doodledee

Wow. Seriously. The weather, the crowds, the races, it was all absurd. I'm going to inline the pictures. They're all clickablebigger if that's your thing. Let's begin.

We took the back way into Stillwater per the recommendation of a couple of Stillwater colleagues. I thought it would be all sneaky and stuff, but as you're driving east on 36 there's a huge sign that says "Back Way Into Stillwater" or something, so it's not as sneakygenius as I had hoped it would be. Either way it worked mint. Rolled right in, parked, unloaded and walked all of 4 blocks to the heart of the race. We took up positions in the Teddy Bear Park and/or midway up the bonkably awesome Chilkoot Hill. It's a perfect location, especially if you have kids. Highly recommended.

The Women were already rolling when we got there. I climbed part way up the hill and watched the final 6 laps. Here's the nutshell: Kristin Armstrong is what we in the business like to call "much better than everyone else". She rode alone. No team, no chase, no nothing. 77-second margin of victory. She looked casual and calm and so light on the pedals that every time she'd roll by you'd think "huh, this hill must not be as as bad as it looks" and then the peleton would thunder thru and gears would clash and riders would groan and faces would strain and it was clear that this hill was sinister like an Amsterdam park after dark. But Kristin made it look easy. And now she's off to China and she's a favorite to win gold and it was really fun to see her up close.

Break for lunch. PB&J. Nice. Nectarine. Not as good as a peach, but not bad. Kids back to the playing, dad back to the hill. They joined me later for the end of the race.

Here's the start and here come the men, raging up the hill. They start them right at the bottom, so even the guys who sprinted for position are immediately forced to downshift and jump out of the saddle. The next hour or so includes a bunch of breakaways and lead changes and it's got a great pace and intensity. Dudes start bonking after maybe 5 laps. There was a guy in a Grim Reaper costume who would chase them up the hill when they showed weakness. Everyone else would cheer for the rider, but it was usually just a matter of time. You may not fear the Reaper, but he's a remarkably good indication that you're trips up the hill are numbered. This reminds me: lots of people with cowbells on the climb, too. Did I say it was a great scene? I did.

The Healthnet team was on point all day and dictated the pace as they rode in protection of the yellow. They were quite a sight. Fast and disciplined and extremely well managed. A black menace, cranking and growling and barking orders each time they'd start the climb, they owned the pursuit and reeled in pretty much everyone who tried to make a move, including a pair in an early break that worked together to maintain the gap. No luck. Healthnet would just throw their guys in, blow them up, whatever it took.

Then came the last lap.

You can see the gap in the picture above. You can also see the last of Healthnet at the tip, with the yellow right behind. What happened next was ridiculous and enveloping. The fans are screaming, the riders squinting and looking anxious and desperate, searching for the finish line at the top of the hill and at the gap that needed to be closed. Suddenly everyone is in slow motion. Except Rory Sutherland in the yellow, who blew by on the outside. Man among boys. Pefectly executed. Perfectly timed. Genius. But yeah, he came in second. By a length. It was still impressive, though. Rocking everyone's world. Very nice.

Down the hill we go. To return again next year.

Results - Men
Results - Women