Tour of California-Day 2, to Santa Rosa

Wet, wet, wet…. that’s all I can say for today. I know we need the rain and all (for California River rafting this summer), but it really stinks to sit out in it all day.

Off we went at 7 am to get an early start to the one of the climbs on today’s route, Pope Valley. It really is beautiful there this time of year. After 2 hours, we arrived at a spot we had scouted last month, great off road turnout, very steep slope, and perfect!

We were expecting a few other friends and at the last minute decided to make it a tail-gater. With the use of an ‘easy-up’ from our local Breathe California’ friends we started to set up. Another couple we did not know stopped and asked if they could join us so we said yes!

A few minutes later, the awning was up, water was boiling for hot chocolate and the fans all started arriving. Let’s just say that we were the favorites of the day and the crowd gathered in numbers under our tent! We had a Canadian couple that supplied the wine, cheese and crackers. Another group brought some rope for hanging our Adventure Sports Online banner…everyone had something to contribute to the party! It was also such a great location that the official photographers with the Tour set up shop there as well!

If you’ve never been to an event such as this, it is very hard to really describe the excitement that builds as you wait. There is quite an assembly of vehicles that precedes the arrival of the riders. Overhead a helicopter is tracking them, Highway Patrol and Road Marshals, motorcycles…it’s very much like a huge parade. Once the riders FINALLY get to where you have been patiently awaiting their arrival, it’s all over in about 15 seconds!!!!! Crazy…..

Here are more photos of today’s stage-