Wild Tour of California Stage 2 -Weather Adds Drama to Stage 2 finish in Santa Cruz

Here's my report from the Monday, February 16 race!

Fans and Cyclists alike kept spirits high despite rain & hail

The sky unleashed hail, driving rain, drizzle and even some sunshine during Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California, which finished yesterday in a packed downtown Santa Cruz. The wild weather did not dampen the spirits of thousands of spectators cheering the world’s best racers, including Lance Armstrong, seven-time winner of the Tour de France.

In their third day of racing the 9-stage event, the pack started at 8:30 a.m. in Sausalito, crossed the Golden Gate bridge — closed to traffic for a sporting event for only the second time — raced down Highway 1 and completed the challenging 115.9-mile ride on Front and Cooper Streets at about 2 p.m. It was the first time the city hosted the 4th annual event, the biggest professional bike race in the U.S.

The crowds were wall-to-wall at the finish area. Armed with umbrellas, raincoats, ponchos and waterproof pants, the throngs were undeterred by Mother Nature’s unpredictable behavior, which included sudden downpours even after the rain had mostly abated.

“It was brutal,” said Wendy Bowers-Gachesa, of the hail that pelted her while she watched the race from Bonny Doon Road, the site of the second and final climb of Stage 2. “We were out there for two hours,” said the Watsonville resident who joined a dozen friends to cheer for the cyclists. “It was hailing, drizzling, then hard rain, more hail,” she said. “For about 10 seconds, there was sun. My car said the temperature was 39 degrees.”

From the racer’s perspective, the conditions were even worse. “Turn the shower on as cold as it gets, then stand there for four hours,” said two-time Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer who wore the leader’s yellow jersey after Stage 2. “That’s what it was like.” He was bundled up in a hat and two jackets at the post-race press conference held at the Santa Cruz Veteran’s Hall.

Team Astana’s Leipheimer, who battled to become the overall Tour of California race leader during Stage 2, was not the only racer impacted by the harsh weather. “It was hailing in Pescadero and the coldest point was on Skyline,” said Ben Jacques-Maynes, a pro cyclist on Team Bissell who lives in Watsonville with his wife, Goldi, and their two young daughters. “The cold seeps into your legs. The wind and rain wears on everyone.”

It’s likely that the dangerous road conditions played a role in the accident that took Andy Jacques-Maynes out of the race. The twin and Team Bissell teammate of Ben Jacques-Maynes make a trip to the hospital to have his injuries, which were considered moderate and not life-threatening, checked out.

Despite the cold, Bowers-Gachesa, a nutrition instructor at West Valley College and an avid cyclist, had no regrets about her Bonny Doon vantage point. “The vibe was really good up there. There were a lot of spectators and it was an exciting race. I just wish they were slower so I could have seen them for longer!”

The steep climb of Bonny Doon Road was where the day’s drama unfolded. The second climb of Stage 2, after Tunitas Creek, was a thrilling spectacle thanks largely to the Herculean effort of Levi Leipheimer. The two-time defending champion of the Tour of California and teammate of Lance Armstrong made a daring break away from the pack on the climb. The initial attack had been launched by Carlos Barredo who was in the lead up to the summit of the hill. Leipheimer, essentially riding solo, closed in on and caught Barredo (Quick Step). Ultimately, Thomas Peterson (Garmin-Slipstream) won stage 2.

“When we hit the bottom of Bonny Doon Road, I could see everyone was at their limit,” said Leipheimer later at the press conference. “I felt good, so I turned to [teammate] Popo and said ‘light it up!’ Then came the real suffering.”

The challenging climb was followed by the treacherous descent down Empire Grade. Reaching speeds of 50 miles an hour on rain-slicked pavement, the racers had to take care not to have their rear tires slip. Due to his bold descent and strong overall riding, Ben Jacques-Maynes was awarded the “Most Courageous Rider” title for Stage 2. “This feels like a nice homecoming,” said Jacques-Maynes, who helped design the race course for Tour of California. “To stand up on the podium with so many family and friends here was amazing.”

