Scratchings-and-Sniffings

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I Meet Lance Armstrong Posted: 30 Apr 2010 11:37 AM PDT Maybe the biggest thing to happen in our little town is the annual Tour of the Gila bike race. This is the 24th year for the race and it's getting to be a really big deal. So big that none other than the most famous cyclist in the world is here. Yep, Lance is in town and he has a few big name buddies along for the ride. (this pic is not Lance... but you can pretend it is, if you want) Levi Leipheimer is here, too, as is David Zabriskie and Tom Danielson. You may not have heard of the last two, but Levi has been on the podium at Le Tour de France along with Lance. Zabriskie has won TDF stages, too.   Our race is known for the mountain finishes and all the climbing. During the five daily stages, or races, there is over 25,000 feet of climbing. There is not much flat around here. You are either headed straight up or straight down.   I'm the media coordinator for this years' race. I set up all the reporters and photographers with credentials and rides on motor cycles so they can cover the race on the road. It's kind of fun and it provided me with the opportunity to meet Lance and Levi in person. We had a pre-race press conference and I was in the room with both of them. I went up and introduced myself and welcomed them to town. They are really nice guys. Seems like there is a fraternity and sorority of cycling enthusiasts.   I also met Kristin Armstrong. She is the former Olympic gold medalist in the women's road race. She's no relation to Lance by the way. She is semi retired from racing and is coaching a women's team in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. Looks like she's doing a great job as one of her riders is leading this years Tour of the Gila.   Yesterday was so windy here that I really felt sorry for the cyclists. We had wind gusts up to 50 MPH and some riders almost got blown off their bikes. Today is a little better. We just finished walking Miles up on Boston Hill and it's not blowing as bad today.   Today is the Time Trial or "the race of truth" as it's called in cycling. Cyclists ride by themselves against the clock on a 16 mile out-and-back course. No drafting behind your team mates on this one. You have to get out and battle the wind all on your own.   I'm looking for this to be a battle between Levi and David Zabriskie. Last year Levi won it and set a new course record. With the cross wind today I doubt if any records will be set.   Tomorrow is the CRIT or Criterium race where the cyclist race around a one mile course through downtown. That race is fun to watch. I plan to take Miles down for that one. Excellent opportunity for some socialization with the huge crowd in attendance.   Miles likes cyclists. Tomorrow should be a fun day for both of us.

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