2-25-08: About the bike...

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"Hey, you're lookin' good! So when are you going to ride a bike again?"

I continue to get asked that question a lot. The bike and me, after all, were synonymous and a common sight to those who know me. Possible answers: "As soon as I can... Not sure... It all depends... At least a year after... I don't know... Uh..." You see, the passion for the two-wheeler still burns from within, but physical and psychological variables still precipitate what I will or will not do, and when. But thanks for the encouragement.

"I thought I might see you here."

Two months ago, I would have told you I would not be attending the start of stage 3 of the Tour of California last week... whether I was physically able or not. I thought that seeing all the professional cyclists with their well-honed bodies and high-end bicycles would have spiraled me off into more of a self-imposed funk than I was already in. But reconcile and evolve I must, so I grabbed my camera and my walking stick and ambled the mile from my doorstep towards downtown Modesto to see this international event.

"Bet you wish you could be in the race, huh," a young acquaintance remarked.

"Nah, gotta give someone else a chance," I replied therapeutically.

And I regaled others about the killer climbs the riders would experience as they made their way to San Jose via Del Puerto Canyon Road and UP and over Mt. Hamilton... about the strategies and logistics within the sport of pro cycling... and, well, I took pictures, and with a bit of commentary, you can see for yourself...