From Davenport to downtown finish line spirits stayed high as people banded together to celebrate the event. “I just came in from standing in the rain for an hour in Davenport, waiting for the bike race to come,” reported Ann Parker via email. “It was fun local camaraderie!”

Members of the Peloton Club, the Tour of California booster club, were cozy on the heated patio at Woodstock’s Pizza watching the broadcast of the race, then moved to the roadside tent to watch the finish.

“We are being treated like royalty,” said one member, munching on the buffet catered by Southern Exposure.

Stationed at the finish line at the 200 meter mark, Terri Schneider, an endurance athlete and coach who lives in Aptos, said the weather was no big deal. “I figure the riders are getting hammered and we have nothing to complain about.”

After Stage 2, cycling fans drifted to downtown shops while others went home to recover. For the pro racers, there are still 450 miles to go in the Tour of California and no days off until the tour ends, Feb. 22 in Escondido. Asked about his overall race strategy, Leipheimer said, “I will take it day by day, kilometer by kilometer. It’s gonna be really tough.”

For full results visit, www.tourofcalifornia.com.

Tour of California Today - worst weather possible!

7 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2009
Santa Cruz, California
It's the day I have waited for at last! The Tour of California bike racers, including Lance Armstrong and the world's best are coming to Santa Cruz. They are expected to arrive at the finish line in downtown Santa Cruz between 1 and 2 p.m.

Never mind the torrential downpour! I am putting on long underwear, a pair of bike tights, a pair of insulated pants and rain pants overtop - my rainboots and many layers on top. I think that should do it for my walking and working in the rain from 7:30 a.m. til 2 p.m.
Yowza!

If I think it's bad for me, just imagine for the 136 racers who are competing in dangerous and wet conditions!

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported:

The biggest storm of the season struck the region Sunday as high winds and heavy rain contributed to a fatal traffic accident, downed trees and power lines and triggered mudslides and road closures countywide.

The National Weather Servi ce reported a 24-hour total of 1.46 inches of rain in Santa Cruz as of 4 p.m. Sunday, while winds had gusted to 25 mph. Sentinel weather watchers reported significanthigher rainfall totals in the 24-hour period ending 6 p.m. Sunday: More than 4.5 inches of rain was reported in Boulder Creek, while Ben Lomond saw almost 3 inches.

Wish us luck here for the Stage 2 finish!

Tour of California Countdown - How one journalist has prepared for Lance's arrival!

Santa Cruz County residents and pro cyclists Andy and Ben Jacques-Maynes are the only brothers and only identical twins racing in the Tour of California. I interviewed them for several projects.

NEWSFLASH:
On Monday, February 16, 2009, Santa Cruz, California, will play host to the biggest pro bicycling race in the United States - the Amgen Tour of California. This is the first time my city has been involved in this race, which is now in its 4th year.

EATING, SLEEPING, BREATHING Tour of California!
As an adventure travel and endurance sports journalist — and a big fan of my adopted town of Santa Cruz, where I have lived since 1993 — I've been involved for months in multiple media projects related to this pro bicycling race - here are links to my stories. The schedule for the TV show I appear on is listed at the bottom.


* Good Times cover story on local racers in TOC Stage 2 (Feb. 12).

• Adventure Sports Journal, February Issue

• Facebook Group: 2009 Amgen Tour of California - Santa Cruz now has 500+ members! I created this and maintain it as a labor of love so thrilling to see it grow and include members of the international cycling community.



* Comcast cable show (30 mins.) on Amgen TOC Stage 2
Live in Monterey, Santa Cruz or Bay Area?
Tune into Tour of CA sneak preview TV show on COMCAST CABLE:

CHANNEL 17:
(seen by Comcast viewers in all of Santa Cruz County, except Capitola and Watsonville): Friday 2/13 at 6:00 and 11:00pm, Sunday 2/15 at 4:00 and 10:00pm.

CHANNEL 34:
(seen by Comcast viewers in all of Santa Cruz County, including Capitola and Watsonville, as well as all of Salinas and Monterey) 8pm, every night and airing until 2/15.

CHANNEL 104:
(seen by Comcast viewers in most of Northern California, including San Jose, Marin, San
Francisco, Santa Rosa, but excluding Santa Cruz and Stockton. Saturday 2/14 at 12:30pm.

Behind the Scenes of Karen's TV Debut - Shots from filming preview of Amgen Tour of California

In less than a week, superstar cyclist Lance Armstrong and 135 world-class racers will race through Santa Cruz, California, during Stage 2 of the Tour of California, an 800-mile bike race with 9 stages. The biggest bike race in the U.S. starts Feb. 14 in Sacramento and ends Feb. 22 in Escondido in Southern California. The Tour stops in Santa Cruz (Monday, Feb. 16) for the first time in the event's 3-year history.

As a journalist who often reports on cycling, I have been involved in multiple media projects, including writing a cover story on the event for Good Times (where I worked 1994-96 as an editor); running a Facebook page on Stage 2 and most thrilling, participating in a TV show for Comcast cable, a 30-minute preview of the race.


Here I am at The Bicycle Trip in Santa Cruz with a Comcast cable cameraman (called a "shooter") talking about the Tour of California. I was nervous and needed more than one "take" to get it right. The show's producer, Paula Mahoney, reminded me to hold the microphone lower, at chest level, rather than up to my mouth, which is what felt more natural.

Maybe you have seen the Comcast Cable show I worked on - or heard me talk about it - because I have been excited to have my first TV project airing. I have posted the viewing schedule of the remaining week below the last photo on this page. (The show airs on regional cable on Monterey, Santa Cruz and Bay Area stations.)

Santa Cruz County is home to three racers who will compete in the prestigious Amgen Tour of California. Twins Andy and Ben Jacques-Maynes, pictured above on Bonny Doon Road, will race for Team Bissell. They frequently train together - five hours a day in the saddle! Brooke Miller, also of Santa Cruz, will defend her title as champion of the TOC's Women's Criterium. I interviewed Andy and Brooke for the TV show.

I also interviewed bike maker Paul Sadoff, of Rock Lobster, who has been in the cycling industry for 30 years. He designs and builds custom bike frames and is known especially for his cyclocross bikes. (I am lucky to own a gorgeous purple cross bike from him). Paul is pictured in his shop on the West Side of Santa Cruz.

It was a pleasure to work with veteran TV producer Paula Mahoney, who invited me to participate in this show. Paula provided excellent coaching for my broadcast debut (for example, NEVER surrender the microphone to your guest!)

A rare moment: Andy, left and twin brother, Ben, are standing still instead of riding their bikes! Won't see any of this leisure during the Tour of California!

************************************************

TOC Stage 2 on Comcast Cable TV - Show Schedule
************************************************
Live in Monterey, Santa Cruz or Bay Area?
Tune into Tour of CA sneak preview TV show on COMCAST CABLE and get stoked! Hear from pro cyclists and industry insiders from Giro, Fox Racing Shox and others. I got to interview some of these amazing cycling folks for the show.

CHANNEL 17:
(seen by Comcast viewers in all of Santa Cruz County, except Capitola and Watsonville):
Wednesday 2/11 at 6:00 and 10:00pm, Thursday 2/12 at 10:00pm, Friday 2/13 at 6:00 and 11:00pm, no Saturday airings, Sunday 2/15 at 4:00 and 10:00pm.

CHANNEL 34:
(seen by Comcast viewers in all of Santa Cruz County, including Capitola and Watsonville, as well as all of Salinas and Monterey)
beginning 2/2, 8pm, every night and running
until 2/15.

CHANNEL 104:
(seen by Comcast viewers in most of Northern California, including San Jose, Marin, San
Francisco, Santa Rosa, but excluding Santa Cruz and Stockton. Wednesday 2/11 at 7:00pm,
and Saturdays 2/14 at 12:30pm.

Bicycling on the Brain - Tour of Calfornia + more two-wheeled updates

FULL SPEED AHEAD for this busy sports/travel writer! In this blog entry, I report on my Tour of California (TOC) projects for TV - Comcast, print - Good Times, Adventure Sports Journal and my pet project, Facebook TOC group.

