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With the weather being windy and uncertain at 5:45am when we had to get going if we were going, we decided to bail again on the training ride.

We sat outside for a while around 6am looking at the wind bending the trees and looked at radar on our phones. The 20 was not worth driving that far for, and if we did the 41, we were afraid there would not be many other riders (or skaters) at our pace doing that distance.

Not wanting to be a hassle, and not wanting to face strong winds, especially if the event were not well attended, we excused ourselves (after conferring with some mates on it).

So I got an email from Sparky of the Tater Rides about some video of a rider. The video seems indie movie and I usually love that but I almost stopped it. Wow am I glad I watched.

Locations

I don't have a lot of time to discuss this right now, but I wanted to say that the upcoming USA Pro Cycling Challenge looks like a breakthrough event for the USA in terms of hosting major tours. Yes, the Tour of California had lots of talent and beautiful scenery, and the Tour of Utah built up to another level this year, but the USAPCC is a chance to see the top Tour de France riders on what look to be some great routes. Here are some links...

For once I don't know what to think of this. I basically dislike fans trying to get in the race or stand alongside or run along with the riders. I normally wouldn't like riders trying to join in, either. But maybe this was a special deal, I'm not sure. If it truly was a test event, well these guys helped provide the test! And it sounds like the race officials failed? No harm, no foul, maybe, and we'll find out if there was any real damage, I'm sure. The only reason I'd be tempted to say this is cool would be the test event nature of it. Hmm. I don't know but feel like they meant to be there but I'm also thinking they really meant to bring up the rear, not be between the peloton and backmarkers. But then they could just be good liars with pants afire. 

Here's an interesting interview with a guy who talks and rides well, and seems to have respect for cycling and its traditions...and his team mates and competitors. If his words turn out to be genuine, I could be considered a fan. I haven't followed Paris-Nice well this year, but it is usually one of the first two events I notice a bit each year (along with Tirreno-Adriatico. 

Here's the finish of Stage 1, where you can see Jens Voigt hanging with the young guys again, including de Gendt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmo4_lJYfrQ

I thought it was nice to hear what I took to be frank, direct answers to some interesting questions, like how's it different when you go to an international pro team: