Amgen Tour of California makes a Splash in Folsom

Herbalife Sprint winner Jan Barta at the "finish line" for the $1,000 prize. Fans cheer from under the Bicycles Plus tents.

It's a wet, rainy Tuesday morning in Folsom, what do we do for fun? Pack up the toddler, bake some goodies and head out to Old Folsom to watch the Amgen Tour of California!

The big decision for us was where to go to watch? We had narrowed it down to two locations: Bicycle Planet was having a BBQ and Chili shindig that was incredibly tempting -more so was the assurance of easy access and parking- but when we found out that Body Concepts would have a booth in Old Folsom right at center stage (no really, they were right next to the actual stage) we decided to harass them instead.

Rob works the stretch while Dawn passes out the goodies.

We were initially concerned about parking but arrived just before 9 am and found plenty of space to park. Just as we began unpacking it seemed like people and cars started swarming out of nowhere and Old Folsom began filling quickly. The skies looked menacing and the clouds and wind didn't make it the most ideal of conditions. Despite this, Folsom showed just how strong of a cycling community it is when hundreds arrived to brave the weather and cheer the racers on.

John Crews (Bicycles Plus) gave his approval of the treats.

Dawn had decided to bake a couple of her new recipes that morning to get locals to taste test. (Special thanks to Rob and Linda of Body Concepts for offering to share their table space and shelter with us.) Nothing like hot, fresh from the oven goodies to get people warmed up and smiling. I was on toddler duty most of the time and Dawn and I shared photography duty, things were so busy that two hours flew by and it was already time for the racers to sprint to win the $1,000 award for the "Folsom Herbalife Sprint" at Sutter and Riley Streets.

Linda of BC finds a good viewing spot.

The rain began to fall and winds gust as the racers approached Sutter Street. The announcer called out that there had been a 7 rider break-away from the peloton and they were quickly headed our way. Folks crowded along either side of the street, hoisting children and clutching cameras in breathless anticipation. You could hear a surge in the cheering race through the crowd ahead of the sprinters, warning us they were near.



The crowds go crazy as the first racer (Jan Barta) arrives.


Climbing the steep hill into Old Folsom a lone rider in blue that had broken away and was leaving the pack of six behind. His monstrous effort was etched on his face, pain and a need to suck in as much air as possible opened his mouth in an extended gasp. Rain fell and the crowd screamed encouragements and their joy at being part of such a momentous effort. All too quickly, the winner of the sprint was gone with his pack of break-away brethren surging to catch him. Congratulations to 25 year old Czech Jan Barta of Team NetApp for winning the sprint! (Congrats as well to Greg Henderson of Team Sky for winning today's overall leg.)


The "Break-Away 6" trying to catch Barta.



The peloton in hot pursuit of Jan Barta and his "Break-Away 6".

The peloton was soon to follow and we could not help but be amazed that these two-wheeled warriors battled pouring rain, shrieking winds and a steep uphill grade and still managed to whiz by at incredible speeds. Watching a race on television is one thing but you can never quite simulate the surge of adrenaline and excitement you get from being right there. Another thing that you never seem to notice when watching it on TV is the sheer massive numbers of support vehicles that travel along with these guys. Car after car loaded with bicycles, gear, crews (all waving and taking their own pictures of the crowds) interspersed with dozens of motorcycles laden with Folsom PD's finest, California Highway Patrol, photographers and officials. 

Steve is serious about his Amgen!

With the rain and wind driving ever harder and a toddler at the end of his tolerance we started packing up. Of course this is when we start running in to more cool people we really wished we had more time to talk to. We loitered around for a few more minutes while the raffle prize winners were called out, the last of Dawn's baked goods were distributed and we chatted with fellow MyFolsomite Steve Heard (who just dropped off his computer with Dave at IT Solutions for what sounds like the same nasty virus that got us. Side Note: Dave did a great job and charged an incredibly good rate for his work. We highly recommend him). Yet again, we are struck by the real sense of community here in Folsom and even the rain couldn't dampen the high spirits. We left tired, soggy and with big smiles on our faces. What a great way to spend the day with your family.

(For more pictures of this event, be sure to check our website for our full gallery coverage coming soon.)

Dawn with Jax watching Amgen.

Nothing like a race to put a smile on my face!

T.G.I.D.S.I.F. (Thank Gooodness It Doesn't Snow In Folsom)

Even as a teenager it was hard to keep me indoors and off a bike!

Watching parts of the Minnesota vs. Bears football game on Monday Night Football gave me the chills.  It also brought back memories from my days living in the northern suburbs of Chicago.  The winters were pretty long and cold which isn’t easy for a cyclist. 

Most winters I gave up on riding and had to go through the painful process of getting back in shape every spring.  As I got older, I would start doing a little more to try and stay in shape.  I got a trainer from Blackburn and would hook up my old Schwinn LeTour but I found that frustrating.  Tires would wear out, the wheel would slip a lot, and it was incredibly boring (all of which hasn’t changed with time but I am more likely to get on now than when I was 16). 

My frustrations would grow to the point that I would hop on my mountain bike -yes, they made them back then, thought they look much different than they do today.  No suspension, roller cam breaks on one bike, a goofy rear u-break on the other that did nothing but trap mud and debris- and try to ride in the snow. 

At first I would use a snow jacket with blue jeans or my snow suit. Eventually I got some nice gear from Bellweather (that I haven’t used since I left the Midwest because it just isn’t cold enough out here to put it on) that kept me warm and comfortable.  The color scheme of the era had me looking like a Ninja Turtle, but I didn’t mind, it allowed me to get out and ride. (Hmmm…  Maybe I should try and put the old gear on for a picture.  I weigh less than I did in high school but I think it will still fit.)  What was really nice about that gear is that it had a material on the front that blocked the wind and spandex in the back that allowed your body to still breathe and not get overheated.

With good gear I would take my mtb or road bike (if the roads were mostly clear) out for more rides than I did before.  However I was still pretty limited as riding on the roads in those conditions is pretty dangerous.  I remember one time I talked a friend into riding with me.  We were going down a street that had a fair amount of traffic on it.  As we were going down the hill he lost control a little and started sliding sideways.  Everything was fine, you don’t get road rash sliding on ice and snow, but it reinforced the point that riding in this weather isn’t the best idea.

Those memories make me really appreciate living where I am now.  Yes, we have some bad weather at the moment that keeps me from riding on some days.  But at least I am not buried in snow.  Most winters you never have to go more than day or two (unless there are work/family commitments) inside. For a boy from Chicago, it’s a cyclist’s dream. Gotta love living in Folsom!