I biked to a Tour of California press conference in Santa Cruz with my Apple laptop.

• The 2009 Amgen Tour of California, Feb. 14-22.
For the first time, the Tour of California (TOC), will include Santa Cruz, my city, on the route! World class bike racers - including Lance - will cross the finish line in downtown Santa Cruz on Monday, Feb. 16, President's Day.

- This professional stage race, the largest of its kind in the Unites States attracts the best road cyclists in the world - some of whom live right here in Santa Cruz.
- Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France champion (who is returning to racing after a three-year retirement) will compete in this grueling race.
- The international field will ride more than 800 miles - nearly the length of California, from Sacramento in the north, to Escondido in the South.

Professional cyclist Ben Jacques-Maynes, a Santa Cruz County resident, will race the Tour of California, more than 800 miles, Feb. 14-22. I interviewed him yesterday.

Santa Cruz will witness a dramatic sprint finish of Stage 2 of the race. Thousands of spectators will line the streets of downtown Santa Cruz, along with international media. The scenic Stage 2 starts that morning in Sausalito and will travel south over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and then head down Highway 1 to Santa Cruz! I am thrilled to have such a prestigious event coming to Santa Cruz.

Pro cyclist and defending champion in the Amgen Women's TOC race, Brooke Miller was a former collegiate volleyball player before she found success in bicycle road racing.

I'm involved in multiple TOC media projects:
• Comcast cable television show on TOC - A 30-minute segment produced by veteran newswoman Paula Mahoney will focus on Santa Cruz County as a hub of the cycling industry and Stage 2 of TOC. I am serving as "the talent," which means I am conducting a series of interviews with local bike industry leaders and pro cyclists over the course of January. Learning a lot about broadcasting. The show will begin airing Feb. 1. I will provide the schedule in advance.

I have enjoyed interviewing Santa Cruz bicycle frame builder Paul Sadoff of Rock Lobster and Santa Cruz-based pro cyclists and twins Ben Jacques-Maynes and Andy Jacques-Maynes. Teammates on Team Bissell, the pair will race TOC. I was also very inspired interviewing Brooke Miller, of Team Tibco. She's the current national champion in road and crit racing! She will compete in the Amgen's Women Tour of California.

Paul Sadoff builds custom bike frames for his company Rock Lobster, in Santa Cruz. He has been in the cycling industry 30 years. I interviewed him last week.

• Good Times newspaper cover story on TOC
I am conducting interviews with pro cyclists and city folks to write a preview of the race.

NOTE: One of my first jobs in Santa Cruz was working at Good Times weekly newspaper, 1994-96. I started as the calendar editor, publishing hundreds of listings for local events. It was a wonderful way to learn about everything Santa Cruz had to offer! I worked my way up the editorial ladder to Arts and Entertainment Editor. By the time I left, I was writing cover stories, managing writers and loving my job. I left Good Times to launch my freelance journalism career. To this day, I have dear friends whom I met at the paper.

* Facebook Group - Tour of California group
My enthusiasm for Tour of California needed a social media outlet, so I created and maintain a Facebook group page called 2009 Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2. I spend hours updating lists of events, answering people's questions and sharing my love of Santa Cruz and cycling.

Mark "Howie" Howland meets author and former pro cyclist Joe Parkin at a Tour of CA event in Santa Cruz at The Bicycle Trip.

* Adventure Sports Journal
My feature story on TOC has been published in the Winter issue. Here's a copy of the story, online. The publication is available in Northern California only.


MORE STORIES I'm working on about 2008 trips:
• ROW Adventures raft trip in Idaho
• Montana bike tour with Adventure Cycling Association
• Tips for people new to speaking on camera for t.v
• Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Holidays. I'm pitching stories about my 11-day mountain bike in Peru's Sacred Valley this fall with the Canadian-based company. Run by Mike Brcic, Sacred Rides was recently named one of the world's best bike expedition companies by National Geographic Adventure magazine. I have amazing high-res digital Peru photos from this singletrack cross country adventure that I'm saving for exclusive publication! If you know of a website, magazine or newspaper that's a good fit for my story, email me: karen@karenkefauver.com.