Solvang Time Trials - Jamie

Steph and I on the top of Ballard Canyon climb.  Ride Strong!

Our view of Lance Armstrong riding past the flagpole and towards the canyon.  We sat in front of the Gunderson's house where we were all alone to yell encouragement to the riders!

Levi wins it for the third time!

The finish line hours before the race began and people thronged the finish shute.

I love being home in the comfort and overstuffed cupboards of my parents house in Los Olivos. When I woke up this morning I was as excited as a 5 year old on Christmas morning. My Santa was arriving when the Amgen bike time trials sped past us around 2pm. While we waited for the 2 seconds of yelling for the speedy riders we drove the secret roads into Solvang to explore the bike expo in the blocked off town.  Stephanie and her family (Kevin-the professional photographer, Graham-the 2 year old who always says, “Haim do it!” and Abbie-the mellow 10 month old) were also staying at the house so that Kevin could take pictures of the bike racers (see his website: kevin winzeler dot com ) . Also, his father (Larry) and sister (Shannon) were visiting. Without these knowledgeable bike fanatics I would not have known the names and brands that dominate the bike racing scene. As it was I knew who Lance Armstrong was, but the best rider, Levi Leipheimer was a new name for me (I am embarrassed to admit that since he has won the last big bike races the past few years). Regardless I sat on the side of the road in Los Olivos and yelled like crazy when the bikers passed. The last three were exciting, and TOTALLY fast! Lance, Michael Rogers, Levi Leipheimer….GO GO GO!
After the race Steph, Kevin and I put on our bike gear and rode a small portion of the route that snaked through the canyon behind Los Olivos. It took me about 4 minutes to climb the hill into the canyon.. When we watched the replay of the last few bikers of the race on TV Levi climbed the hill in about 30 seconds. Seriously, 30 seconds.
I plan on riding the entire route of the race (15 miles) twice tomorrow as I continue to train for the half century I’m riding here in Solvang in three weeks. At this point I am all about distance, not speed. I will however use some of the free samples of Sport Beans (made by Jelly Belly) I got at the lifestyles expo on tomorrow’s ride.