USA Pro Challenge *** SPOILER ALERT ***
08-19-12, 04:32 PM
#1
pan y agua
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USA Pro Challenge *** SPOILER ALERT ***
I'm in Durango Co, getting ready to ride the course with a group ahead of the race. Seemed like a good idea at the time I signed up. Now I'm sitting here in the Cyclists Village, looking at all these insanely tiny people, and thinking WTF is a fat old man from Florida doing here?
It will be 6 consecutive days over 100 miles each day with lots and lots of climbing, some it over 12,000 feet.
Tomorrow's Stage 125 miles, 9200 feet vertical. https://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.co...s/2012/stage-1
As for the logistics of the trip, we're in the Cycling Village in Durango, same as the teams, which gives you a little insight to the goings on oof the race, but it also means staying in a dorm apartment and eating in a Cafeteria. We do however, also have professional mechanics and soignuers.
Today, I just did an easy ride down into Durango, explored the city a bit, ran across a book signing with Jonathon Vaugheters for Argyle Armada, and walked around the expo at the village.
It will be 6 consecutive days over 100 miles each day with lots and lots of climbing, some it over 12,000 feet.
Tomorrow's Stage 125 miles, 9200 feet vertical. https://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.co...s/2012/stage-1
As for the logistics of the trip, we're in the Cycling Village in Durango, same as the teams, which gives you a little insight to the goings on oof the race, but it also means staying in a dorm apartment and eating in a Cafeteria. We do however, also have professional mechanics and soignuers.
Today, I just did an easy ride down into Durango, explored the city a bit, ran across a book signing with Jonathon Vaugheters for Argyle Armada, and walked around the expo at the village.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
Last edited by merlinextraligh; 08-27-12 at 02:47 PM. Reason: add pics
08-19-12, 05:58 PM
#3
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Very nice.
Now, perish that thought about WTF an old fat guy from Florida is doing there with all those insanely tiny people and HTFU!
Enjoy the show. And write about the experience so that we can enjoy the ride too.
Now, perish that thought about WTF an old fat guy from Florida is doing there with all those insanely tiny people and HTFU!
Enjoy the show. And write about the experience so that we can enjoy the ride too.
08-19-12, 06:41 PM
#6
SLJ 6/8/65-5/2/07
Looks like a blast. Except maybe all that climbing....
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08-19-12, 07:04 PM
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Did you get Mark Johnson's book "The Argyle Armada"? Great insight on racing and the business end also. Mark is a great guy,friend and photojournalist. He's a great asset to the San Diego Cycling community!
Good luck on your adventure! So jealous...............
Good luck on your adventure! So jealous...............
08-19-12, 08:13 PM
#10
pan y agua
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Got it signed by Mark and JV.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
08-19-12, 08:15 PM
#11
pan y agua
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FTFY.
CTS is the only group that gets access to the entire stage everyday. The access is part of what you're paying for.
CTS is the only group that gets access to the entire stage everyday. The access is part of what you're paying for.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
08-19-12, 08:15 PM
#12
pan y agua
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Yep that's the Wilier in the picture.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
08-20-12, 07:23 AM
#13
Semper Fi
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Merlin,
Great pics and good luck with the ride, too. I'll look forward to reports about the ride. Keep Representin' Florida!
Bill
Great pics and good luck with the ride, too. I'll look forward to reports about the ride. Keep Representin' Florida!
Bill
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Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
08-20-12, 07:51 AM
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You don't really need to pay for access. The roads are open to traffic and cyclists except for a period while the race passes through. Many ride to a good vantage point on a climb to watch the race pass by, then continue the ride after the race passes.
08-20-12, 08:25 AM
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08-20-12, 08:58 AM
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The difference is Merlin is with CTS and they are a sponsor. They won't get kicked off the route before the race likes others and he gets access at the finish to watch.
08-20-12, 08:58 AM
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08-20-12, 09:56 AM
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Subscribed. Looking forward to daily updates!
08-20-12, 10:35 AM
#23
I let the dogs out
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I saw a team Cannondale truck in South Boulder a couple weeks ago. Not sure if it's related. But I will be going to see the race in Boulder on Saturday.
08-20-12, 11:03 AM
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I let the dogs out
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I took this picture in Boulder a few days ago.
