Tour de Bore...

This morning after my trail run with the dogs, I decided to hop on my bike. Very few know that I log more time on a bike than the average triathlete. I use it as my: cross-training, strength training, hill climbing, and mental training. There is nothing more enjoyable than sitting in an 85 + degree room spinning away while watching the view of my backyard.

Depending on the day, while I ride I watch: Ryan Hall praise God as he heads toward the finish of the Olympic Trials; the Western States 100 DVD; or our pirzed collection of The Tour de France. I have been a follower of the Tour for many years. Before I had the cable channels, a man I worked with would bring me the tapes from the previous day's stage. I still have the tapes from Lance's famous "look" back at Jan before he took off; Lance's crazy ride through a field to avoid crashing; and many many more. This morning it was the 2003 climb up Luz Ardiden. For those who are interested, here is a breakdown of the climb from that day:


On the 2003 Tour de France, Lance Armstrong was riding with Iban Mayo at the start of the climb to Luz Ardiden when Armstrong crashed, bringing Mayo down with him. The fall was caused when Armstrong caught the handlebar of his bike on the strap of a spectator's bag. Jan Ulrich, who was riding just behind Armstrong and Mayo, avoided the crash, and in an act of chivalry he slowed to wait for the fallen riders. Armstrong quickly re-mounted his bike and caught Ulrich. Immediately, Armstrong attacked the group of riders, none of whom could follow him and he powered his way to win the stage by 40 seconds, on his way to a victory on the Champs Elysees by 1 minute 1 second.


Paul and Phil went CRAZY during this stage watching Lance fall and then slip again, "almonst losing his manhood." Then they screamed as, "he danced on the peddles." To watch, Lance's momentum, Jan's ability to "grind" his way up the mountain, and all the others just fight to chase Lance was incredible. You can only imagine what this does for a bike workout...just pretending to try to hold their cadence is exhausting.


When Paul called and I told him that watching this made me realize the difference from the Tour of then and this year's tour, he said "yeah, The Tour de Bore." Honestly, he is right. I can't forsee myself spinning for an hour to Sastre during his time trial anytime in the near future.


Anyway, happy Sunday dreaming of dancing up the mountains :)
mer

Wiley told me to put this on my blog so that people can witness the full excitement of the stage: