movers & shakers along with the cycling superstars. Although I wasn't as lucky (or brave) as Kayden who got pictures with cyclings most wanted, I did get a close up glimpse at the cycling celebs. Food, wine, entertainment and a night out... no complaints here.

Saturday arrived and luckily the rain held out for most the day. Hanging out in our booth (in between runs into the VIP tent, was crazy... there was a constant buzz of people looking for that deal. The Bicycle Emporium/Rocknasium race team lead a group out on a 40 mile spin and fun was had by all. Kudos Diane for being the only Bella gal brave enough to pedal with the boys! All you other gals that popped in to say "hi" - thanks, love seeing you out there! Cyndi, you are truly amazing.

Sunday, rainy Sunday! Because Teresa is a trooper and my son really, really wanted to see the race, we bundled up as if we were going to the snow and headed off to Stage 1 in Davis. The crowds weren't huge but there were a suprising amount of fans out there to get a glimpse. We wandered for a while, then found ourselves planted (almost stalker like!) in front of the Liquigas trailer. We figured if we waited long enough, we would get to meet Basso... or at least get a close up look, a picture, something! So, we stood in the rain and waited. And, they came out, we frantically snapped pictures, they rode off. That was it! So, we moved over to the race start (yes, Tony is getting anxious now) to see them off. And they went, and that was that! Crazy what we (along with thousands of other fans) will do just to see a few seconds of cycling history! Be well everyone ~ Michelle

BUBBA'S RECAP...

THE 2009 Edition was the bomb! We had a great time, the only bad spot was Lance's bike missing for a few days, that was a drag. Has TREK done it up or what? ....Take a look at this bad boy.
This bike is a total colaboration of quality and design for speed. Just plain ol' sexy as a bike.

We had the chance to hang behind the scene with some of team Astana as the stolen bike drama unfolded. We watched them get another bike ready for Lance to ride at the next TT race and a new SRM unit was needed. The SRM is a total information highway to the rider as they pound out the miles. A new unit had to be Fed Ex'd out and set up for his new rig. After all that work we were still very happy to hear the bike was returned at the eleventh hour... Go Lance Go...

Levi provided all the power needed to keep his dream for a 3-peat alive. Damm! ... a 29.4 MPH average on that course is super human.

In closing I want to thank everyone from my team at Bicycle Emporium for all there efforts in setting up our booth in the pouring rain and following up with great customer service and selection at the races. We stood in the rain all day in Santa Rosa and still had a great time.

Bubba had a chance to see the new TREK superstore in Santa Rosa. Wow great shop!

I also want to thank team Rocknassium/Bicycle Emporium who hosted Saturday's ride and looked great out there!

And hey everyone.... after the race is won and done - DON'T MISS A DAY... GO RIDE!

THANKS Bubba...