A morning at the Tour of Cali, Pismo style

[Steve in SLO]

Stage 5 of the ToC started about 7 miles away from fellow forumite Dan(GuyGadois) and my houses, so we went on down to Pismo Beach pier and arrived about 1 3/4 hours before start time. We were there before most team busses and the riders arrived. We walked around and watched the place fill up.
We formed some impressions:
Team Sky had pretty bikes, pretty cars and a Rapha coffee trailer parked nearby. Life is good.
We could find most of what was being ridden in our LBSs
Jens Voigt is as cool in real life as we thought.
Mark Renshaw was gracious
Cav...maybe he had his game face on.
They all look so YOUNG
Quick Step had better stack their bikes better. I had to save several from going over, including Cavs and Renshaws. Perhaps Dan will post an action shot.
Even in a neutralized area uphill they ride fast.
Anyway, enjoy the pics.

[Steve in SLO]

And a few more...

[Louis]

What bar tape is that on the bike next to Cavendish's? Looks like strips from an inner-tube to me. (I know it can't be)

[54ny77]

AWESOME! :hello:

[enr1co]

Excellent pics Steve- looks like a good time!

[cbresciani]

Very cool!

[pdmtong]

I've spoken to jens three times now and am continually amazed at how gracious he is with his time for everyone who lines up to meet him. even as far as asking if the picture came out ok.

last year I asked him to sign the photo of him riding the TdF all bloodied on that yellow kids bike. its on the wall in my office.

[alioup]

I wanted to get a cap from the rapha trailer, but I couldn't find it in Santa Barbara :(

[benitosan1972]

For some odd reason, I always pictured SteveSLO as 25-30yrs old, blonde, and looking like Brad Pitt, it's weird what you imagine someone looks like based on Internet text/discussion vs what is reality ;)

[Louis]

For some odd reason, I always pictured SteveSLO as 25-30yrs old, blonde, and looking like Brad Pitt, it's weird what you imagine someone looks like based on Internet text/discussion vs what is reality ;)

I was thinking the same thing - in person we're always better-looking and more eloquent. ;)

[benitosan1972]

I was thinking the same thing - in person we're always better-looking and more eloquent. ;)

Louis, I always pictured you as 6'3" slender, longish dirty blonde hair, and with a smirk like cold-blooded serial killer like the dude in Fargo, am I close? ;)

http://iphoneapps.mgm.com/images/full/fargo/fargo4.jpg

[Louis]

Louis, I always pictured you as 6'3" slender, longish dirty blonde hair, and with a smirk like cold-blooded serial killer like the dude in Fargo, am I close? ;)

I'm a bit humble when it comes to looks, but I'd say more like Alain Delon in "Le Samourai."

Also, some of my more typical ride kit. No Lycra for me.

http://frenchprofessor.org/images/big-le-samourai.jpg

http://31.media.tumblr.com/64ffcaf1523016a32540a406713038d3/tumblr_n36xo7DUTD1qf6o97o1_500.jpg

[Steve in SLO]

For some odd reason, I always pictured SteveSLO as 25-30yrs old, blonde, and looking like Brad Pitt, it's weird what you imagine someone looks like based on Internet text/discussion vs what is reality ;)

Oh that's just cold.

[benitosan1972]

Haha, no cruelty intended, I was just shocked to see what you looked like in realty vs my imagination/perception based on your words here. If you saw what I really looked like, you'd be surprised too :eek:

[rustychisel]

thanks Steve, top work

[Climb01742]

Steve, thanks a lot for posting these pics. Very cool. And it's nice to know Jens is as nice/genuine as he seems. Plus, Boonen looks skinnier than I imagined.

[gianni]

Thanks for posting Steve --very cool. Looks like a fun day and you're changing my perception of J Voight. It's great that the riders appear open and approachable.

[Steve in SLO]

Haha, no cruelty intended, I was just shocked to see what you looked like in realty vs my imagination/perception based on your words here. If you saw what I really looked like, you'd be surprised too :eek:

Of course none taken.
I did kind of look like your perception 25 years ago. It's good I sound young in my posts...better that than like a curmudgeon.
Oh, and the camera adds 10 pounds to my face.
It was evident that Jens loves people. It was funny when he finally noticed the rest of his team had rolled out and he said "Ooh, I'd better go warm- up"
Boonen looked thin. Everybody looked thin, even the riders I thought were bigger guys. Lots of skinny narrow shoulders.

[laupsi]

great shots and short story line for this morning. thanks for taking me there...

[tiretrax]

Glad you had that experience and thanks for posting the pictures. I hope to get out there next year and do that with my brother, who will be going to some stages in his area.