Race Day 1

Today was a hectic day, trying to make sure that I didn't screw anything up on the first day of racing. It all started at the team area in the compound at 8AM when I reported for duty. The support crew was there, making sure the bikes were ready, testing race radios, getting energy bars and drinks for the guys, getting the luggage from the rooms, and loading everything up.

The riders made their way down around 9, and took over the RV. We had decided to leave the RV and support cars at the FLC staging area because it was an easy ride down to the start. But we did get a little nervous when every other team loaded their buses and RVs and headed down to the start without us!

As soon as the riders were ready, off they went as a group on their bikes and we scrambled to pack and head out ourselves. The 3 support cars headed down the hill after the team, and Bernard and I headed west in the truck and RV, stopping for gas and ice (and to empty the trash that the riders left behind in the RV!)

The RV handled as expected - gutless and rattling. We really haven't come very far since covered wagons with these things. To top it off, the road from Dolores to Lizard Head was packed with amateur cyclists, usually riding 2-3 abreast, so had to swing out around them a lot. The trip took longer than expected but made it eventually. The team area is in 'Carhenge', for those of you familiar with Telluride, and hotel is right next door - I am writing this from my room which has a nice view of Lift 7.

Bernard, Elise and I unpacked all the gear and luggage and distributed it to the rooms. Not sure what Levi has in this bag but he is NOT a light packer!

Once all the odds and ends were taken care of, I toddled off to find my Telluride friends and hang with them at the finish. And what a finish! Tommy D tried valiently to break away and hold it, but they were caught and it came to a bunch sprint which Tyler Farrar took - man were they flying across the line, unbelievable. Garmin had a great day.

OPQS also did well today, though we lost a rider early when Chicchi got picked up by the broomwagon after having trouble breathing. The rumble was that the start was to blame, with the immediate climb up Lake Nighthorse tearing the riders up - there were a lot of teams who lost riders today. Not sure what happens to Chicchi now, whether he continues with the team and trains as we go, or we put him on a plane in Montrose tomorrow.

OK - off to fuel up the team cars and get some beer.